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by Digger

There's an old saying in American politics, "Every Vote Counts" (unless you're the Democrat National Committee suppressing Michigan and Florida Primary ballots). In Major League Baseball, the mantra seems to be vote early and vote often.

Major League Baseball opened All Star Game voting/ballots online and in ballparks on April 29. It's quite amusing to see voting beginning so far in advance of this years' game and with less than one month completed in the regular season. Yankee Stadium, during it's farewell season, will host the 2008 game in New York style.

Ballot box stuffing is nothing new to baseball All Star votes. In days of old, chad punch type ballots was the only form for fans to cast their selections of favorite players. Nowadays, online ballots help to generate millions of votes. Each fan can cast up to 25 ballots per email account (vote on MLB.com). Fans with multiple email addresses can submit limitless ballots.

So what is wrong with this system of fans selecting starting players for All Star Games? Apparently, nothing in the eyes of Major League Baseball. Fans selecting starting position players has long been a staple of the game. The downside of this system is fans often select favorite players, sometimes even injured ones, while others more deserving could be left off their league squad. Fan involvement is great for the game, but why is balloting starting earlier and earlier season after season? Less than one month of competition hardly makes any player deserving of All Star selection. Let's face it, MLB is clearly doing this so they can announce record votes. Unfortunately, this clouds the game and will certainly leave some selections infuriated.

When votes are tallied and revealed a great debate often follows questioning starters and reserves selected by managers. Many players achieve statistical greatness and sometimes they're left out... each year it seems to happen. This scenario seems to present itself more often than not. Suppose New York favorite Jason Giambi was to be selected to play this year? Giambi is currently hitting below .200 as he struggles to find his stroke. Fans also could select another New York favorite Hideki Matsui to start at DH. Perhaps managers would then select popular sluggers David Ortiz (a DH) or Jim Thome (another DH) or outfielders having better seasons while leaving out 1B's such as Carlos Guillen, Justin Morneau or Kevin Youkilis. It becomes dicey but this is the nature of our great game.

Once again, this years' All Star Game will decide which league wins the right to host more World Series games. Initially, the home field advantage in World Series games would alternate from league to league, season to season. After baseball had their last work stoppage, and after Commissioner Bud Selig made a monumental mistake of declaring a tie (7-7) in the 1992 mid-season classic, baseball was left searching for a way to give this game new meaning. Alas, the winning league would host home field advantage (4 games out of 7) in the Fall Classic. This is just another of baseball's hot potato subjects.

As a fan, let the players play. Go back to alternating World Series hosts from AL to NL. Let's face it, more than half of All Star game players will not be on World Series rosters and they should not decide Championships. All Star starters generally are not selected on current season merit.. often times selected by nothing more than sheer popularity. This is no way to dictate how a World Series is formatted.

If the Commissioner is hard pressed to find meaning to this game then use some of the record setting revenues to reward players from winning squads. Up the ante, plain and simple. Let All Stars have the chance to earn tens or hundreds of thousands instead of token money (as compared to their skyrocketing yearly salaries). Or find new incentives. This is an All Star game, an exhibition, and should in no way have an effect on how the World Series is played or decided.

Visit ALL WORLD ALL SPORTS for the latest breaking sports news & links from around the globe.

by Digger

Roger Clemens is making headlines once again. He's recently been linked to human growth hormone usage, being investigated for possible perjury stemming from Congressional testimony, engaged in a defamation suit brought against his former friend and personal trainer... and now... an alledged ten year affair with country singer Mindy McCready.

New York Daily News reported on its' website Sunday night, that Clemens and McCready carried on a ten year affair as cited by several sources. This has been denied by Clemens lawyer Rusty Hardin who claims it was nothing more than a friendship, nothing sexual.

Clemens credibility has already been called into question by his earlier statements to Congress. Well, he's now in a different ballgame. "IF" this story turns out to be correct, the Roger - MeCready affair began when she was 15 years old !!! (he was 28 at the time). According to excerpt's of Sundays Daily News story, Clemens first met her while in a Fort Myers bar with former Red Sox teammates. Later on she traveled with him, attended games, received usage of a plane provided by Clemens, bail money after violating her parole for hitting her mother.

