USA vs Czech Republic Open Thread

The USA-Czech Republic game is at 9PT/Noon ET and I'll actually be working from home today. So stop on by and discuss that game, don't be a troll, and have fun. GO USA!

24 Hours of College Hoops Open Thread

College Basketball is back and ESPN is airing their annual 24-hour marathon of college hoops. Remember when I attempted to live blog this entire marathon a few years ago? (Ah the good ol college days) Well I'm not going to attempt to do that again but instead will leave an open thread for you folks to comment on the games you're watching. Obviously the biggest game, the game everyone will want to watch, is the Kansas-Duke game. There are some other good games as well in this period so let's enjoy the college basketball!

Schedule via ESPN Media Zone

Monday
Stanford at UConn (Women's), 7PM (ESPN2: Dave O'Brien, Doris Burke)
Kent State at Temple, 7PM (ESPNU: Adam Amin, Tim Welsh)
Tennessee at UNC (Women's), 9PM (ESPN2: Pam Ward(!!!), Carolyn Peck)
Colorado State at Gonzaga, 9PM (ESPNU: Roxy Bernstein, Miles Simon)
BYU at Stanford, 11PM (ESPN2: Dave Pasch, Seth Greenberg)

Tuesday
Western Kentucky at Wichita State 1AM (ESPN2: Dave Flemming, Mark Adams)
Akron at St. Mary's, 3AM (ESPN2: Carter Blackburn, Bob Valvano)
New Mexico State at Hawaii, 5AM (ESPN2: Kanoa Leahey, Stephen Howard)
Hartford at Florida Gulf Coast, 7AM (ESPN2: Mark Jones, LaPhonso Ellis)
Quinnipiac at LaSalle, 9AM (ESPN2: Mike Crispino, Tim Welsh)
LSU at UMass, 11AM (ESPN2: Bram Weinstein, Kara Lawson)
West Virginia at Virginia Tech, 1PM (ESPN: Jon Sciambi, Bruce Pearl)
South Carolina at Baylor, 3PM (ESPN: Jimmy Dykes, Fran Fraschilla)
NC State at Cincinnati, 5PM (ESPN: John Saunders, Sean Farnham)
VCU at Virginia, 7PM (ESPN2: Mike Patrick, Len Elmore)
Michigan State vs Kentucky, 7:30 PM (ESPN: Dan Schulman, Jay Bilas, Andy Katz)
Florida at Wisconsin, 9PM (ESPN2: Bob Wischusen, Dan Dakich)
Kansas vs Duke, 9:30 (ESPN: Dan Schulman, Dick Vitale, Andy Katz)

I'm surprised at how many of these games are on ESPN2. Almost all of them used to air on ESPN. I find this interesting because what does it say about this marathon? Is this the last one for a while or is ESPN just bowing down to the all important NFL coverage?

College Football and Baseball Open Thread

Here's the college football schedule for today. Baseball starts at 5:30 Eastern. Should be a great day of sports. Leave comments and don't be a troll. And yes Wilbon pretended to be a Northwestern fan today.

It's cute when Wilbon pretends to know something about college football
— DCTrojan (@DCTrojan) October 5, 2013

And David Pollack hates gurls.

ewww girls RT @ChrisMottram: David Pollack just said that no women should be on college football playoff selection committee.
— edsbs (@edsbs) October 5, 2013

NLDS Day 1 Open Thread

The real part of the playoffs are here and we get nothing but National League teams today. So here's your open thread. I'll be in and out of the comments the rest of the day. So leave comments, enjoy the games, and don't be a troll.

Pirates at Cardinals, 5:00 (TBS: Dick Stockton, Bob Brenly, Matt Winer) I suggest listening to ESPN Radio for this game because Dave Flemming on the call.

Dodgers at Braves, 8:30 (TBS: Ernie Johnson, Ron Darling, Cal Ripken Jr., Craig Sager)

Talking about the Dodgers.

