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Johan Santana tosses first no hitter in Mets history

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 03:07:00 +0000

Johan Santana? More like No-han Santana, amirite? (*Rimshot. "I'll be here all week."*)

Santana tossed the first no-no in the history of the Metropolitans Friday night in an 8-0 victory over the Cardinals. It took Johan a career-high 134 pitches to complete the task and he was also aided by an incorrect call in the 6th inning.

Carlos Beltran's liner in that inning was ruled foul, but clearly hit the chalk and should have been fair. Hindsight, though, is 20/20. There is always a little bit of luck involved in no hitters and usually a hint of controversy. We're still waiting to see a side angle replay on Philip Humber's check-swing strikeout of Brendan Ryan during his perfecto, after all.

Nonetheless, Johan Santana made history Friday night. As the oft-injured ace of a struggling franchise in the midst of a resurgence, he certainly deserved it.

(Photo courtesy Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Hines Ward joining NBC Sports

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Thu, 31 May 2012 23:18:00 +0000

Hines Ward, former always-smiling Steelers wide receiver and Dancing with the Stars champion, will join NBC as an analyst for Football Night in America, college football and the NBC Sports Network. SI's Richard Deitsch broke the news via Twitter this afternoon.

Judging by the replies to Deitsch's Twitter and from other reactions around the net, people are happy with this move. It's a natural fit for Ward, who always seemed to have the knack for broadcasting and television. Ward got some on-air practice during NBC's pregame for this year's Super Bowl XLVI, providing analysis along with Aaron Rodgers.

(Photo courtesy ABC)

Terrell Owens got cut by the Allen Wranglers

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Tue, 29 May 2012 22:24:00 +0000

The Allen Wranglers of the Indoor Football League announced Tuesday that they have parted ways with Terrell Owens after the wide receiver violated the terms of his contract. As well as being released as a player, Owens loses his ownership stake that he received as part of his deal.

You know it's bad when you own part of the team and still get cut.

Majority owner John Frankel said Owens refused to play in two upcoming road games and did not show up at an event at a local children's hospital. Even though Owens was not required to play in all of the Wranglers' away games under the terms of his contract, the team wanted him to play in the next two contests because of their importance to the team's playoff aspirations.

Add the Wranglers to the list of organizations that Owens has left on bad terms. He apparently saw the IFL as a way back into the NFL when he signed with the Wranglers in February. But at this rate, and with his past history of attitude and character issues as well as his age, Owens' return to the highest level of the sport seems very unlikely.

(Photo courtesy Jerome Miron/US Presswire)

Video: Outfielder makes diving over-the-wall grab

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Sat, 26 May 2012 20:22:00 +0000

Via ESPN's Robert Flores comes this gem of a catch during a NWAACC baseball championship first round playoff game. Lower Columbia College's Derrick Salberg is the hero, leaping over the outfield wall and robbing what would have been the game tying home run. Not to diminish this great catch at all, but why is that wall so short?

Now you're just the Kobe that we used to know

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Thu, 24 May 2012 22:15:00 +0000

With the Lakers out of the playoffs and changes looming, it is of course time to blast Kobe Bryant. Doing so has become old hat, but Dan Rib has done it in a new and interesting way. Here he is with his own version of Gotye's hit "Somebody That I Used To Know," instead called "The Kobe That We Used To Know."

"You didn't have to hog the ball. You're triple teamed so kick it out to either Blake or Sessions." Tell me that won't be stuck in your head for the rest of the day.

Video: Jay Pharoah's spot-on Stephen A. Smith impression

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Sun, 20 May 2012 16:18:00 +0000

Jay Pharoah, one of Saturday Night Live's unsung performers, nailed it this weekend with his Stephen A. Smith impression during "Weekend Update."

