Friday 6 Pack

1-The All-Star Game is this week in Kansas City, and still according to Bud Selig “Now it Matters.”  Do you like the ASG being the determining factor of home field advantage in the World Series?

Matt – No, I hate it.  It’s an exhibition game.  It’s for the fans.  Home field advantage should go to the team with the best record.  Bud should have made it so that there is something more the players want for the all-star game winner than home field advantage.  Make it something they want to play for. 

Wendt – There seems to be so many replacements that it doesn't feel like the best players will all be there, so no I don't like it

Painter – It's an exhibition game and should be treated like one by the league and the fans.  If it ends in a tie then so be it.  Nothing should be determined by an all-star game. 

Blake – I go back and forth on this.  My current feelings are the game is supposed to be fun.  It's for the fans.  And the 2nd and 3rd tier players are the ones in at the end of the game.  Let's just make it for fun again and take away home field advantage. 

Majors – I enjoy the ASG, but not sure about the deciding factor. If it is, then the players should play the whole game, or at least more of it. I enjoy the exhibition of it, not the deciding outcome of it

2-If the season ended today, the NL would have 5 teams in the playoffs who weren’t in the playoffs last year. (Nats-East / Pirates-Cent / Dodgers-West / Braves & Reds-WC)  Of the 5 which one will have the most difficulty making the post season come October?

Matt – All of them could be out come October.  I think the Pirates are learning from last season and will make it to the post season.  I’m going to say the young Nationals.  They’ve not experienced this before and the pressure will grow.  Obama would love it though to have a White Sox-Nationals World Series.

Wendt – I just can't see the Pirates keeping things together this season, I'll go ahead and predict they'll end up in 3rd when the dust settles in the Central

Painter – Will - Dodgers.  Doesn't - Braves. 

Blake – Pirates just because we saw this last year, and nobody is getting a Wild Card from the Central in my opinion.

Majors – I think the Pirates, because the Reds & Cardinals both are in that division, even Milwaukee. Not too many worries coming regarding the Cubs, though, haha!

3-Since we last met you, there needs to be a power point presentation on what NBA players are going where.  Kidd to the Knicks, Nash to the Lakers, Lin to Houston maybe?  And then there is the Dwightmare going on.  The latest one has Ray Allen taking his talents to the Heat to make a Big 4.  What team in the crazy off season has improved the most?

Matt – I want to say the Lakers.  Who was their PG last year?  Fisher ended up in OKC.  This I think helps Kobe out and if they can get Dwight they are a force to be reckoned with.

Wendt – I like Nash to the Lakers but the biggest fish in the market is still Dwight Howard

Painter – Ok, of the teams making moves I'll go with the Lakers because of Nash

Blake – As long as Dwight to the Nets is truly dead, I think the Lakers and the Heat both improved greatly.  Did you see what happened to the Heat when their role players stepped up.  They now have role players.  And Nash will only reenergize Kobe.  That offense will be insane. 

Majors – Not trying to sound like a Laker fan here, but with Nash they really have improved. He can score, dish, and is smart and never gives up. I think he will really help Bynum & Gasol, and especially Kobe. That being said, I do not expect Gasol and/or Bynum to be there next year. Too much drama, money, etc. We shall see, though

4-News this morning that Phil Mickelson and partners will put a bid in to buy the San Diego Padres.  Other than your favorite teams, what sports franchise would you put a bid in to buy if you had the money?

Matt – Gonna sound crazy, but the Minnesota Wild.  They love their hockey up there in the twin cities and the Xcel Energy Center is a great arena. 

Wendt – I think it might be fun to own a minor league team to be honest with ya, maybe the Iowa Cubs? I'm not sure I'd want the headache of a professional franchise

Painter – New Orleans Hornets.  Fun town and I'm sure you can get them on the cheap

Blake – Dolphins.  No reason such a historic franchise in that City should be so crappy. 

Majors – Can I say the broncos or chiefs, so that I can burn the stadiums to the ground? No? Ok, ummm... the Cubbies. Why? Because they are the friggin Cubbies. Someone needs to get them going & win a Ring!!! Plus it would be REALLY cool to go to work everyday at a MLB ballpark, and Wrigley would rock!!! A close second would be the Bears

5-Big Brother starts this week on CBS, would this be a reality show you would try out for?  Would you like cameras on you 24-7 for up to 3 months?

Matt – In college I wanted to apply for this one, but now a days I don’t think I could do it.  I think after a few weeks I’d go nuts in there, especially without TV or internet.

Wendt – I am ashamed to admit that I watched it a ton last season (including the web streams and the like) I think it might be fun to try out for but having a camera on you 24/7? Yeah, not a fan.

