MLB Schedule July 27, 2013

Tampa Bay
NY Yankees
1:05pm ET

Houston
Toronto
1:07pm ET

St. Louis
Atlanta
3:05pm ET

LA Angels
Oakland
3:05pm ET

NY Mets
Washington
3:05pm ET

Minnesota
Seattle
4:10pm ET

Boston
Baltimore
7:05pm ET

Texas
Cleveland
7:05pm ET

Philadelphia
Detroit
7:08pm ET

Pittsburgh
Miami
7:10pm ET

Kansas City
Chi White Sox
7:10pm ET

Milwaukee
Colorado
8:10pm ET

San Diego
Arizona
8:10pm ET

Chi Cubs
San Francisco
9:05pm ET

Cincinnati
LA Dodgers
9:10pm ET

Ryan Braun Will Never Be The Same Again

Ryan Braun could have done things a lot different, and probably the easiest one is to tell the truth. Braun went from a hall of fame career to a player that players and fans despise. It is a shame that he could not just be honest and tell the truth. More and more people are getting fed up with the PED use in Major League Baseball and I cannot say I blame them. It has ruined the game that people love and Braun has become another casualty along the way. Most MLB players do it the right way, but many guys like Braun cheat only to get caught down the road.  Where does this leave Major League Baseball these days?

The truth is many people have been turned off by all the PED use in baseball. The sad part is I do not think we have reached the end of the suspensions or the PED use in MLB. Players will continue to use them until we get serious about banishment for life. I know that seems like a harsh penalty, but sometimes that is what is needed. Players make so much money a fine or suspension to them is a slap on the wrist.  I guess the only thing that will work is a lifetime ban no matter how tough that may seem. I wish we had not reached this point, but we have it seems. Baseball will recover from this, but it will take a very long time for this to happen. Let’s hope as baseball fans we do not have to see to many more cases like Ryan Braun’s.

Dwight Howard Bolts To Houston No Real Surprise

Dwight Howard is headed to Houston which should be no surprise to anyone. Howard is finalizing a deal with the Rockets which should get done in the near future. Many people thought he would go back to the Lakers, but I knew that would never happen as it's not in Howard's DNA to take criticism from others or fans. Howard could not handle the pressure that comes along with playing in Los Angeles. The other aspect he did not want to play second fiddle to Kobe Bryant.

The Houston Rockets now must figure out how to use Dwight Howard and get the most from him. Two teams have not been able to figure that out, so good luck with that Houston. Howard can be selfish at times and not a team player. Getting it all to work with him has been tough. It will be interesting to see how well Howard plays in Houston. I do know one thing though Kobe Bryant probably will enjoy playing against Howard. Bryant never forgets and he is probably not happy about how Dwight spurned his offer of help.

Kobe Bryant Pulls No Punches In Talk To Howard

Kobe Bryant job was to help in the recruitment process of Dwight Howard, but to his credit he pulled no punches with Howard. Bryant has always been blunt and he told Dwight Howard what was on his mind and depending on how he took it will determine if he is a Laker this season. Kobe told Dwight I can teach you to be a champion, but you must learn and listen to what I'm trying to show you. Those are powerful words as Kobe Bryant has multiple championships and knows what it takes to be called a champion. How did Dwight Howard take it?

Now Dwight Howard has been immature much of his career, so how he took those statements from Kobe Bryant is anyone's guess. I do know Kobe is a player that means what he tells people and he was being honest with Dwight Howard. Maybe that is what Dwight Howard needs to take his game to the next level and be an elite player you can depend on. If one player can teach him about winning it is Kobe Bryant. He knows what it takes and has sacrifice to do it. Soon we will find out if Kobe Bryant persuaded Howard enough to return as a Laker.

Was Brad Stevens The Right Choice For The Celtics?

The Boston Celtics pretty much shocked everybody with the hiring of Brad Stevens as there new basketball coach. I will be the first to admit I never seen this coming and would never have guessed the Celtics and Danny Ainge would go in this direction. It goes to show you that you just do not know what GM's are thinking these days. Will Brad Stevens be a good fit in Boston?

I've thought a lot about this hire and in some ways it makes sense and other ways it does not. I think the bottom line with this coach will be Rajon Rondo and how he takes to his new coach. Stevens is a guy who knows how to win and will want his players to do it his way. How receptive will Rajon Rondo be to how he coaches. In the end, I think Stevens success or lack of it will be on how well him and Rondo get along. If they mess it could be a long career for Stevens at Boston. Now on the other hand if they do not it could be a short tenure in the NBA.

Is Dwight Howard Really Worth The Hassles?

It seems five or six teams are in the running to sign Dwight Howard for the upcoming season. My question is do you really want to deal with the hassles by signing him. I will admit that Howard does have talent, but talent alone does not guarantee you an NBA Championship. Dwight Howard has been with two teams and neither was a smooth road for him. I have lost count on how many times he threw his teammates under the bus, or the times he did not give a full effort on the court.

Dwight Howard could go down as one of the best big men ever, but I do not think it will play out that way. He does not understand it's about the team first and not him. Teams that want to sign him should beware of the baggage that comes along with him. If they do then they will not sign him. Maybe with the right coach and system Dwight Howard could equal his promise, but right now I do not see that anytime soon.

Whats Next For The Boston Celtics And Their Fans?

