Heavy at the Top - The SFB Podcast (2/27/2011).....

The Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks trade this week just added strength to the top third of the NBA and has really set the balance of the league on it side. While some think it is good for the league to only have a few elite teams in the big markets, I think it is a recipe for disaster. With a CBA battle on the horizon, I look at why these type of moves are not good for the league and what they could do to rectify it. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: February 27, 2011 (right click to "save as target")
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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

More NFL Craziness - The SFB Podcast (10/27/2010).....

This NFL season has been as confusing as any I can remember and I am not sure if it we will see "normal" this year, or maybe this craziness is this year's "normal". The Ravens needing overtime to beat the winless Bills and giving up 30+ points in the process, while in New Orleans, the Saints lost to the Browns. I'll take a look back at week 7 and a glance forward at week 8.

Plus tonight is Game 1 of the World Series between the Rangers and Giants. Also, the NBA season got under way last night and we already know the Heat will not go undefeated. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: October 27, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Finally to 600 - The SFB Podcast (8/4/2010).....

Alex Rodriguez finally hit home run #600, but like that tree in the forest, it seems like nobody heard it. Well now that Rodriguez's pursuit of 600 is done, we can concentrate on the important news, like Brett Favre (kidding). Meanwhile, by the end of the day, the Texas Rangers should have their ownership questions answered, with either Nolan Ryan or Mark Cuban being the new face of that ownership. Plus, Shaquille O'Neal joins the Celtics, the NBA announces some of their marquee regular season games and Mike Modano joins the Red Wings. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: August 4, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

A Laker Layup - The SFB Podcast (6/16/2010).....

It was awfully easy for the Lakers to dispatch of the Celtics in Game 6 and force the finals to a seventh and deciding game. Does the blowout win carry the Lakers forward for Game 7 or can the Celtics pick themselves up after this hard knockdown? I'll look back at Game 6 and forward to Game 7 in this classic NBA rivalry. Plus Tom Izzo stays at MSU and the US Open starts Thursday at Pebble Beach. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: June 16, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Texas saves the Big 12 (for now) - The SFB Podcast (6/15/2010).....

The collapse of the Big 12 was saved by one of their own when Texas decided to stay with the conference, but at what cost to the rest of the conference teams? Plus USC catches a little bit of a break by this news. Group stage World Cup games are taking place and the NBA season could end tonight in Los Angeles. Plus there sure are many unhappy football players early in June and the New York Jets' owner has to back off a prior promise. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: June 15, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Bzzzzz - The SFB Podcast (6/14/2010).....

Guess it makes sense that The SportsFan "Buzz" has no problem with the sound coming from South Africa and the vuvuzelas during the World Cup. The first weekend of the tournament is in the books and besides the "buzz" about the vuvuzelas, the talk is about the USA's 1-1 draw against England in their first World Cup meeting since 1950. Here in the states, the Boston Celtics are one game away from claiming the NBA title, but must win one more game in Los Angeles to do so after their Game 5 win last night in Boston. Kobe Bryant had a monster game for the Lakers, but can't do it all by himself. Plus, some more fallout from USC's troubles. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: June 14, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Blackhawks are Champs - The SFB Podcast (6/11/2010).....

Mike is happy because the Blackhawks are NHL Champions. Not because he roots for Chicago, but because he no longer has to look at the players' beards. There are a ton of sports headlines that could have "lead SportsCenter" this past week and Mike is here to discuss with me in this two part podcast. First we discuss John Wooden, Tom Izzo, the Blackhawks winning the Stanley Cup, USC's troubles and the NCAA conference swaps.  In part two we look at the World Cup, the NFL, the possible new name of the Jets/Giants stadium, and MLB news, including the great debut by Stephen Strasburg. Enjoy.

Mike on Twitter

The SportsFan Buzz: June 11, 2010 - Part A (right click to "save as target)
The SportsFan Buzz: June 11, 2010 - Part B (right click to "save as target)

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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Almost Perfect - The SFB Podcast (6/3/2010).....

Armando Galarraga was perfect, but in the end he technically wasn't, as umpire Jim Joyce called Jason Donald safe, thus denying Galarraga the 21st perfect game in MLB history and setting off a firestorm of "baseball needs replay" chants from all corners of the sports universe. Also, many are calling for Commissioner Bud Selig to overturn the original safe call. Talk about over-reaction. I'll look at this, preview the Celtics / Lakers NBA Finals and look at the Blackhawks / Flyers series. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: June 3, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Memorial Day Weekend - The SFB Podcast (5/31/2010).....

After these last playoff rounds there is no debate in my mind as to who is currently the best NBA player. Plus much to cover on the holiday weekend as the Lakers finish off the Suns, The Indy 500 race is run, the NHL kicks off the Stanley Cup Finals with an extremely entertaining Game 1, and we have another pitcher throw a perfect game in the Major Leagues. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: May 31, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Celtics in NBA Finals - The SFB Podcast (5/29/2010).....

