As a long-time Yankee fan, my first reaction to the video evoked memories of a younger Pedro Martinez tossing aside a much older Don Zimmer. As any cool-headed supporter would do, I encouraged Mr. Martinez to “bring that **** to me”, despite being many miles from Fenway Park in my living room. For the rest of my life I will never admit Mr. Zimmer was wrong or defend Pedro’s actions, but perhaps last night’s events help paint what transpired in 2003 in a different light.

As for last night’s melee, I’ve been reluctant to place all of the blame on the younger guy involved. Clearly he seems to be out of line with his language, and the spill stains near the top of his neck suggest far too much drinking. However, there’s no disputing he was attacked. Does he not have the right for self-defense, or in this case, self-preservation? This guy maintains his cool after being smacked across the face and seemed content to let bygones be bygones when the first aggressor returned to her seat. What truly astounds me is that not a single person in the crowd seems the least bit bothered by her actions, nor those of the older gentlemen involved. Yes, you shouldn’t hit the elderly, women, or children (or really anyone for that matter). But does that give those people the right to get physical with others? If these groups do choose to instigate physical altercations, people can’t be appalled and outraged when the target of that aggression tries to defend themselves. Fortunately for any U.S Open goers for the next several years, USTA officials announced earlier today that the trio involved are barred from the grounds through 2013.

Jim Thome's rookie card. Anything look like it's been inflated since then?

Has any other player from the steroid era soared so high into the all time power hitting ranks without raising significant suspicion?

Thome’s numbers follow the same trend that most confirmed steroid users have. He had excellent power early in his career, but his average home run per seasons numbers skyrocketed around 2001, the same time that Barry Bonds was doing his most damage.

Thome has the power figures to place him as a potential Hall of Famer, but with great sluggers like Mark McGwire looking at Cooperstown from the outside in, why hasn’t more fuss been raised over Thome’s success?

The slugger averaged 32 HRs a year over his first six seasons, but at age 31 he went on a tear over his next four seasons accumulating 190 HRs, more than 47 per season. While Thome may have just mastered his powerful swing in the later years of his career through practice and weight training, I’m left watching my Twins this season with a bit of suspicion every time Thome steps up to the plate.

When all is said and done, I hope that steroid era players are allowed into the Hall of Fame as they are an important part of the history of the game. Steroids marked a turning point in baseball and it cannot be ignored. If baseball purists are too disgusted to see the steroid era players enshrined right next to the greats of yesteryear(who only used amphetamines, hypocrisy much?) then the HOF should create a special “shameful” wing for these players. Heck, you could let Pete Rose in then too, and I’d suggest moving Ty Cobb into the section as well.

Ultimately I believe in innocent until proven guilty and will continue to cheer for Thome as he slugs for my Twins, but isn’t it a shame that I can’t watch a game of baseball without having a shadow of doubt hanging over an entire generation of now older sluggers forcing me to think “Did he shoot up or didn’t he?” instead of thinking “Will he get the clutch hit we need and help us win the game?”

“These are the two best teams in the world?” She kept asking. Sadly, yes. I hate to admit this, but there were periods during the first half when I fell asleep.

Sometimes in the final, the pressure becomes too great and the game cannot live up to it. Sometimes, the day of is outshined by its predecessor.

Extra-time was slightly more entertaining, and thank God Spain finished it then. Nobody wants to see a Final end in penalties.

So, Spain were crowned champions and, despite not being the most entertaining, they persevered. The quality of their players and coaches make them worthy of their place in history

I must congratulate ESPN and ABC on their coverage. It was exemplary. All the panelists, with the exception of one, no need to mention names (Alexi Lalas), were entertaining and acute in their analysis, and Martin Tyler and co., are some of the best commentators in the game.

“El Pulpo Paul” was eight for eight in correct predictions. There are questions that I would like to ask him too: Did Michael Jackson touch children inappropriately? (It’s an easy one, just to start him off). Will Barack Obama grow an excessively large afro? And will England win the World Cup in my lifetime? (Get that one wrong, octopus, and despite my horrendous allergy to fish and my general fondness for you, I will eat you.)

Spanish Captain and World Cup Golden Glove winner, Iker Casillas

I had a lump in my throat when I saw Iker Casillas, the Spanish captain and goalkeeper, crying after the victory. Every child has dreamed of playing in and winning a World Cup Final and I am no exception. Don’t tell me you never lifted that imaginary World Cup in front of the mirror: the pride swelling up in your mind’s eye more golden than any wedding band and brighter than any fireworks. For every million of us who dreamt about it, he is the one who actually got to live it.

