Amy Nelson

  (9:27 AM)

Hi guys, we'll be starting the chat in about a half hour. Up first there will likely be a lot of discussion about the Suns, D'Antoni's reported stepping down and what do you think about Steve Kerr's role in all of this? Send in your thoughts or questions about that and anything else (baseball always is a topic) and I'll be back in 30 minutes.

Amy Nelson

  (10:00 AM)

OK guys we're ready to get it started here today...

Chris Little Rock, Arkansas

The Suns need to have a defense minded coach. That is the only way they will start beating good teams. (Playing defense)

Cedric Arlington, Tx

Don't blame Kerr or D'Antoni. It's all Rober Sarver. He won't spend the money to get a title so this is what he gets

Clu Phoenix, Az

The Phoenix Suns will never win a title or even reach the finals with the Spurs in the Western Conference and with D'Antoni coaching.

C (Boston,MA

It is time for a change without a doubt in Pho steve kerr played for the spurs towards the end of his career and hes knows a 2 big man tandem beats a four guard offense any day of the week,making the move for shaq and shaqs surprise production show that pho is changing its complete offensive philoslphy despite Mike and in front of our face they lost this year but give them a full year with a coach like hmmm Pat riley?

Jeff (Ohio)

If the Suns need defense, then they need to trade Steve Nash. No way he can keep up with Paul, Williams, or Roy.

Danny (Durham, NC)

Good Morning Amy and all, how about this 2nd round matchup? Spurs vs Hornets? Hopefully the Spurs get taken out here, they have killed the NBA's ratings long enough.

Amy Nelson

  (10:02 AM)

I'm with you Danny ...I've never enjoyed the Spurs. Really hope they don't advance...

Mike (Brooklyn)

D'Antoni to the Knicks? How realistic is that scenario?

Chuck (Na-Na)

Amy, lets be honest here...steve nash got dominated by parker...he couldnt come close to stopping him period. i know they run pick and rolls all over the place but nash is becoming a wah wah that folds late in games just like his good buddy dirk "dissapeer" novitski.

Amy Nelson

  (10:04 AM)

This isn't Chuck D is it? I think you're coming on the show soon...

Jake , Tampa

Shaq to the Suns was a great move, afterall, look what happened to Marion.

Amy Nelson

  (10:06 AM)

so the writer from the arizona republic is saying he's not fired yet...

daniel (philadelphia)

i think the trade was good...i think the thing people are over looking is that its spurs that eliminated the suns not any trades...lets not forget this has been a good series.

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

The playoffs this year is showing that the youth of the NBA has caught the veterans and causing them to show their age.

Bradley (Detroit, MI)

Why is no one talking about Steve Kerr's job security. He is the one who brought in a broken down Diesel

dan denver co

am i the only one who thinks officiating in the nba is laughable the past few years, with flops and awful calls against the suns last night it really is hard to watch and not wonder if donahgy is in black and white again the nba has to be losing fans due to officials determining way to much of who wins and loses.

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

The Spurs have been constant winners in this league, more teams should copy their style and they won't have to resort to trading for past their prime players who still don't get them out of the first round.

Chuck (Na-Na)

Nah, Chuck P...lol. There's still alot of non beleivers out there though...

Matt (Columbus, Ohio)

While the Suns' season will ultimately go down as a failure, at least you have to give them credit for making the trade for Shaq. I'd rather root for a team that wasn't just satisfied with success in the regular season, but was looking to win in the playoffs. That's the real reason the Suns traded for Shaq.

Bradley (Detroit, MI)

Despite the seeds, the Spurs have still been the West favorites all year. The Suns just happened to run into them first round.

Josh (TX)

Talk about wasted trades. We all knew the Mavs would get killed but the Suns/ Spurs series was supossed to be good.

dylan (fla)

So what u think are the ods that avery johnson will be let go as dallas mavs head coach?

Amy Nelson

  (10:08 AM)

i don't cover teh NBA so i'm not really qualified to answer, but i love johnson. hope he isn't removed...

Josh (TX)

I wouldn't want to copy a Hack-A-Shaq bush move in the 1st quarter. That was unwatchable.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Spurs in the Finals = Low TV ratings. It's sad but true. Fans want flash in the NBA not fundamentals.

daniel (philadelphia)

i mean does anyone think the suns actually played badly? i think its that the spurs and tony parker played great...tim duncan sunk a three...double overtimes...close games..this was a good series.two good teams

Danny (Durham, NC)

I do not think the blame can be put on the coach. I think this team just needs more time to get together and get healthy. They also need another pure defender on the perimeter if they want to do any advancing next season.