This latest sordid story only piles onto Rogers woes. This issue will certainly be brought into the spotlight during his defamation suit vs Brian McNamee (former friend and personal trainer). Roger's suit is for damages based on human growth hormone testimony given by McNamee who also claimed to have saved syringes, gauze and other items with containing Clemens blood. The issue in this lawsuit is how Clemens reputation has been damaged. This type of story is perfect defense ammunition for McNamee as Clemens entire personal public history is fair game including his marital purity. This is a defense attouney's dream... perfectly allowable to discredit Roger's claims, past statements and probably suit against McNamee.

In recent months, the public has been made well aware of public figures extramarital affairs from Hollywood icons to politicians such as Elliot Spitzer. They all deny with great intensity only to succumb to evidence provided which clearly contradicts their stories.

"If" and affair is proven true (McCready has not commented), and "if" Congressional inquiries prove perjury, and "if" McNamee's defense prevails ... Roger Clemens nickname will be forever changed from "The Rocket" to whatever entertains public giggles. He'll certainly be punch line material for late night talk show hosts and baseball fans for many months to come.

It's hard to feel sorry for a man like Clemens. Had he kept his mouth shut after the Mitchell Report tagged him as a possible HGH/steroid user, life would have gone on as normal. Instead, call it ego, pride or whatever it was which made him feel urgency to defend an already impeccable (so it seemed) reputation... has now dragged him deeper into the realms of being only human. Not quite what he's been used to when living life on a supertar pedestal over the previous twenty plus years.

Clemens story no longer has the chance to fade quietly into the night. "Several" sources are quite different from "anonymous" sources. In my book, when I hear reporters state anonymous... it's often their way of falsifying a story (as made famous on plenty of occasion's by The New York Times). When I hear several... look out Roger... there must be something to this story.

**BREAKING NEWS**
Shortly after this blog was posted, Mindy McCready confirmed to reporters outside of her home she "DID" have an affair with Roger Clemens. For the latest coverage visit The New York Daily News Sports Section (April 29, 2008 edition... this link will soon by changed by daily newspaper events).

For coverage by other sports news outlets from around the globe... visit ALL WORLD ALL SPORTS "IN THE PAPERS" (click here).

by Digger

Miami Dolphins football hasn't been the same since former owner Joe Robbie died (1990). Times got harder after legendary coach Don Shula retired (1995). Add Hall of Fame Quarterback Dan Marino's retirement in 1999 to this list and it's easy to see how a once proud franchise has yet to fill big shoes in management, sidelines and on the playing field. For six consecutive seasons (team record), the Dolphins have failed to make the playoffs culminated by a franchise worst 1-15 record last season.

Enter Bill Parcells as Executive Vice President of Football Operations on December 19, 2007. Can he save the day? The City of Miami will soon find out. Owner Wayne Huizenga has tried many different combinations from head coaches to front office, none have worked out well. It's now up to no nonsense Parcells to right this sinking ship. Plain and simple, Parcells is a winner (coaching record). He's been credited with turning around four franchises as a head coach and will be counted on to revive the Dolphins.

Parcells first order of business was to sign a new Head Coach, Tony Sparano. Step number two is the NFL's first overall draft pick. Offensive Tackle Jake Long (University of Michigan) has been signed to a long term deal as Parcells goes back to his roots, building around the line of scrimmage. It's hard to imagine Long as an immediate impact player or franchise saver. However, this signing is believed to be essential in putting together the pieces for a strong nucleus of players. All Pro Jason Taylor is rumored to be on the trading block for draft picks which will help Miami rebuild quickly. To date, this is only a rumor... most likely it will become a reality. Someway, somehow this team needs to find a true field general on offense. Since Marino retired, the quarterback position has been in shambles. One of the NFL's worst. It shouldn't be long before the leadership slot is filled.

Parcells grit, no nonsense style and tell it like it is attitude should rub off positively throughout this organization. Miami was lucky to be beneficiaries of his services and desperately needs his guidance. Hopefully, this is a long term gig for Bill. He's been known to get restless easily and this is a long term retooling job. For the very first time since Don Shula retired, Miami finally has the right man at the right time. Give 'em hell Bill.

by Digger

EASTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Montreal Canadiens vs (6) Philadelphia Flyers:
Both teams are coming off grueling seven game first round series. This is the first time these teams have squared off in the playoffs since 1989 Conference Finals.
Philly will have their hands full trying to contain Montreal.
Montreal in 6

(2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs (5) New York Rangers
These two squads have enjoyed long layoffs. Question will be which team comes out fresh and ready to play? This seems like a great matchup on paper. Both teams play hard, have big game offenses and superb goaltenders. Pittsburgh has the edge heading into this series, but is playoff hockey time... anything can and will happen.
New York will prevail in seven hard fought games.

WESTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Detroit Red Wings vs (6) Colorado Avalanche
This series is about two bitter rivals. Each game will be hard fought with heavy hitting and great goalies.
From '96 - '02 these teams met 5 times in playoff action. These two squads dominated the West in those days... different players skate these days but their unrelenting talent and gritty play remain the same.
Detroit in 5.

(2) San Jose Sharks vs (5) Dallas Stars
In the season ending finale, 160 penalty minutes were handed out as these teams battled toe to toe, check to check and fist to fist. Both have sworn of bitter feelings... do you believe it? I don't. This will be a physical battle from the first puck drop. San Jose owns the advantages in most facets of this matchup. Dallas is a bit banged up but it didn't prevent them from scoring a West best 20 goals in 6 opening round games.
This series boils down to the power play units. Whoever avoids retaliation type penalties should prevail.
Stars in 7.

by Digger

New Boss Hank Steinbrenner needed only 20 games into his first season as Yankees President to sound like former Boss George.

Yankees (10-10) baseball 2008 has been inconsistent early on and Boss Hank is not happy. Boss Hank barked aloud stating his desire for New York sensation Joba Chamberlain's immediate insertion into the Yanks very thin starting rotation.

Steinbrenner was quoted in a New York Times interview: "I want him as a starter and so does everyone else, including him, and that is what we are working toward and we need him there now. There is no question about it, you don't have a guy with a 100-mile-per-hour fastball and keep him as a set-up guy. You just don't do that. You have to be an idiot to do that."

How quickly times change while remaining the same. Last season, Chamberlain saved the day upon his arrival into big league baseball. His 100 mph fastball left hitters baffled and speachless. He was an instant hit in New York. Joba was to be eased along into major league play for a few reasons... or so we were told in '07. First, they didn't want their star rookie crumbling in New York's spotlight. Mission accomplished. Second, their bullpen was blowing games left and right... Joba stepped in as set up man for Mariano Rivera and the Yanks started winning. Mission accomplished. If it wasn't for a bug filled Cleveland night last October, Yanks might have advanced to play Boston for the AL crown.

There was much speculation leading up to spring training of where Joba would fit in with Yankee plans. Starter? Set-up man? Eventual replacement for Rivera? It didn't take long for Cashman and Manager Girardi to let the world know Joba would begin '08 as Mariano's set up man while youngsters Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy are to be given every opportunity as fourth and fifth starters. This has not worked out yet to Steinbrenner's satisfaction. Hughes is 0-3, 8.82 and Kennedy 0-2, 9.64. These kind of results will keep the Yanks out of Boston's (14-7) rear view mirror. Unless these kids turn it around ... Bronx jeers will be heard all around town.

This off season the Yankees had a golden opportunity to trade for baseball's premier left handed starter Johan Santana. GM Brian Cashman and top Yank officials balked at parting with future talent required by Santana's former team (Minnesota Twins) to get a deal finalized. Melky Cabrerra, Hughes and Kennedy were some of the names New York was unwilling to part with... this will haunt the Yanks for years to come. Santana was eventually traded to cross town rival New York Mets. Had the Yanks successfully landed Santana, they would have been a force for years. There's no chance this current rotation can keep pace with Boston... maybe not even Tampa Bay.

GM Cashman will be the first fired. He staked his future by not pulling the trigger on this deal by flatly stating this teams future rests with young home grown talent. Funny (sad for Yank fans) this is a GM who had no problems chasing down old pro's (Randy Johnson, Roger Clemens) but passes on the games best left handed starter still well within his prime????????? Just imagine Santana, Chien-Ming Wang, Andy Pettitte and Joba Chamberlain. Yanks would win 105 games... no doubt.

Back to Boss Hank's statement. Missing out on Santana was a mistake. Ok, old news... onward and upward. This team really had no solid game plan for Joba. 2008 is underway. If the Yanks were to suddenly pull Joba from bullpen duties then they'll be without anyone to set up Rivera. Perhaps a rejuvinated Bruney can handle it but this is a big "IF" question. Also, in order for Joba to set his arm up for surviving 6 or 7 innings, he'll have to be sent down to prepare for extended innings (stamina). Very poorly handled by Boss Hank, GM Cashman and Mgr Girardi. Initially, it was said Joba would begin the year as a reliever and upped to starter come June. Bad plan folks. Point is... what is the point of this kind of move? It's either one or the other but both roles is ludicrous and benefits no one in New York.

