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I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like
With regards to Queen

The latest mock draft from ESPN.com’s Mel Kiper and Scouts, Inc. Todd McShay are out (ESPN Insider) and there are two UConn Huskies football players projected to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft in April.

Kiper has running back Donald Brown going to the Philadelphia Eagles 21st overall in the first round and also has Darius Butler going to the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 32nd pick.

Both Kiper and McShay also have the New England Patriots taking Southern Cal linebacker Clay Matthews with the 23rd overall pick.

1. Detroit Lions (Record: 0-16)

Kiper pick: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
McShay pick: Stafford

2. St. Louis Rams (2-14)

Kiper pick: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
McShay pick: Smith

3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14)

Kiper pick: Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
McShay pick: Curry

4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12)

Kiper pick: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
McShay pick: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

5. Cleveland Browns (4-12)

Kiper pick: B.J. Raji
McShay pick: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

6. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1)

Kiper pick: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
McShay pick: Eugene Monroe

7. Oakland Raiders (5-11)

Kiper pick: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
McShay pick: Maclin

8. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)

Kiper pick: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
McShay pick: Michael Crabtree

9. Green Bay Packers (6-10)

Kiper pick: Brian Orakpo
McShay pick: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State

10. San Francisco 49ers (7-9)

Kiper pick: Aaron Maybin
McShay pick: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

11. Buffalo Bills (7-9)

Kiper pick: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
McShay pick: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

12. Denver Broncos (8-8)

Kiper pick: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
McShay pick: Jackson

13. Washington Redskins (8-8)

Kiper pick: Andre Smith
McShay pick: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

14. New Orleans Saints (8-8)

Kiper pick: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
McShay pick: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

15. Houston Texans (8-8)

Kiper pick: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
McShay pick: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee

16. San Diego Chargers (8-8)

Kiper pick: Malcolm Jenkins
McShay pick: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

17. New York Jets (9-7)

Kiper pick: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
McShay pick: Mark Sanchez

18. Chicago Bears (9-7)

Kiper pick: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
McShay pick: Heyward-Bey

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)

Kiper pick: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
McShay pick: Freeman

20. Detroit Lions (from 9-7 DAL) (0-16)

Kiper pick: Robert Ayers
McShay pick: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi

21. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1)

Kiper pick: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
McShay pick: Knowshon Moreno

22. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)

Kiper pick: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
McShay pick: Percy Harvin

23. New England Patriots (11-5)

Kiper pick: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
McShay pick: Matthews

24. Atlanta Falcons (11-5)

Kiper pick: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
McShay pick: Brandon Pettigrew

25. Miami Dolphins (11-5)

Kiper pick: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
McShay pick: Brian Cushing

26. Baltimore Ravens (11-5)

Kiper pick: Rey Maualuga
McShay pick: Vontae Davis

27. Indianapolis Colts (12-4)

Kiper pick: Peria Jerry
McShay pick: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri

28. Philadelphia Eagles (from 12-4 CAR) (9-6-1)

Kiper pick: Michael Oher
McShay pick: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona

29. New York Giants (12-4)

Kiper pick: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
McShay pick: James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State

30. Tennessee Titans (13-3)

Kiper pick: Everette Brown
McShay pick: Hakeem Nicks

31. Arizona Cardinals (9-7)

Kiper pick: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
McShay pick: Wells

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)

Kiper pick: Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
McShay pick: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest

Lots of change in updated mock draft [ESPN Insider]

The internets have been going a little crazy today with the comments Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon made in the April edition of Esquire magazine about former Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez.

“The beautiful thing about our team is, we don’t let anybody get above the team. He wasn’t on the same train as the rest of us.” And here Papelbon starts banging his kitchen table for emphasis, the punctuation marks in his sentences changing: “He was on a different train! And you saw what happened with that. We got rid of him, and we moved on without him. That comes from the manager, and it comes from guys like Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield and David Ortiz. Nobody is ever going to be allowed to do that. Even a guy like me, just heading into my fourth year in the big leagues — if David Ortiz gets a little, you know — I’ll tell him what’s up! I’m not afraid to do that. I’m not afraid to put him in his place, because I think everybody needs that. And if somebody does it to me, I understand that. I most certainly understand that. Varitek tells me all the time, ‘Just shut up. Do what you’re supposed to do.’ So Manny was tough for us. You have somebody like him, you know at any point in the ball game, he can dictate the outcome of the game. And for him not to be on the same page as the rest of the team was a killer, man! It just takes one guy to bring an entire team down, and that’s exactly what was happening. Once we saw that, we weren’t afraid to get rid of him. It’s like cancer. That’s what he was. Cancer. He had to go. It sucked, but that was the only scenario that was going to work. That was it for us. And after, you could feel it in the air in the clubhouse. We got Jason Bay — Johnny Ballgame, plays the game right, plays through broken knees, runs out every ground ball — and it was like a breath of fresh air, man! Awesome! No question.”

I think we as Red Sox fans all saw the difference in the team when Manny was finally traded away. They had finally looked like they were enjoying the game again.

Update: Papelbon sent a text to Comcast SportsNet and said he won’t be taking back his statement.

