Those of you who have followed the Sounding Board in the past know that we have been down on the NBA for a long time now. At least since his Airness finally decided to hang em up. In my own case, I have been a much bigger fan of college hoop in recent years.

But I have to admit, these last couple of nights I have found myself actually pausing and staying for some time watching some of the NBA games that have been played.

I am not sure what it is, but I actually found myself thinking seriously about trying out an NBA fantasy league this year for the first time. Now, I have to admit, part of that thinking has to do with filling the fantasy void that exists between the end of football season and the beginning of baseball. And even though I did not commit the $100 to play, I came as close as I ever have to doing so.

(more…)

Swagger…something that teams have that know they are good. It is a presence they exude, an attitude that they can handle whatever comes there way. You can watch a team take batting practice or shag some balls and it is evident. Watch their star players do an interview and it becomes obvious.

Well, it is clear that the Philadelphia Phillies have this swagger. Game 1 of the 2009 World Series was testimony to that fact. It is year one of the coliseum otherwise known as Yankee Stadium. All the stars are aligned for the Yanks to reclaim their rightful place as baseball’s top team. They have cruised through the playoffs to date and have their high-priced pitching rotation in perfect order. Bright lights, hostile crowd.

  (more…)