Painter – I have no desire to be on one of these game shows (it's not reality television

Blake – No way.  I don't have a mouth filter long enough for 24-7 cameras. 

Majors – Nah. Ends up ruining too many people, just not interested. I would do Survivor, though!

6-The Amazing Spiderman opened last week to the tune of around 160 million +, excited about the reboot or would you have rather seen a 4^th installment from Sam Rami and Tobey Maguire?

Matt – After the debacle of Spiderman 3 I was skeptical on the direction Rami was going.  Spiderman 2 is one of my favorite super hero movies ever.  This was a good reboot and gives a different look at Spidey.  I think this takes a bit of the Dark Knight – Nolan series too with establish your hero but don’t waste the main villain on the first movie.  I think we’ll see the Goblin in the next movie but maybe it would be cool to build up to that in the final one?  I just don’t want to see reboots every 10 years.  Make a good series of movies, maybe 3-4-5 of this group, then let it sit for a bit.  I don’t think that will ever happen because of the money the movies make. 

Wendt – I'm trying to get in on the superhero franchise stuff I really am but........well I just can't, not sure why

Painter – Not real excited about either option actually.  Sony had to do something to keep up with Disney having the other Avengers

Blake – Ugh, I'm so over super hero movies. 

Majors – I liked Tobey, but the reboot is kinda cool. It will be neat to see where they go

Friday 6 Pack – Crown Him

1-LeBron finally got his ring with a pretty good individual performance in the finals.  Does the ring change your view of LeBron and are the Heat the favorite next year to repeat?

Matt – Lebron is a great player, one of the top 2 players in the league (Kobe) and he was going to get his ring.  So no my view doesn’t change.  My view will change if/when he gets 3-4 rings.  He will never be Michael though.  Next year they are the favorites and someone needs to trademark the phrase “Re-Heat”

Wendt – I still think he's a gigantic douchebag so no his first title didn't change my mind about him

Painter – Not really. I never liked him nor disliked him.  I'm not a fan of the media hype but it is what it is.  Of course they'll start off as the favorite.

Blake – LeBron was an entirely different person starting with Game 6 of the Celtics series.  I don't like him, but you have to respect him after that run.  I could see the Heat being the favorite, but I don't think they'll repeat

Majors – Still a team game. He played out of his mind through the series, but he should have. I am not sure if the Heat are next year, the Thunder are young & hungry, will definitely be knocking on the door again, potentially a Bulls team, though I think Rose will be hurt for too long

Silker – I hate this question. It is the one everyone is asking and everyone is saying yes heat will four peat. My views on LeBron is about him being a douche not him winning. We know he can win. Can he show that he has class and is not a self centered ASS

2-Ladanian Tomlinson retired last week after signing a 1 day contract with the Chargers.  He’s 5^th all time rushing in NFL history, where do you place LT in NFL running back history?

Matt – LT and AP I think are going to go down as the last great running backs.  The league is so physical right now that I don’t think you’ll see backs get close to 10-11,000 yards rushing in a career.  Payton is the all time best and LT is behind Jim Brown, Barry and Smith at least.

Wendt – Walter Payton, Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith. Those are easily my top 4, I suppose Tomlinson would be in my top 7 somewhere

Painter – He was a great all-around RB in that he had a lot of rushing yards, was a great receiving back, and could block.  I don't know if I could put him in the top 3 all time but top 5 would be a good fit.

Blake – I don't think he's in my top 5

Majors – I place LT in the top 5. Coming from a Raiders fan, it is hard to say, but truth is he owned us. Dude was amazing in his prime

Silker – He is the best lately for his length of playing. He will fall all time with the likes of AP, Foster and some others that will have great careers. But I like the guy. Good hard player

3-Kansas City has the all-star game this year, you get 2 choices to put in the Home Run Derby, who you putting in?  And has the Derby run its course?

Matt – I think the current format has run its course and the players do all the damage in the first at bats.  Give them 10 cuts not 10 outs.  Speed it up.  With that I’d like to see Pujols vs Harper in KC. 

Wendt – Prince Fielder and Josh Hamilton. They make up too many new rules. Whoever hits the most homeruns should win, period

Painter – The Derby isn't close to what it used to be since a lot of the big names don't want to do it to save their swing.  That being said I'd put in Josh Hamilton and Bryce Harper

Blake – Yes, it has run it's course (and so has Chris Berman announcing it).  Look at the league leaders in Home Runs right now.  Then yawn.  I'd like to see Pujols and Hamilton go at it, but really, I don't care.

