C: Devin Mesoraco

1B: Yonder Alonso

2B: Brandon Phillips

3B: Edwin Encarnacion

SS: Neftali Soto

LF: Joey Votto

CF: Drew Stubbs

RF: Jay Bruce

Subs:

Jeff Keppinger

Juan Francisco

Paul Janish

Ryan Freel

Todd Frazier

David Ross

No. 1. Starter: C.C. Sabathia

No. 2 Starter: Aaron Harang

No. 3 Starter: Edinson Volquez

No. 4 Starter: Bronson Arroyo

No. 5 Starter: Johnny Cueto

Bullpen:

Middle Relief: Homer Bailey

No. 1: Jared Burton

No. 2: Bill Bray

No. 3: Mike Lincoln

No. 4: Danny Herrera

No. 5 Daryl Thompson

No. 6: Dallas Buck

Closer: Francisco Cordero

Since the Reds drafted Alonso 7th overall in the first round of this years MLB Draft, I haven't heard much about him. All I knew is everyone was worried he would ask for too much money, but then others said he absolutely looked stellar with a wood bat this past summer in the Cape Cod League.

I read a few people saying if the Reds signed him he had a chance at making it to the bigs this season, obviously thats out of the question now. Still, does anyone know anything about Alonso or having any update on his current status with the Reds? I was and still am very excited about seeing him playing first for the Reds and Votto in the outfield. The only way were going to see that happen is if he gets in our farm system already, so whats the low down?

Let me know as soon as possible, it is vital to my life, I watched Yonder Alonso play in all his college World Series ESPN 2 games with the Miami Hurricanes and I don't want that aluminum bat watching boredom to be for nothing!

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According to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan, the Reds may pursue Rangers' outfielder Nelson Cruz to replace Ken Griffey Jr. in right field.

Cruz, 28, is hitting a ridiculous .345/.436/.716 with 37 home runs in 97 minor league games.  Of course, this is his fourth shot at Triple A.

Rangers to to Marlins about Lairs, and Reds about Cruz
by T.R. Sullivan, MLB.com
If the Reds trade Ken Griffey Jr. to the White Sox then they could go after Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz, who is tearing up Triple A Oklahoma but is blocked at the big league level. The Rangers could also try to move outfielder Marlon Byrd and make room for Cruz. The Rangers are still talking to the Marlins about catcher Gerald Laird. The Reds are also interested. (posted at 1:49 pm)

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Hey Rangers fans, I wrote an article that I posted on Red Reporter about the uneven division sizes in Major League Baseball, a dilemma which effects NL Central fans the most by putting us at a disadvantage at the start of every season (in comparison to every other team in Major League Baseball). In my mind its an outrage but I would love for you guys to check it out, drop a vote in, or even make a comment! I would really love to hear Rangers fans take on this dilemma because in my opinion the only way to fix the imbalance is by moving the Houston Astros to the NL West and the Arizona Diamond Backs to the AL West, making every division in Major League Baseball have 5 teams.

Thanks!

AL West and NL Central: Imbalanced and Unfair

by Brent Beck

Hey Mariners fans, I wrote an article that I posted on Red Reporter about the uneven division sizes in Major League Baseball, a dilemma which effects NL Central fans the most by putting us at a disadvantage at the start of every season (in comparison to every other team in Major League Baseball). In my mind its an outrage but I would love for you guys to check it out, drop a vote in, or even make a comment! I would really love to hear Mariners fans take on this dilemma because in my opinion the only way to fix the imbalance is by moving the Houston Astros to the NL West and the Arizona Diamond Backs to the AL West, making every division in Major League Baseball have 5 teams.

Thanks!

AL West and NL Central: Imbalanced and Unfair

by Brent Beck

Hey D'Backs fans, I wrote an article that I posted on Red Reporter about the uneven division sizes in Major League Baseball, a dilemma which effects NL Central fans the most by putting us at a disadvantage at the start of every season (in comparison to every other team in Major League Baseball). In my mind its an outrage but I would love for you guys to check it out, drop a vote in, or even make a comment! I would love to hear the perspective of any Diamond Back fan on this matter because in my opinion, the only way to fix this imbalance and make it fair for the teams and fans in the NL Central is to move the Diamond Backs to the AL West.

Thanks!

AL West and NL Central: Imbalanced and Unfair

by Brent Beck

Hey Astros fans, I wrote an article that I posted on Red Reporter about the uneven division sizes in Major League Baseball, a dilemma which effects NL Central fans the most by putting us at a disadvantage at the start of every season (in comparison to every other team in Major League Baseball). In my mind its an outrage but I would love for you guys to check it out, drop a vote in, or even make a comment! I would really love to hear Astros fans take on this dilemma because in my opinion the only way to fix the imbalance is by moving the Houston Astros to the NL West and the Arizona Diamond Backs to the AL West.

Thanks!