(Hat tip to SportsGrid)

Dropping Links: Sunday, May 20, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Sun, 20 May 2012 16:14:00 +0000

- I'll Have Another won another, capturing Saturday's Preakness Stakes, again coming from behind on Bodemesiter. With the Preakness and Kentucky Derby down, I'll Have Another will try to capture the Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes. |New York Times' The Rail Blog|

- The Thunder took a 3-1 series lead over the Lakers with their win Saturday night in Los Angeles. It was about more than Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook's offense, though. |TrueHoop Blog|

- Kerry Wood retired like a boss. |Hall of Very Good|

- Lawrence Taylor's Super Bowl XXV ring sold for $230,401 at auction. |ProFootballTalk|

- New gameplay footage from NCAA Football 13 |Pastapadre.com|

(Photo courtesy Nellie Hertenstein/Reuters)

Of course Odom won't get share of Mavs' playoff money

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:26:00 +0000

The Dallas Mavericks have decided they will not give Lamar Odom a playoff share, about $14,000. It was a players vote following Dallas' first round sweep at the hands of the Thunder that determined Odom would miss out on the money.

The team had already banished Odom after a season of ups and downs, but mostly downs. Circumstances in his personal life made it a tough go for Lamar, as well as his seeming desire to not be in Dallas. Odom never fit in with the team and hasn't even been around the squad since April 7th.

This move should come as no surprise. To consider Odom a part of this playoff team would have been a gigantic stretch. If anything, he was a hindrance to their chances.

Video: Baron Davis dislocates knee v. Heat

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Mon, 07 May 2012 13:48:00 +0000

This is pretty gross.

Baron Davis dislocated his knee during yesterday's Knicks - Heat playoff matchup. It's a shame that a guy so talented has suffered so many injuries throughout his career. Davis will not play for the remainder of this series and it remains to be seen what this means for the rest of his career.

Video of the gruesome injury is below.

Nets officially unveil new logo

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:35:00 +0000

The Brooklyn Nets' new logo was officially revealed by the organization today and, as expected, the team is switching to a black and white color scheme while using the shield style logo that leaked last week. The team's merchandise website, NetsStore.com, is now live and fans can purchase memorabilia with the new look. Jerseys currently aren't available but will be coming in September.

Since last week's leak reaction has been mixed to the re-branding effort. I personally like it. The Nets are clearly trying to wash the bad taste out of the mouths of their fans and a whole new look and feel is the best place to start.

The logo was designed by part-owner Jay-Z.

(Banner image courtesy NetsStore.com)

A few Monday morning links

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:48:00 +0000

- The Clippers came back from a 21-point fourth quarter deficit to stun the Grizzlies in game one of their first round playoffs matchup. Los Angeles had trailed by as much as 27 during the game but Memphis went ice cold in the last frame to lose a heartbreaker. |Ball Don't Lie|

- At the request of his 8-year-old son, Yankees GM Brian Cashman sat in the bleachers for Sunday's game and participated in the traditional "Bleacher Creatures" roll call. |Sports Kings|

- Bruce Chen tried to pick off a runner 10 times during one at bat. |Big League Stew|

- Donovan McNabb still doesn't know if he will retire or not, although his hand may be forced. |ProFootballTalk|

NBA Playoffs: First round preview and predictions

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:13:00 +0000

A quick rundown of the first round NBA playoff matchups, with predictions for each series:

Eastern Conference

Chicago Bulls v. Philadelphia 76ers
The Bulls are certainly a deep team and their bench is as good as some teams' starting fives. Chicago grabbed the number one seed in the East with Derrick Rose nursing injuries for most of the year. Philly should grab a game at home, but the Bulls will easily take this series.
Bulls win series, 4-1

Miami Heat v. New York Knicks
The Knicks are perhaps the hottest team in the NBA and have a better bench than Miami. The Heat, however, have owned the Knicks since LeBron and Bosh took their talents to South Beach. If the Knicks can play the great defense they've shown since Mike Woodson took over, they'll have a shot, albeit a long one.
Heat win series, 4-2

Indiana Pacers v. Orlando Magic
The Pacers, one of the most underrated and under-appreciated teams in the league, would have been favorites even if Orlando had a healthy Dwight Howard. Take "Superman" out of the mix and it's an easy series for the Magic.
Pacers win series, 4-0