Yankees big bats have been silent (27 few runs than Boston) and untimely in April. This doesn't help a team with the third worst American League ERA (4.60). Robinson Cano (.169), Jason Giambi (.109), Johnny Damon (.215) and Jorge Posada's sore shoulder have disrupted what should have been one of the best AL lineups 1 thru 9.

It's going to be a long year in NY (All World All Sports previously predicted 3rd place finish). Get used to a new Boss screaming and making headlines as a new Bronx Zoo chapter is written. This is historic Yankee Stadium's final season... not quite the send off New Yorkers had in mind.

by Digger

This was a great weekend for sports fans who thrive on multiple non-stop televised action. A true sports smorgasbord with eye popping results. Making headlines were Danica Patrick, Lorena Ochoa, Boo's at Hilton Head, Joe Calzaghe Punches to Light Heavyweight Crown, David Ferrer Serves Valencia, Mets vs Phillies, NBA Playoffs, NHL Playoffs, Olympic Football/Soccer Seedings and NFL Draft rumors heating up.

Top news honors belongs to hard driving and sexy Danica Patrick who made history becoming the first woman ever to win an open-wheel race (Indy Japan 300). Danica has been a strong competitor since entering the racing world back in 2005. Leading up to Indy Japan 300, she had 8 top 5 finishes and 26 top 10's in 47 career starts totaling over $3.2M (US). Three cheers Danica, hope to see you winning many more races!

Another big news item this weekend was Lorena Ochoa's fourth consecutive LGPA title by winning the Ginn Open at Reunion Resort and Club. The worlds #1 bested the field by three strokes and became the first player in seven years to record four straight (6th win of '08, 10th in last 15, 22 in career). Ochoa showed nerves of steel as she was challenged often throughout the tourney. She's riding a high and has a bright future.

If you're a fantasy sports player, this time of year leaves no rest for computer strained eyes and multiple scoreboard checks. Plenty of competitive basic and money leagues featured managers jockeying lineups on all of the major sports. NBA playoffs were hotly contested. NHL playoffs rolled along. And, there was plenty of baseball news including Frank "Big Hurt" Thomas being released by Toronto Blue Jays' brass one season after leading his former club with 27 round trippers. Tom Glavine (1st time in 22 seasons) and MVP Jimmy Rollins found their names added to an ever growing MLB disabled list. Yankee Stadium hosted the Pope. NFL was the only major sport missing this weekend. Have no fear, NFL teams have been busy evaluating future rookies while searching for stars ahead of next weekend's 2008 draft (scout your hometown team needs on All World All Sports Sports Sections from around the World).

Plenty more action will be featured this week. Visit All World All Sports for all the latest action, headlines and links to your favorite events.

by Digger

NBA Playoff Seedings

Will this be the season Boston and Los Angeles return to NBA Finals glory? Russell, Havlicek, Bird, McHale, Kareem, Magic, Baylor, West were just a few Hall of Fame headliners from former Championship matchups. 2008 features Garnett, Pierce & Allen leading Boston. Koby, Odom & Fisher for LA.

Boston (66-16) dominated NBA play this season restoring Celtic pride to fans across New England by winning the Eastern Conference. Boston may not be challenged until reaching the Finals.

Los Angeles (57-25) won their final 4 regular season games to secure top seeding in a very tough Western Conference. LA will have a tough road as most West playoff teams are tough as nails.

Boston vs LA will have many fans reminiscing of days past.

All World All Sports Opening Round Predictions:
Eastern Conference
Boston (1) over Atlanta (8) in 4
Detroit (2) over Philly (7) in 5
Orlando (3) over Toronto (6) in 7
Washington (5) over Cleveland (4) in 6

Western Conference
Los Angeles (1) over Denver (8) in 4
Dallas (7) over New Orleans (2) in 6
San Antonio (3) over Phoenix (6) in 6
Houston (5) over Utah (4) in 6

by Digger

April 15, 1947 will go down as the day Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers forever changed the game of baseball. Today, Robinson is being honored in every major league park across our country. His #42 is the only mandatory retired uniform number in the game. Today, in honor of Jackie Robinson, over 330 players will be wearing his uniform number including the entire Los Angeles Dodgers team. Tributes and pre-game ceremonies will also mark his historic accomplishments.

