Cue Kevin Costner and Jennifer Garner. And…. action! All eyes will be on Chicago tonight as the NFL once again dominates the off-season. It’s amazing how much programming ESPN devotes to the NFL during the off season. The NFL continues to be the dominant sports in America. SU does not claim to be an expert on all of these picks in what is truly a meat market type of process where these athletes are measured and tested every which way. But I would say buyer beware when it comes to Jameis Winston. He may be the most gifted athletically of the quarterbacks but we have see this act before over the years. The SU litmus test is does he berate his teammates on the sidelines when things are going badly? I saw this with Geno Smith at West Virginia – big turn-off. And I have seen it with Jameis Winston. Combine that with the more important signs of theft from the supermarket, possible sexual assault and shouting inappropriate remarks in the student union and you are asking for trouble. But I am sure he will go #1 or #2 in this draft.
A-Rod is heading into Travis Hafner and Vernon Wells territory. He has teased us with flashes of high performance and is now quickly heading south. SU’s view: he is pressing over passing Willie Mays for the homerun record. This happened to him earlier in his career when he was going for numbers 500 and 600 with some chemical assistance. Now that he is aided only by adrenaline, it’s probably even harder for him. SU predicts once he gets the dinger he will go on another hot streak. The Wells/Hafner analogy is not in play… yet.
Florida coach Billy Donovan heading to OKC. SU says he’s a good hire and a much smarter play than going after someone like John Calipari. He may also help them keep Durant after next season.
Rangers – Caps!!! SU once again asks the intergalactic subscriber base to weigh in here with some commentary. Easy series against a familiar opponent? Can you keep winning low scoring games that are decided by 1 goal? Or do things even out at some point?
It’s been almost 2 weeks and the NBA is still in the first round of the playoffs. They do this every year and it really causes fans to lose interest after a while. Clippers vs. Spurs in game 6 is another must see game. Some say that the Spurs are the Warriors’ kryptonite – that is the match up that Golden State wants no part of. But we are a ways away from that although Memphis will have a hard time matching the scoring power of the Warriors without Conley at point guard in the next round.
Finally, SU is very excited about Michigan’s basketball prospects for next season. Caris LeVert is returning and they are in the running for a couple of top high school prospects along with the big boys of college basketball. Michigan hoops has helped SU get through the winter months as John Beilein coaches the right way and allows the basketball purists to enjoy the game vs. other teams which basically throw up shots and go after offensive rebounds (unwatchable).
Sports Update Intergalactic 
With a deep bench, a great goaltender ( one who is beginning to run out of time as he approaches the last quarter of his playing days) and the same focused attitude throughout the team the Rangers will find a way to win. We were short a couple of big guys which we have now filled. Playoff hockey is usually more low scoring with both teams playing extra hard. The bad/good bounce here and there or the odd ricochet usually becomes more and more the key for a goal to be scored. Yes, you make your own breaks and that’s what fans like with the 110% effort made by everyone. Because most of your SU readers, including myself only have skated a little I find it fascinating that on only a very thin blade how these guys have so much balance and can still stop on a dime when they have to. We all take that for granted. Let me known the next time you go out onto the ice, pick up warp speed and then try a hockey stop. Unbelievable athelticism.
A-rod, like everyone else can go through a slump. There is no need to diss him right now like there is no need to believe Texeria has finally gotten to believe he is a solid 250-260 hitter. They will both end up where we probably predict them to be at the end of the day. Stay calm… as you have always mentioned that its a looooong season.
Hope the Giants pick up a solid OL or 2 followed by a solid DL or LB. I believe we have the rest of the tools in place. However the philosophy of selecting players in the draft by the Giants is picking the best athlete possible, no matter what position. If you can believe back in the 80’s the Giants had an opportunity to pick either Boomer Esiason or Harry Carson because Harry was a better athlete… even though we were stockpiled with linebackers at that time. Go figure.
You really wonder why anyone goes into the NFL any more- careers are short, the money is generally not guaranteed, and the evidence about the lasting serious health effects is mounting- seems a lot more secure to try MLB or the NBA instead.
SU covering a multitude of topics today.
O/U for AROD this year
BA .244
HR 15
RBI 57
Duke is loaded again for next year. All you Duke haters should keep your crying towels handy. Andy.