Boston Celtics v. Atlanta Hawks
The 4 v. 5 matchup has the potential to be the best series of the opening round. While early in the year many figured the Celtics were too old, they've come surging back, showing us the guts and gusto that won Boston an NBA Title just a few years ago. Ray Allen's injury will be a factor but I'd expect the Celtics to take the series either way.
Celtics win series, 4-3

Western Conference

San Antonio Spurs v. Utah Jazz
The aging Spurs just keep winning and getting better. Unlike last year's team, this year's version of the Spurs is a serious threat to go deep in the playoffs. They shouldn't have too much trouble with the Jazz, although Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap could create some issues inside for San Antonio.
Spurs win series, 4-2

Oklahoma City Thunder v. Dallas Mavericks
The defending champs open the first round with a tough matchup against the OKC Thunder, a young team ready to win now. These two teams always seem to play each other close but OKC will be too much for the older Mavs.
Thunder win series, 4-2

Los Angeles Lakers v. Denver Nuggets
The loss of Metta World Peace will hurt the Lakers, who are already a thin team depth-wise. Los Angeles is playing at a very high level, with Kobe Bryant rested, and should be able to handle a stiff challenge from Denver.
Lakers win series, 4-3

Memphis Grizzlies v. Los Angeles Clippers
This series provides some very intriguing matchups. The Grizzlies have the big men to battle with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Tony Allen is a defensive specialist who will look to shut down the Clippers' wings. But Chris Paul might be the deciding factor. Finally getting his chance to shine on a bigger stage, he'll lead the Clippers to a rare first round playoff victory.
Clippers win series, 4-3

Image leaks of potential new Nets logo

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:49:00 +0000

As we wrap up the 2011-2012 NBA campaign and the final season in New Jersey for the Nets, all eyes turn towards their move to Brooklyn. Led by majority owner Mikhail Prokhorov and 1% owner Jay-Z, the team is trying to usher in a new era, capture the feel of New York City, and forget about all the bad memories they have from New Jersey.

From Gothamist comes the image to the right which was tweeted by a worker from inside the new Barclays Center.

If it is indeed the new Nets logo, I like it. There have been rumors for a while that the team was going to switch to a black and white color scheme and this logo is simple yet impactful. In an era of myriad alternate uniforms and color combinations, this would be a nice change of pace.

The Nets are expected to officially reveal their new logo sometime this coming week.

Dropping Links on NFL Draft Day

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:27:00 +0000

Some NFL-related tidbits first as we head towards tonight's Draft in New York City.

- The Colts put an official end to the Peyton Manning era, removing the giant "Thank You Peyton" banner they had been displaying on the outside of Lucas Oil Stadium yesterday. |Shutdown Corner|

- Deion Sanders has been having a pretty rough week. Primetime will still appear on NFL Network's Draft coverage, even though he's involved in a nasty situation with his estranged wife, whom he pressed charges against for assault. She replied by pressing charges against him. |ProFootballTalk|

- Calvin Johnson was announced as the Madden 13 cover player yesterday in Times Square. Following that comes some replay footage and another trailer showing some new gameplay features. |Pastapadre.com|

- Osi Umenyiora thinks there is a chance he could be traded during or leading up to the NFL Draft. He's been complaining about his contract and playing time for what seems like years now. Reports yesterday surfaced that Osi would be willing to keep his current contract if the team he were traded to made him a starter. That could be pretty enticing for considering his low base salary. |The Blue Screen|

- The NFL might not play the Pro Bowl anymore. No one seems to care except for the players that get a free vacation out of it. |With Leather|

(Image courtesy NFL)

Howard and Van Gundy make it awkward in Orlando

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 16:17:00 +0000

Remember "Happy Go Lucky" Dwight Howard? He was known as a guy who always had fun out there. (© Brett Favre) He was one of the smiling faces of the NBA, a guy who put up great numbers but also was a fan favorite.

Lately, Howard seems more like a spoiled brat.

