DownSwinging.com

So the Lakers won Game 1. 100-75. That’s a thrashing. I’ve decided that although Game 1 has already been played, this is still a bold enough prediction that its worth typing: Lakers sweep the Finals. Yep, I’m calling it right now. It’s not like they don’t have the talent or capability.

It’s safe to say the Magic’s momentum ran into a brick wall, and as one site says, “The city of Orlando suffered a torrid hangover on Thursday night.” Kobe Bryant’s Lakers declared their dominance last night, with Bryant scoring 40 points in the game. He didn’t do it alone, however, which is a worrying sign for the Magic.

In the first game of a twinbill in Washington last night, Randy Johnson became the 24th member of the elite 300-win club. He pitched a good game, and carried a no-hitter into the fourth. The win comes a day after his scheduled first attempt at the 300-win mark was rained out. (The Post-Intelligencer must really be loving me). The Washington Post Columnist noted that after a rain delay, literally no one hung around for the second game of the double-header. Also, if you haven’t read it already, will Johnson be the last man to reach 300 wins?

I’m not a fan of Twitter, and apparently, neither is Tony La Russa.

David Ortiz has decided to get his eyes checked, though he said he doesn’t believe anything is wrong with them. This should provide Yankees fans with some good chanting material at the next BoSox/Yankees showdown.

Buster Olney wrote about Papi’s possible replacements in Boston. The Red Sox already turned down a Manny Delcarmen/Nick Johnson deal, but it might still be in the cards.

Speaking of Cards, Chris Carpenter threw another gem last night. I know I haven’t written it here, but my pick for NL Cy Young at the beginning of this year was Carpenter, and even though he was hurt, I’m sticking with him. If he’s healthy, he’s nasty.