The Boston Celtics lost Doc Rivers to the Los Angeles Clippers and have traded Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to the Brooklyn Nets. What is left for the Celtics to do now? Rajon Rondo is all they have left of their past glory. Will Rondo stay with the Celtics or seek a trade? I just do not see Rondo staying with the Boston Celtics in this rebuilding phase. I look for him to ask to be traded as he is not a player who likes to lose and right now that is what the Celtics will be doing this coming year.

I look for the Boston Celtics to try and make Rondo happy, but in the end it could be a lost cause for them. Look for the Celtics probably be forced to trade him and rebuild from the bottom up. Rondo does have value, but that will not be until he is healthy. Only time will tell how this works out for the Boston Celtics and Rondo. If Boston builds a winner quickly these trades will be embraced quickly. If it's an epic failure Danny Ainge will hear about it that's for sure.

What Is Next For Kevin Garnett And Paul Pierce After Doc's Depature

Now that Doc Rivers has a new team to coach where does this leave Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. Garnett and Pierce are two players that has really improved under Doc Rivers and there days as Celtics players could be numbered. Pierce has a big contract and trade talks with other teams could see Pierce leaving the Celtics. Kevin Garnett would love to play for Doc Rivers again, so that is a possibility as well.

If I was a betting man I would say before the season starts we could see both players on the move. Rumors have Pierce could become a Cavalier as they have offered two picks for him. Garnett could meet up with Doc in Los Angeles as well. Either way look for the Boston Celtics to look a lot different this coming Season. It's a sad way for the Big three to go, but that is where we could be headed that's for sure.

Lebron James Has Come A Long Way Since The Decision

Lebron James sure has come a long way since his fateful The Decision press conference. He now has won some NBA championships and even changed the way he is perceived by many people. James has really grown as a person and a player. He is getting better every year and that will continue for the next few years. Will he be able to pass Michael Jordan as the best ever?

For Lebron James he will always be chasing Michael Jordan just like every other player. Trying to be like Mike is just too tough. James is doing the right thing by being himself and delveloping his own game. The more James refines his game the better off he will be. James can do anything on the basketball court and the sky is the limit for.him. The key for him is to stay grounded and be the person he is right now. If he does that he will have a very successful NBA career.

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Should The Celtics Consider Trading Rajon Rondo Now?

It seems by the various reports Rajon Rondo and Doc Rivers had an altercation in a team meeting. Of course we do not know that to be fact, but various reports have indicated that is what happen. Ray Allen and Rondo also were not on the best of terms as well. I guess Rondo just does not get along well with others at least on the Celtics it seems. Doc Rivers probably will not be back as a Celtics coach unless Boston makes some moves. Would Boston consider moving Rajon Rondo?

Now if I was the Boston Celtics I would definetly consider moving him right now. Yes, he is one of the better point guards, but the Celtics have proven they can win without him. maybe it is time to cut the ties with Rondo and see what you can get for him on the open market. If I was Boston I think right now is the perfect time to try and move him. Many times you wait to long to move someone I hope the Celtics do not make this mistake. It's time to move Rondo and go from there as the Celtics need a good coach and losing Doc Rivers is something I don't think they want to do.

Doc Rivers Is He Worth All The Attention He's Getting

One of the interesting stories this playoff season has been Doc Rivers and the pursuit of him by other NBA teams. It seems Rivers is not sure if he wants to coach the Boston Celtics anymore, or if it is time to move on or just retire. The Boston Celtics probably would love to have him back, but since they did enter some trade talk with the Clippers it seems highly unlikely he will return to the Celtics bench this coming season.

Why is Doc Rivers being pursued by other teams? It's really pretty simple he is a winner and knows how to get the most from his players. He gets his players to buy into what he is doing and that is rare in the NBA these days. When your dealing with a lot of egos it seems Doc Rivers knows how to push all the right buttons. Finding an NBA coach that can do that is very hard and Rivers will be sought after in the off-season, but who gets him could be any one's guess. The one thing we do know whoever does, will get one hell of a coach that's for sure.

What Does This Championship Mean To Lebron James Legacy?

Many people have asked me what will this win do for Lebron James legacy and I come to the conclusion not really a lot. James is a polarizing figure that people stand on one side of the fence or the other. The bottom line is you either love King James or you hate him. Many people want to compare him to Michael Jordan and that really is not a fair comparison. Jordan never lost an NBA Finals and King James has lost one already. Secondly, not to take anything away from the Heat and James accomplishment, but in reality besides Indiana there really is not very many good teams in the Eastern Conference.

Lebron James legacy will be define from this moment forward. If he wins back to back to back Championships that will cement his legacy. Even the haters cannot doubt his talent or desire to win at all costs. I think James is a great talent, but not in the same class as a Michael Jordan. Comparing eras is just too tough. Enjoy Lebron James for what he is one of the best in the game of basketball today. In time his legacy will be decided, not on two championship though it just does not work that way.

Lebron James Needs To Step Up In Game 6 Or It's Over For The Heat

Now don't get me wrong Lebron James has had some decent games in the NBA Finals, but you need more from the best guy on your team. Michael Jordan would always find a way to get a win for his team. James has not learned how to do this just yet. In James defense he does not have any player like Scottie Pippen on the team to help you. Yes, Dwayne Wade and Bosh is good, but none are a Scottie Pippen. James has been left on an island to do everything and that can be overwhelming to say the least.

Now that the NBA Finals have reached a Game 6 and the Miami Heat needing a win all the pressure will be place on Lebron James shoulders. If he gets the win they will hail him a good leader that did his job. If he happens to lose he could forever be tagged as a guy without a killer instinct. The ball is in Lebron James court and it will be interesting to see how well he plays in Game 6 and if his team comes away with the win.