The Celtics put away the Magic to gain a spot in the NBA Finals and await the Suns / Lakers winner to see where they will travel to start the pursuit of their 18th NBA championship on Thursday night. Meanwhile, Game 5 hero, Ron Artest couldn't keep the good things going and got into a little trouble with his mouth and tardiness. Plus, I correct an error from yesterday's podcast and the NHL outdoor games and look ahead to tonight's Game 1 between the Flyers and Blackhawks. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: May 29, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NBA Playoffs & Stanley Cup Preview - The SFB Podcast (5/28/2010).....

The NHL Stanley Cup Finals start tomorrow night as the Philadelphia Flyers face the Chicago Blackhawks. It has been a while for both teams since they last sipped from the Cup. Will the Flyers keep this improbable playoff run going and win their first title since 1975 or will the Blackhawks bring the hardware back to Chicago for the first time since 1961?

Plus, what started out as a dull NBA Conference Championship round is now anything but, as both series head to pivital Games 6s after entertaining Game 5s. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: May 28, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Broad Street Champs - The SFB Podcast (5/25/2010).....

The Philadelphia Flyers took care of the Montreal Canadiens to win the Eastern Conference and now will face the Chicago Blackhawks for the Stanley Cup starting Saturday night in Chicago. Meanwhile in Boston, the Celtics lost their chance to sweep away the Orlando Magic by falling in overtime behind a great game from the Magic's Dwight Howard. Also, the Bulls might be courting Phil Jackson for a return to Chicago and John Fogerty makes the Hall of Fame. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: May 25, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Celtics/Lakers: Like Old Times - The SFB Podcast (5/20/2010).....

The Lakers took care of the Suns again last night and along with the first two games in the Celtics / Magic series seems to have the NBA pointing to another Laker-Celtic championship round. Taking a look at these two teams brings back memories of the great rivalry they had in the 1980s.

Over in the NHL playoffs, the Flyers and Blackhawks have taken 2-0 leads in each their series and seem to have control of each series. What will San Jose and Montreal need to do in order to make these competetive matchups?

Plus, the Hanley Ramirez situation is over, for now, but not before some Hall of Famers took him to task. Also, the NBA draft lottery, Brandon Marshall suprises the Dolphins by needing hip surgery, and Floyd Landis finally admits to taking enhancements when he won the Tour de France, but not before trying to take others down with him.

The SportsFan Buzz: May 20, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

The SportsFan Buzz Podcast (5/18/2010).....

The NBA & NHL Conference Finals are only one game old, but there was plenty of action in these first games. The Lakers and Celtics looked like they want to renew their rivalry, but the Suns and Magic will have something to say about it. Also, the Blackhawks and Sharks looks like a great series, while maybe the Flyers are "destined" after their comeback over the Bruins. Plus, trouble for the Florida Marlins and Seattle is a miserable sports city (so says a Forbes article). Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: May 18, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

The SportsFan Buzz Podcast (5/16/2010).....

It is NHL & NBA Playoff time and once again the NHL is proving it has the best playoffs in all of sports. Mike joins me to discuss those playoffs, plus a Super Bowl in New York, but maybe not the NFL Draft. Also, we check out the baseball season after 6 weeks. Enjoy.

Mike on Twitter

The SportsFan Buzz: May 16, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

The SportsFan Buzz Podcast (5/13/2010).....

The NHL's version of "David" in these 2010 playoffs, the Montreal Canadiens, have beaten their second straight "Goliath" in the defending Stanley Cup Champions Pittsburgh Penguins, one round after beating the President's Trophy winner, Washington Capitals. Can "Le Habs" keep it going all the way to the Stanley Cups Finals? Also, LeBron's time in Cleveland and I defend Tiger Woods from a "quitter" accusation. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: May 13, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NBA Playoff preview - The SportsFan Buzz Podcast (4/17/2010).....

A quick podcast preview of the NBA Playoffs. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: April 17, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

This & That (Monday 11/9/09).....

A Podcast of this column with an expanded take on events can be downloaded here.

The SportsFan Buzz: November 9, 2009


--- What a difference a week makes in college football. After praising Oregon for its big win over USC and how they could play with anyone in the country, they come crashing to earth with a 51-42 loss to Stanford. Add to it #4 Iowa losing to Northwestern 17-10, and you have two "National Title" dreamers awakened from their sleep.

What about Charlie Weis and Notre Dame? Losing to Navy, 23-21, for the second time in three years, and both in South Bend. Besides knocking them from a any possible BCS bowl game, it could been the final nail for Weis' time at ND. Not sure that an upset win over Pittsburgh this weekend would do anything to sooth over these wounds.

TCU moved up to fourth in the BCS standings, with Cincinnati and Boise St. sitting behind them and all three hoping that the top three (Florida, Texas and Alabama) will fall to upsets in the next week or two.

--- Normal hockey schedule this past weekend, and there were no unusual uniforms were on display. The Capitals are still playing well with Alex Ovechkin sidelined (7-1-2 in last ten games), while the hottest two teams over that same time period are the New Jersey Devils (8-2) and San Jose Sharks (8-1-1).

The biggest story coming out of the weekend was the Carolina Hurricanes losing goalie Cam Ward for the next 3-4 weeks when a skate (either Rick Nash's or one of his defensemen) accidently cut him on his upper left leg. While it looked like a "normal collision" in the crease, Ward sprawled on all fours, before trainers arrived and helped him from the ice. That was when the small pool of blood was noticeable on the ice.