AL West and NL Central: Imbalanced and Unfair

by Brent Beck

Hey Pirates fans, I wrote and article that I posted on Red Reporter about the uneven division sizes in Major League Baseball, a dilemma which effects NL Central fans the most by putting us at a disadvantage at the start of every season (in comparison to every other team in Major League Baseball). In my mind its an outrage but I would love for you guys to check it out, drop a vote in, or even make a comment!

Thanks!

AL West and NL Central: Imbalanced and Unfair

by Brent Beck

The American League West is one of three divisions in Major League Baseball's American League. The division currently has four teams, but it has had as many as seven teams before the 1994 realignment. Although its teams currently only reside along the west coast and in Texas, historically the division has had teams as far east as Chicago. It is the only division in Major League baseball to have only four teams in one division. The defending champion of the AL West Division is the Los Angeles Angels. Current members:

1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - Founding member (as California Angels)
2. Oakland Athletics - Founding member
3. Seattle Mariners - Joined in 1977 as an expansion team
4. Texas Rangers - Joined in 1972; formerly of AL East (Washington Senators)

The National League Central is one of three divisions in Major League Baseball's National League. The division currently has six teams. It was created in 1994, merging teams from the NL West (Cincinnati, and Houston) and NL East (Chicago, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis) divisions of the National League. In 1998 it became the largest division in Major League Baseball, with the addition of a sixth member (Milwaukee). The defending champion of the NL Central Division is the Chicago Cubs. Current members:

1. Chicago Cubs - Founding member; formerly of the NL East
2. Cincinnati Reds - Founding member; formerly of the NL West
3. Houston Astros - Founding member; formerly of the NL West
4. Milwaukee Brewers - Joined in 1998; formerly of the AL Central
5. Pittsburgh Pirates - Founding member; formerly of the NL East
6. St. Louis Cardinals - Founding member; formerly of the NL East

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Ron Artest set for deal to Rockets

Bobby Jackson, first-round pick to go to Sacramento

By JONATHAN FEIGEN
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
July 29, 2008, 7:09PM

In what had been a quiet offseason, the Rockets are about to make a lot of noise.

In a stunning move designed to push the Rockets from solid playoff team toward legitimate NBA contenders, the Rockets reached agreement Tuesday with the Sacramento Kings to acquire gifted but controversial forward Ron Artest, according to an NBA executive with knowledge of the deal.

The Rockets will give up guard Bobby Jackson, a No. 1 draft pick next season and another player that the individual with knowledge of the trade could not name. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey could not be immediately reached for comment.

Because of contract considerations, the trade will not be announced until Aug. 14, though that would indicate the deal could include Rockets first round draft pick DonteM Greene. Greene is not permitted to be traded until then, one month from when he signed with the Rockets.

There could also be other players involved to make the money match but none that the Rockets would plan to keep. The Rockets will also send the Kings cash in excess of $1 million.

Artest, 28, is considered one of the NBAs most unpredictable characters and was the central figure in a 2004-05 brawl with fans in Auburn Hills, Mich. He is also considered among the leagues toughest lock-down defenders and sometimes, an unstoppable offensive force.

The 39 points he scored against the Rockets in 2006-07 season are his career high.

A 6-7, 248 pound forward, he had publicly lamented his decision last month not to opt out of the last season of his contract to become a free agent, renewing the Kings efforts to move him.

Artest played 40 games for Rockets coach Rick Adelman after he was traded by the Indiana Pacers to the Kings in the 2005-06 season, averaging 16.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and a career-high 4.2 assists. He was also a first-team NBA All-Defensive team selection. He offered to donate his salary if the Kings were willing to retain Adelman after that season.

In nine NBA seasons out of St. Johns, where he was a third-team All-American, Artest has averaged 16 points and 5.1 rebounds. He was the 2003-04 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. He averaged 20.5 points per game last season.

Artest, however, has been unable to stay clear from trouble. He was arrested in March 2007 and charged with domestic abuse and eventually sentenced to 20 days in jail and community service. That sentence was reduced to 10 days in a work release program. He had also been charged with animal neglect, though charges were not filed and Artest has since worked with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals on several campaigns.

In addition to his 73-game suspension after going into the stands in the Nov. 19, 2004 brawl (the longest suspension in NBA history other than for drug policy violations or gambling), he has been suspended for destroying a television camera in New York, for an altercation with then Heat coach Pat Riley in Miami and for numerous flagrant fouls.

Drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1999, he was traded in 2002 to the Pacers, having some of his best seasons, including his one All Star season in 2003-04. Prior to the fight in 2004, he was suspended for two games for asking for a month off to promote an R&B album by a group on his production label.

After his return to the Pacers the season after the fight, he asked for a trade and was placed on the inactive roster.

Though Artest has been best used as a small forward, Rockets forward Shane Battier is also considered among the leagues best players at defending small forwards and shooting guards. But because Artest can defend players from small guards to power forwards, the Rockets could finish games with Artest and Battier on the court together, either with Tracy McGrady sliding over to point guard or with Artest matching up with power forwards.