It all began with his not-so-private hints that he wanted the Magic to trade him, a Nuggets-Carmelo Part Deus, if you will. Not that there's anything wrong with wanting to play somewhere else. But then Howard held the Magic hostage this season when he flip flopped back and forth several times on whether he wanted to be traded or ride out the rest of his contract with Orlando. After finally picking up his option for next season, it seemed like we could put all of the Dwight Drama behind us for at least one more year.

Then Stan Van Gundy confirmed the rumors that Howard asked the Magic front office to fire the coach.

With the Magic hosting the Knicks tonight in Orlando, Van Gundy was talking to reporters when he was asked to respond to a report on an Orlando television station Wednesday that Howard had told management he wants Van Gundy and his entire staff fired after the season.

Van Gundy, asked if he believed Howard had asked for him to be fired, replied, "I know he has.''

"That’s just the way it is," Van Gundy said. "Again, I’ve been dealing with that all year. It’s not anything real bothersome. You go out and do your job."

Sure, we can blame that one on Van Gundy, who has a reputation for always saying what's on his mind. As MSG's Alan Hahn pointed out in Thursday's Knicks - Magic postgame, while quotes like that are great media fodder, there really wasn't any reason for Van Gundy to say it. What made things even more interesting is that Howard came out right after Van Gundy's comments and gave the coach a hug, unaware that SVG had just pulled back the curtain on Orlando's in-house drama.

We can't blame this all on Dwight Howard. People can all relate to having a boss they don't enjoy working for. Most people's bosses don't know that and then go tell the media about it, though.

What we can blame on Dwight are his actions throughout the process. From his lack of commitment to his stoic postgame interviews, he has only made matters worse. And it's undoubtedly hurting his reputation around the league. The Knicks traded too much to get Carmelo Anthony, a malcontent in Denver according to some, and when he came to New York the same sorts of things happened. It was pretty much him or Mike D'Antoni, and now Mike Woodson is the coach. Other NBA GMs might be concerned the same will happen if they trade a bunch of pieces for Howard. Or, like the Knicks, they might not care. A coach is certainly more replaceable than a perennial All-Star center in his prime.

That's the sadness of it all. It really doesn't matter as long as Howard is still one of the game's best. Team's will trade for him, or sign him to a big money free agent deal, and then reshape their entire organization on the fly to fit his wants.

So for now the Magic organization, Stan Van Gundy and Dwight Howard remain in a sort of purgatory. It's like a divorce where the husband and wife keep living together, waiting for their lawyers to settle the whole thing.

Van Gundy and Howard's impending separation is just as ugly.

NFL, Nike partnership begins; Seahawks get new duds

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 22:56:00 +0000

The NFL and Nike held a press conference today to debut the much talked about new uniforms that players will be wearing this season for all 32 teams. There are big time changes as far as the composition, but 31 teams remained relatively unchanged in terms of appearance.

The Seahawks, though, let Nike do what they do and go to town on their uniforms.

I wouldn't call these Oregon Ducks style changes, though. What the Seahawks will wear this season definitely leans more towards what we've come to expect from college football teams and their more futuristic looks, but the uniforms aren't complete eye sores.

In fact, I kind of like the new look. Check out NFL.com for a complete photo gallery.

Just Because Video of the Day: LeBron's Summer Madness

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 15:33:00 +0000

Remember back in 2006, when LeBron James was just the young star of the Cavaliers? Before he was some evil, hated man because he wanted to go work where his friends worked? Before he was terrible because he hadn't won 17 championships?

This Nike commercial began airing before the '06-'07 season, the season James led his Cavs to the NBA Finals with very little help. Back then, he was a funny guy that nobody really hated. Five years later, things have changed. We can still look back at this spot as one of the better Nike commercials, though.

Peyton Manning disagrees with me, will join Broncos

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:14:00 +0000

Peyton Manning apparently does not read this blog anymore. It must have been the far too sporadic updates.

I opined yesterday that the destination that would make the most sense for Manning would be the San Francisco 49ers, but the future Hall of Famer will become the next starting quarterback of the Denver Broncos, according to reports.