“That old news story was 4 months ago. I’m not saying anything else, but I’m also not taking back anything I have said already.” – Jonathan Papelbon

Jonathan Papelbon Grinds His Teeth [Esquire]

Papelbon Sticking by His Statement [Comcast SportsNet]

You may have noticed the presence of a few MMA posts over the course of the past few months as it’s been something that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching.

After beating Keith Jardine on Saturday night in UFC 96, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson was seen verbally jarring with “Sugar” Rashad Evans about getting his belt back. Now Rampage is backing out of a title chance in UFC 98 as he has injuries to his jaw and hand.

This now opens up a chance for one the top contenders in the light heavyweight division in Lyoto Machida as he will take on Evans in UFC 98 on May 23rd. In his last bout, Machida knocked out Thiago Silva with a vicious punch.

It should be an interesting match as both fighters are undefeated and feature different fighting styles. Rumor is that Rampage will get the winner of this bout.

Rampage takes a back seat as Lyoto Machida gets his shot at a UFC title [Vancouver Sun]

Rampage Jackson Would Like His Belt Back [Awful Announcing]

Lyoto Machida Knocks Out Thiago Silva [SOX & Dawgs]

Boston Celtics: The Miami Heat used a 16-4 run in the third quarter and then held off the injury depleted Boston Celtics to win 107-99 in Miami. It’s the second straight loss for the Celtics. Dwyane Wade continued his great run over the past few games by hitting a three pointer to ensure a Heat win. Wade finished with 32 points and 7 assists while Jamario Moon had 13 points. Ray Allen led the Celtics with 27 points and Leon Powe had a great game with 23 points and 13 rebounds. Paul Pierce chipped in with 16 points. The Celtics return home to take on former UConn Husky Rudy Gay and the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. [ESPN.com]

I can tell you one thing, when I head to a Boston Red Sox game this season, I will definitely be checking this out.

The fine folks at Bonfire, located in the Boston Park Plaza Hotel, have come up with a new drink for the 2009 season as part of their Red Sox menu. It celebrates Alex Rodriguez and his use of steroids.

It’s my pleasure to introduce to you, The A-Roid:

The A-Roid starts with a shot of El Mejor Tequila, served straight up. To give the shot a little something extra; a spicy smoky splash is served on the side in a convenient syringe…minus the needle. Inject the Performance-Enhancing Boost of Spicy Tomato “Juice” right into the shot or use it as a chaser. However you use it, come clean and acknowledge it…don’t deny it.

Enjoy The A-Roid ($11) with any of Bonfire’s new Red Sox inspired menu items. Available on opening day, April 6th, served throughout the Red Sox season.

• Shot: El Mejor Tequila (Silver, Reposado, Anejo)
• Performance-Enhancing Boost of Spicy Tomato “Juice”: Bonfire’s House Smoked Tomatoes, Tomato juice, Lemon juice, Tabasco sauce, Jalapeños

At $11, ARod may be the only one able to afford the cocktail in this economy. Great idea though by Bonfire. Why not exploit ARod’s faults with the perfect drink. Yuri Sucart not included.

Marcus Williams: After being banished to the bench in the preseason by Golden State Warriors coach Don Nelson and not having played in a game since January 25th, the Warriors have finally waived former UConn Huskies point guard Marcus Williams. Once Williams clears waivers, he’ll be free to sign with any team. Tough break for Williams as he had some good games in New Jersey before the trade. [San Francisco Chronicle]

The United States Basketball Writers Association has released it’s 2008-09 Men’s All-District Teams and UConn Huskies junior center Hasheem Thabeet has been honored as the District I Player of the Year as well as being named to the All-District Team as well.

Head coach Jim Calhoun was also honored as the District I Coach of the Year while Jeff Adrien and A.J. Price were named to the All-District I Team as well.

Here’s a complete list of the USBWA District I Award winners:

DISTRICT I
ME, VT, NH, RI, MA, CT

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

• Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut

COACH OF THE YEAR

• Jim Calhoun, Connecticut

ALL-DISTRICT TEAM

• Jeff Adrien, Connecticut
• Jimmy Baron, Rhode Island
• Weyinmi Efejuku, Providence
• Tony Gaffney, Massachusetts
• Ricky Harris, Massachusetts
• A.J. Price, Connecticut
• Tyrese Rice, Boston College
• Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut
• Joe Trapani, Boston College
• Mike Trimboli, Vermont

We’ve seen other prospect lists from Baseball America and Keith Law of Scouts, Inc. Now it’s time to take a look at Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com’s Top 10 Boston Red Sox Prospects to watch.

1. Lars Anderson, 1B
2. Daniel Bard, RHP
3. Michael Bowden, RHP
4. Nick Hagadone, LHP
5. Ryan Kalish, OF
6. Casey Kelly, RHP/SS
7. Yamaico Navarro, SS
8. Stolmy Pimentel, RHP
9. Josh Reddick, OF
10. Oscar Tejada, SS

Of those prospects, Anderson, Bard and Bowden are most likely to see action in the big leagues this season. Bard and Bowden could see time if there are some injuries while Anderson will most likely receive a September callup.

10 Red Sox prospects to watch [mlb.com]

Farm to Fenway pipeline is loaded [mlb.com]

Here are some outtakes from the Boston Red Sox photo day held a few weeks ago.

[flv]http://ianbethune.com/photoday.flv[/flv]

to our friends over at Surviving Grady