@KSJ49 Yes. Also OK to dislike chances for same reason.
— Jonah Keri (@jonahkeri) October 3, 2013

College Football Open Thread: Week 1

Last year I posted open threads and by the end of the season they had disappeared. This year I'm going to try to make it through the whole year with open threads but most likely they'll disappear again. For now though enjoy the college football season, leave comments, and don't troll.

(Schedule via the506)

College Football Open Thursday Night Thread

The wait is finally over. College football has returned. And there are actually some good games to watch, particularly the Vandy-Ole Miss game. Utah vs Utah State ain't bad either. Hell you can watch Clowney as well. As always leave comments and don't be a troll.

NBA Finals Game 7 Open Thread

Game 7, great series between great teams. Hopefully the game will live up to the hype. This is your open thread. Leave comments and don't act like a troll.

Opening Day Baseball Open Thread

Today is opening day in baseball even though not all the teams are playing games today (ugh). Still though baseball is back and I am glad. Here's your open thread to leave smart ass remarks about whatever game you're watching today. Just don't be a troll.

(All times Eastern)
Miami at Washington, 1:05
Boston at New York, 1:05, ESPN game
San Diego at New York, 1:10
Chicago at Pittsburgh, 1:35
Colorado at Milwaukee, 2:10
Kansas City at Chicago, 4:10
Detroit at Minnesota, 4:10
Anaheim at Cincinnati, 4:10
San Francisco at Los Angeles, 4:10, ESPN game
Philadelphia at Atlanta, 7:05, ESPN 2 game
Seattle at Oakland, 10:05
St. Louis at Arizona, 10:05, ESPN 2 game

The Colonel and I will have our first Talkin' Baseball post of the season up tomorrow.

New Year's Day College Football Open Thread

Justin will be out most of today so instead of an live blog I'm throwing up an open thread. Yes I know these are not as fun but just pretend they're live blogs. Anyway have fun watching today's games, leave comments, and don't be a troll. Schedule below.

TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl: Mississippi State vs. No. 20 Northwestern (ESPN2, Noon) - Bob Wischusen, Danny Kanell & Allison Williams

Heart of Dallas Bowl: Purdue vs. Oklahoma State (ESPNU, Noon) - Clay Matvick, Matt Stinchcomb & Kaylee Hartung

Capital One Bowl: No. 7 Georgia vs. No. 16 Nebraska (ABC, 1 PM) - Rece Davis, Jesse Palmer, David Pollack & Samantha Steele

Outback Bowl: No. 10 South Carolina vs. No. 18 Michigan (ESPN, 1 PM) - Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden & Shannon Spake

Rose Bowl Game Presented by Vizio: Wisconsin vs No. 6 Stanford (ESPN, 5 PM) - Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit, Heather Cox & Tom Rinaldi

 Discover Orange Bowl: No. 15 Northern Illinois vs No. 12 Florida State (ESPN, 8:30 PM) - Joe Tessitore, Matt Millen & Maria Taylor

College Basketball Open Thread

I must apologize first, I forgot that ESPN is airing their annual 24-hours of coverage on college basketball last night. A couple of years ago I live-blogged the entire 24 hours. This year I forgot about the first 12 hours. Well here's your open thread, Harvard-UMASS just played an exciting game, and more good games are left on the docket. Leave comments and don't be a troll.

MLB Game 162 Open Thread

The National League playoff situation is all set. The Giants eliminated the Dodgers last night so that means St. Louis is the last wild card team and will travel to Atlanta for the play-in game.

Where it gets interesting is the American League. The A's have tied the Rangers for the lead in the American League West. Yes the A's and Rangers are tied for the AL West and play for the divisional crown this afternoon. Then you have the AL East with the Yankees and Orioles. We need a Yankees loss and a Orioles win to see these two teams play tomorrow in a playoff for the AL East. (Keeps fingers cross). I'm sure this isn't exactly what Selig envisioned with the second wild card but I bet it comes close.

