"The Sopranos" - Trying to predict the ending.

If you're a fan of this show, then you know we're coming down the home stretch (no "Pie-O-My" pun intended). One new episode in, eight to go.... So, I wanted to throw this theory out to any of you Soprano fans out there. Everyone is wondering -- how will it end?


I was starting with the premise that we have to look at is as -- How do we think the shows Creator David Chase would want it to end? I recall Chase in an interview a while back stating that even from the beginning he had his long range plan in mind - already at that time knowing how he wanted the show to conclude. It's also common knowledge that the show has many references to both "The Godfather" and "Goodfellas". Would he want it to end like The Godfather? With Tony slumping over in a chair, heart attack in his sleep? Nah, don't think so, even though one funny Godfather reference was Tony, when speaking to Artie Bucco after difficulties at Nuovo Vesuvio, telling Artie that he will eat there "until I fall off the chair," a reference to Michael Corleone's death at the end of "The Godfather Part III."

But I would suspect Chase is more of a Goodfellas guy.... So many cast members from Goodfellas are also in the Sopranos.... Lorraine Bracco (Dr. Melfi), Michael Imperioli (Christopher), Frank Vincent (Phil Leotardo) and a bunch of others with smaller roles in the movie. Maybe the best scene relating the Sopranos back to Goodfellas was this one........... Do you remember that Michael Imperioli had a role in Goodfellas as a bartender named Spider. He gets shot in the foot by Joe Pesci over a little thing like not getting Pesci's drink quickly enough... Later, in a Soprano's episode, Christopher shoots a bakery store cashier in the foot, then when asked why - says "It happens." A classic reference to the movie using the same actor - only on the other end of the gun.

OK, let's cut to the chase (not David). In this first episode they've brought up the RICO case angle to get Tony. I think that's where it's going..... Is it possible that the final will have the government getting Tony to "flip" (gee, I'm using Mob terms here) and rat out others and go into the Witness Protection program with his family?? That's what main character Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) did in Goodfellas. But, why would a true-blue mob guy like Tony take that route? Surely he hated those guys, right? Well, maybe his best buddies from his crew aren't around - could Silvio get whacked by New York? Some others have disappointed him in the past with their actions (e.g. Christopher & Paulie). Could they piss Tony off again? Maybe Phil and the New York crew have caused this and Tony testifying against them is a way of revenge, especially since he's arrested at that point anyway...

Again, just one person's theory and I'm probably taking a Bob Beamon leap to go this route, but Tony may also have to protect his loved ones, and this decision could be influenced by his family.

And I may be taking this too far.... maybe it's a subliminal message or hint from Chase, but remember at the end of Goodfellas, the final scene has Henry Hill - already then in the Witness Protection Program, stepping out of his front door in a white bath robe picking up his morning newspaper..... If I'm correct on this.... Haven't we seen Tony a few times in a white bath robe at the end of his driveway picking up his morning paper??

Hey, I'm probably totally off base, but I'll go on record with it..... And we'll find out on June 10. If you have any opinions or predictions yourself, feel free to leave them in the "comments" section...

Bada Bing!!!

HARV'S MIS-ADVENTURES AT CIVIL RIGHTS GAME

Ok, where to start.....

Harv arrived in Memphis last Saturday to represent the NPL in the first annual "Civil Rights Game."

On his way into the stadium, he got sidetracked......

A pre-game tailgate, complete with beer bong. Harv couldn't resist...

Then, at the tailgate, Harv hooks up with a hot chick........ ( You GO Harv!!)

And as Harv finally arrived at the stadium, he evidently forgot his mission. You see, Harv was supposed to be there to "celebrate" Civil Rights.

Instead, Harv thought he was there to "protest" against Civil Rights, and he caused a scene.

The rest is history.......

But not to worry, the Harv is back in town and he doesn't want to go to any more Civil Rights games.

TROPHY BOY PICTURES

Draft Night - March 30, 2007.

Opening ceremonies have the 2006 Chanmpion H-Bombs receiving their championship trophy prior to the start of the draft.

Will this picture soon be posted on the lunch-room bulletin board at the BMC?

And the official presentation.

photos courtesy of Bob Sproule studios.

FIRST FIVE DAYS in the NPL

Hey, first off.... how good have these last two weekends been? Last weekend we have the draft on Friday night, the NCAA semi-finals on Saturday, the ESPN baseball opener on Sunday and then Monday we get a group of MLB openers plus the March Madness final along with the Pirates opener in Houston.

Now, this weekend the big day is Sunday...... No, I'm not talking about the fact that it's Easter. It's the final day of the Masters and the first night of The Sopranos and Entourage on HBO, back-to-back. It doesn't get any better than Tony Soprano followed by Ari Gold.... Too bad they somehow couldn't get Omar Little and the boyz in the 'hood from The Wire squeezed in as well.......

