A well-written blog focusing mainly on the NHL, NFL, MLB, NBA and NASCAR. However, the blog\'s main focus is completely random sports blogging. For a completely random experience, check out my blog!
Stats:
Incoming clicks since last reset: 125 Outgoing clicks since last reset: 647
Technorati info:
Overall rank: 433411 Number of inbound blogs: 15 Number of incoming links: 15 Last update: 2008-05-27 19:00:38 GMT Estimated value: $10,164
Stats for http://cordisports.blogspot.com
Stats not available.
Latest Posts:
July 4th, 2008
HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE!
NBA 2008 Draft - Round 2 Picks
31) Minnesota Timberwolves - Nikola Pekovic (center) (from Miami)
28) Memphis Grizzlies - Donte Greene (forward) (from LA Lakers)
29) Detroit Pistons - D.J. White (forward)
30) Boston Celtics - J.R. Giddens (guard)
Two More Links Added
The following two links have been added to my links section. Since you're obviously bored enough to visit my blog, check out these great sites, too!
Big Fly Sports - This is a sports retail site based in Hoboken, New Jersey. All hail Sinatra!
Sport News Reader - This is a blog similar to mine, except updated frequently (like mine use to be.) The writing is good and I'm positive you'll enjoy it!
Switch Hitter Versus Ambidextrous Pitcher
I'll disregard the comment made by the idiotic ESPN anchor and post this anyway...
A Memorable Visit To The Bronx
I was at the Yankees' game on Thursday. It was possibly my last visit to Yankee Stadium. With the rising prices of fuel and the extreme ticket and concession prices at the stadium, add the ridiculous price of tolls and parking to that, I simply cannot afford it.
Needless to say, despite the extreme costs of enjoyment, it was a game I'll always remember! The weather was finally beautiful, The stadium was packed full of Yankee faithfuls, Joba Chamberlain struck out nine, and Mariano Rivera struck out the ninth inning to close the game! The Yankees won, 2-1, extending their winning streak to seven.
Some other memorable moments from the game:
Four stolen bases, including two from Melky Cabrera.
Jose Molina's sacrifice fly to tie the game.
A-Rod's RBI to drive in Derek Jeter for the winning run.
Along with Joba's nine strikeouts, he tagged out Adrian Gonzalez when trying to steal home after a pitch in the dirt.
Front row seats in section 620, right behind home plate.
Booing Yankee Manager Joe Girardi when he approached the mound to take out Joba after he struck out the first two batters of the sixth inning. The infielders approached the mound to congratulate Joba before he took his walk to the dugout with the thousands of cheers behind him. It was one of those moments...
Booing once again when Kyle Farnsworth took the mound in the 8th inning. This may have been a mistake because he finally held his own by striking out two.
Cheering a Yankee win to "New York" by Frank Sinatra after Mo struck out the ninth.
It was one of those games. I'll always remember it. I'm sure my dad will, too! It was a game with excellent sportsmanship and without any question was a pitcher's duel! Farewell, Yankee Stadium!
Your E-Mails Have Been Received
I've received another handful of e-mails over the last month offering suggestions and including requests for link exchanges.
I just wanted to take a quick minute and say that despite my lack of recent blogging, your e-mails have all been received. I'll be adding new links within a week.
If you'd like to participate in a link exchange, feel free to e-mail me. (Please put "Sports Blog Link Exchange" in the subject so it isn't assumed as spam.)
Who Will Score The First Goal?
The Detroit Red Wings are dominating the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Finals. Thanks to goalie Chris Osgood, the Wings are just two games away from drinking the sweetest drink in sports!
But let's not get our panties all twisted yet; the Wings aren't playing that great...
The Wings are still allowing too many scoring chances, but you can bet your bottom right now that they are thankful that Osgood is on their team! He is stopping shots that none of the other goalies in the NHL could. Despite getting outshot in both games, the Pens are still breaking into the zone and have made some amazing plays.
So the question is raised... who will score the first goal for the Penguins?
Sidney Crosby took control of the puck with six shots on goal in game 2, but the problem is that none of them went into the net. The NHL is turning more and more into a sport for the young, but experience always tends to prevail. Crosby may very well be the best player in the NHL right now, but that's not always enough. Veterans like Nicklas Lidstrom and Tomas Holmstrom obviously want it more.
