So what does "A Blog Post By My Cell Phone" mean, you're wondering?
Well, as those of you who are close to me already know, I don't have a Smartphone, Blackberry or whatever else is hot these days. I have the env3 -- no Internet, photos or up-to-date features of any kind.
So where am I going with this?
My cell phone caps my incoming and outgoing text messages, which means I have to delete useless texts on a daily basis. While clearing out tonight, I noticed some items worth mention. Delete them from my phone, publish 'em on my blog. They've found a home.
1. Chris Paul chokes at the foul line.
I have to be honest, this one isn't from my scrap heap of text messages. I was actually watching the Mavs @ Thunder on NBATV and immediately after OKC wrapped up its win, the network switched over to the conclusion of the Clippers @ T'Wolves game. The Clips were down by five with 29 seconds to go, but CP3 forced a turnover and L.A. soon cut the deficit to three. After a failed scoop shot by JJ Barea, the Clips had the ball with four seconds remaining and an opportunity to tie.
The camera focused on Minnesota's excellent head coach Rick Adelman, who was clearly repeating, "Don't foul!" to his players.
So what does rookie Derrick Williams do? Foul CP3 on a three-point attempt, of course.
Paul barely knocked down the first attempt, calmly connected on the second and then...
Completely choked on the third, barely grazing the left side of the rim. About a second-and-a-half remained after the miss, but Minnesota held on for the win despite the ensuing missed free throw from their point guard, Ricky Rubio. It was a pretty embarrassing miss for CP3; it wasn't even close. Also disappointing because I would have liked to see overtime. Oh well.
2. The Mets' talent pool is as thin as ever.
Hey Mets fans, pictured above is our fearless leader David Wright, who didn't play in tonight's preseason opener against the Nationals. That's funny to me because Ike Davis played despite "valley fever" which sounds exotic and dangerous, but apparently isn't much of a threat.
Anyway, Justin Turner was batting third tonight, and I don't really know what to say about that. We have absolutely no depth this season -- showcasing guys like Jordany Valdespin, Zach Lutz, Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Juan Lagares -- and it's probably going to be difficult to watch any more than 50 games. We might be able to hang around in games because of our adequate pitching, but hanging around doesn't equal winning. I don't think we'll be doing much of that. If only we did as much "winning" as Charlie Sheen.
3. Matt Harvey couldn't throw a strike.
So I was pretty excited after Harvey's first inning of work tonight -- he topped out at 94 (very impressive this early in the spring) and snapped off a couple nasty curves -- but he really tanked after that. I know it's extremely early at this point and certainly nothing to be concerned about, but why was it seemingly impossible for him to throw a strike? I understand not having command of a curve, change, slider, split or anything like that in the early going, but the four-seam fastball -- really?
Makes me wonder about his offseason preparation. It's easy for a professional pitcher to throw the ball straight, trust me.
4. The Nuggets have ridiculous depth.
Denver may not be one of the premier teams in the NBA, but it definitely is the deepest. Their full strength starting lineup is PG Ty Lawson, SG Arron Afflalo, SF Danilo Gallinari, PF Nene Hilario and C Timofey Mozgov, but Sunday evening I was watching them without Gallo and Nene (both injured).
Enter SF Corey Brewer and PF Kenneth Faried. Brewer is considered one of the best and most versatile perimeter defenders in the game, and Faried is a rookie freak with jaw-dropping power and athleticism. Not bad for a couple of fill-ins. Granted, Faried has been starting for awhile now, but that's a direct result of Nene's lengthy stint on the DL.
So even without their top two players, the Nuggets were able to bring quality veterans off the bench including PG Andre Miller, SF Al Harrington and C Chris "Birdman" Andersen. Miller is still a leader and playmaker, Harrington is easily one of the top five offensive reserves in the league and Birdman's athleticism and shotblocking are still very much a factor.
As you can see, George Karl's rotation can already go 10 deep, and I haven't even mentioned impact reserve SF Rudy Fernandez (also injured), C Kosta Koufos who has played surprisingly well when given the opportunity and SF Wilson Chandler who may soon be returning to Denver's already long roster. This team could be a sleeper when intact.
Maybe more to come tomorrow; I'm too tired right now.