Ok, let's move on to the first few days of NPL action.....

As of today (Friday morning) the ROCK CATS sit atop of the standings. Six STARTS have netted Five W's for the Raven, who is evidently satisfied with the early results. John's phone message to me on Wednesday stated that he doesn't mind, but "it's lonely at the top."

None other than your defending champ the baseball guru himself - the H-BOMBS, were on the doorstep as Miguel Cabrera was doing his best Albert Pujols imitation for Big Daddy.

Fresh off the Civil Rights Game disaster, the LOCKHORNS had a comment on the Pirates early season success, and the Bucs drafted in the NPL. Harv said.... "All you assholes who took Pirates left the best one still out there -Solomon Torres."
Thank you Harv.

Although the BULLDOGS are off to a pretty good start, there are whispers of dissension in the ranks of the Dogs... The Jaret Wright pick-up on draft night, which was a DL replacement pick, was evidently Eddie's pick, although it wasn't fully endorsed by Tony... After a terrible outing by Wright, Tony called to pull the trigger on dumping Wright.... A birdie down at the BMC reported that the conversation between the two went like this...........

EDDIE: "I guess looking back now, maybe we shouldn't have taken Jaret Wright."

TONY: "Yeah Eddie, and that's like Brittany saying -- In retrospect, maybe I shouldn't have married K-Fed."




Hmmm, very interesting, but they should both be happy with Ben Sheets, don't ya think?
Let's continue......

The ALABAMA SLAMMERS must feel justified by the play of Grady Sizemore in those first three games, even though his com padre - Big Daddy was critical of the pick and the slide downward in round 1. But gee, does Al care about the opinion of the Baseball Guru?

Hey, here's an interesting point about the BRONX OWLS. If the Yanks get rained out, John is missing a big chunk of AT-BATS on those particular days. But, it all evens out in the end....

The BIG TRAIN mentioned we have the Quality Start stat to look at this year, due to what CBS Sportsline puts there to view. Coincidentally, The Train leads the league in "QS" with 6 (of his 7 starts) at this early stage, for what it's worth.

For the KOOPERSTOWN KIDS hitters... If Eric Byrnes continues to lead my team in batting points, I'm going to be in trouble!! But I was happy with the young man from Japtown.

The 69'ERS are happy with the early season production of Bad-Vlad Guerrero..... And the Niners get ready to have to move their company offices on his birthday weekend later this month. But, the bowling weekend in Altoona will follow.... It ain't all bad.....

And as the PITTSBURGH O's look to get the pitching staff wound up, Larry is basking in the glory of winning $190.00 in Al and Big Daddy's NCAA bracket pool. But don't mention this to Harv, he got edged out by 1 point to the O.

Well, we're off and running...... Back at ya soon......

--Kommish.

2007 POST DRAFT COMMENTS:

BY DRAFT SELECTION ORDER:

I like ESPN's Peter Gammons, but let's face it, the guy is the King of Hyperbole. He says some off the wall and bizarre things when gushing about players, especially young up and coming guys. He's like the Larry King of Sports Announcers. Well, this spring I kept track of some of his goofy remarks from espn.com, and if you have a player on your team in which I have a "Gammonism", it is included under your team, in BLUE, with a PG in front, to indicate it's from this Hall-of-Fame writer......

PITTSBURGH O's:

With The #1 overall pick, the Big O's trying to repeat history and have Albert Pujols lead them to victory. Will the four Pirates help or hurt the cause? With the DL pick of Livan Hernandez, the O's have three D-Back hurlers on the squad. The Randy Johnson selection in round 13 could be a heist if the Big Unit is healthy and happy back in the state of Arizona.

PG: "Pujols is the best player in the game and maybe in this generation."

KOOPERSTOWN KIDS:

I went heavier on one league than any other team. Got 18 of the 27 (1-DL) from the American League. Among them are three Boston hurlers, 2 SP's and the Closer. The Dice-K pick in round 2 was jeered as "too early" but then again, I don't think I would have seen him 18 picks later. A Jap battery in Matsuzaka and Johjima.

PG: "Howie Kendrick is a given."

PG: "If you live in NewEngland, you'll need a mute button for the over-analysis of Dice-K."

PG: "Harden has the ability to win a Cy Young."