Evgeni Malkin and Ryan Malone are both excellent players and I've said a number of times that watching them skate with Crosby is like poetry in motion. However, they both only have one shot on goal in the series. If they want to score, they need to be more aggressive and realize that Crosby is going to be covered more and more as the series progresses.
So, who will break the wall that Osgood has created?
My guess is right-winger Marian Hossa. So far, Hossa has 9 goals and 10 assists in the playoffs. Hossa, with help from Crosby, got the Pens passed the New York Rangers and proceeded to score 4 goals in their series with the Flyers. When Crosby is blocked, look out for this guy!
The Pens have a lot of other great players on their team that also have scoring potential. Jordan Staal has 6 goals so far and Petr Sykora has 5. Either one of them is more than capable of scoring that much-needed first goal, but once again, reality needs to sink in. The Wings know how to play the game and unless the Pens come up with a new attack plan, it's all over.
Yankees Win - Joba Getting Ready
After losing big time to the Baltimore Orioles Tuesday, the New York Yankees bounced back with an 8-0 shutout. Alex Rodriguez returned to the line-up strong with a home run and Joba Chamberlain pitched two scoreless innings to help Darrell Rasner get the win.
It was a much needed win for the Yanks but only time will tell whether or not this is a preview of what is yet to come. The Yanks face the Orioles one more time Thursday night and they need to win that game bad!
After Wednesdays game, A-Rod said the following:
"We have a good offense. We?re very confident. Our goal is to dominate every night."
Rasner is showing a lot of promise since being called up. This was his third straight start and his third straight win.
Joba is also showing a lot of promise. The Yanks announced that Joba has begun working towards a spot in the starting rotation. Joba is a pitcher that will be strong in both relief and the rotation. He is and will continue to be one of the team's biggest assets providing he can avoid injury and media influence.
For the article on Wednesdays game, click here. For the article that focuses more on Joba, click here.
New Links Added
I just wanted to let everyone know that I cleaned up the links listed on the right again. Once again, some sites were removed, but on a brighter note, the following great sites have been added:
I also wanted to note that I had a lot of requests for link exchanges over the past month. Out of all the requests, I've only added the three listed above. If you did not receive a reply to your request or your blog has been removed from the list, it could be for one or more of the following reasons:
Lack of updates
Not in a language I can understand
The content was not favorable
Did not link back
The site violates agreements I have with other sites
Too many grammatical errors, especially in the e-mail requesting a link exchange
Poor and/or narcissistic attitude
My personal favorite, we've already exchanged links!
If you have any questions or requests, please feel free to e-mail me. I welcome all link requests but will only honor those that are valid and worthy. Yes, you must be link worthy!
When A Rivalry Goes Too Far...
The Yankees/Red Sox rivalry has existed for over a hundred years. It's a rivalry that actually began between New York and Boston around the time of the American Revolution. Now it's just a sports rivalry, but one that fans take to heart... some more than others. At times it's fun, but other times is sad and disappointing.
Ivonne Hernandez was allegedly angry at some Red Sox fans that began chanting "Yankees Suck" in a parking lot outside a bar. Hernandez got in her car and allegedly "gunned down" those Red Sox fans. One was killed.
Hernandez is claiming that she just wanted to startle the group and expected the people to jump out of the way of the vehicle, but that didn't happen. Hernandez will now pay for her crimes. The Sox' fans have already paid for theirs with a loss of their own - a life.
There's nothing wrong with a good rivalry. There is absolutely nothing wrong with arguing that you're team is better. I love the rivalry and will continue to support my Yanks through it, but this time it went too far.
Let's keep the rivalries in sports. Nobody deserves to be killed over anything like this, no matter how immature and arrogant he or she may be. Keep it fun and honest, not threatening and deadly.
This goes for all sports fans, not just those of New York and Boston.
Be safe...
NHL Conference Finals Outlook
It's been a long journey for the four remaining teams, but they're only half way to where they all want to be - The Stanley Cup Champions. Detroit and Dallas will battle it out in the West while Philadelphia and Pittsburgh battle it out in the East.
I don't think I wrote it, but at the beginning of the season I predicted that it would be the Dallas Stars versus the Pittsburgh Penguins. Of course, that prediction is made for if my New York Rangers don't make it to the finals (which they did put a gallant effort towards). My pick in that case was Pittsburgh to win the Cup. They are in a great position to do that now.
Let's take a look at the teams still standing...
