Thoughts while wondering how many hours a day Sam Cassell has his back wrapped in an ace bandage…

Random List of the Week

NBA players who’ve impressed me (on different levels) during the playoffs:

PG: Chris Paul, New Orleans - The superstar who’s entered completely unchartered territory in terms of potential. If someone told me today that Paul will retire with five championship rings, I couldn’t argue.

SG: Rodney Stuckey - The unpolished rookie who’s coming into his own in just enough time to be ready to potentially torture the Celtics in the conference finals. I hate that I’m automatically going to have to hate him because he’s on the Pistons. Seems like a dude I’d enjoy rooting for. Pretty much the same way I feel about Al Horford in this Hawks series.

SF: Devin Brown, Cleveland - The random role player who’s I’ve inexplicably liked all year. Not sure what it is about Brown but I’ve always enjoyed his game. Although part of it might be because half the time he’s on the court I mistake him for Lebron.

As the weather starts to slowly warm up and the crisp winter air morphs into a faint smell of spring, I can’t help but daydream about the impending rollercoaster ride that the Sox are destined to take me on in 2008.

They are undoubtedly a nasty team, and it’s only the first leg of the 162-game marathon, but I am truly irked about the way the staff has been throwing. I mean, if you aren’t, you’re nuts. They have combined to allow a grand total of 36 runs over five of their last six contests. The supernatural arms of the “kids” have been so-so at best and the bullpen is starting to resemble a backyard barbecue wiffle ball pitching performance by an overly intoxicated family member. Worried? Yes! Distraught? Not yet.

I live and breathe sports in this town and I remember far worse starts by this team. It’s just watching the guys that were supposed to be included in the acquisition of newly anointed New York Mets ace Johan Santana throw and not succeed that bothers me. Not to mention, Jacoby Ellsbury has been reduced to a part-time player and he’s not happy, you can see it in his face.