69'ERS:

As a relative newcomer, Piffy had over looked starting pitching in past drafts, but not this year. SP's were taken in rounds 4, 5, 7 and 8. Feelin it for the Phils.... Three starters from that team, including the DL replacement pick of Adam Eaton. Another oddity is that the Niners have the 1st, 2nd and 3rd basemen of Colorado. Go Rockies!! When the passing on pick # 3 started, Piffster jumped on it and took a player he had targeted in Soriano. And speaking of possible steals, the DL'ed Bartolo Colon in ROUND 26!!! He is expected back by May 1. Good call by the Niners.

PG: "Brandon McCarthy is Jack McDowell II".

PG: "Cleveland is an ideal place for Josh Barfield's enthusiasm and skills."

PG: " I can't wait to see Barry Zito in the uniform Carl Hubbell once wore."

PG: "Bobby Crosby is an MVP-type player when healthy."

THE BIG TRAIN:

With only one Pirate taken, Bob left Big O out there hanging by himself this year! Although the Train has the most Nationals (2), and ya gotta like Ryan Zimmerman even though I don't have a Gammons quote on him. Bob saw the Twins in live Spring Training action earlier this month, and promptly drafted three Twinkie players. The pitching staff has two top of the rotation studs in Tigers Bonderman and Velander, and it's Phillies in the Outfield with Rowand and Pat the Bat.

The Train is still trying to sort out that Felipe Lopez shortstop - 2nd base thing..

PG: "Boof Bonser will battle you on the mound."

PG: "Rowand is a winner. Period."

PG: "Few pitchers have successfully come back from more physical ailments than Izzy (Jason Isringhausen), and those 240 saves in seven full seasons as a closer are as much a testament to fortitude, as to the stuff that once made him the wunderkind of Flushing Meadows."

OWLS:

Let's sing it...... "I want to be a part of it.... New York, New York....." Ok, Frank Sinatra I'm not, but you get the idea.... John, who is now living in small market Erie, PA goes to the big market teams to fill the Owls Nest. 5 Yankees were the final total. Everyone around the diamond except Cano at 2nd. But lost in this Yankee love-fest was the fact that the Owls also drafted three from the Big City Los Angeles Dodgers. The Kendall pick always brings out the cat calls, and John has two big DH types at 1st base. His 2nd basemen were relatively unknown at this time last year in Dan Uggla and "let me tell you about a man named Mark DeRooosa." The Bronx Owls have without question the top pair of closers coming out of the draft. Since there's not much else to do in Erie, I imagine John will be managing the heck out of these guys this year.

PG: "Tim Hudson is not trying to throw the ball out of his shirt, as he was doing last year."

PG: "Willis (Dontrelle) is fun to watch and he can be very good."

BULLDOGS

Ok, Bob didn't do it, but the Dogs followed Big O's lead and took three Pirate players, and all of them hitters. If Paulino is for real, that's a nice pick in round 20. The T&E boys also have four New York Metropolitians on the team, even though Pedro may be out until late summer. They have an Oriole DP combo in Tejada and Roberts. Nice draft again from the Guru Twin team, and Tony said Eddie had studied for it like it was the SAT's... But why was Harv on these guys all night?? After all, Harv and Eddie are family, through some cousin married to a sister-in-law or something like that (I think?)

PG: "Don't be surprised if Cain doesn't jump into the Cy Young race, especially with Zito and Matt Morris as mentors."

PG: "Sheff is a foxhole guy."

PG: "Pedro will come back at some point this year, maybe stronger than he has been in four years."

PG: "Pavano needs to wipe the slate clean."

PG: "Blalock is ready to re-emerge."

ROCK CATS:

John has the talent spread out this year. 26 players from 21 teams, the most from any one team is two. The Cats need a healthy and productive Derrek Lee this year. They didn't have that from him in 2006. With Jose Reyes and Carl Crawford, this could be your team leader in the stolen base category. Good looking all-round talent, the Cat should be Back in '07.

PG: "The Twins have the best living pitcher on the planet in Johan Santana."

PG: "The injury took this superstar (Derrek Lee) from 46 to 8 homers, 101 to 17 extra-base hits. Now he has thunder around him."

H-BOMBS:

How 'bout this trophy winner!!! Big D defends his title with four Chi-Sox leading the way, including the right side of the infield. Big Daddy followed his 2006 script by loading up on quality starting pitching early and often, taking SP's in rounds 2, 3, 4, 5. And the guy can do a draft while flirting with a hot chick in a wheelchair. The drinking bet was lost, as B.D. says the only way he can be around Harv is by staying drunk!

PG: "Gil Meche was 92-95, and filthy."

PG: "Garret Anderson is looking like the real Garret Anderson again."

PG: "It was a good move by the Phils to acquire a horse like Freddy Garcia."

PG: "With Delmon Young, the plate discipline will come. The bat and arm are scary."