The year was 1945. Brooklyn Dodgers President and visionary Branch Rickey was actively scouting Negro League players. Jackie Robinson was discovered while playing for the Kansas City Monarchs. After numerous investigative background checks Rickey and Robinson met. According to various reports, Rickey grilled Robinson to test his toughness on many levels, including how he reacted to racial taunts. On August 25, 1945 Robinson was signed to a minor contract. After a stellar season in Montreal it was soon announced he would be promoted to the major league Dodgers club as the first African American baseball player.

Mixed reactions within our country soon followed. Segregation and racial discrimination were very much alive and kicking in those days. Robinson soon received numerous death threats. Often times being treated as less then human when refused admission to restaurants and hotels while enduring racial epitpths directed at his family and culture. There were a few Brooklyn players who protested Robinson's signing. Branch Rickey laid down the law stating Jackie was here to stay. Rickey had also made clear to Robinson, how he wanted a player strong enough to handle the harsh treatment JR would receive as the leagues first African American player. Robinson responded admirably while enduring harsh reactions early in his career.

None of us could possibly fathom what it was like for Mr. Robinson. Enduring hate mail day after day, crowd jeers, racial divide, teammates not associating with him etc. It was a much different world in those days. And thru it all Jackie excelled (see Robinson's Major League stats from www.baseball-reference.com) Perhaps it was his excellence on the baseball diamond which finally won over most of his team, fans, and respect by Americans. Jackie was a star and top rate human being.

His first season was a smashing success as he was named Rookie of the Year while helping his Dodgers capture the National League Pennant. In 1949, he was selected Most Valuable Player as he won batting title honors with a .342 average. Robinson's Dodgers played in six World Series during his ten year career. He quickly became an American hero and offered hope to many young African American players around our country.

Robinson paved the way for future African American athletes... and perhaps too... players of all denominations. April 15th will always be honored each season by Major League Baseball and rightfully so. Integration into sports and the American way of life was long overdue by 1947. Racism is a stain on our great country which never should have happened. We are all created as equals ... yet, something happened along the way in our nation a very long time ago which created deep rooted hatred of our fellow man. It took many years for racial divides to be overcome and in some walks of life racism still exists today.

Jackie Robinson Day should be viewed for more than just breaking the color barrier in baseball. He should be honored for opening eyes of society, paving the way for future generations, and for what great men are made of by overcoming adversity while striving for success.

All World All Sports Home Page

by Digger

Curse of the Bambino... meet the attempted curse of a construction worker.

New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox represent one of the greatest rivalries in the history of sports. From curses to improbable comebacks, these teams have seen and played thru it all. For years Red Sox fans had dealt with tragic losses which had left the city of Boston in tears. It all began with "the trade" of Babe Ruth to New York before the 1920 season which famously began years of near misses and sorrowful defeats while playing in the shadow of New York, their players, and their fans. The Sox had knocked on the door of success many times only for the door to slam shut in their faces.

1967, 1975, 1978, 1986, 2003 are all seasons needing no description to Bostonians.

Then in 2004, "The Curse" was finally lifted. Chants in Yankee Stadium of "1918" would be heard no more. The Yanks had the Red Sox one out away from a playoff sweep... and then... a miraculous comeback changed Red Sox history. Trailing 3 games to 0, with two outs, the Sox rallied off New York's star closing pitcher Mariano Rivera to win game 4. Then, three more victories paved a road to the 2004 World Series Championship. Boston proved this was no fluke by winning their second title in four years last season.

New York is about to begin a new chapter in their illustrious history. 2008 will be their last year in "The House that Ruth built." A new Yankee Stadium is currently being contructed.

A new twist to this fierce rivalry was unveiled on Saturday. One of the construction workers assisting in building the new Yankee Stadium is a Red Sox fan who buried a David Ortiz #34 Red Sox jersey in concrete located in a corridor behind what is soon to be a restaurant. After Yankees officials received tips of what happened, their crews were able to retrieve Ortiz jersey buried under 2 feet of concrete.

It was a not so clever move by a Red Sox fan who ironically was part of building the new Yankee Stadium. He obviously bragged of what he was trying to do.... loose lips sink ships. Hopefully, for Yankees players and fans, a better move was completed by anonymous fellow workers who reported the plant.