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I just returned from a night I never expected when going to a Thursday night game at 5/3rd Field in Dayton vs. the Peoria Chiefs!

The the first inning was insane. It started with a high velocity pitcher for the Peoria Chiefs hitting one of the Dragons. Anger built up, then he hit a Dragon in the head who was taken off the field on a stretcher.  A play later the pitcher had a collision with his own infielder that resulted in his teammate getting his leg broken. From there, after a long period of medical attention to his leg, the game resumed. Phipps then was on first. At the plate Angel Cabrera got hit with the next pitch thrown, in the right bicep. He was absolutely pissed off, and the Dragons manager was pissed off he wasn't thrown out. From there the game resumed, the Dragons got a hit in the infield and as Cabrera slid into second he made sure the Chiefs second basemen couldn't make the throw to first, then all hell broke out. In still be mad the Chiefs pitcher wasn't thrown out, the Dragons manager Scott came out to argue with the umpires after the Chiefs manager was yelling in anger about the play at second. From there one the third base line the Dragons and Chiefs manager were face to face, chest to chest. The Chiefs manager then gave a small shoulder push to the Dragons manager who returned the favor more sternly. Right at that point the Dragons dug out emptied. From there the Chiefs dugout emptied and coming off the pitching mound, the Chiefs pitcher in motion as he ran towards the Dragons dugout cocked and loaded a 90 mph fast ball pin point at their dugout (still not sure whether or not that pitch was what resulted in a Dragons fan getting injured, getting taken off in a stretcher with a neck brace). After the throw, a Dragon jumped on his back and put him in a choke hold. The players were throwing punches left and right, Phipps went in for a bat, punches thrown like it was UFC fight. Absolute insanity. 2 players from the Chiefs were arrested, 15 suspended total from both teams. Craziest sequence of events I had ever seen in my life.

Correction, that was just another manager, in retrospect I would guess it wasn't Ryne, but it got so heated in the fight, that former Dragons coach (now instructor for Reds) Freddy Benevides, in a Reds uniform, took on the Chiefs managerand seemed to whoop the shit out of him, had him pinned. Im still wondering who the Chiefs third base coach was, he looked a lot like Shaun Dunston, anyone know if thats true? Anyways, Players were kicking players in the ground, players were bleeding, Angel Cabrera's jersey was so bloody and torn up that he had to wear another number and blank jersey when play resumed an hour and a half later. It was insanity, I still couldn't fathom they decided to continue play. The Dragons handled the situation horribly also, just so you know, they did everything wrong. The cops werent in uniform, they never gave the fans any information, kept having ushers tell us to sit down like we were kids, tried to cover up the fan injury and relayed false information, part of why I think I started to believe that pitch wasn't the pitchers pitch that hit the fan. Then for the hour and a half we sat around with our thumbs up our ass confused, the Dragons had us sitting in silence confused as all get out while the players re-enacted the fight with each other, over and over again, beit the kicks they threw punched or whatever.

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Huston Street gains more suitors

Huston Street | Athletics | Interested: Dodgers? Mets? Reds?

Huston Street, who is currently being scouted by the Los Angeles Dodgers, is apparently now drawing interest from the Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets , the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

As reported on ESPN.coms "MLB Rumor Central"

With the need for a deeper bullpen I am diggin' this idea! Street and Coco would be a nasty duo to have waiting in reserve, and yes, I am talkin' bout' some playoffs!

If you didn't hear the news, Shawne Williams has gotten into a little bit of trouble however, one of the passengers he was driving got charged with possession of marijuana.

Heres the link to Indy Stars, Mike Wells article Pacers player's associate in legal trouble.

Truly disheartening and sad to say the least.

---

Heres the article is posted below:

The thin ice Shawne Williams is standing on with the Indiana Pacers could be getting ready to break.
For the third time since Sept. 2007, one of Williams' associates from his hometown of Memphis has encountered legal trouble in Indianapolis.
Friday afternoon, Carmel police arrested Darrell Smith Jr., 21, a passenger in the car Williams was driving, after discovering Smith had a small amount of marijuana, Lt. Jeff Horner of the Carmel Police Dept. said.
Police stopped the car about 6 p.m. in the 4000 block of East 96th Street.
“Shawne Williams was not charged with anything,” Horner said. “He was given a window tint and seat belt violation. Mr. Smith’s marijuana charge is a misdemeanor.”

The car Williams was driving was not his.

Pacers president Larry Bird said last month the 22-year-old forward is on “very thin ice.”

Bird was unavailable for comment today.

The team issued this statement: “While Shawne Williams was not involved in any arrest or any criminal wrongdoing, we are extremely upset and hugely disappointed he once again has put himself in a position that jeopardizes Shawne’s future as a member of the Indiana Pacers. I plan to meet with Shawne as soon as possible to discuss this further.”