Matt (Columbus, Ohio)

At least the Suns tried to make a move to win in the postseason. I'd rather root for a team more concerned with winning in the postseason that simply being satisfied with success in the regular season.

Daniel (Montclair, NJ)

Hello Amy, great chat! I have to ask how can you hate the Spurs. Their style may be ugly, but very effective. Spurs in 6. Chris Paul and David West are nice, but can the Hornets go 8-9 deep like the Spurs?

Christopher (San Antonio)

What a "narrow minded" view. How can you not appreciate how the Spurs play team basketball. Why do so many people think because the Spurs aren't "high flyers", that they play boring ball? A true fan of the game should appreciate how they play!

Amy Nelson

  (10:10 AM)

I knew this would genereate some responses. Honestly, I have no good reason, I don't. It's kind of ridiculous, but for some reason the Spurs have always bored me, moreso with their persoanlities so I've never wanted to root for them. Ginobli is the man, though, can't argue that.

tommy (columbus, GA)

the only thing wrong withthe officiating is the star treatment, there will always be wrong calls it is called human error. Until the players start playing perfect games the refs won't either

Marc (Lexington, Kentucky)

Was it just me, or did the refs totally give the game away to the Spurs last night. That "trip over my own leg" flop from Tim Duncan clearly looked staged. Shaq barely touched him. The Refs totally blew this game.

Gabe (Fairfax, VA)

how can you say that youth is who has won it all. look at San Antonio. I'm definetly against Skip's Spurs, but their experience is what helped them get past Phoenix AGAIN. And let's not forget Boston, where most of the starters are veterans. granted, yes, New Orleans, a young team, bounced Dallas, but if you look at almost all the match ups, the Vets are DEFINETLY getting the upper hand

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

Maybe now that the Mavs have gone out in the first found 2 years in a row Dirk might finally be on the trading block for younger better talent or high first round draft pick.

Jeff (Iowa)

San Antonio is better. Pop is a better coach. The better team won. End of discussion.

Aaron (Springfield MO)

Granted the Suns got hosed on some calls, but missing 17 FT's in the playoffs will get you eliminated every time.

GaryBridges (Chesapeake, Va)

chris paul vs. tony parker should be one hell of a match-up...too bad bruce bowen is gonna probably be assigned to CP3

Chuck (Na-Na)

Dan in denver hit the nail on the head...officiating has been herendous...anyone see that travelling call on garnett in game 4? they were kidding right?

Ryan (Greensboro, NC)

Watching some of these games lately I get the feeling flopping is becoming more and more practiced. I suggest both teams start the game on their backs and just work their complaining from there

Sean, Dayton,oh

the suns played a tough series. they are one mircle duncan 3 away from bein down only 3-2

Tyson (Montana)

They play great basketball but they dont sell ticket c.p. k.g kobe, and lebron sell tickets and revive basketball

Josh (TX)

If I was a Suns fan I would be outraged that KG gets a free pass for shoving a ref and Perkins stepping on the court yet he was not suspended. The NBA is all about double standards.

Katrina Detroit, Mi

Hey Amy, Who do you think will be this years NBA MVP

Amy Nelson

  (10:12 AM)

Kobe, though i'm rooting for cp3.

Jeff (Ohio)

Officiating in the NBA has been on a decline for the last decade. Don't these guys have any corporate overview? They need to be accountable.

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

Avery Johnson is a good coach but he has his flaws too. However, I doubt the Mavs could find a better coach. Only way Johnson is replaced is if they tear the team apart and rebuild.

adam san francisco ca

i think that kevin garnet should be suspende for that elbow he threw it was on purpose and he threw the ref out of the way if a hawk player did that he would be suspended already but the leage wants the celtics to go to the finals and it shows with no suspension

Christopher (San Antonio)

Their personalities? Would you be a bigger fan if Spurs players started getting DWI's (Carmelo), doing drugs (Josh Howard), or shooting up strip clubs (Pac Man). I don't understand how being a PROFESSIONAL, and playing the game the right way is boring.

Amy Nelson

  (10:14 AM)

I like players who play with emotion, so Robinson and Duncan have never done it for me. I'm not denying their talent, their professionalism or their drive...just a personal preference. Did i say it had to be rational?

Clarke in Orlando

Avery Johnson and D'antoni do NOT deserved to be fired. Chris Paul single-handedly defeated the Mavs while Tim Duncan and crew overmatched the defenseless Suns but neither is a reflection on the coach. Both teams need some players that can PLAY DEFENSE!!!

Matt: Columbus, Ohio

The Suns' season certainly will go down in history as a failure, but at least you have to give the team credit for making the move for Shaq. I'd rather root for a team that isn't just satisfied with doing well in the regular season, but is instead looking to win in the playoffs--that's the real reason the Suns aquired Shaq.