The days when I still believed that I may be able to lift the Jules Renoit have gone. But, just seeing three lions on the red or white shirt of the man who lifts it will be enough to warm my heart on even the coldest day.

Lastly, I would like to thank the team at CourtsidePost.com for hosting me over the last few weeks, and to everybody who has read the blog. I really appreciate it, thank you.

This time something different happened. I went to a Brazilian bar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  Miss Favella had live music, sweet and beautiful waitresses and delicious food accompanied by strong caprinhas. They also happened to be showing the match.

Okay, fine. I’ll watch it. Just to see if “El Pulpo Paul” (who predicted that Germany would win) would get it right. What the octopus failed to mention from deep inside his tank, was that this would be the most exciting game of the world cup.  I don’t know how he would have coherently communicated this, after all he is only an octopus, but he could have at least tried.

Two of the finest players in this tournament shone like fireflies in what by all predictions ought to have been a boring game. For Diego Forlan (or as I call him, Forlando Torres) this might be the only time he takes Uruguay to such high heights in a World Cup.

He is the only player who has tempered this World Cup ball so that it listens to his foot and follows his trajectory. For all other players the ball has been petulant at best, but for him, it is as obeisant as a Victorian woman.

20 year old, Thomas Muller, winner of the coveted 2010 World Cup Golden Boot as well as Best Young Player Award at the World Cup

Thomas Muller, the young German also shone, and had he not been suspended against Spain in the semi-finals, the World Cup may have had a very different ending. He will no doubt be leading his country to great things in the coming years. I urge him to drop his German allegiance and repatriate to England. I, personally, would ignore all FIFA rules and welcome him with open arms to the England set-up. Germany can take Emile Heskey.

With every goal that went in, and there were a lot of them, I yelled, “El Pulpo Paul, El Pulpo Paul.” I hoped that he was watching too with a slightly smug smile, when, with the last kick of the match Diego Forlan hit the crossbar from a free-kick. Germany had won three- two. He was right.

Miss Favella had everything. Brazilian music, Brazilian women that danced to the music, and even a great game of football. Bring on the 2014 world cup in Brazil. I can’t wait.

They sweep in ball after ball. Dutch women at the bar are screaming. The man who has been quietly supporting Uruguay for the whole game is going nuts. He wants another goal.

I’m torn. I want Uruguay to lose for what they did to Ghana, but, oh man, how amazing would it be if they scored? The referee blows the final whistle. Cameramen come running on the field.

But, wait. He actually doesn’t blow the final whistle. It’s just a free kick. He plays two more minutes. They can’t help but be controversial, can they, referees? These are the two tensest minutes. The bartender stops serving in order to watch the game. Shit has hit the fan.

Luckily for the Dutch, they hold out, and they deserve their place in the final. They’ve scored some good goals. Yes, at times they’ve been lucky, but they’ve also capitalized on their luck, and that’s vital.

The next game took until the second half to heat up. The German tactic is to be very aggressive for the first twenty minutes, and score first, so that they can then sit back and counter-attack. That’s when they’re the most dangerous. Spain never let them do this.

They had attack after attack and even though they hadn’t scored they kept searching until they found a way. The Spanish have persevered throughout this tournament, losing their first game, only to come back and win the group.

El Pulpo Paul choosing Spain over Germany.

And Paul the Octopus thinks they will win the World Cup. He’s already picked their box. The Octopus is six for six in correct predictions this world cup and apparently he’s screwing the British bookmakers.  Although some have mentioned that Spain may be paying him off with some choice crabs. This is, as of yet, pure speculation.

There were some Germans that were so annoyed that they threatened to kidnap him, cook him and then eat him (probably with a rich tomato sauce, although at this time this too has been left unspecified). In response the Spanish Prime Minister, Zapatero, has offered “El Pulpo Paul” state protection.

Even in 2010, I have more faith in an octopus (he looks so stately) than I do in any professional football player’s predictions. Has this gone too far? In South Africa, Spanish defender Carlos Marchena, has less faith in El Pulpo Paul than I do. “It’s only an octopus,” he said.

Use an image provided or find your own. Post your best Lebron in Heat below…

If Dudley's goal was to increase his Twitter followership, mission accomplished.