In February, a man wanted on murder charges in Memphis, Tenn., was arrested after leaving Williams' home in a truck registered to Williams. The man, Gary Bohannon, also was with Williams when Williams was stopped for driving without a license Sept. 11, 2007.

Bohannon was found guilty of marijuana possession from that traffic stop. Williams apologized last year, saying he needed to make better choices.

With all the current news surrounding the L.A. Clippers focusing on the recent free agent signing of Baron Davis and the controversial loss of All-Star power forward Elton Brand (signed with the 76ers), nobody seems to have said a word about the Clippers renouncing the rights to the once coveted and currently recuperating guard Shaun Livingston.

Livingston, taken by Los Angeles as the fourth overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft, hasn't played since injuring his left knee in a game on Feb. 26, 2007. The Clippers declined to give him a $5.8 million qualifying offer this summer. In becoming an unrestricted free agent, the 6'7", 22 year old point guard is currently looking for work and hoping a team gives him a chance. With the jury still out on his knee, whoever takes a chance on Livingston is going to sign the Peoria, Illinois product at a discount. With open cap space and the ceiling of potential still so high for Shaun Livingston in my mind, the Pacers should take the risk and bring him to Indiana especially if Shaun is willing to sign to a league minimum contract.

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If check out T.J. Ford's Official Website, he obviously has plans of wearing number 11 for his new team, the Pacers. Believe me if you haven't checked out the link, I will explain, the main image on his website features the Pacers new PG Ford dribbling the rock with none other than Tinsley's old jersey, looks to me like it is officially time to say bye to Jamaal, my question is where is he going, who is going to take him, and how badly is he going to affect our future plans if we can't dump him?

but....

If you check our The Pacer Gift Shop Website, they seem to have a different answer. According to them Ford is going to be dawning Jalen Rose's old number, such a dilemma!

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2008-09 NBA Rookie Class: Top 50

By David Thorpe, Scouts Inc.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/rookies/rankings

1		Michael Beasley	MIA	19	PF	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: He made it look like it was just another game for ... more
2		Greg Oden	POR	20	C	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: This is based on his playing on two healthy legs, naturally. ... more
3		Rudy Fernandez	POR	23	G	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: I love players who have been productive in the best leagues ... more
4		Kevin Love	MIN	19	PF	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: I know his athleticism and overall physique are in question, but ... more
5		Derrick Rose	CHI	19	PG	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: Looked tentative and a bit sluggish early. Struggled using ball-screens, as ... more
6		O.J. Mayo	MEM	20	SG	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: Obviously, a talent like Mayo should rank higher. But the Grizzlies ... more
7		Danilo Gallinari	NYK	19	SF	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: Another highly skilled and experienced player from Europe, Gallinari is in ... more
8		Brook Lopez	NJN	20	C	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: Hustled up and down the floor, but struggled to make plays. ... more
9		Brandon Rush	IND	23	SG	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: Has a beautiful outside stroke and is ready to defend -- ... more
10		Russell Westbrook	SEA	19	SG	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: A special "glider" on the floor, like Monta Ellis and Leandro ... more

11		Courtney Lee	ORL	22	SG	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: Created some shots, but left a lot more out on the ... more
12		Jerryd Bayless	POR	19	PG	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: Should be looked at as a serious scoring option off the ... more
13		Roy Hibbert	TOR	21	C	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: Highly skilled and smart. And huge, too. Should be able to ... more
14		D.J. Augustin	CHA	20	PG	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: Ultra-quick with the ball, and a good shooter, too. His natural ... more
15		Joe Alexander	MIL	21	PF	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: The league loves athletic energy guys, and Alexander is that and ... more
16		Jason Thompson	SAC	21	C	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: The most surprising pick of the draft, Thompson is multitalented and ... more
17		Donte' Greene	HOU	20	SF	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: Pure shooters like Greene can find their way into the rotation. ... more
18		Robin Lopez	PHO	20	C	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: An agile and aggressive big, Lopez symbolizes the new Suns, who ... more
19		Nicolas Batum	POR	19	SF	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: I know that most stat gurus don't like him, but it's ... more
20		George Hill	SAS	22	PG	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
		Analysis: A surprising draft choice for the Spurs, but one that makes ... more

[Thanks for the recap, Brent!  Hard to take much from these games but at least the Pacers had a better day than the Bulls. Don't imagine they enjoyed seeing Michael Beasley put up 28 and 9 on them in 22 minutes . I know, it was a meaningless summer league game. - Cornrows] 

To watch the Pacers play during the Orlando Pro Summer, click here, but I must admit after watching the first game of the camp, the announcing was somewhat peculiar and not too informative. The games are aired via broadband for free on the Orlando Magic's website, I recommend muting your volume unless you enjoy inside jokes, giggling, and long conversations about Alfredo sauce and the Ellen show.