Majors – I still like the Derby, it's just fun, entertainment. My entrances? Josh Hamilton & Prince Fielder. Swing away, boys

Silker – Hamilton and Willingham

4-ESPN the Magazine released the top sports moments (as voted by fans) in each state.  For Iowa it was ISU beating #2 OkState followed by UNI Farokmaneshing #1 Kansas.  Do you agree with ESPN the Mag or is this a case of what’s happened lately?  What’s your top Iowa Sports Moment?

Matt – This is one what’s fresh in people’s minds and two it’s an online vote and ISU fans come out in droves to vote in online polls.  The top sports moment in Iowa history is #1 vs #2 – Iowa-Michigan 1985.  That’s it that’s the list.

Wendt – Iowa vs Michigan in 1985 was pretty special. UNI beating Kansas was big time. Iowa State winning at Nebraska was once in a lifetime.  I'm not sure what the biggest is but ISU/Okie State was not

Painter – Definitely what's happened lately.  I guess people have forgotten Iowa over Michigan in 85 or even Iowa over Penn State in 08. And what about the Energy winning the championship?  To me the top moment was Ricky Stenhouse, Jr blowing an engine coming off turn 4 during last year's US Cellular 250 and having teammate Carl Edwards end up hitting him from behind and pushing Stenhouse to the victory.  That really made the race, and the Iowa Speedway, famous and gave the track its signature race.

Blake – ISU over OSU was shocking because NOBODY expected it.  People expect Iowa to beat a top team every year.  As far as I'm concerned UNI over Kansas is my number 1 Iowa sports moment.

Majors – UNI was pretty cool, no doubt. We haven't had too many crazy moments, unfortunately. Wait till they see the Hawkeyes this year, though!!! (fingers crossed)

Silker – UNI would have been better if it wasnt college basketball in March. Lately every year has a Cinderella so it hurts UNI. I would put Iowa and Tate’s TD pass to win the bowl up there

5-It started with WWE/F wrestlers and Hulk Hogan with Eye of the Tiger, then to boxers and then MLB players with Mariano having Enter Sandman and Ricky Vaughn having Wild Thing.  Iowa even exits the tunnel at Kinnick to Back in Black.  What’s your entrance song going to the mound, plate or ring?

Matt – I’m going with a WWE wrestlers song…the Miz “I came to play” is pretty good.

Wendt – "Blaze of Glory"Jon Bon Jovi

Painter – Either For Whom The Bell Tolls (Metallica), A Warrior's Call (Volbeat), or You're Going Down (Sick Puppies) 

Blake – Watching Sunday Night Baseball, I heard Call Me Maybe played as a Mets player walked to the plate.  I got a kick out of that.  I like it if your secure enough to walk up to a total pop chick song.  I think the entrance music is a little silly.  If you need that to pump you up, you're doing it wrong.

Majors – Lunatic Fringe, by Red Rider. if you have seen Vision Quest or ever were a wrestler, there is nothing else to be said

Silker – Honestly it would be Loser.  I am just not that good and coordinated. I would like some strong country song however

6-The IGHSAU announced that the Girls State Soccer tournament is now coming to Des Moines from Muscatine.  I think outside of football and softball most championships are now in the Capital City.  Any chance that football makes its way to Des Moines and would you like to see the football championships played outside without the dome?

Matt – I’d love to see the games played outdoors but it is Iowa and weather is crazy but it’d be great to see the games for a year at Drake.  One thing I dislike with the IHSAA is having the semis in the dome.  Why make schools (and fans) drive to Cedar Falls twice?  Let the semis be played closer to schools home.  When GMG won the title in 87 we played 2 games in Garwin and one in Boone. 

Wendt – Drake Stadium is a possibility but our weather is so unpredictable in November that I think it needs to stay in Cedar Falls

Painter – The football championships fit in very well in Cedar Falls and even though I'm not a fan of dome football I don't see it moving to an outdoor stadium.

Blake – Because of weather concerns and more importantly fair weather fans, I think it stays at the UNI Dome.  

Majors – This one is out of my strike zone, but I will swing away. I think it is cool when the HS kids play in the big boy stadiums. I say move it where ever would be the best venue for all involved. Besides, Iowa is not that big of a state, unlike here where it is 16 hours or more from here to Miami/Key West

Silker – None. It stays in the dome for tradition. If anything it would go to Iowa City and kinnick

7-BSox and the Lazer crew were talking about a bullying video that took place on a school bus with a bus monitor, if you haven’t seen it, click this link.  Thoughts on the video and what should be done?

Matt – Watching this video only 20 seconds in pissed me off so much.  The kids need to be taken over a knee and apologize to this lady in a public forum and then be punished by the school. 