“Breaking News!!! My sources tell me Lebron will announce that he will be goin to the NY KNICKS tomorrow on ESPN.. This is serious.. WOW!!!!”

Following this tweet Dudley has received tremendous amounts of attention from the Twitter community. In response to ongoing requests for where his information is coming from, Dudley has since tweeted:

“That’s what I’m hearing.. I don’t care where he goes lol.. I personally thought he would stay in Cleveland..”

While the Phoenix Suns forward may not be the most credible source, Dudley seems to have little motive to create a smoke screen and may well have beaten Lebron to the punch by announcing the King’s future home before Lebron has the chance.

Unlike most American sports, the better team does not always win. Like life, football can be the best of times and the worst of times. Bet you never thought I’d hit you with a Dickens quote. Booyah.

Determined not to let this kill my buzz, I woke up early, ready for the morning of July 3^rd. On this day, a few hundred years ago, this beautiful land still belonged to the grey clouds of England. A feat that should be celebrated every July 3^rd.

I was eager to see Germany get kicked out of the World Cup by an exciting and vibrant Argentina. This did not happen. I think I might be the only person in the world that believes that Germany can be beaten. Don’t get me wrong, they are ruthless in front of goal and highly efficient in defense but I don’t think they are impenetrable.

A fully clothed Diego Maradona

I was three beers deep (one of which was Guinness, gotta get that iron in for breakfast) by the time Diego Maradonna, the Argentine nut-bag of a coach, had to come to terms with the fact that, since Argentina didn’t win the World Cup, he won’t be running naked through the streets of Buenos Aires. Every cloud…

My next move was to sober up before the Spain game, or as I like to call it: Round two. I had filled up on Tandoori Chicken and Aloo Gobi (Boston’s finest), and was ready. I headed to a bar named the “Phoenix Landing”. It had big screens, plenty of beer on tap and many a happy German.

By beer six, things were heating up.  The referee dominated the game’s talking points once again. He made Spain retake a penalty that they scored, because the Paraguay goalkeeper had moved off his line too early. What a great piece of pointless refereeing. Use your head, ass-clown! This call benefitted the team that committed the foul. Let it go.

Spain seemed quite terrified of having to play the Germans in the next round. This worried me. I kept drinking.

On July 4^th I was very hung-over, so I stopped drinking, and started eating, everything American: hamburgers, hot dogs, fried dough, burritos etc. I watched the fireworks from the Charles River in awe of the patriotism on what I feel is an arbitrary date.

What I mean is, English people don’t do this every year. We would do it if England won the World Cup, or if the queen reigned for sixty-five years, but otherwise, we are not so patriotic.

For every American whose legacy is two family members that said, “Lets take the risk and move to America” there’s an English person who said, “I don’t think we should risk it.” For an Englishman in Boston it was welcoming to watch from the sidelines.

Sneijder's clincher sent the Brazilians homeward bound

With nothing of value to show for their lackluster efforts in the first half, the Netherlands caught an unbelievable break early on in the second half when defenseman Felipe Melo redirected a Dutch corner past Julio Cesar’s outstretched arm and into the back of his own net.  From this point on the verde-amarela showed no resiliency whatsoever, letting their emotions overcome them and the game to get out of hand.

The Brazilian attack began to seem rushed and as they pushed forward to regain the lead, the Dutch forwards, Robbin van Persie and Arjen Robben grew increasingly comfortable with more space to roam.  And yet they couldn’t produce during the flow of the game.  The Dutch go-ahead goal came off a brilliantly flicked corner kick by star midfielder Dirk Kuyt that was drilled into the back netting by Wesley Sneijder.

From this point on the five-time champions began to collapse even further.  Felipe Melo, now most likely under witness protection back in Brazil, was delivered a red card for needlessly stomping Robben’s knee after a whistled tackle at midfield.  Playing 11 v. 10 the Dutch created some sublime chances for themselves to deliver the security goal, but failed to actually do so.

Now, with the popular favorites out of the running, the stage is set for a dramatic finish, although it would seem the Netherlands will have to do much more than their efforts yielded today to be crowned champions.  With the talent-heavy Spanish, the youthful and disciplined Germans, and the ever-dangerous Argentines lurking on the other side of the bracket, it appears the world is in store for an exciting set of Quarter and Semi-final games and perhaps a lopsided final.  But if today’s first result has proven one certainty, it’s that nothing is certain at all.