Not getting much insight from what was actually going on during the game itself, I had to come to my own conclusion albeit the only player the announcers seemed to extremely enjoy watching on the Pacers was, surprisingly, Vladimir Golubovic. One still must keep in mind, although Golubovic was talked about during the game more than any other player involved, including the 4th overall pick of the draft in Russell Westbrook, I still would likely conclude the announcers talked more about what they thought Oklahoma City should name their franchise than the players on the court. With an e-mail coming in from a viewer claiming the name of the O.K.C. team had been narrowed down to the Barons, Thunder, or Thunder Birds, the announcers came to the justly conclusion that the team will now be known throughout the Orlando Summer Pro League games as, you didn't guess it, the Oklahoma City Thunder Cats (Be sure to tune in they are a real treat.)

The Pacers next games you can tune in are as followed:

Tuesday, July 8, 2008
3rd Game vs. Chicago (Tip-off roughly around 7:30 pm)
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
3rd Game vs. Miami (Tip-off roughly around 7:30 pm)
Thursday, July 10, 2008
2nd Game vs. Orlando (Tip-off roughly around 5:30 pm)
Friday, July 11, 2008
1st Game vs. New Jersey (Tip-off roughly around 11 am)

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[I saw this today and had an absolute blast watching it. I knew he was into motocross bikes but had no idea how he was able to ride them. Now I do. Thanks for the post, Brent! - Cornrows]

Rik Smits, "The Dunkin' Dutchman", featured here in a great update by ESPN Videos on what one of the Pacers fans most beloved and most memorable centers of all time is up too since his playing days in the NBA. Enjoy, to be honest, how couldn't you? We love you Rik, in my mind Smits is hands down the best center in Indiana Pacers history!

In further researching Riks unfathomable new hobby on the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) official website, I found that "The Dunkin' Dutchman" really is a legitimate contender in the racing circuit he now competes.

In the Gallery of Champions Smits recent honors include:

- 2006: Ultimate Four-Stroke Champion (Intermediate) in the Northwest Maico & CZ Post-Vintage Motocross Series

- 2003: Tommy McDermott Trophy (Outstanding performance in cross country)

In digging even deeper into Riks retirement hobby it was also found that his sponsorship for his newly found love is provided by Metro Racing and the Indianapolis National Speedway, could the Pacers drafting the Hollander 2nd overall in 1988 NBA Draft be the source of Smits post-retirement endeavor, maybe, Indianapolis is nicknamed "The Racing Capital of the World"!

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In his article, Rookie Watch: Who are the early favorites for ROY?, David Thorpe of ESPN.com, predicts Brandon Rush and Roy Hibbert (the Pacers #11 and #17 selections in the NBA draft) to be among the top fifteen rookies with the best chance of earning the all coveted NBA Rookie of the Year honors.  Here is what Thorpe had to say about our young talent, enjoy!

(Keep in mind the list was of the top twenty rookie prospects heading into the 2008-09 season, which includes the likes of Greg Oden and Marc Gasol)

10. Brandon Rush, SG, Pacers
Has a beautiful outside stroke and is ready to defend -- a perfect fit in Indy. Newly acquired point guard T.J. Ford will get him shots in half-court sets and in transition.

15. Roy Hibbert, C, Pacers
Highly skilled and smart. And huge, too. Should be able to get minutes on this team and be a half-court option right away.

and who says big Hibbert doesn't have versatility?

With much debate about Chad Ford's numbers and estimation of where the Pacers will be standing when its all said in done with the cap relief they will get from the expiring contracts they have coming up in the summer of 2009, I dug in and did some research and believe I have a pretty good guestimate of where the Pacers will stand.  Looks to me like the Living Legend has the Pacers looking like a strong player in the summer of 2009 free agency, pretty exciting to say the least!

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With the interview Rush had with a sports writer for The Kansas City Star, KU's Rush ends up with Indiana at NBA draft, this kid is really growing on me.  Read the article here for yourself, enjoy!

By J. BRADY McCOLLOUGH

The Kansas City Star

It just wouldn’t be right for Rush’s draft night to go off without a hitch. When it comes to getting to the NBA, Rush only knows unforeseen twists and turns. On Thursday, the script flipped again when the Portland Trail Blazers picked Rush 13th overall and then traded him to the Indiana Pacers in a package for No. 11 pick Jerryd Bayless.

Ten minutes after the trade was announced, Rush was still looking for a Pacers cap. The trade hadn’t been officially passed by league officials, but Rush didn’t care.

"I might have to switch with Bayless," Rush said.

All awkwardness aside, Rush’s night couldn’t have gone much better. A year after tearing his ACL and wondering whether he would ever be the same player again, Rush, a Kansas City native, was selected in the draft lottery.

"People doubted I would be the same player," Rush said.

Yet, here he was on Thursday morning, hanging out with his relatively small entourage in the lobby of the Westin Times Square, looking corporate already with a white dress shirt and black slacks.

"It didn’t really hit me until I woke up this morning, like, today is the day my dream comes true," Rush said. "It was taking forever for a while."