Wendt – I watched it all but not at the same time, had to hit pause a few times because it made me sick to my stomach. I wasn't a good kid growing up and I really hope I would never do something like that. Those kids should be caned

Painter – I think a good ass-whupping is completely justified.  These kids need to learn respect, as do a lot of kids, and even adults, nowadays.

Blake – The kids should get the crap kicked out of them

Silker – Bullying is a bad subject. I was bullied as a kid and I turned out fine. It has to do with parenting and monitoring your kids actions. However parents are now more into their phones and computers than their kids

NO 6pack next week.

Enjoy your 4^th of July.

Love it or Leave it!  USA #1!

6 packers… ASSEMBLE!

1-RG3 and Andrew Luck headlined the NFL Draft over the weekend.  Any picks that made you go hmm…or how did you think your team did with their picks?

Matt – I’m still shocked that McNutt went so late, and that the likes of Nick Toon went ahead of him.  Did these scouts miss the whole Big Ten football season?  The pick of Kirk Cousins by the Redskins is a head scratcher too.  They took RG3 with the #2 pick…that pick looks like they aren’t completely confident in that pick?  I think Cleveland Browns fans will love Trent Richardson too!

Wendt – I'm not sure why the Bears didn't go after some offensive lineman and why in the world did Washington draft Cousins? Just silly. 

Painter – I didn't follow the draft very closely this year but I am happy with Green Bay taking Mike Daniels

Blake – The one that everyone is talking about is Kirk Cousin's being taken a few rounds after RG3 to the Redskins.  That makes no sense.  It puts pressure on RG3 right out of the gate, and takes away a position player that could have helped the team

Majors – I was ok with our picks. (Raiders) It is a new regime, no more just picking fast guys, we actually picked real players. I am looking forward to the new direction of the team

2-Marvin McNutt, the Hawks all time leading receiver, was drafted in the 6^th round by the Philadelphia Eagles, shocked at how far he fell?

Matt – Totally shocked!  I was thinking 4^th round.  Thought he’d look great as a Bear too.  The Eagles totally got a steal here. 

Wendt – There had to have been questions on his speed because his pass catching was unbelievable

Painter – Yes and no.  I thought he would have been a 4th or 5th rounder but Iowa WRs haven't produced well in the NFL (for the most part)

Blake – Absolutely.  I remember talking about him as a late 1st, or 2nd rounder at one point during the season.  I think a lot of teams went Defense this year, because of the offensive explosion in the last few years

Majors – I was a little. Iowa doesn't have a huge rep for WRs, per se, and with Marvin only being a WR a couple years, I guess it makes sense. Will be fun to see what he does

3-Speaking of the Hawks, they’ve had the most draft picks from the Big Ten in the last 2 years and in the last 3 years they have 18 picks but only 14 Big Ten wins?  Good talent and bad breaks or bad coaching moves? 

Matt – 2009 the Hawks got all the bounces….2010 they went the other way.  2011 was a transition year.  Of those 14 Big Ten wins 5 are over Michigan (3) and Penn State (2).

Wendt – Bad coaching moves/bad breaks

Painter – The coaches are ultimately responsible when you have that much talent but can't get the wins.  Good for them that they can develop players, bad for them for not using that talent to win

Blake – Most of the bad breaks have been associated with bad coaching moves

Majors – I think there are some bad breaks in there, (see RB depth chart/injury report), but I think coaching has been an issue. There is a definite need to shake things up a little

4-Bryce Harper made his debut this weekend for the Nationals.  He’s already made a leaping catch.  Will the kid live up to the YouTube hype?

Matt – The Nats have a couple guys with a lot of hype with him and Starusburg.  I hope for the kids sake he is half as good as the hype.  It would be good for that city and team. 

Wendt – I don't know much about him to be honest

Painter – Who?

Blake – I can't stand the guy.  I think he might turn out to be the cockiest thing the game has ever seen.  That being said, the kid can swing a bat

Majors – If he doesn't, he will be the next Todd Marinovich

5-Derrick Rose blew out his knee in game one of the Bulls opening playoff series vs the 76ers.  How much does this hurt the Bulls chances of title number 7?

Matt – Well I put on Google+ my NBA playoff prediction.  I had the Bulls over the Thunder in the finals.  This really hurts that pick. I think they can get past the first 2 rounds but beating LeBron will be near impossible now.

Wendt – I didn't think the Bulls would get out of the East with Rose so without him they are dead man walking

Painter – Doesn't hurt at all, they weren't going to win the championship anyway

Blake – Uh, did you see game 2?  It might even be a mental block with the team, knowing Rose isn't coming back this time.  I'm still in shock over it all.  They legitimately had a chance at the title

Majors – A LOT. See you next season, guys, and that isn't a guarantee since he will still be recovering

6-The Avengers opens this Friday in what could be a record breaking weekend.  Of the 7 heroes (Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Capt America, Hawkeye, Nick Fury, & Black Widow) who is your favorite Avenger…and are you going to see the flick this weekend?