This is the second time in the past three years Ward has suffered a cut. The last time came in 2007 against the New York Rangers at MSG.

With bodies flying around and players falling to the ice in corner piles, the NHL is lucky that more of these injuries do not occur on a regular basis.

--- In the NBA, The Boston Celtics are still off to their hot start at 7-1, with a point differential of 14.1 in their eight games. That is over six points better then the next best team, the Miami Heat (at 5-1), and just shows how important Kevin Garnett is to the Celtics, and how his presence greatly helps their team defense.

The Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers are pacing the Western Conference at 6-1 records.

Seems like Allen Iverson is upset with his playing time with the Memphis Grizzlies. Iverson, averaging over 12.3 a game, but playing only 22 minutes a game. Iverson, who knew he would be coming off the bench when signed by Memphis, would like more playing time. Not even ten games in and AI is already causing headaches.

--- Discussion that came up on my Facebook page. Joe Namath, Hall of Famer or overrated?

My take is that if he was playing in any other city, we would not be discussing his greatness, or lack there of. Style and charisma, and being in New York, helped boost this above-average, at best, quarterback into the superstar status.

What do you think?

--- Buccaneers are the last team to get a win as they beat the Packers 38-28. Aaron Rodgers again sacked a half dozen times in the loss. Good for Tampa Bay, as no team should go 0-16 (said same about Detroit last year). I feel sorry for the punishment Rodgers has endured this season, and there is still eight games to go. Packers need to get this settled soon, or it will be another lost season.

Excuse me Bengal fans, but is there room on your bandwagon? Cincinnati impressed in their 17-7 win over the Ravens. Cedric Benson again went over 100 yards rushing against that Baltimore defense, and the Bengals defense bothered Joe Flacco all day. I thought the defense was in trouble when they lost Antwan Odem, and they have been fine. We will see now that they lost WR Chris Henry how the offense responds, but all signs this year point to them chugging along. Up next for them will be Pittsburgh.

And yes, I like Chad Ochocinco's "bribe" attempt of the referee. While I thought he talked too much when the team was losing and he was not doing well, I do enjoy his playful antics and his having fun.

Excuse me Bear fans, but I am leaving this wagon. A 41-21 loss at home? The Bear defense was awful, plain and simple, and Tommie Harris getting ejected a minute into the game did not help. Bears problem on offense is that they need a top notch wide receiver. Kurt Warner goes from five interceptions last week, to five TD passes this week. Cardinals winning on the road, which is a turnaround from last year.

Colts hold off Texans 20-17, as Kris Brown misses a 42 yard FG to tie the game. Peyton Manning through 40 first half passes in the game, but Houston hung tough. The Texans and had the 4th quarter lead, but could not put the game away, allowing the Colts to come back and win. That is the difference between a veteran team that knows how to win, and a younger team learning how to get victories.

Vince Young and Chris Johnson lead the Titans to a 34-27 win over the 49ers. San Francisco still needs more time, but I do like the core of their offense. They just need to sure up the defense, and get a little "older". This two game winning streak is making people ask if Young can be the future of the Tennessee franchise. I say he can be as long as he has big #28 running the ball behind him.

The Saints are sloppy on offense (2 turnovers), allowed rushing yards (182), and fall behind again (down 11 at halftime) for the third week in a row, this time to Carolina, but right the ship in the second half to beat the Panthers 30-20. The New Orleans defense scored for the 7th time this season, which is one more TD then the Browns have scored all year. Next up are the Rams and Bucs, who have 2 wins combined, so a 10-0 start for the Saints is a real possibility.

The Cowboys took control of the NFC East with a 20-16 win over the Eagles. Dallas executed a few more plays, including the winning 49 yard TD pass from Tony Romo to Miles Austin, in getting a tough road win against a division rival. Neither team was able to run, but the Philadelphia being on 4 for 12 on third down, while Dallas went 7-15, was a big factor in the Eagles loss. Both teams have tough games ahead as the Cowboys go to Green Bay, while the Eagles go to the west coast to play the Chargers.

Speaking of the Chargers, they drove 80 yards in 1:46, capped off by a Philip Rivers to Vincent Jackson touchdown pass, to stun the Giants 21-20 in the Meadowlands. That is the fourth loss in a row for New York, and puts them behind the Cowboys and Eagles in the NFC East standings. The Giants picked off Rivers and returned it to the Charger 4 yard line with 3:14 to go. After a holding call on first down (a game killer), and a no gain pass after the penalty, Giant coach Tom Coughlin decided to play it safe and run Brandon Jacobs twice to force San Diego to use their timeouts, and set up a field goal that put the Giants up 20-14. Too much time for Rivers & Co. The Giants played well, but this loss will sting more then the previous three because the game was theirs for the taking.

The Giants will be off next week for their bye, along with the Texans, so we will have an almost full slate of games back in the NFL. Thank goodness, as I do not like bye weeks. Also, weekly Thursday night games start this week, when Chicago goes to San Francisco.