The Broncos won the AFC West last year with Tim Tebow, who was questionable at best when asked to actually pass the ball. With Manning, Denver is clearly better than last season. Would he have had more weapons and a stronger team around him in San Fran or Tennessee? Probably. But we don't really know how good Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker can be since they haven't had an accurate, big armed QB to help them.

(Photo courtesy AP/John Leyba)

Which team makes the most sense for Peyton Manning?

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 16:57:00 +0000

As you may have heard, Peyton Manning is trying to decide where to resume his future Hall of Fame career. According to reports, he's narrowed his choices down to the 49ers, Broncos and Titans, all three of whom he has worked out for. The Dolphins and Cardinals have been informed by Manning that they won't be landing spots for his services.

Manning, if healthy, would provide an upgrade at quarterback for all three teams but which fits him the best is another question.

Each of the three remaining teams Peyton will choose from have very similar makeups. San Francisco and Denver had great defenses last year and good running games, while the Titans should expect a bounce back performance from Chris Johnson. All three have a similarly built receiving corps.

The 49ers just added Mario Manningham to a group featuring tight end Vernon Davis, a yet-to-fulfill-his-hype Michael Crabtree and Randy Moss, who is coming back after a year off and a terrible year before that. The Titans have an outstanding receiver in Kenny Britt, but he is returning from a season-ending injury. Nate Washington was a 1,000 yard receiver last year, benefiting by being the featured weapon for the combination of Matt Hasselback and Jake Locker when Britt went down. The Broncos have Demaryius Thomas, who has shown a lot of potential after people scratched their heads at Denver drafting him ahead of Dez Bryant. Eric Decker emerged as a decent target as well.

For Denver, the receiving corps was decent without a real quarterback to throw them passes. The Broncos could be dynamic with Manning, a quarterback to add a passing attack to the strong running game the team featured last year. He would, though, have to either compete with "Tebowmania" or be the man responsible for Tebow's exile. It would provide John Elway with the perfect cover to rid himself of Tebow, though.

For the Titans, missing out on Manning wouldn't be all bad. The team has a young quarterback in Locker and could build around him using all that money they would have given to Manning.

While the belief is that Manning wants to remain in the AFC and avoid the inevitable media circuses every time he plays his brother Eli and the Giants, the team built to win now with his arrival is easily the San Francisco 49ers. The defense returns all 11 starters and Frank Gore is an elite running back, something Manning has never really had. Peyton has, though, always had a strong tight end in Dallas Clark. Vernon Davis, already one of the best in the game, would thrive with Manning.

If his decision is truly about just sliding in and winning a title, the 49ers make the most sense.

(Image courtesy Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press)

Dropping Links: Sunday, March 18, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 16:24:00 +0000

- New York Giants Super Bowl hero Mario Manningham signed a two-year deal with the 49ers. He'll join Michael Crabtree and Randy Moss as targets for Peyton Manning, potentially. |The Blue Screen|

- Speaking of number 18, Peyton still hasn't alerted the Titans, 49ers or Broncos what his timetable is for announcing where he'll sign. |ProFootballTalk|

- Tampa radio host Dan Sileo has been fired for his racist comments made last week. |Awful Announcing|

- The New York Post, ever the symbol of journalistic integrity, proclaimed "Linsanity" dead on Friday. The hype may be over but Jeremy Lin has been playing just about the same under new coach Mike Woodson. |With Leather|

- John Axford supports mustache legislation. |The Hall of Very Good|

(Image courtesy Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Melo, Dolan as much to blame as D'Antoni for Knicks' woes

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 23:11:00 +0000

Mike D'Antoni resigned as head coach of the New York Knicks this afternoon, escaping a horrible situation where he reportedly had lost the respect of the team. "Team," of course, means Carmelo Anthony, who clearly could not play in an offense that emphasized ball movement and accurate shooting. Monday's loss to the Bulls was the tip of the iceberg, with rumors flying since the final buzzer sounded that D'Antoni's days were numbered and even sparking rumors of Melo wanting to be traded.

Melo quickly denied rumors he wanted out. Instead, he wanted the coach gone and that's what he got.

