FanNation

Here we are again. The 2nd edition of this blog. Let's get right to it.

MLB

The All-Star game is now behind us, and it is time to look forward to the 2nd half of the season. The big question on everyone's mind is what the Tampa Bay Rays will do after starting off so hot and then dropping their last 7 before the All-Star break. The Yankees are in the rear-view mirror, only behind 5 and a half games. I think the Rays will start to feel the pressure, but it is hard to tell how they will react. It is clear that the Rays need a big-time player, so they need to search the market. Evan Longoria doesn't count as a big-time player. Tampa Bay looks primed to win over 70 games this season, which the franchise has failed to do in their 10-year history. It will be interesting to see how the Red Sox will fair once David Ortiz returns on July 25 after a 6-week absence due to a wrist injury. Philadelphia has some major holes to fill, mostly at pitcher, but they still lead the NL East. Brett Myers is gone and Adam Eaton has a horrible ERA, with 5.71. The Angels will be interested in Matt Holliday and Mark Teixera. Keep on eye on those two, because one will most likely be with the Angels before the year is out. Other names that could be on the move; Joe Blanton, Alan Embree, Brian Fuentes, Tim Redding, Kevin Millar, A.J. Burnett, and Adam Dunn are among the big ones.

NFL

Now to the league that never sleeps. The Green Bay Packers have filed charges against the Minnesota Vikings for communicating with the currently retired Brett Favre. Since Favre is still owned by the Packers, talking with other team's head coaches or front offices is illegal. The Packers allege that Favre has had talks with Minnesota offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. The Vikings are expected to claim that the talks were not about coming out of retirement, but that they were just close friends. The NFL has made no comment on the allegations. Brett Favre is killing his reputation and his legacy. Each day that goes by, it is in decline. It pains me to see such a great athlete and one of the best all-time like this at the end. If he stays retired, he will be forgiven in my book. If he comes back, I will lose all respect for him. That is all the NFL news today.

NBA

James Posey has signed a 4-year, $25 million dollar deal with the New Orleans Hornets. That is way too big for a player like Posey. Seriously, he was a role player in the Celtic's title, but $25 mil? I'm not saying he won't be a good addition to a great team, because he will. Rebounding, defense, and 3-point shooting are his specialties. Chris Paul will have 2 big options to pass to, David West and Posey. Does this make New Orleans an immediate title contender? Absolutely not. But it is a great a addition to a team who came O-so close last year. This is the only big news in the NBA, but I was thinking. With the Sonics moving to Oklahoma City, what should their new name be? I have heard many funny ones here, but please feel free to share in the comments below.

NCAAF

No huge news here. But there are a couple of things. Fans here should be aware of upcoming rule changes in college football.

- 40-second play clock: no description needed, but there are exceptions. 25 seconds will be added for every team time-out, t.v. time-out, change of possession, after a measurement, replay or coach's challenge, and between overtime periods.

- Teams can no longer kill the clock by going out of bounds: Only within the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter is this permissible. They will only wind the game clock, not the play clock.

- No more 5-yard facemask penalty: All facemasks result in a 15-yard penalty.

- Horse-collar tackle: The tackler grabbing the offensive person at the back of the shoulder-pads in order to jerk him down is now off-limits, unless you are in the tackle box.

We also had a request to talk about NCAA Football 09- the video game. I think it is absolutely thrilling. The greatest new feature? Online Dynasty is killer. The Dynasty feature includes recruiting, scheduling, and talking players into staying another year. The feature has full Bowl Championship Series games, insuring only the best play in. They really make you pay for making a mistake, like throwing into double-coverage. It doesn't have the turnover issue as last year did either. Finally the crowd actually has influence, with the QB seeing squiggly looking routes in loud stadiums. Also, nothing is a given. A QB with his feet set can still make a bad throw, making it more realistic. Overall, this is a great game and a great buy.

NHL

Finally, the Los Angeles Kings will announce Terry Murray as the team's head coach today. Murray took Philly to the Stanley Cup Finals 11 years ago. He has coached over 700 regular season games in his career. This will be his first head coaching position since being fired by the Florida Panthers in the 2000-2001 season. He was an NHL/WHL defenseman before starting his coaching career with Washington in 1983. Also news, Wrigley Field will be home to an outdoor game in 2009 on New Year's Day. The Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks will play against each other on the historic ballpark. The game will be at 1 p.m., and will be televised by NBC.

Thank you all for reading this edition of the Daily Hangover. Please continue to fanmail me with topics to discuss, and I will be sure to get to them. Thanks again.

-Undefeated-