italiansportsguys.com Blog

Former LSU QB Matt Flynn, drafted in the 7th round by Green Bay is giving 2nd round pick Brian Brohm some competition for the backup spot behind Aaron Rodgers. Excerpt from Mike McCarthy’s press conference:

(Does Flynn have a legit chance to win the No. 2 job?)
I think Matt’s definitely closing the gap, there’s no doubt about it. I think he’s really been pushing Brian here probably about the last eight to 10 days. I think Matt is getting more comfortable. Brian was more comfortable quicker in the earlier part as far as the OTAs, understanding what we’re doing. I think they’re both good young prospects.

(Are you changing the progression of reps?)
As of right now, the ratio is still the same.

(Will there be a time Flynn gets equal reps with Brohm?)
As of right now, we’re going to stay with the same rotation.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen is reporting that Brett Favre has filed his reinstatement papers. Upon approval by the commish, which is a mere formality, he’ll be a member of the Packers and will have to report to training camp.

The plot thickens!

Looks good so far.

MLB Division Leaders (7/22/2008):

TB Rays
Chicago White Sox
LA Angels

Mets/Phils
Cubs
D’backs/Dodgers

Who wins, who fades? Your thoughts?

Doctors are amazed by the performance of Tiger Woods in last week’s U.S. Open, given the extent of his injuries. Retief Goosen, who finished 14th however, hinted that Tiger exaggerated his injuries, only feeling the pain after bad shots.

First of all, there were plenty of occasions when Tiger winced in pain after drives tha hit the fairway, prompting the announcers to mention that you can’t judge where the shot is going based on Tiger’s reaction.

Second, where did Retief study medicine?

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/golf/article4160268.ece

Question:
How do you take all of the suspense out of a major sporting event and irritate your fans - those who have invested 4 days of their time and interest in your sport?

Answer:
An 18-hole playoff at the U.S. Open.

There’s no reason to play another 18 holes that allow 2 participants to separate after you’ve already played 72. The common defense of the 18-hole playoff is “One hole shouldn’t decide the tournament.” That’s lame. It’s not one hole that decides an open in sudden death, it’s 73 or 74 holes. What if we’re tied after 71 holes - does the 72nd hole decide the tournament? Nonsense.

I hope the playoff is a blowout. Maybe they’ll re-evaluate.

You start to run out of adjectives. Why not call the U.S. Open a day early and let the boys gome home for Father’s Day.

Looks like the Tiger faithful will get one more look at Alec Box stadium. Momentum should be in the Tigers’ favor. It will be tough for UC Irvine to regroup and win a game they feel they shouldn’t have allowed themselves to get extended to.

The Italian Sports Guys will be back next week, but here’s an appropriate video for Memorial Day weekend:

I like the Hornets in Game 7, but this one will be closer than previous games. I see the Hornets by 8. I must say, it’s baffling that these games have been so one sided. It makes more sense that a young Hornets team might get frustrated and taken out of the game, but an experienced championship club like the Spurs - go figure.

We all know the primary keys to victory, but here are a few less obvious ones:

- The Spurs are taking Peja 3-pointers away. If CP3 and Mo-Pete each have 2-3 from behind the arc, could free things up.

- A couple of steals out of the hands of Duncan by players coming over to help out would be huge. Once you steal a couple, Duncan could be hurried in anticipation of the extra defensive hands. Despite the experience, the Spurs don’t have a great track record in Game 7’s.

- Complacency - The Hornets have been trailing at the half at home in all 3 wins. If they are behind 7-8 points at the half and the Spurs knock down a couple of shots coming out of the locker room, this young team might tighten up. It’s a lot different being down in Game 7. The Hornets have to stay within 4-5 points at the break.

- The crowd - no doubt this team is getting a lift from the fans. The faithful have to be in this one from the get-go.

Craig