Use this as an Open Thread for whatever game you're watching on this last day of baseball. Leave comments, have fun, and don't be a troll.

Schedule: 
Texas at Oakland, 3:30ET/12:30PT, MLB Network
Baltimore at Tampa Bay, 7:00ET/4:00PT, ESPN 2
Boston at New York, 7:00ET/4:00PT, ESPN

College Football Open Thread: Week 4

I can't we're already a third of the way through the college football season. I've been enjoying the games so far, especially now since we're headed toward conference play. This is your open thread so leave comments and don't be a troll.

Must List.
the506 announcing schedule.

College Football Open Thread: Week 3, Vols Deep

Another full slate of college football games to watch. This is your open thread to comment on those games, enjoy those games, just don't act like a troll. Also if you want to comment on a baseball game go right ahead.  I won't mind. Enjoy.

The Must List.
Announcing Schedule via the506.

College Football Open Thread: Week 2

Not the strongest slate of games this weekend, but still there's college football on. If you're not excited for college football, then there's something wrong with you. So here's your open thread to leave comments on college football or pennant race baseball just don't be a troll.

Must List.
Announcing Schedule.

College Football Open Thread: Week 1

The calendar changes and there is college football looking at us. While the first usually doesn't have a full slate of games that will grab your attention (unless you're a fan of watching BCS teams playing non-BCS or even FCS schools) there are though a couple of games that look intriguing. Anyway enjoy the first football weekend of the year, leave comments, and don't be a troll.

Must List.
Announcing Schedule via The506.

This wins the Internet for the day

College Football Open Thread

Do you smell that? That's the fresh smell of an open thread. College football is back baby! This is your first open thread of the season for college football. Let me know if you want an open thread tomorrow for the Boise State v Michigan State game. There will definitely be an open thread on Saturday. You can also talk baseball in this thread or anything else you feel like talking about. Enjoy, leave comments, and don't be a troll.

Here's the Must List.
Here's the schedule via The506.

Ancient Greek Home Run Derby

 (Consider this your home run derby open thread)

The Home Derby today consists to two players choosing players from a group to form a team. It's a convoluted exercise to get people interested in Chris Berman in the home run derby. I couldn't tell you who are the captains of this year's derby and couldn't care less. This however isn't stopping the Colonel and I from choosing our own home run derby teams. Instead of choosing baseball players though we're choosing ancient Greek characters as our participants in our home run derby.

I won the coin toss so I got the first selection. We'll each make three selections.

49er16, 1st pick: Zeus

You have to go with Zeus as the first pick right? He is after all the God of sky and thunder. I'm also going with Zeus because he defeated the Tennessee Titans and was considered the King of Gods. Also his stroke of the lightning bolt is perfect for the short right field porch at Kauffman stadium.

The Colonel, 2nd Pick: Poseidon

My boy you should always choose someone first who is called the "Earth-shaker." The earth will definitely rattle when the left-handed hitting Poseidon, God of the Sea, is hitting in the derby. Also if you have ever read Homer you would have seen that Poseidon, not Zeus, was the real leader of the Kings and he'll once again prove himself in the derby.

49er16, 3rd Pick: Hercules

I see your Poseidon and raise you Hercules who not only charmed the pants off the ladies, and who will no doubtfully sleep with the most women in KC, but killed the sea monster Poseidon sent to destroy Troy. Hercules is also a switch hitter who has more power from his left side, but can also hit home runs at great frequency from the right side. I can already here Berman saying, "He hit that one back to Mount Olympus!"

The Colonel, 4th Pick: Oedipus

Every home run derby is that one person who isn't very good and sure enough embarrasses himself. Remember Brandon Inge in St. Louis a couple of years ago? Yeah he was bad. Oedipus is this year's pick to embarrass himself. Only after killing Bud Selig at home plate and marrying Wendy Selig will Oedipus embarrass himself in front of the crowd.