Baseball is filled with folk lore and suggested curses. The rivalry between players, owners and fans is extremely intense and at times filled with hatred on and off the field. Could you imagine how this would have played out in years to come if this worker was able to keep his trap shut? I could just picture it now. Suppose the Yanks entered a cold spell of not reaching the playoffs or playoff collapses... and then the story came out. Follow it up with the Steinbrenner clan ordering workers to search and destroy without knowing where to begin searching.

Yankees brass made a good move once Ortiz jersey was found. It will be sent to the Jimmy Fund (a charity affiliated with Boston's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute) with hopes of it being auctioned off with proceeds donated.

by Digger

Touted as "Journey of Harmony", this years Olympic torch relay has been quite the contrary. Protests have followed torchbearers from country to country. Citizens from around the world are demonstrating against host country China and their human rights issues including recent violence against Tibet. The path of the torch, originally scheduled for a record 85,100 mile (137,000 km) journey, has often been changed to avoid massive protesting crowds.

Chaotic protests nearing riot potential followed the torch as it passed through Paris and London. This public displays, numbering in the thousands, created serious security concerning for bearers and citizens in general. The torch was subsequently rerouted to avoid further chaos.

Extremely heavy security was added in San Francisco (USA's only city represented). As with in Paris and London, security concerns led to the torch being detoured and promptly flown out of the country. Thousands of bonified fans who had been anxiously awaiting their moment in Olympic history weren't informed until hours later. San Francisco hosted protesting groups for pro-China, pro-Tibet and pro-Civil Rights. Bus loads ranging from small groups to large masses arrived during pre-dawn hours and often had to be separated by authorities when possible. The City of San Francisco had awarded side-by-side permits and it's a wonder a full scale out of control riot didn't take hold. Luckily for everyone, aside from shouting and a few isolated incidents, calmness from violence prevailed.

The International Olympic Committee has recently huddled to field a plan on how to handle this emerging crisis as more world wide protests will certainly follow in scheduled torchbearing cities. Heads of State have been pressured by various groups and state representatives to boycott the official opening ceremony in China. Here in the U.S., it is expected to become a political hot potato. Wanna-be candidates will stand before microphones while our current Commander in Chief walks a fine line to keep international relations with China strong amist an ever growing world wide protests.

China's human rights atrocities are too numerous to list in detail here. For a brief overview, click on this link "Human rights in the People's Republic of China" (from Wikipedia.com... may contain factual errors/ommissions). With this in mind, it is amazing how the International Olympic Committee found it fit to award China as host of the worlds greatest games. It is a true shame and disservice to what the Olympic tradition is intended to represent. Demonstrations will undoubtably steal the spotlight from thousands of athletes who have trained a lifetime to honor their home countries by competing in this grand competition.

by Digger

All World All Sports continues our NHL Quarterfinal Playoff review... The Western Conference.

(1) Detroit Red Wings vs (8) Nashville Predators
Detroit finished up 2007/08 as the NHL's best team (54-21-7, 115 pts) and seem locked in for another run at Lord Stanley. Standing in their way, Nashville. The Predators played inspired hockey vs Detroit this season and promise to do the same during this early round. Detroit won the season series 5 games to 3 ... with two of those games needing OT. Wings biggest decision is which red hot goalies opens in Game 1, Osgood or Hasek?
Leaders: Detroit - Pavil Datsyuk 31 goals, 97 points. Chris Osgood 27-9-4, 2.09 / Dominik Hasek 27-10-3, 2.14
Nashville: Jason Arnott 28 goals, 72 points / J.P. Doumit 29 goals, 72 points. Dan Ellis 23-10-3, 2.34

Wings fly in 5.

(2) San Jose Sharks vs (7) Calgary Flames
Calgary edged out San Jose 3 close games to 1 this season. Will they continue to enjoy roasted Sharks? The untold story here is both teams net minders are burnt out. Mikka Kiprusoff played 76 games for Calgary, Evgeni Nabokov 77 for San Jose. This must be a serious concern heading into post season play. The upside, both goalies have been stretched to the max.
Leaders: San Jose - Joe Thornton 29 goals, 96 points. Evgeni Nabokov 46-21-8, 2.14
Calgary - Jeromoe Iginla 50 goals, 98 points. Mikka Kiprusoff 39-26-10, 2.69

Flames torch Sharks in 6.

