Macca

Ha ha ! Suppose if the Bills really wanted him and were committed then they may have felt compelled to grab him with pick 16. They may not have been confident of him being available by the time their next pick was up (pick 48?) Just a quick heads up on who supports who here (from memory) With apologies to anyone I've missed ... Philadelphia - Dappa Dan (Dappa started this thread) and 45HG Washington - jezzzza, Demon Land 7 Giants - JT9 San Francisco - QueenC, DemonDave, Titan_Uranus and Whispering Jack St Louis - condemned 84, New Age Hipster. Jets - Dr Gonzo KC - pantaloons Denver - Cards13 Minnesota - cowboy from hell, daisycutter Chicago - old dee Green Bay - DirtyDees DDC, Macca Houston and Seattle have a few fans who haven't posted for a while. I think you're the only Bengals fan, Strafford.

Packers picked up DE Datone Jones. Anyone know much about him? 'cfh', they're saying that the Vikes have done very well with your 3 picks. All ready to go?

There's so much money involved for the Indians in the IPL that they probably have no need for the much smaller money on offer in the BBL. Some of the Indian players earn close to $2,000,000 in the IPL. As for the England players, their season starts in late April / early May and they probably have to sign contracts precluding them from being available for the IPL. (although KP wants to play in the IPL. He's got a huge contract with his Indian franchise, subject to availability) For our players, that April / May period was usually a time to put the feet up. But if there's obscene amounts of money on offer, what are they to do? They are professional sportsmen. For example, Maxwell is getting $1,000,000 for a maximum of 45 hours of cricket (that's about 1 and a half Tests) He might spend 15 - 20 hours of that time sitting on the sidelines. Easy money in anyone's book. CA could pay our players not to play in the IPL but it's highly doubtful that they'd do that. Not sure they'd have enough funds anyway. It all comes down to money and that money supply keeps coming. It's not stopping anytime soon. Harris is/was on 350k for about 50 overs worth of bowling in the IPL. Ridiculous isn't it? But that's the reality. He's 33 years old and he can't play forever, so like just about anyone else, he'll most probably take the money. Faulkner is playing in the IPL this season for 400k. Our interest in the IPL (or lack of interest) is largely irrelevant. It's high stakes and the players are the commodities. The lack of down time or rest for the best cricketers has evaporated. I can just see more of the same in the future - especially if all the t20 Leagues get bigger and more widespread. There has been talk of a 2nd IPL League as well. Who knows where it will end?

The keeper at no.7 with some hard hitting at 5 and 6 (if it comes off) has a better look about it, TD. Here's how I think the 1st Test will line up (in batting order, assuming that Watson is bowling) Cowan Warner Hughes* Clarke Khawaja Watson Haddin Starc Siddle** Pattinson Lyon *Rogers might have to wait for his opportunity but I'd have him in before Hughes. ** I can't really see Siddle not playing first up but I'd start off with Harris or Bird instead.

I'm remaining unrealistically optimistic until proven otherwise! A 2-1 series win but we'll need just about everything to go our way (did everything go our way in '89? ... it seemed so) Interesting facts ... The 1st Test is at Trent Bridge where England have only beaten us twice since 1930. The 2nd Test is at Lords where we've only been beaten once by England since 1934. Re Agar. If he's our 1st choice back up spinner then that might be ok. If not, maybe we can get Warnie to take his 'Whites' over there (just in case )

Would have liked to see an extra spinner in the squad for a few reasons 1 - In case we need to replace Lyon because of lack of form 2 - To step into the team if Lyon has a training mishap and is unavailable 3 - In case a 'spinning wicket' is prepared or is presented because of local conditions. 4 - To give valuable experience to another spinner on an Ashes tour. The above 4 points should not be seen as a criticism of Lyon as I believe he's easily our first choice spinner right now. It's more the principle of only having one spinner in the squad. Maybe we'll have a few of our other spinners over there playing County cricket during the tour. If that's the case, then there is most probably a back-up plan. Remembering that Wade had to play with a fractured cheekbone in India because we didn't have a reserve keeper on tour (Haddin was belatedly flown over) On the choosing of 6 fast bowlers ... Even though it was a predictable move because of the rotation policy, it effectively means that 3 quick bowlers will sit on the sidelines for every Test. 5 quicks would have been enough and if we had done that it would have allowed us to pick an extra spinner and create more balance. Also felt we could have picked a 17th player to tour and ideally that player would have been a batting all rounder who bowls medium fast. Henriques or Mitch Marsh could have fitted the bill. As it is, if Watson breaks down again, we won't have a 5th bowler in the team. We could fly a player in but it would be best to have that player as already being part of the squad. I thought we could have included another young batsman at the expense of Hughes or Khawaja. Burns or Doolan could have been included in the squad. Happy for Rogers though as well as Harris and Faulkner. You'd reckon that Haddin will play seeing as he has been named as VC. Who knows with the selectors though? Our batting is going to have to improve dramatically if we're going to be any chance. The selectors have only included one new batsman (Rogers) so they've all got another opportunity. Let's hope they make the most of it. Like you, I'd have Rogers in the team but he might have to bide his time initially. Also reckon that Haddin will play but whether he keeps or not is another matter. In an ideal world, either Wade or Haddin plays and bats at no.7. Think they might play one of the left arm quicks initially as well. Would like to see either Bird or Harris in the team though. Both those seam bowlers look suited to English conditions. They've picked 6 fast bowlers in the squad so we could assume that the rotation policy will be persevered with. I'd like to see us start off with Pattinson and Starc with Harris or Bird making up our 3 fast bowlers (with back up from Watson) Siddle can be rotated in. Our fast bowling is our strength and you could make a case for any of the 6 to play. I like what Faulkner brings to the table as well. He's a good competitor.