49er16, 5th Pick: Achilles

Well if you pick one tragic figure I guess I have to go with Achilles. Achilles has the power and will to destroy the baseball but his weakness for low pitches will ultimately undo him at the plate. I can see him though hitting a line drive that hits one of the kids shagging fly balls in the outfield. I do look forward to that.

The Colonel, 6th Pick: Atlas

To hold together my team will be Atlas. His wordily power can hold up the sphere of Achilles and Oedipus. Yeah Atlas and Zeus are at odds, but that only will create more drama for a dead event like the home run derby. I also can't wait to hear Berman say, "Atlas is holding Uranus." You know it's coming.

Saturday Open Thread

(Note: I'll probably won't be around much for this one.)

Here's your open thread for college basketball, spring training, NBA, and NHL for Saturday. The college basketball schedule is via the506 forum.

Memphis @ Tulsa, 12:00
CBS: Spero Dedes, Bill Raftery

Pittsburgh @ Connecticut, 12:00
ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doris Burke

Big South, Final: VMI @ UNC-Asheville, 12:00
ESPN2: Justin Kutcher, LaPhonso Ellis

George Washington @ Dayton, 12:00
CBS Sports Network: Dave Ryan, Pete Gillen

Louisiana State @ Auburn, 2:00
CBS: Brian Anderson, Dan Bonner

Washington @ UCLA, 2:00
CBS: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Bob Wenzel

Cincinnati @ Villanova, 2:00
ESPN: Mike Crispino, Tim Welsh

Ohio Valley, Final: TN TECH-MURR ST winner v. TENN ST-MORE ST, 2:00
ESPN2: Bob Wischusen, Fran Fraschilla

Southern Mississippi @ Marshall, 2:00
FSN: Ron Thulin, Perry Clark, Jenn Hildreth

Patriot, Semifinal: American @ Lehigh, 2:00
CBS Sports Network: Bob Socci, Vince Curran

 18 Louisville @ 2 Syracuse, 4:00
CBS: Ian Eagle, Jim Spanarkel

Vanderbilt @ Tennessee, 4:00
ESPN: Brad Nessler, Jimmy Dykes

Colorado @ Oregon State, 4:00
FSN: Kevin Calabro, Reggie Theus

Boise State @ New Mexico, 4:00
NBC Sports Network: Ted Robinson, Blaine Fowler

6 North Carolina @ 3 Duke, 7:00
ESPN: Dan Shulman, Dick Vitale, Erin Andrews

Atlantic Sun, Final: BELM-ETSU winner v. MER-FGCU winner, 7:00
ESPN2: Adam Amin, Tim McCormick

Texas @ 4 Kansas, 9:00
ESPN: Brent Musburger, Bob Knight

West Coast, Semifinal: LMU-SF winner v. 21 St. Mary's, 9:00
ESPN2: Dave Flemming, Sean Farnham

West Coast, Semifinal: USD-BYU winner v. Gonzaga, 11:30
ESPN2: Dave Flemming, Sean Farnham  

Wednesday Open Thread

I gotta make a confession. I've barely watched any college basketball this year. I don't know why, but college basketball just has not interested me this year. I've been watching more NBA even though that product is terrible because of the short season and lockout. Whatever the NBA has caught my attention and I've barely watched the college game.

Tonight though I'm going to watch college basketball. Duke is playing North Carolina and that is always a game to watch despite the presence of Dick Vitale. If you're watching Duke-UNC or any other game stop on by and leave comments but don't troll.

Orange Bowl Open Thread

West Virginia! Clemson! Train preforming at halftime! Tirico, Jaws, and Gruden on the call! What could possible go wrong with this game? (Checks to see if a Pac-12 officiating crew is calling this game........) Thankfully for me the Kings are on again tonight...........wait what am I saying? Anyways enjoy the Orange bowl, leave comments, and don't be a troll.