When Rush says forever, he means it. Remember, he wanted to turn pro out of high school but eventually decided to go to college. He wanted to go after his sophomore year at Kansas, but the most fortuitous injury in KU history occurred and Rush was forced to hang around for one more year. Rush has no regrets. But it still felt like forever.

"I think it was better I did it this way," Rush said. "If I would have come out of high school, my freshman year or sophomore year, I don’t think I would have been in the green room. I don’t think I was that type of player that would be in the green room."

Rush found out that he was invited to the green room on Sunday. That was the first tangible sign that he had moved himself into prime position during his tour of workouts over the last two months, the first sign that he had indeed made it.

On Thursday morning, that made Rush think about all the doubters back in his hometown, like a principal at Westport High School who predicted that the youngest of the three Rush brothers would "amount to nothing," according to Rush.

"She’s wrong," Rush said. "Big time.

"I think this will be a nice thing to go back and slap everybody in the face for doubting me."

Rush was accompanied by his brother, Kareem; his best friend from KC, Tim Blackwell; and an uncle. Blackwell, who played with Rush as a kid and went to UMKC, said he was speechless about being in the Big Apple with his childhood buddy.

"Anytime someone makes it like this that you know, it’s just amazing," Blackwell said. "I’m just happy for him."

Kareem Rush knew what it was like for Brandon, growing up in his and JaRon Rush’s shadow.

"People looked at him under a microscope," Kareem said. "Brandon has accomplished more than me and JaRon both accomplished in our college careers. I’m proud of him."

Rush arrived in the green room — it is actually not a room, but a closed-off area that everybody in the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden could see very clearly — about an hour before the draft. He sat around and sent text messages on his iPhone.

"I just can’t wait for this to be over," Rush said.

The last few months have been a whirlwind. Rush moved to Chicago and worked out with renowned basketball trainer Tim Grover and a physical therapist. He worked out in front of 10 teams — a very large number — and tried to leave everything he had on the court each time.

"It’s a lot of pressure," Rush said. "You don’t know what teams are really interested in you. Everything, I did to the extreme. I hustled every time I stepped on the court."

Rush’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, said Rush impressed the Pacers from the beginning. Actually, he impressed everybody, it seemed.

"Literally, as much as anybody in this draft," Bartelstein said, "everywhere he’s gone, he’s done extremely well."

Bartelstein got the news of the planned pick-and-trade deal with Portland and Indiana and relayed it to Rush. It was Rush’s job to field questions as if he knew nothing of the trade, which also included a swap of Indiana’s Ike Diogu and Portland’s Jarrett Jack. Rush handled the task admirably, talking about Portland’s young talent and great organization.

When Rush was picked, he walked through a throng of fans, all trying to give him five or share pounds of the fist. Yells of "Rock Chalk!" were mixed in with pleas for the attention of "B-Rush!"

Before long, Rush would put on a different cap. Rush had already made the connection that being a Pacer meant possibly playing on the same team with Kareem, who is a free agent and could re-sign with Indiana.

"Nothing like a little sibling rivalry," Kareem said.

Brandon wasn’t too worried about a possible battle with Kareem for playing time. He was thinking bigger. Much bigger.

"Reggie Miller," Rush said. "I want to try to be the next Reggie Miller. That’s my whole take."

---

I Really Was Overlooking My Love For Jarrett Jack Too:

and Lets Get Roy Hibberts Back Too!

and i'm and kind of starting to feel this guy... you never know.

then again.... not really..

When hearing Larry Bird say that the Pacers owners Herb and Mel Simon were going to be in town for draft night you might have been thinking big whoop or what is that going to do for us. Having Herb there to be honest, is going to do a lot more than one would think.

In reading two time NBA executive of the year Wayne Embrys biography The Inside Game, early in the book Embry talks of the days leading up to the 1986 NBA Draft, a time when Embry was recently released from his GM duties with the Milwaukee Bucks and at the time was working with the Indiana Pacers as a draft consultant and scout. Leading up to the draft the opening for the Pacers GM spot was filled by, you know who, Donnie Walsh, subsequently Embry accepted the job as the GM of the Cleveland Cavaliers. In not being announced as the Cavs GM before the draft Simon and Walsh still wanted Embry to help them with the draft as the Pacers had the 4th pick in the draft and Cavs the 8th, they saw no conflict of interest.

Here is an excerpt from The Inside Game, giving Pacers fans an inside look at the Pacers "War Room" on draft day, keep in mind 1986 was the last time the Pacers had a new GM in charge since this years draft, making Simon all that more involved (just like he will be this year with Bird).

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As John Hollinger reported this evening on ESPN.com in his article Who wins in the Pacers-Raptors trade? Everybody, the Pacers have position themself to be major players in next years NBA free agent market.