Bulls even the series against Brooklyn and the Clippers/Grizzlies encounter ends up with a thrilling finish. Highlights LA Clippers / Memphis Grizzlies ESPN are covering the Boston / New York game from 10am tomorrow. Celtics won't want to fall 2 down.

Milwaukee's Brandon Jennings predicted a series victory in 6 games ... the Bucks had better get a move on after today's game 1. ... Milwaukee @ Miami game 1 highlights

They'll all slot back into other positions someplace ... the College system or in other roles within the NBA. 7 or 8 NFL coaches were all gone within a day or so of the completion of the season. It's all very matter of fact over there. A few of the picks are no-brainers in the 1st round but we may see a surprise or 2. The Lakers may extend their series vs San Antonio but that might have more to do with how healthy the Spurs are. For those with cable, it looks like ESPN are covering selected games in the 1st round (beginning tomorrow with game 1 of the Bulls @ Nets 10am AEST) ESPN radio will be covering various games as well. Will post details when available.

Playoffs start from 5am AEST tomorrow ... ... schedule for the 1st week of the playoffs Tips (Winners in dark italics) OKC vs Houston San Antonio vs LA Lakers Denver vs Golden State LA Clippers vs Memphis Miami vs Milwaukee New York vs Boston Indiana vs Atlanta Brooklyn vs Chicago

I had that one down as a reasonable match-up. I expect both teams to improve and as you said, the Andy Reid return to Philadelphia will provide plenty of spice. Michael Vick vs Alex Smith is another reason to tune in. I like the Thursday night games ... too long between drinks otherwise and usually save the game for latish Friday night (our time) Gives us a chance to have a look at some the other teams in detail as well.

I thought he was coming to the Dees. Week 3 hey. Could be a 'Season Definer' ! He's a goodin' when on song ... Interesting schedule for a lot of teams If we go on last year's form, SNF leads the way with every game in theory being a top match-up. MNF is again strong with only 2 or 3 games that you wouldn't call 'Big' games. Thursday Night Football has a better line-up of games than last year with only about 5 or 6 games out of the 16 games in total being 'Non' blockbusters. Tough schedules for a lot of teams but if your team is good enough within your division, you'll make the playoffs. The beauty of divisions is that the other 3 teams have it just as tough. On the surface of it, the NFC looks the stronger conference again. If the Saints can rediscover their mojo then the NFC South could be a division to watch. 2013 Regular Season (when visiting this site, click on any team for that team's schedule)

There's some good match-ups. 4 games on Sunday (our time) kick things off. The Rockets / OKC series has some added drama with James Harden up against his old team. ... from today ... Houston @ Lakers highlights

Steve Salisbury said today on SEN that the Lakers have a better chance without Kobe. His reasoning was that without Kobe, all the members of the team would work harder around the court and get into position to shoot more often. He went on to say that the players don't work as hard with Kobe in the team because he's so good. Find it difficult to believe that Kobe wouldn't improve any team. You'd reckon any decent coach would 'find a way' However, Salisbury didn't see them getting past the 1st round anyway (which would be against OKC?) Nash won't play tomorrow by the looks of it ... here's the latest with Steve's injury ... ... Lakers News: Steve Nash's Nagging Injury Spells Trouble for Playoff Hopes

Ok, all decided tomorrow. For those with cable, ESPN have the Lakers game vs Houston on live from 12.30pm. Keeping in mind that the Utah @ Memphis game (10.00am start our time) will probably be decided by the time the LA game starts. Utah have to win to keep their hopes alive. Memphis can grab the 4 seed from the Clippers if the Clippers lose at Sacramento. The Clippers @ Sacramento game is on at 12.30pm (our time) Not sure on the status of the tie break between Golden State / Houston or Houston / Lakers