Matt – Of the 7 I like Iron Man, he’s like Batman, rich dude with a lot of toys!  And he’s confident, cocky and just has fun kicking tail.  And yes I’ll be seeing the movie on the 4^th!

Wendt – I actually watched Iron Man for the first time on Sunday, it was really good. Will I go see The Avengers in theaters? No, but maybe on DVD

Painter – If my life depended on picking a favorite I'd go with Iron Man (the suit is amazing), otherwise I really have no favorite.  I will be catching the movie on Friday night.

Blake – Love me some Captain America.  Uh, no, I go to 2 movies a year

Majors – Capt. America has always been one of my top 5 superheroes, top 3 really. (He, Batman, & Green Lantern). I doubt I see the movie this weekend, but will definitely check it out

Friday 6 Pack

1-Iowa State got a HUGE road win at Kansas State and all but clinched a spot in the NCAA tournament.  Is this something you expected from this year’s Cyclones?  Also your on the selection committee, regardless of seeding, who would you want to see Iowa State matched up with?

Matt – I think this is what Iowa State was expected to do with all the transfers.  Build a base quick with transfers and get some notoriety and get recruits in.  The Big XII with Baylor, Missouri and Kansas isn’t a cake walk, maybe they get to the final four of the Big XII tourney.  But they are dancing.  I’d like to see Iowa State vs. Southern Miss (Larry Eustachy) or New Mexico (Steve Alford) or Creighton (the McDermotts)

Wendt – Iowa State vs Creighton would be gold, and if the Bluejays somehow beat the Clones the meltdown would be epic

Blake – Marquee names are always fun, but honestly, I'm just glad that someone from Iowa will make the tournament.  Of course the match ups always matter, but the team has enough talent to put together a nice run to the Sweet 16 if the cards fall right.

BSox – I think its a little hard to say who I want to see them matched up with because its hard to guess at the seeding of the team, to see the match ups we want, I'm guessing we'd have to wait until the second or third round to see the match ups that we'd want to say. Its easy to say teams like mich st (who they have a history with), duke, NC, but one that we might see early is Creighton. with that many teams who knows

Majors – Iowa State plays basketball? Ok, seriously though, I guess I am a little happy for them? I think it would be a good move for them to be matched up with a bigger name, just to have a spotlight on a matchup. So someone in the 2nd round with a name, whether it be Florida, Georgetown, something along those lines. 

 

2- Iowa’s nightmares in Champaign continued as the Illini broke a 6 game skid and beat the Hawks.  Gaten’s couldn’t win this one for Iowa and unless the Hawks win the Big Ten Tourney the NCAA is all but a dream.  Iowa then plays Nebraska and Northwestern before heading to Indy.  Will the Hawks get some revenge on 2 teams that beat them earlier?

Matt – Champaign and East Lansing seem to be house of horrors, also Penn State for Iowa basketball.  The Hawks NEED to beat Northwestern and Nebraska.  Losses to those 2 teams are unacceptable.  To progress where Fran wants them you can’t lose those!  Win one in Indy and play on Friday its all good.  Get to the NIT and make a run there and I’m a happy fan.

Wendt – Iowa seems to have a knack for losing games they shouldn't lose but I'll go ahead and predict they win both those games and lose in round 1 in Indy

Blake – Man, I hope so, but it seems like the Hawkeyes have been a tail of two teams this year.  Great when you don't expect it, and horrible against teams they should beat

BSox – I think it depends which Iowa team decides to show up. I think we are getting glimpses at what this team is going to be like, but you have so many young kids, its gonna take a bit. Highly possible I'd say though

Majors – It would be nice to see the Hawks get on a streak heading into the tourney. I never know what team will show up for their games. Living here in FL, I get zero coverage, so I have to rely on other means to see how they are doing. Their scoring drives me bonkers, 80+ points one night, 60 or so the next. They yo-yo way too much. I hope to see them continue to improve, though. I have talked to Reggie Evans about it multiple times, it is frustrating for the former players as well to see what they are doing now. Stability...we need it

 

3-RG3 ran a 4.38 forty at the NFL Combine, his QB cohort Andrew Luck ran a 4.53, does this move RG3 up any over Andrew Luck? 

Matt – I love RG3, he’s a stud and one of the most exciting college players we’ve had in a while.  But I’m still taking Andrew Luck over him.