WEST
Dallas defeated the defending Stanley Cup Champions in 4 OTs last night to finally finish the series. It was the eighth longest game in NHL Playoff history. The game started Sunday night and didn't finish until Monday morning. This is the kind of intensity that Detroit will have to compete with. Dallas plans to do whatever it takes to get to the finals.
Let's face it - Detroit had it easy against the Avalanche. Game 1 of the series gave us a look at what could be a 7-game fight, however, it was anything but that. Detroit stomped the Avalanche and that will mean one of two things for the Wings: They are either going to feel refreshed when facing the Stars or they will feel lazy from not having to fight much.
EAST
As I said in the my last blog, the Flyers were lucky to make the playoffs; now they're fighting for a chance at the Cup! The city of Philadelphia hasn't celebrated a major championship in about a hundred years (or whatever) so the Flyers would like to end the losing streak. If they plan to beat the Penguins, they have to organize and organize fast. They're play has been sloppy lately and they really need to start playing more aggressive.
If they're goalie can keep the puck out of the net, they will win this series. I know that sounds blunt, but it's just that simple. They can score goals, they can check hard, and they can skate fast. They a young team playing with the passion for victory rather than just a paycheck (although I'm sure that's a good influence, too.) They've got all the moves and they've finally got a chance. Philly needs to beat them - not the other way around.
NHL 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs Outlook
The 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs will be completely underway tonight when the Flyers face Washington. For the rest of the teams, it was a hell of a Game 1. For the Sharks, it was a hell of a Game 2!
As usual and always, I'm routing for the New York Rangers, but let's take an unbiased look at Round 1 so far:
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Detroit VS Nashville:Detroit is ahead of Nashville and it looks like they will take this series. Granted Nashville might get a win, Detroit is going to take it - especially with Dominik Hasek blocking the goal. There's a very good chance that the Red Wings will make it all the way to the Finals.
San Jose VS Calgary: San Jose put up one hell of a fight this season; that fight carried into the playoffs! Despite losing Game 1, Evgeni Nabokov didn't allow a single goal as San Jose skated to a 2-0 Game 2 win. Calgary needs to come back strong in Game 3 to have any chance whatsoever against the Sharks. The series is now tied, 1-1.
Anaheim VS Dallas: The defending Stanley Cup Champions play like anything but when they got shut out in Game 1 to Dallas, 4-0. I thought this was going to be a close series - probably lasting 6 or 7 games, but Anaheim needs to improve fast if they want to fly like Champions again.
Minnesota VS Colorado: How sweet would it be to see Colorado VS Detroit in the Playoffs again? Remember their playoff rivalry? Remember the goalie fights? Well, we probably wouldn't see the goalie fights again but it would probably be the most interesting part of the Western Conference Playoffs! Colorado skated away with a 3-2 overtime victory in Game 1, but Game 2 will probably set the tone for the rest of the series.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Montreal VS Boston: Montreal is a team to beat this year; Boston obviously hasn't realized that yet. The Canadians skated way past the Bruins to a 4-1 victory in Game 1. Don't expect too much out of Boston; they're on their way out!
Pittsburgh VS Ottawa: Last year, Ottawa was full of dives. They could have been a big contender last year if they weren't so concerned with falling down. In another Game 1 shut out, the Pens skate way past the Sens, 4-0. If Ottawa starts playing some actual hockey, they might still have a chance, but not likely.
New York VS New Jersey: This is a rivalry that has leaked into the playoffs once again. No matter which arena the game is in, both Devils' and Rangers' fans will be present, chanting that the other team "sucks" to Let's Go Band. By the way, "Potvin" still "sucks!"
The Rangers took Game 1, but any hockey fan knows not to count the Devils out yet, especially against the Rangers. They skated from out of nowhere to get to where they are now and they aren't going to give it up too easily.
Washington VS Philadelphia: Philadelphia is a team lucky to be in the playoffs. For a good part of the season, the Flyers were the team to beat, but they must have started reading the Mets' postseason guide because they nearly dropped off the map. Nevertheless, they made the show. Game 1 is tonight at 7 pm EST in Washington.
Ovechkin Breaks Record As Caps Win
Alex Ovechkin is proving he's worth every penny he's being paid.
On Thursday night, he broke Luc Robitaille's single-season scoring record by scoring his 64th and 65th goals as the Washington Capitals beat the Tampa Bay Lightning, 4-1.
The following notes also followed his record-breaking goals:
Ovechkin tied Peter Bondra's team record of 22 power-play goals.
The Caps have won six games in a row, a streak that hasn't been reached in just over eight years!