Shouldn't be too far away ... ... Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews close to new contracts? As for your bloke Strafford ... the latest? ... NFL free agent news: Bengals, James Harrison 'hit snag' in talks

Fall out Boy with 'My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark' Macca 12.8

Hopefully a damn side better this season! Rodgers was sacked 51 times last year! Though he does 'take' a lot of sacks. Frightens the hell out of me though. Obviously the strength of the Packers is Aaron and to lesser extent our WR's. Jennings will be missed though he missed a number of games last year. He's gone off to join 'cfh's blokes. Good luck to him though - he served Green Bay very well. McCarthy is trying to address our defensive deficiencies but there's still a ways to go. It's our achilles' heel but our defence does stand up on occasions. Often in some big games. But overall, it's a weakness. Dalton is still quite young at 25 and his passer rating isn't too bad at all. He got sacked 46 times though. Often that stat needs greater analysis but Brees, Brady and both Manning brothers get well protected. Eli sat at only 19 sacks last season.

Lakers defeat the Spurs without Kobe! If Utah lose at Minnesota tomorrow then LA are in. Otherwise, it comes down to the last game of the season for both sides. Overall seedings are not done yet ... standings ... ... Spurs @ Lakers highlights

Ha! On the Packers fan site they are constantly into McCarthy - and no one seems to mind. Winning a Super Bowl doesn't win you that many brownie points I'm afraid. The thinking is a lot different over there of course. It's win or it's cya later - I like that way of thinking. Keeps everyone on edge and besides, comfort zones are for losers. For the life of me, I don't understand why a player or a coach needs 'security' in order to do well. My thinking is the opposite and always will be. The Ravens have lost a few and picked up a few but it's hard to see them dropping off anyway. If Big Ben stays fit the Steelers can beat anyone. Not sure about Cleveland but there was talk they might improve. It ain't gonna be easy for Cinci whichever way you look at it. Think you'll be thereabouts though. The actual schedule comes out in a day or so but if you go to this site (2013 NFL Football Schedules ) and click on your team, you'll get to see all the teams that you play (home and away). The NFC North schedule is tough and everything is going to boil down to how the teams perform within the Division. I noticed that the all the AFC North teams play all the teams from the NFC North this upcoming season. My Packers have to visit your blokes at some stage. .

Occasionally will look at the games Strafford. Usually just the bowls but not with any great interest. If they had a proper finals system I may get more interested. I follow the NHL and the NBA so in the end, there is literally no time left ! When there is a good seeding match-up I'll tune in but not avidly. Got a mate who follows it closely ... I have no idea how he finds the time as he also is a Hoops, Hockey and Baseball freak. The Bengals haven't been too far away in the last 2 seasons from progressing further in the playoffs and winning your Division. Tough, tough division you're in though. Bit like a few other divisions ... the NFC West, the NFC North and the NFC East are other tough divisions. Many on here follow teams in the NFC so it's good to have a few more here from the AFC. Although KC, Denver, the Jets and a sprinkling of others are well supported. It's usually fairly 'friendly' on this thread although there's been the odd 'moment'. We're all Demons so things never get out of hand. I don't mind other teams doing well for fellow supporters. We all need a bit of sporting joy! There's some knowledgeable fans on the thread. I tend to post in an 'overview' way ... leave the intricate stuff alone most of the time! Welcome aboard .

Great Scott! We've finally done it. What a fantastic win and after his last day in last year's British Open, what a way to bounce back. To win the Masters and the green jacket. Well done Adam Scott - you've done your Country proud. Cabrera was great again ... he is such a great fighter and competitor. Jason Day fought hard as well and his day will come. But it's our day .... at last! .

Be interesting to see how the Lakers go in their last 2 games. Both the Spurs and the Rockets can move from their present seeding so both games are 'alive' right now. Seems there might be a few unhappy campers with regards to Derrick Rose not coming back to play in the playoffs ... ... Derrick Rose never will know because he never tried

Yeah it's our team, then a close go between the Test side and the Packers for next best. After that there's a big gap in terms of manic or strong support for a team. Probably the Australian Olympic team is next then West Ham. The Red Sox and Canucks as well. Out of all that you end up finding some sporting joy! Then there's the NBA ..... That was a good video. Watched the 1st part just then. Got the rest bookmarked for another rainy day .

Got a mate who's a Tiger fan and over the years I've often received a text message from him sometime in late April/early May along the lines of "When does the NFL start?" Sadly, he received a similar text from me after round 1 this season. I've got all 4 of the Packers playoff games in HD stored on the hard drive from our last Super Bowl win. Been saving them for a rainy day - it rained today !