Cap space! Ah, yes, now we get to the big kahuna. By taking on the expiring contracts of Nesterovic and Baston and taking back $2.5 million less than O'Neal makes to begin with, the Pacers put themselves in position to be about $16 million under the cap next summer (depending on where the cap number comes in, which we won't know until next July). They can pursue a big free agent (or take one in a trade) to team up with Ford, Danny Granger and the draft picks, and they'll have the next generation of Pacers up and running.

So, big picture, the Pacers finally start over. For the last couple years they've been hemming and hawing about whether to go in a new direction; now Bird has set a definitive course. As a result, look for other dominoes to fall in Indy -- starting with Tinsley and possibly including Troy Murphy and Jeff Foster.

Who are going to be the free agents the Pacers could make a run at you ask? Heres the list, enjoy!

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It looks like it is actually happening.  Here is what Yahoo! Sports reported this evening in their article "O'Neal nearing trade to Toronto for Ford":

NEW YORK – After on-and-off again negotiations, the Indiana Pacers have agreed in principle to send six-time All-Star Jermaine O’Neal to the Toronto Raptors for point guard T.J. Ford and the 17th pick in Thursday’s NBA draft, a league executive said Wednesday.

After nearly completing the deal earlier in the week, Pacers and Raptors officials needed to exchange more medical information on O’Neal’s left knee and Ford’s neck before finding a comfort level with the trade. It is believed both sides now are comfortable making the deal, though the trade won’t be complete until both O’Neal and Ford pass their physicals.

Toronto also will send Rasho Nesterovic and another role player to match up with O’Neal’s salary. O’Neal is owed $44 million over the next two seasons. He played just 42 games for Indiana a year ago with a left knee injury. O’Neal has expressed a desire to leave the Pacers for a contender.

Ford, who has a history of neck injuries, became expendable when Toronto GM Bryan Colangelo decided that he wanted to make Jose Calderon the franchise’s future at point guard.

Ford was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, a condition that narrows the openings the spinal cord runs through. He missed the 2004-05 season with the Bucks following neck surgery, and missed 13 games with a neck injury last season after Atlanta’s Al Horford leveled him on a breakaway layup. Ford has $25 million and two years left on his contract. Indiana had been searching for a point guard and Ford takes the job now.

Calderon is a restricted free agent, and Colangelo has insisted that he’ll match any offer for him. Clearly, the Raptors will belong to him now.

The Pacers would now hold the 11th and 17th picks in the draft.

In a recent post HoopsWorld reported this in reference to the deal:

O'Neal Deal Nearly Complete

The big trade that's expected to go down tomorrow is, of course, the Jermaine O'Neal/TJ Ford deal. The Raptors are taking one more look at O'Neal, wanting to be sure he's healthy and ready to play big minutes alongside Chris Bosh, but the word is that this deal will, indeed, get done.

The expectation is that the Raptors will send Ford, Rasho Nesterovic and their #17 pick to the Pacers, who loved what they saw from Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavy, Jr. during O'Neal's prolonged absence this season. The feeling is that they can build around their other two front court players if they have a good veteran point guard running the show, and when TJ is healthy he's as good as they come. He's also a tremendous presence in the locker room and a strong role model off the court.

Expect the Pacers to use the #17 pick on the best big man available and be happy with the upgrades they were able to make on draft day.

With Vegas locking the Pacers in at being the 8th worst team in the 2009 NBA season, they still aren't putting them too far behind the other seven teams, in their mind it is an 8 horse race at this point for who's going to be the worst.

Celtics, Lakers favorites to win 2009 NBA title

• Indiana Pacers: 75/1
• Los Angeles Clippers: 100/1
• Memphis Grizzlies: 100/1
• Milwaukee Bucks: 100/1
• Minnesota Timberwolves: 100/1
• Sacramento Kings: 100/1
• Seattle Supersonics: 100/1

Just as the Celtics tried in the 2006-07 season in hopes of landing Greg Oden and as the Cavaliers succeeded in doing so during their 2003-04 campaign in hopes of landing the hometown "Once in a lifetime prospect", LeBron James, can we dare think that it's time to start thinking about the unfathomable idea of the Pacers "tanking" the 2008-09 season?  Luckly the Pacers weren't in this position leading up to the 2005 NBA Draft because purposely attempting to lose in hopes of landing Andrew Bogut (Bucks) or Marvin Williams (Hawks) wouldn't have impacted the team as much as one would hope a top two pick could, and the same thing goes with the 2006 NBA Draft because honestly Andrea Bargnani (Raptors) and LaMarcus Aldridge (Blazers) haven't really lived up to their expectations either.  In looking at those two drafts one would argue that "tanking" is a horrible idea, but with perennial All-Stars Deron Williams and Chris Paul going 3rd and 4th in the 2005 NBA Draft, point guards have developed into being perceived around the league as arguably the most important position on a NBA basketball team.  This phenomenon in my mind, is why Mike Conley Junior of Ohio State moved all the up to being selected 4th overall by the Grizzlies in 2007 and why Jerryd Bayless is being projected as a top 4 pick in this years draft.