D'Antoni's "resignation" was a force-out, pushed by the star player and an incompetent owner. The same owner who let Isiah Thomas have his way with the franchise and set the Knicks back a decade. The same owner who recruited Donnie Walsh to clean up the mess and then sent him packing right when things were turning around.

Sure, you have to blame the coach when you have a roster as talented as New York's and the team is six games below .500. In fairness, though, Dolan and company never gave D'Antoni the pieces to fit his system. The Knicks played their best this season with Carmelo Anthony out of the picture. Jeremy Lin could be D'Antoni's new Steve Nash, Amar'e Stoudemire could be the old Amar'e, everyone was playing better without Anthony around to get pissed when he didn't get the ball and then suck the pace down into his vacuum when he did.

When you trade as much as the Knicks traded to get Carmelo, he has to stay. It's not as though he is a horrible player, or a cancer of the locker room, or anything like that. His style just didn't mesh with the head coach's. It is up to the coach to adjust to the players and make it work. But it is also up to the star player, once thought of as one of the best in the league, to adjust to the players around him.

Neither of those things were happening and it was a lot easier to part ways with the coach than the player.

Video: Landry Fields sings his own version of "Billionaire"

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:17:00 +0000

The New York Knickerbockers held a little soiree with season ticket holders last night, which led to Landry Fields giving us this not-as-bad-as-you-would-think rendition of the Bruno Mars and Travie McCoy hit, "Billionaire." Fields substituted some of his own lyrics, like wanting to be a champion instead of a billionaire and incorporated his Knicks teammates as well.

I don't know how I feel about the Shump rap, but Fields' singing definitely tops former Knick Danilo Gallinari's rendition of Beyonce's "Halo."

Video: "Pearl Jam" sings "Jeremy (Lin)"

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:32:00 +0000

Jimmy Fallon is quickly becoming one of the best late night talk show hosts on television. Admittedly, that isn't saying a lot when you figure Jay Leno and Chelsea Handler are in that category. Anyway, Fallon takes one of the early Jeremy Lin pun references and expands on it, acting as Eddie Vedder performing "Jeremy," re-done for the Knicks' sudden phenomenon.

Video: Brandon Jacobs steps in squared circle, drinks beer

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:16:00 +0000

Super Bowl Champion New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs appeared last week on TNA Impact Wrestling (in place of Jason Pierre-Paul) and again this week. Only this time, he stepped into the squared circle and got involved in the James Storm and Jeff Hardy v. Bully Ray and Kurt Angle match.

Jacobs certainly has the size and promo ability to make it in professional wrestling, if he ever chooses to. Judging by his recent stats, it might be wise to make that transition right now.

Dropping Links: Wednesday, February 15, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Tony Arnoldine) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:49:00 +0000

Jeremy Lin - perhaps you've heard of him - did it again last night, nailing a game winning three pointer against the Raptors in Toronto, leading the Knicks to their sixth straight victory. The "Linsanity" continues in New York.

- The Knicks Blog looks at the rising cost of tickets at Madison Square Garden since Lin's breakout performances began.

- Awful Announcing dissects the Tebow-like hype and media overkill Jeremy Lin has drawn.

- Posting and Toasting has all the video footage you'll need from last night's game.

In non-Lin links:

- Shaq thinks Dwight Howard leaving the Magic would be a travesty... even though Shaq did the same thing a few decades ago. |Ball Don't Lie|

- People keep lining up to protest the Redskins chasing after Peyton Manning, with the most recent being DC's mayor. |Shutdown Corner|

- One of the candidates for MLB's 2012 Fan Cave has tattoos representing all 30 teams. |Big League Stew|

And the non-sports links:

- Kate Upton's Sports Illustrated cover photo could not have been more photoshopped |WWTDD|

- Speaking of Upton, she awesomely rejected Darren Rovell's "Be My Valentine" request on national television. |Uproxx|

- NBC is going to make a Hannibal Lecter show. |Warming Glow|

- Brandon Stroud's always excellent read, The Best and Worst of WWE Raw 2/13/12: Embraces Hate, Melodrama, Wheelchair Violence |With Leather|