The win put them into eighth place. If they beat the Florida Panthers on Saturday, they will likely make the playoffs.
If the Caps make the playoffs, Ovechkin will make his postseason debut to the likely chants of M-V-P!
It's a good thing I didn't gamble this year on the NCAA tournament.
The upsets that I didn't see coming were San Diego & West Kentucky in the West and Siena & Villanova in the midwest. The biggest upset, in my opinion, was Duke being knocked out by West Virginia. I had Duke going up against UCLA in the Final Four. If UCLA advances (and I do have them winning), it might be an easier regional finals match for them.
Below is my updated bracket:
(Image opens in a new window)
New Links Added
I received a lot of e-mails over the last month regarding link exchanges. Many of them were consisting of corporate sites. However, mixed in with the bunch was an awesome group of blogs that have been added to the links column. They are as follows:
Ice Hockey Master - An awesome blog about hockey. Well written and updated a couple times each month.
PoolDark.com - A blog dedicated to pool and billiard sports. It's been around for about three months and is updated a few times each month.
Slam Dunk Life - This blog features basketball, basketball, and more basketball! Updated a few times each month, it's worth a look!
Tenniside.com - A blog strictly about tennis. Very well written.
US Baseball Pro - A well written and frequently updated blog about baseball. I'll be checking this blog often!
You Got Dunked On - A new blog about people getting dunked on. As their description reads: Pics and vids of anyone and everyone getting dunked on! You gotta check out this site!
I also want to remind everyone that the boys over at Erik & Erik Podcast are still going strong with their weekly online radio show. Make sure to give them a listen; In their latest episode they talk about the NCAA Tournament, DeAngelo Hall, and more!
Finally, I'd like to wish everyone a Happy and Safe Easter Holiday!
March Madness 2008 Bracket
I've created my bracket for this years NCAA tournament. I'm picking UCLA to win it all! Click the image below to view my full bracket.
(Image opens in a new window)
Fantasy Baseball Is Back!
My fantasy baseball league this year will be titled "The Hot Dog League."
If you're interested in joining, information is as follows:
There is a 10-team max. If the league fills fast, I will allow a couple more teams to join.
Unlike my previous leagues, there will be a LIVE draft on Tuesday, April 1st at 10 pm EDT. Scoring will begin on April 7th so that everyone can get a better look at who the hot players will be this season!
If you have any questions, e-mail me at ajcordi@yahoo.com. Hope to see you there!
Brett Favre Retires - Press Conference
See you in the Hall of Fame...
Lundqvist & Rangers Shutout Panthers
The New York Rangers recorded another shutout, this time with Henrik Lundqvist blocking the net.
Lundqvist made 23 saves to recorded his 8th shutout and 28th win of the season against the Florida Panthers Sunday night as the Rangers skated to victory, 5-0. Since signing a new contract a couple of weeks ago, Lundqvist has been nearly unstoppable!
Goals were scored by Scott Gomez, Marek Malik (who ended a 32 game scoring drought, finally), Jaromir Jagr, Nigel Dawes, and Martin Straka (who scored unassisted in the third period.)
The Rangers increased their lead to 5 points ahead of the Philadelphia Flyers in the Atlantic Division standings. They are currently holding the 6th spot in the Eastern Conference.
For the article on the game against the Panthers, click here.
Phillies Prank Kyle Kendrick (Video)
The Philadelphia Phillies played an awesome prank on their second-year pitcher, Kyle Kendrick. Everyone was involved in the prank, from his own agent to members of the press.
To read the report on the prank, how it was set up, etc., click here.
Dwight Howard - Superman Dunk (Video)
This was one of the greatest dunks I've ever seen. Does it even count as a dunk? I don't care! It was amazing!
(I don't have anything to do with the advertisement at the end.)
Stephen Valiquette Records Another Shutout Against Flyers
Stephen Valiquette, goalie for the New York Rangers, is having a breakout season in the backup spot. Just yesterday he recorded his second career shutout against the Philadelphia Flyers. Take note that his first career shutout came against the Flyers back on Jan. 31st. Take another note his two shutouts against the Flyers are consecutive.
OK, enough note taking...
Valiquette is 4-3 this year. He has started more games this year than first four seasons combined. Henrik Lundqvist, the Olympic Gold Medalist starting goalie for the New York Rangers, is still holding his own (barely) with 7 shutouts so far this season.
