Random thoughts on a Friday...

Tigers enter an interesting 9-game homestand today...struggling Cardinals come back to a chorus of boos, followed by the Angels, then the Central-leading Indians, who suddenly have the best starting staff in the division. The D managed to score a whopping 2 runs in a game yesterday in which they had seven doubles. That's tough to do.
Astros peed down their leg in the 12th last night, giving Lidge yet another loss. They have suddenly (kind of) righted the ship, thanks largely to a solid bullpen and the play of rookie CF Hunter Pence, and hopefuly Jason Jennings and Brandon Backe can get healthy soon. They host the Rangers in "Rivalry Weekend", then leave for 2 four-game road series with the Giants and Diamondbacks.

Let me again restate something--if Chauncey doesn't re-sign, the Pistons should blow it up. Period. They have built it nicely with some long-term deals for Rip, Tey-Tey and Sheed, but if Chauncey doesn't come back, they might as well get Cram Max in the lineup right away and draft VERY smartly with their 2 first-round picks this year. If the Cavs win tonight, then the East Finals begin on Monday, if it goes to a seventh game, then the East Finals begin on Wednesday.

Bulls, with Durant or Oden thanks to Isiah, are going to be tough...maybe. They still have MULTIPLE choices to make with their free agents. PJ Brown and Nocioni are both unrestricted free agents after this year, and after next season, Thomas, Deng, Gordon, Thabo Sefalsha, and Duhon will ALL be free agents. While Brown and Nocioni are likely both gone, especially if the Bulls luck their way into a top-2 pick, they will have some decisions to make next year, and if they don't trade Gordon, they'll still have a smallish backcourt which big guards like Billups can take advantage of. And the fun part of the Bulls' cap--Ben's contract is nearly ONE THIRD of their total salary!

Looking forward, as always, to new episodes of Charm School and Fit Club on Sunday. Not going to lie--I LOVE both shows, can't get enough of the Charm Schoolers, they continue to amaze me with their ability to say and do ignorant things. Fit Club will be fun this week because Screech is on the verge of a beatdown from Harvey.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=in-bKq1vQQo&mode=related&search
Relax, watch, enjoy.