(3) Minnesota Wild vs (6) Colorado Avalanche
Minnesota Wild should be thankful they're not playing the Colorado team of old. On paper, Minnesota should dominate play. Yet, these teams played tight against each other all season long (Wild 5-3). Home ice will be a major factor in this series. During the regular season Minnesota's PP on both sides outplayed Colorado's. Wipe the stats clean now, but having a powerplay edge and a hotter netminder will be tough to defeat.
Leaders: Minnesota - Marion Gaborik 42 goals, 83 points. Niklas Backstrom 33-13-8, 2.31
Colorado - Paul Statsny 34 goals, 71 points. Jose Theodore 28-21-3, 2.44

Minnesota in 5.

(4) Anaheim Ducks vs (5) Dallas Stars
Winners of the regular season series 5-3, Dallas is hungry for Duck. This is a pretty even matchup. Both teams lack true goal scorers. Both squads play team oriented games. This series will be decided at the blue line and by which team makes fewer mistakes. Both arena's will be rockin'.

Leaders: Anaheim - Ryan Getzlaf 24 goals, 82 points. Jean-Sabastien Giguere 35-17-6, 2.12
Dallas - Mike Ribeiro 27 goals, 83 points. Marty Turco 32-21-6, 2.31

Stars shine in 7.

Be sure to click onto All World All Sports for the latest sports news and links to sports from around the world.

by Digger

The NHL 2008 Stanley Cup seedings are locked and loaded. All World All Sports breaks down Eastern Conference matchups in our first round of our inaugural playoff predictions.

Eastern Conference Quaterfinals

(1) Montreal Canadiens vs (8) Boston Bruins
Montreal swept the regular season series 8 games to 0. No reason to believe Boston will pull off a miraculous upset as the Canadiens won six of these games by no less than two goals.
Leaders: Montreal - Alexi Kovalev 35 goals, 84 points. Casey Price 24-12-3 2.56
Boston - Marc Savard 15 goals, 78 points. Tim Thomas 28-19-6 2.44

Boston is overmatched. Canadiens win in 5.

(2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs (7) Ottawa Senators
Ottawa triumphed over Pittsburgh three times in four games with two being decided after regulation. These teams will do battle each game from the drop of the puck. Pittsburgh is a team on a mission. Question is which goalie will get the nod?
Leaders: Pittsburgh - Evegin Malkin 47 goals, 106 points. Marc-Andre Fleury 19-10-2 2.33
Ottawa - Jason Spezza 34 goals, 92 points. Martin Gerber 30-18-4 2.72

Penguins win in 6.

(3) Washington Capitals vs (6) Philadelphia Flyers
These two teams split their season series 2-2 in tough contests. This opening round matchup will be filled with heavy hits and fierce competition. Penalties could make the difference in this matchup if tempers flare. Kolzig started all 4 regular seasoners vs Philly. Huet had a much better season and needs to mind the nets.
Leaders: Washington - Alex Ovachkin 65 goals, 112 points. Olie Kolzig 25-21-6 2.91, Christobal Huet 32-14-6 2.32
Philadelphia - Mike Richards 28 goals, 75 points. Martin Biron 30-20-9 2.59

This series will be decided in seven grueling games. Capitals advance in 7.

(4) New Jersey Devils vs (5) New York Rangers
New Jersey vs New York could very well be the most intense rivalry currently running in the NHL. The Devils prevailed with home ice advantage by winning this seasons final game vs NY after the Rangers won their previous seven head to head matchups. Three games were decided by shootouts, another by overtime. Both teams have storied playoff histories. When it comes to playoff hockey, very few have been better in goal than New Jersey's Martin Brodeur. Each game will be epic battles.
Leaders: New Jersey - Zach Parise 32 goals, 65 points. Martin Brodeur 44-27-6 2.17
New York - Jaromir Jagr 25 goals, 71 points. Henrick Lundqvist 37-24-10 2.23

This series goes the distance. Devils in 7.

Stay tuned for Western Conference Quarterfinal predictions....

Tune into ALL WORLD ALL SPORTS for the latest sports headlines and links to sports from around the world.

by Digger

The Knicks ownership led by James Dolan has endured enough losing seasons to finally make a bold front office decision. Donnie Walsh has been hired (4/2/08) as President of Basketball Operations in an attempt to save a sinking franchise. Walsh was one of the major architects of the Indiana Pacers rise to elite status and will be counted on to save a storied franchise which has hit rock bottom.

One of his first orders of business will be to make a decision quickly regarding the status of Isiah Thomas as Knicks head coach. Thomas has been nothing short of a train wreck during his tenure with the Knicks. Poor personnel choices to losing respect from his players and next to zero admiration by Madison Square Garden faithful who shell out top dollar for tickets.