Wendt – It seems like the Colts are in love and close to marrying Luck, so no, RG3 won't be the #1 pick

Blake – No.  It does solidify RG3 as the number two pick though

BSox – No, I'm not sure the whole world is sold on a dude like RG3. I'm not saying he's a bad football player, but its too far and in between a guy like him pays off in the NFL. besides, didn't we all know he was faster than andrew luck?

Majors – No, but he will more than likely be drafted at #2. It sounds like the Browns are ready to grab him, (bye bye Colt McCoy). I do think RG3 will be a solid player. He has the smarts, his parents have kept him grounded & mature, and he seems to be a like able kid. I am one of the few ones not 100% sold on Luck. He has never wowed me in a game. Yeas, he is athletic, smart, and driven to win. I have just never seen that moment where I am wowed. We shall see, though

 

4-Has the NBA Slam Dunk contest ended its run of being legitimate during the NBA All-Star Weekend?

Matt – The NBA Slam Dunk contest should have done a walk off with Jordan vs. Dominique in 1987.  That’s it that’s the list.

Wendt – The NBA Slam Dunk contest isn't cool when none of the stars want to be involved. Offer the winner $1 million dollars and watch the stars flock

Blake – The NBA has to find a way to give incentives to the winners.  A dunk contest with Howard, LeBron, Rose, Griffin, and Durant could still be epic, but I'd rather it not be held that watch a bunch of D Leaguers participate like this year

BSox – didn't see it, and the fact i didn't see any press on it means yes.

Majors – Yeah, it has definitely been done before. Now they seem to take multiple dunk attempts, which makes it even more boring. Once in awhile there will be a cool shot or something, but overall, it's done. I like the PG skills competition. The obstacle course they run is kinda cool. The 3-point contest is still cool to me as well

 

5-It’s getting down to the nitty gritty with Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic.  You’re the GM, are you trading him to get something or will it be Shaq 2.0 and you lose out on getting anything for him in return.  Most likely destination for him?

Matt – It seems that he’s gone from the Magic.  They need to trade him and get something.  All fingers have pointed to New York, LA or Chicago in the past.  I’d be rooting for Chicago, I think that would be great, but DP mentioned this morning that maybe Dallas?  Sad though no mention of smaller market teams. 

Wendt – Better trade him now and New Jersey seems the likely landing spot (although as a Lakers fan I'd give up Bynum for Howard in a heartbeat)

Blake – Money-wise, I don't know why he wouldn't stay.  He can get a bigger contract staying with Orlando, plus no income tax in Florida.  Orlando should be a good place to come play for other players, so he needs to do a bit of recruiting.  That being said, New Jersey is still the team most likely to land him.  Billionaire former KGB owner, moving to Brooklyn, and D-Will.

BSox – I think its hard for teams to want to part with talent, he's done there, but GM might want to keep the talent, i think it's time just to cut ties, but I wouldn't do it for nothing, and if he's still producing for me, than I'm going to wait til i get the deal i want rather than just get rid of him JUST to get rid of him. he's still producing so

Majors – C'mon Lakers!!! As a Lakers fan, I would like to see him there. I don't want to see him with the NJ/Brooklyn/Whoevertheyarenow Nets/Knights/Whatevers. I do think the Magic should just trade him. Get the soap opera over already. The NBA is definitely a players league. Whatever the players want, they get. i think that is wrong, but no one seems intent on stopping it

 

6-The Artist won best picture at the Oscars.  Have you seen it and if not, what are the chance you will see it?

Matt – There’s a better chance of me wearing a dress to Carl’s Place than me watching the Artist.  The Oscars and the Academy is about as bad as the BCS.

Wendt – I have no idea what that is so probably not

Blake – Hell no.

BSox – not a lot. i like good movies, and have seen a lot of the classics but i think this one will be one i'll watch if its on, but i'm not gonna go out of my way for it.

Majors – Ummm, I was sick that day in school? Actually, wouldn't be opposed to seeing it. I heard it was a silent film? That would be kinda neat to watch. Maybe I can stream it somewhere, haha. I'm Kidding!!!

The Great American 6 Pack

1)  NASCAR returns this week with their biggest race of the season, the Daytona 500.  Last year the championship was won on a tie-breaker and last weekend's Budweiser Shootout has the smallest margin of victory ever (.013 seconds).  Are you going to watch the 500?  If not what would it take to get you to watch?  If you are going to watch who is your pick to win it?

Matt – I’ll watch the start and the end and some of the middle with the boy.  Also will be making bbq ribs!  It’s become kind of a tradition on Daytona 500 day to make ribs.  I’m going to go with my pick every year till he wins it….TONY STEWART

Painter – Of course I'll be watching, it's one of those sporting events I will never miss.  Kyle Busch had a great car in the Shootout as did the Hendrick drivers (until they got caught up in wrecks).  The return of pack drafting puts the race back into the drivers' hands more than the tandem racing of the past couple of years.  I want Dale Earnhardt, Jr to win very badly but I have a feeling Busch will pull it off.