As the 2007 NBA Draft was a two man race for who was the unanimous best prospect and future super star between Greg Oden of Ohio State and Kevin Durant of Texas, the same pattern has continued in the new era of the 19 year old age limit as the 2008 NBA Draft is also a two man race between Derrick Rose of Memphis and Michael Beasley of Kansas State.

Who may you ask are scouts already eyeing as the next "savior" to the few lucky NBA Draft lottery winners?  At this point its a five man race involving a couple point guards, a shooting guard, power forward, and a center.  One of the point guards of which is being described as a bigger version of Tony Parker with a skills that are comparable to mixture of Walt Frazier and Steve Nash, this might be the first time you're hearing this young mans name but I promise you it won't be the last, Ricky Rubio.  Read on for the scoop, enjoy.

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Hoops Word posted this in reference to the rumors flying around Jermaine O'Neal being packaged in a deal sending him along with Joey Graham to Toronto for T.J. Ford, Nesterovic, and the 17th overall pick.

Jermaine O'Neal and the Raptors

So the rumored deal between the Raptors and Pacers lives on, but the Raptors are trying to get a really clear picture of just how ready Jermaine O'Neal is to resume playing basketball. His recent history of injuries has them worried, but not so worried that talks are dead. The word is that this will probably go down, meaning TJ Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, Joey Graham and the 17th pick in Thursday's draft head to Indiana for Jermaine O'Neal and maybe one more player.

Everything is hinging upon O'Neal's health, and perhaps the Raptors wanting a little sweeter deal. More on this story as it develops.

Want some stats and videos on T.J. Ford to ease you worries?  Continue on to dig into our prospected new court general, enjoy!

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[Here's some interesting info on Stanko Barac. Thanks for digging this up, Brent! - Cornrows]

Most Pacers fans remember or at least have tried to forget that there wasn't much buzz leading up to last years NBA draft due to the plain and simple fact that the Pacers didn't have any picks, just missing out on being involved in the draft because of a trade stipulation involved with their acquisition of Al Harrington from the Atlanta Hawks (gave up the 11th overall selection). In wheeling and dealing his way into the second round, after being selected by the Miami Heat with the 39th overall pick, Larry Bird quickly executed a trade sending the Pacers 2009 second round draft pick to the Heat for the unknown Croatian center, Stanko Barac.

After signing a multi year contract with the Spanish ACB team TAU Ceramica in August of 2007, Stanko was then loaned to Pamesa Valencia on October 25th, 2007, another lower tier ACB team. In Bird coughing up a 2009 second round pick for the young European center, some could possibly infer that Birds window for winning is now the 2010 season, that is if Bird actually thinks Stanko is going to be a contributing factor to the Pacers turnaround.

Have you been wondering what Stanko has been up too since being drafted last year? I sure have been curious, read on to get an update.

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This trade is not a joke, it is going to happen, and you're hearing it here first.  The Portland TrailBlazers are going to trade the 13th overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft to the Indiana Pacers for veteran point guard Jamaal Tinsley.

Why?

Read on and I will give you seven reasons why this trade is going to occur and if you don't believe me, leave a comment, and I will gladly get back to you with an "I told you so" on the mourning of June 27th, 2008.

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This trade is not a joke, it is going to happen, and you're hearing it here first.  The Portland TrailBlazers are going to trade the 13th overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft to the Indiana Pacers for veteran point guard Jamaal Tinsley.

Why?

Read on and I will give you seven reasons why this trade is going to occur and if you don't believe me, leave a comment, and I will gladly get back to you with an "I told you so" on the mourning of June 27th, 2008.

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Bill Walker - R/S Freshman (Kansas State)
Position: Small Forward
Born: 10/9/1987 (20 Years Old)
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 235 lbs

Overall scoring effectiveness: PPP 0.97 (FG 160/336 47.6%)

Bill Walker, the former High-School teammate of O.J. Mayo earned Third Team All-Big 12 honors from The Associated Press and league coaches as a redshirt freshman at Kansas State.  Walker was also named All-District by the USBWA, Second Team All-District by the NABC, and earned Big 12 All-Rookie Team honors, but his awards didn't end there as he was also selected twice as the Big 12 Rookie of the week, which in my mind only solidifies the fact that Walker has the potential to truly grow into a great NBA small forward similar to "The Truth", Paul Pierce. The big question scouts wonder about Walker is his health and ability to play full throttle on a nightly basis in the long 82 game NBA season.  The skepticism about Walker doesn't end there as there are looming questions about Walker's composure during games and his personal choices off the court. With speculations about Walker's health increasing this week, and with him opting to remain in the draft, experts have recently projected Walker falling out of the first round so if he is available at the 41st pick will the Pacers pull the trigger on the once perceived 7th best high school player in the country? With Walker having endless potential, if the situation comes true, Larry Bird has a difficult decision ahead of him.  In my mind the rewards of the risk are so great the Pacers can't say no.

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