Weekend Wrap-up

NBA, Bonds, Braves, Applebees in today's docket.

First, NBA. Kobe and the Lakers are done for the season after being blown out by Phoenix on Saturday night. I am still drinking the "Kobe is the best player in the NBA" juice, but I am quite confused by his non-shooting performance in the second half. I think this stubborness will continue holding him back and making people question his intentions. I too may question his intentions at times, but his talent is unmatched. If the Cavs win two games against Detroit, I will be shocked. The Spurs/Mavs series is already looking good and Suns/Clippers will be fun to watch. Don't really care about the Nets/Heat unless Vince Carter and D-Wade get into a classic duel.

Second, Barry Bonds has 713 home runs. Not that ESPN has covered it or anything. In other news, a kid in Mongolia picked his nose. Awesome.

Third, the not so Hot-lanta Braves. I'm feeling an entire blog devoted to the Braves coming up soon, but I'll touch briefly on things for now. Obviously the team is disappointing, sitting in third place behind the Phillies and waaaaay behind the Mets. Yes, it is early, but the struggles thus far will continue to be struggles for the entire season unless something drastically changes. I personally do not like the makeup of the batting order, as no true leadoff hitter and very streaky guys batting five and six hole lead to what is going on right now. As a team, the Braves are 14th in walks (101), lead the league in strikeouts (242), and are 13th in on-base percentage (.324). Add those three stats up and you get horrendous plate-discipline and a lack of quality at-bats. The pitching has been bad in key spots, but in general, the bats are to blame for the extended slump.

Finally, Applebee's uber-enunciating singing guys have a new commercial spot. This time, "The Applebee's Guys" are covering an old song by Bobby Darrin called "Mack the Knife," altering the lyrics to fit the new Steakhouse Sensations. I would say if the goal of Applebee's ad campaign is to make songs stick in your head or have people recognize the commercials, then they have succeeded. However, death threats and general annoyance seem to be packaged in as well. I don't know anyone who really wanted to see the dang singing fishermen ads again. Therefore, shout-outs to Foote, Cone, & Belding of Chicago, the ad agency who created this monster. And don't worry, there are more ads to come.

With that, I'm out. Soooo sit right back enjoy this tale, a tale of a tasty shrimp...