Blake – As with most sports key events, I at least try to watch the finish.  The NBA All Star Game is this weekend too.  That being said, I could care less who wins Daytona

BSox – I think i will try and watch it. i can't promise i'll watch it from start to finish, but i'll dive in there at some point. really though, of all the sports that have rebranded over the many years, nascar has turned into something fun to watch.

2)  Pitchers and catchers are reporting, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue has been released, March Madness is approaching.  What are some of the other signs that spring is approaching?

Matt – There is mud in my yard and dog shit that needs picked up from the winter….that’s the biggest sign…the ones I’m looking forward to are March Madness and Golfing

Painter – The Swimsuit Issue and commercials for the Masters are the biggest signs for me

Blake – A distinct and strong urge to drink on a patio?

BSox – girls wearing short dresses. serious, go to a college campus, you can get entertained all day.

3)  Spring in Iowa means more opportunities to get outside and enjoy different activities.  What outdoor activities are you most looking forward to?

Matt – I can’t wait to hit some golf balls and softballs!

Painter – I'm really ready to get out on the lake and catch some fish.  I didn't get to go out very much last year and I've been ready to go for a while.  I'm also going to my first LAZERfest this year.  That should be a blast.

Blake – See #2.  Oh, and getting to an I-Cubs game this year that doesn't get rained out

BSox – lazerfest lol, sorry shameless plug. more details @ lazer1033.com ;-)

4)  Greg Oden's knees continue to keep him off the NBA court.  Will he ever be able to play effectively in the NBA?

Matt – Does Columbus have a DLeague team?  He’s done in the big leagues unless he get’s a bionic knee.

Painter – I really don't think he'll play again.  I don't know if staying in college would have benefited him, other than getting his education, but at least now he's getting paid to sit on the sidelines.

Blake – Grant Hill had a similar start to his career with his feet and ankles.  He ultimately came all the way back, and has had a solid, and long career.  That being said, Oden is a 7 footer, so it's probably a little less likely that he comes back, as their bodies break down faster.  I wouldn't count him out yet though.  I'd say his odds of playing significant time at any point in future are about 33%

BSox – He might get picked up again, but who is going to spend top dollar on a broken down used car?

5)  Kirk Ferentz named his son Brian as the Offensive Line coach and former player LeVar Woods as the Linebackers coach before heading out of the country on his annual cruise.  All we have left is Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks coach.  Are you surprised by these hires and who do you think will be the other hires?

Matt – I’d like to see Campbell get OC.  We all know that the offense won’t really change though.  I think that Woods and his kid are decent hires.  I would be weary if Brian hadn’t had any experience, but working with the Patriots last year I think that helps.   

Painter – I'm not surprised at all and I think we're going to see Kirk's replacement being groomed (it will still be a Ferentz program).  I'd still like to see Eric Campbell get promoted to OC and I have a feeling that David Raih will be QB coach if that happens.  Otherwise I could see Chuck Long come in as the OC and QB coach.

Blake – Yeah, I don't care.  Sorry, I don't know anything about assistant coaches, other than when they suck or when the head coach sucks.  They're kind of like back up quarterbacks that way.

BSox – A little by his son. The dude was with new england, why come to iowa? other than being with dad and such, you were with a pro team working your way up...i don't THINK he topped out there. but hell, maybe he just likes being close to family.

6)  Lent started this week.  What are you giving up this year?

Matt – I’m giving up not a damn thing!

Painter – Nothing.  A few years ago I gave up giving stuff up for Lent and I have stuck with it.

Blake – Starbucks and any other schwanky coffee.

BSox – not catholic, and proly won't be giving up anything...except meat on fridays because my fiance is catholic.

Des Moines Sports Freaks Friday 6 Pack

1.   The Packers fell to the Kansas City Chiefs and perfection is lost.  Is this a good thing for the Packers to lose in the regular season? 

Matt – I think for the Packers it takes a little stress of them and will help them “refocus” and I still think they get to atleast the NFC Title game if not Super Bowl

Wendt – I never understood why people thought a loss was a good thing? Helps you re-focus? Huh? Their paid NFL players, their focus every week is to win

Painter – Yes, now they don't have the added pressure of not losing and it gives them a chance to really focus on what needs to be fixed

Blake – Yes.  They had been looking vulnerable for a couple weeks.  This will refocus them.  16-0 doesn't mean anything if they lose in the playoffs

BSox – No, Someone needs to shut Mercury Morris up. God I hate listening to him

Zach – Actually, no. It shows they are mortal, they have some issues on each side of the ball and how teams can beat them

2.  The shortened NBA Season starts on Christmas – it will end in June or July when we are all playing golf and softball….who wins the NBA Title?