For all hockey fans, especially New York Rangers fans, keep your eye on Valiquette. He is finally showing some starting quality and the Rangers don't want to let him nor Lundqvist get away.
For the article on the Rangers 2-0 victory of Philadelphia yesterday, click here.
Red Wings Blow Chance At Team History
One of the most recognized teams in the NHL, Detroit Red Wings, came short of making history again when the last place Los Angelas Kings defeated the squid-loving bunch, 5-3. Take note that the Kings are still in last place, even after the win.
The Red Wings had a chance to match their team record winning streak with 9 wins, but fell just one win short. They blew a 2-goal lead and Osgood took a beating.
But no worries, Red Wing fans - They're still first in the NHL!
Paying Tribute To The New York Giants, 2008 Super Bowl XLII Champions
To pay tribute to the New York Giants organization, I want to remind everyone of what the "experts" and "writers" and other football fans had to say regarding Super Bowl XLII.
"The New York Giants came away with their last win of the season in Green Bay more than a week ago. They won't get another one,"wrote Jesse Kimbrel of the The Spartan Daily. He continued, "When their plane touched down in Arizona, the site of Super Bowl XLII, earlier this week, it may have been their last touchdown of the season as well." Thanks to Eli Manning, there were two other (more important) touchdowns worth celebrating!
Someone from WHDH-TV and/or the Associated Press asked if "anyone honestly believe Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, Randy Moss and the Patriots franchise will allow themselves to be associated with one of the greatest upsets in sports history? I never lost faith nor did the real Giants' fans. However, I think this article may have come out of Boston. It continues, "Think about it. It's not going to happen."It did!
Some idiot that goes by the name of jorgeel9 over at ProTrade.com said that the Patriots would easily win against the New York Giants. He wrote,"Since the packers loss [2 weeks ago],the patriots will easily coast to win the super bowl once again. Moss has had only 2 catches in his last 2 games but dont count on that happening in the super bowl im expecting a huge game comming from him. he will not be shut out the whole playoffs. for brady he always comes through and dominates the super bowl so expect a big game outta him and out of the patriots"To recap, they didn't easily win, Moss didn't have a huge game, and Brady spent more time on the ground than an earthworm.
My co-blogger Ed McGon over at American Legends predicted the Patriots to beat the Giants and wrote that "it might even get ugly."It got ugly alright, but not for the guys holding the trophy!
Sean Leahy of USA Today put together a list that "counts the reasons" why the Patriots will win the Super Bowl. Apparently he miscounted.
CONGRATS TO THE NEW YORK GIANTS SUPER BOWL XLII CHAMPIONS
Dallas defeated the defending Stanley Cup Champions in 4 OTs last night to finally finish the series. It was the eighth longest game in NHL Playoff history. The game started Sunday night and didn't finish until Monday morning. This is the kind of intensity that Detroit will have to compete with. Dallas plans to do whatever it takes to get to the finals.
Let's face it - Detroit had it easy against the Avalanche. Game 1 of the series gave us a look at what could be a 7-game fight, however, it was anything but that. Detroit stomped the Avalanche and that will mean one of two things for the Wings: They are either going to feel refreshed when facing the Stars or they will feel lazy from not having to fight much.
As I said in the my last blog, the Flyers were lucky to make the playoffs; now they're fighting for a chance at the Cup! The city of Philadelphia hasn't celebrated a major championship in about a hundred years (or whatever) so the Flyers would like to end the losing streak. If they plan to beat the Penguins, they have to organize and organize fast. They're play has been sloppy lately and they really need to start playing more aggressive.
If they're goalie can keep the puck out of the net, they will win this series. I know that sounds blunt, but it's just that simple. They can score goals, they can check hard, and they can skate fast. They a young team playing with the passion for victory rather than just a paycheck (although I'm sure that's a good influence, too.) They've got all the moves and they've finally got a chance. Philly needs to beat them - not the other way around.
After losing big time to the Baltimore Orioles Tuesday, the New York Yankees bounced back with an 8-0 shutout. Alex Rodriguez returned to the line-up strong with a home run and Joba Chamberlain pitched two scoreless innings to help Darrell Rasner get the win.
The Yankees/Red Sox rivalry has existed for over a hundred years. It's a rivalry that actually began between New York and Boston around the time of the American Revolution. Now it's just a sports rivalry, but one that fans take to heart... some more than others. At times it's fun, but other times is sad and disappointing. 
Alex Ovechkin is proving he's worth every penny he's being paid.