The Knicks were one of the NBA's fiercest and feistiest teams during the 1990's and early 00's. Lately, they've been the joke of the town failing to make the NBA Playoffs in six out of seven seasons. Since the 2005-06 season, the lowly Knickerbockers have a horrid 76-163 (.318) record. James Dolan is a serious competitor and he must be sick to his stomach as this team has fallen to depths most fans could never imagine. Heavy duty changes will be expected and all players are officially on notice.

Madison Square Garden hosted many tremendous Knicks teams and superstars. Led by elite coaches Joe Lapchick (3 Finals appearances), Red Holzman (2 time Champion), Pat Riley (1 Final, former star coach of LA Lakers) and miracle worker Jeff Van Gundy. All directed teams filled with crowd pleasing star performers: Walt "Clyde" Frazier, Willis Reed, Dave DeBusschere, Patrick Ewing, Bernard King, Richie Guerin, Walt Bellamy, Bill Bradley, Earl "Pearl" Monroe, Charles Oakley.

Recent Knicks teams have lacked leadership and and off the court. Mini soap opera's have made headlines more than spirited team play. This squad is longing cohesive chemistry and New York has had enough bickering and side show drama. Mr. Dolan has brought in a proven builder of success by way of Walsh.

Walsh's first order of business will be to can Isiah and find a suitable team oriented head coach, quickly! Next in line will be to find a big man to dominate the inside lanes. Whether this player comes to NY via free agency, trade or draft will be left to the new boss in town. However it's done, this team needs a complete overhaul. No more wasting money on lucrative contracts for players who don't perform... or those who moan about playing and practicing. The Marbury's, Sprewell's and Houston's of the world were showered with big contracts which rewarded intolerable attitudes and selfish style ball playing.

Times will be changing in New York. Better late than never.

by Digger

The lost art of Stickball. Once upon a time, stickball was one of the most popular street games ever to be played. There were various forms of this pickup game made famous dating back to the early 20th century. Many baseball players used to speak of playing stickball as kids growing up within inner city limits.

When played on city streets, the most popular version of the game was to pitch a rubber ball on a bounce. A man hole cover symbolized home plate. The batter would whack it hard as he could. Nearly everything was in play from cars to newpaper stands. Only the buildings represented foul territory. In street games, sometimes it was played by fungo instead of live pitching. Some of baseball's most famous players used to play including Willie Mays. One of the features which made stickball so great was only a couple of players were needed.

For the fast pitch game which I grew up playing, we'd find a school yard and etch a chaulk box on an exterior wall representing a strike zone. We'd then designate distance lines from the box. Anything hit past the pitcher was a single, past a 2nd line a double, 3rd line triple and into the woods on a fly was a home run.

These pickup games were great fun. There were always kids coming to play in days of old. Everyone wanted a turn. In my father's day, bounce pitch was most popular (city ball). Rivalries from neighbourhood to neighbourhood intensified each week. In the 30's and 40's, it was ethnic or racial teams squaring off (neighbourhoods weren't as diverse as now). After school in the spring or when kids were looking for something to do in the summer, the streets would be lined with kids looking to play or jeering against kids from other neighbourhoods.

It's a lost art in today's world. Neighbourhoods are so diversified and with technology ruling the day... stickball has long been forgotten or non-existent to kids in today's world. Not to diehards like myself. There's still a box etched onto the back of my old schoolyard wall. Those were some of the best games. Some even better than little league games. Power pitchers dominated and sometimes power hitters ended games early after crushing the ball too deep to retrieve from the woods. Stickball bats were plentiful to find in local toy stores or made from broom handles. Ah, those were the days.

When searching the internet, one can find stickball leagues but they're few and far between. In days of old, driving down New York City streets would often interrupt games. It's very rare to accidentally stumble onto a game in progress in today's world. Never once played a game outside of the Northeast while living in Florida or Dallas. Now that I think of it, I don't ever remember seeing a strike zone box chaulked onto school walls.

My last game played was to be a one on one game. My friend and I headed to our old stomping grounds school for a heads up match. We ran into a group of teens playing who quickly challenged us "old men". We schooled them before our arms fell off after completing 4 innings. Gasping for air, we called it quits and enjoyed our final victory.

I've been quite surprised to learn the game hasn't been popular on college campuses. It's such an easy game to organize. Perhaps it's time to revive one of America's oldest games.