ALABAMA SLAMMERS:

It's now for real..... The "Alabama Slammer Watch" is officially on... Or as Tony said... "Game On." It's a Championship or Bust in 2007 for Al. Will this be his swan song? Or will he pull a Bill Cowher and win the big one after so many years of success, but having the ring (or trophy in our case) elude him? Will the brothers Drew help achieve this goal? Time will tell, it should be an interesting summer in Slammerville.

PG: "Bedard was throwing 91-95 for the Orioles - Electric."

PG: "Igawa's style is that of a Jamie Moyer wannabe. But what's wrong with wanting to be like a 216-game winner?"

PG: "Adam Wainwright proved his heart in October."

LOCKHORNS:

First off.... Thanks to Harv for hosting us for the draft at Windsor Place, even though the residents were running wild and out of control in those wheelchairs!!!! After some unusual shuffling on the draft selection order, the Horns ended up with the wrap around pick at the back end. 17 NL'ers lead the way but from the AL is a Texas DP combo of Kinsler and Young. And taking perhaps the biggest "high risk - high reward pick" of the draft, the Lockhorns for the 2nd consecutive season say the name Oliver Perez on draft night. Harv selects Jose Valverde as a closer in round 20 and then when I get home I read that he slammed his pitching finger in a car door!! But not to fret.... He's Day-to-Day.... But, aren't we all......

PG: "Rich Hill is Barry Zito II."

PG: "Conditioning, maturity and familiarity all come into play here, but there are few greater talents than Felix Hernandez."

PG: "Kevin Kouzmanoff has one of the coolest new nicknames in baseball right now. The Crushin' Russian."

Two additional posts regarding the 2007 draft after this one.... Enjoy the start of the season!

And to the BMC guys....... Once again our thanks to Bryan for a job well done with the draft board. You can see he knows what he is doing.......

POST DRAFT STATISTICS

Ok, I got my calculator out and added stuff up.......

The most we ever drafted from one team was 15. From the 2003 Yanks and 2005 BoSox.

This season the top teams are ......

13 - Yankees, Angels
11 - Phillies, Padres, Red Sox, Indians
10- PIRATES, D-Backs, Brewers, Mets, White Sox, Mariners

Which interestingly enough means that the Bucs had more drafted than 18 of the 30 teams in major league baseball, including the so called favorites in their own division, the Astros, Cubs and World Champion Cardinals. Not sure what to make of this....

The Angels were the only team to have 5 SP's drafted, and the low-end teams were....

4 - Royals, Nats
5 - Devil Rays

PIRATES DRAFTED: 10

Pittsburgh O's - 4. Duffy, Wilson, Snell, Maholm.
Bulldogs - 3. Paulino, Sanchez, Nady
Kooperstown Kids - 1. LaRoche
The Big Train - 1. Duke
Lockhorns - 1. Bay

PREDICTION CONTEST - RESULTS OF VOTE

This year with Bryan the Sticker Guy making his picks and Tony & Ed doing a separate entry, we have 12 total for $24.00. Same system - scored by 5-4-3-2-1 points if you have the team you predict in the top 5. Ok, lets get to it.....

VOTES

10: H-BOMBS, KOOPERSTOWN KIDS

Yes, the defending champ is getting the props based on that 2006 finish. Except from the Raven and Bob. Those were the two that aren't drinking the Big Daddy Kool-Aide. Yins gave me a bunch of votes last year too and I finished in 9th!! Buyer beware is all I got to say....

9: ROCK CATS, LOCKHORNS

Two teams with a good history. But both Tony and Eddie did not vote for Harv. Maybe payback for Harv getting on their case during the draft. The Cats were another top vote getter who did not get Bob's endorsement. Wow, a tough vote to swing is that Big Train.

5: 69'ERS, BIG TRAIN, BULLDOGS

I guess this would be the middle of the pack group. Interestingly enough, even though they did their predictions separate, Tony & Ed turned in identical entries. These teammates really do operate on the same page, huh...

4: OWLS

What is this, an anti-Steinbrenner/Yankees thing?

2: ALABAMA SLAMMERS

Geez, Al didn't even vote for himself!! Maybe just taking a low profile so he can sneak up on everyone, win the league, and be back for 2008! At least old-time buds Harv and Johnny Stasko gave the Slams a vote of confidence here.

1: PITTSBURGH O's

Ok, the only thing I can figure, is that there is an anti-Bucco sentiment at work here. Pujols, Beltran, Delgado, Mauer, Webb, and no one likes this team??? Keep in mind, Pujols was the overall #1 pick last year and that team won it all.... It could happen again.

These three guys don't like the Bucs either. Especially the Gloomy Gus on the left.