Matt – I’m going to say its Bulls vs Lakers in the finals and Bulls beat down Kobe

Wendt – A short season might actually hurt veteran teams  (from having to play so many games in a small amount of time) I'm going to go ahead and go out on a limb and take the Miami Heat to win the title (and I just threw up a little in my mouth)

Painter – The champs usually come out of nowhere, I'll say the Pacers

Blake – If you put a gun to my head, I'll say the Heat

BSox – I’ll be a homer and go with Miami. They’ll have another season to gel, and maybe get their %$#@ together

Zach – Laugh all you want, but if this were the year to do it: it would be the Thunder to make a rumble in the NBA. I take them over New York in Finals.

3.   Christmas Night we will have Chicago vs Green Bay on Monday Night and the NBA comes back with a Finals Rematch of Dallas vs Miami and then the Lakers vs Bulls too.  Which game is the better game?

Matt – I remember when we always had MJ & the Bulls on Christmas night….but the NFL is still the NFL.  If Jay was healthy and if the Bears were about 10-4 or 11-3 going into this game, it would be HUGE!

Wendt – Green Bay/Chicago will be a bloodbath. I'll be watching Bulls/Lakers for sure!

Painter – Better game in terms of competition?  Probably Lakers/Bulls.  Which game means more?  Chicago/Green Bay (thanks to Pittsburgh losing to San Fransisco on Monday night)

Blake – Lakers/Bulls.  We'll see the retooled Bulls lineup with Rip Hamilton, and see just how far the Lakers have fallen.  The Bears are toast, and there'll be plenty of chances to vomit while watching the Heat this year

BSox – Chicago/green bay – not much on the line for this early in the season, not enough drama for it to out do NFL

Zach – If I have to pick between the two: Dallas/Miami. Kobe won't be healthy --> Lakers aren't as good

4.  Iowa beat Drake this past weekend in Basketball, and will apparently be the end of the BIG 4 matchups in Iowa.  Do you like Iowa and ISU cancelling these series?

Matt – The 4 teams should play each other.  I don’t want to see Iowa play more Campbells or South Dakota States.  Play all Drake and UNI…its good for the state!

Wendt – I don't know the financial implications from the games so I really don't know. If it's cheaper to play somebody else than I'm all for saving money (and saving face by not getting beat by the Missouri Valley)

Painter – A game is a game, although sometimes it's better to schedule cupcakes in order to get into a rhythm

Blake – NO!!!  Man up.  Play home and homes.  Unfortunately, money talks too, and they Hawks and Clones can afford to bully the Panthers and Bulldogs around.  On the other hand, I'm more apt to go to the games now that they could be played at the Well

BSox – No, Drake is a decent program. They should be playing, what’s difference between playing central arkansas or central michigan. Not much. Drake at least would bring some interest

Zach – No. Keep tradition. If it ain't broke, don't fix it

5.  The DSM Sports Freaks Fantasy Football Championship will come down to Team Just the Tip vs the Blackhawks….who takes home the title?

Matt – Well since I got beat by Team Just the Tip, I’m going with them.

Wendt – The Blackhawks are taking the title (or belt as I have come to find out goes to the winner) Just the Tip is too beat up and was lucky to pull off the W this week

Painter – Rodgers + Nelson + Lambeau = fantasy points galore.  I'm taking The Tip

Blake – I've moved on to Fantasy Basketball

BSox – Don’t care lol

Zach – The Blackhawks. They've kicked me in the tail twice so I'll go that direction

6.   What is the best christmas gift you’ve ever got?

Matt – My grandma used to always get me a box of football cards, that was pretty awesome. 

Wendt – I got  Castle Grayskull  when I was younger (not sure the age) and it was the first thing that popped into my head this morning so I'll go with that as my best christmas gift ever.

Painter – If this was going to be posted after Saturday I'd say the laptop I'm getting this year but I'm going to go with our digital camera.  It may not be the best in the world but it has captured some amazing memories

Blake – In college we used to do a Porn Gift exchange, complete with Pornaments on the Christmas Tree.  I'm not sure what the  best gift is that I've ever gotten, but now that I'm old, I like to reminisce about the good old days and the good, wholesome Porn gift exchange

BSox – PS3 – got it last year, and have played nonstop sense. Got me off world of warcraft, and that’s good right?

Zach – I'll go best sports-related gift: An autographed team football from the 2002 squad of the Hawkeyes (got hammered to USC in Orange Bowl). Well, at least they never got into trouble