Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

So today was not too bad of a day. It was extreme nice out today, and today was the first day that I wore shorts. I had 4 classes today...not bad day in classes...learned a little. But I got really excited when I realized that I didnt have a lab that I was supposed to do today. So after my last I walked to the 5 & 10 on Main Street and bought a used tuxedo for my concert next week. I thought $40 wasnt bad for a used tux...that was still in pretty good shape. After that I went to the Dollar Store. I had saw this thing online about making meals from dollar store items. I decided to see what I could get. I was shocked at what was there. Tilapia, Salmon, Eggs, Flounder, Pork wraped in bacon, Steak, Luhch meat. Now I dont know how good these things are going to be, but I still decided that it would be worth it to buy a few of these things. Spent $18 and I was surprised that it only cost that much. I got a ton of stuff. I'll keep you posted on how these things actually taste. After the "spending spree" I went to Blue Hens for Christ (the devotional group I go to) for dinner to celebrate all of the April B-days. Watch the Flyers and Phillies win within a couple of minutes. All in all a great day. I have some homework to do tonite...and then getting some sleep.

Now onto my National Sports Report:

First the AL East...Surprisingly, this division is not headlined by the two powerhouses: Boston Red Soxs and the New York Yankees. The Baltimore Orioles are in the lead right now and Toronto is very close behind. But I'll tell you right now, it is still very early. In the end the big teams will come out on top (meaning the Red Sox). However, dont be surprised if the wild card teams comes from this division. And don't be surprised if that team is not the Yankees. Both Toronto and Baltimore will give the Yankees a good run at the spot. Toronto i think will end up being the wild card team, because they have the better team. The past 2 nights I have stayed up watching the Bosoxs and they look like a great team. They're pitching staff is one of the best, they have a great closer and depth in their bullpen, and have one of the better offenses in the league. However, where they could run into trouble is with David Ortiz and JD Drew. Ortiz is getting pretty old and is in a really big slump. He had been pulled out of the lineup on Sunday night. And still continues to struggle. JD Drew, Im not a big fan of...he'll get hits here and there, but he is just out there for stats.

On the NFL Draft...I really dont see any big immediate impacts at the big play positions: QB, RB or WR. Darren McFadden is not going to be the running back that everyone thinks that he might be. He will end up being like Reggie Bush, a really good college running back but not a good pro level running back. I know its still early to judge Bush, but so far, thats what he has become. After McFadden, there might be one other RB, that will make an impact in years to come and that is Rashard Mendenhall from Illinois. He looked really good at the NFL Combine, and I see him being a top 15 pick. With the QB position, I would really like to see Delaware's Joe Flacco be drafted very high in the draft. He is being projected as the #2 QB but I see him as being better than that. Matt Ryan from Boston College just does not impress me. I see Flacco going to a couple of teams: Miami, Atlanta, NY Jets, Chicago, or Baltimore. I think Baltimore likes Matt Ryan more, but I the long run, I'll take Flacco. He compares greatly to Pittsburgh's Ben Rothlisberger. At the Wide Receiver position, I dont think there is anyone that will make an immediate impact on a team. A lot of the receivers are small but eventually some of them will make impacts. There are a lot of good Offensive Lineman in this years draft, including one that had been talked about of being the first pick in the draft. Also in this draft is former William Penn High School lineman, Jeff Otah. My cousin, Jon, laughed when I told him that he was considered to be one of the best lineman in the draft. My cousin actually faced him every day during high school football practice. According to him, he is very lasy, and must have gotten his act together in order to be this good. Might come back to be about the same later in life. I love the tight end position, but in the draft, it really isnt important to analyze. Next week, I'll give you my take on the defensive side of the draft as well as special teams.

Finally, my NASCAR report. Hendrick Motorsports got its first win of the year after completely dominating the leage last year. Its hard to believe that this is only the first because of the all-star cast that they have with 3 of the best drivers in the series, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. They have really struggle so far this year, either having bad luck with a good car, or having a car that isnt competitive. They wont stay down forever, so the rest of the league better watch out.

I have to say that after years of not being a big fan of Mark Martin, I am beginning to realize what a great driver and class act he is. He is only driving a half schedule this year, while getting ready to go into retirement. But I want for him to win. Just because its been so long since he won. I think that Toyota being in this sport is a joke, especially since there is only one team that is competitive in it. I guess it will just take a couple of years to come through but we'll see. Its good to see the sport continuing to grow especially with the addition to so many drivers coming from other leagues to come race in NASCAR. NASCAR is off this week, allowing the drivers to get plenty of rest before the long stretch of races coming up. They will not get a week off until the middle of July, giving us 3 full months of racing including my favorite types...night races.

Well...thats all for tonite, I hope everyone has a good day tomorrow

KJT