Jarrid Lafayette, La

Is Kerr crazy he is pushing all the excitement out of the suns. I mean I love Shaq, but he is old. There is no way Kerr really thought he could play in D'Antoni's offense. If you ask me i think that trade was to get rid of D'Antoni what do you think?

Katrina Detroit

I feel the same way it would be nice to see cp3 get it, he was such a big part of them advancing to the second round of the playoffs, and all Kobe needs is an MVP to cap off his career.

Terrell (Baltimore MD)

We all are going to hear about the shaq trade being a reason why the Suns lost, we are going to hear about not playing defense as well, BUT what about the SPURS simply being a better team? if you look at it, the spurs been the same team for a few seasons now and to this point have basically been the only team that hasn't undergone major cosmetic changes (i.e a jason kidd trade, pao gasol, shaq) team chemistry plays a big part in succeeding in the playoffs, you have to know your team and know your tendencies and understand your gameplan from top to bottom. the spurs have a great sense of that and its because they have been playing together for a few years. its similar to the florida gators basketball team that won back to back...its a team chemistry issue that only time can develop

Bryan (Army, Bahgdad Iraq)

People say Avery Johnson is a great coach but falling apart in post season is unacceptable... period

Nathan (York, Pa)

I still say they both should share it? There's no real cut winner...Paul is an unbelievable talent, esp. this year and Kobe will most likely win another championship this year.

Tyson (Montana)

Kobe changed his game and is still dropping 50 points with 10 assists now instead of two

Mike: (LongIsland,NY)

the spurs will never be able to take CP3 and the on fire hornets thats for sure

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Amy: Why no love for the NHL Playoffs? The games are better than those in the National Blowout Association.

Chuck (Na-Na)

just watch cp3 do work this series. tp is going to get a run for his money. eva is going to have some consling to do.

Josh (Asheville, NC)

Lets face it, remember when Shaq-Kobe-Lakers of a few years ago could play a good reguler season, but flip the switch and dominate the playoffs, well the Spurs are showing they can do it too.

Jeff (Ohio)

Kobe changed his game? How? Oh he switched from openly hating his team and teammates, to fake liking them for the cameras because they're winning. If the Lakers lose, who do you think's going under the bus?

Amy Nelson

  (10:18 AM)

nice, jeff...

Aaron (Springfield MO)

Shaq has become a liability more than a luxery.

Justin (St Paul)

I was also SHOCKED that KG was not suspended for shoving the ref. David Stern is the most corrupt Commish in sports and that is saying something!

JJ (Maine)

Steve Nash was the reason the Suns lost and he usually is. He plays terrible down the stretch and tries to do too much. He thinks he can dribble through anyone in the middle but usually ends up turning it over. But for some reason, he never gets the blame as does a tracy mcgrady or kevin garnett.

Katrina, Detroit

I cannot wait to see this Hornets/spurs series, this might be the first time I actually look forward to watching the Spurs, they are boring, but they are good

Josh (TX)

Spurs fans crack me up. Everyone knows that they are the flop masters of the NBA. That's why nobody likes watching them. They are masters of the flop-n-whine. Especially Manu. That's not basketball.

Nick (Woodbridge VA)

The Spurs defense will crack down on the Hornets. They won't be able to keep relying on Chris Paul in this next series. Some other people are gonna have to step up if they're gonna advance.

Nathan (York, Pa)

I agree with Johnny let's talk about the NHL for a change. Oh and Johnny whats wrong with your AHL captain?

Amy Nelson

  (10:19 AM)

you guys say you want to talk, but don't say about what...?

daniel (philadelphia)

does anyone think that the suns would have won this series if shawn marion was on the team?of course not..people would have still picked the spurs..so why blame shaq..i thought shaq played pretty good..double double and even raised his free throw percentage alittle..5 of 8 down the stretch!

Katrina, Detroit

Speaking of NHL, Who's gonna win the Stanley Cup this year, and you already know who I think it is, it's the Red Wings year!

Terrell (Baltimore MD)

Avery Johnson needs to be ousted in Dallas! He has made this team soft as cotton! Its bad when your team holds a practice without you...cmon! WE all know that ever since miami bumb rushed them in the finals, and golden state ousted them last year, the mavericks are merely built to post good season numbers and dont have the tenacity it takes to compete in the playoffs and attitude is a direct reflection of coaching philosophy and mentality. Avery doesn't have a grip on his team and the playoffs expose this every year...GET HIM OUT b4 Dirk n company suffers anymore humiliation.

Chris ( Bellevue, OH )

It's unfortunate that the Suns didn't win. The problem is that they traded away Marion, the most athletic guy on the team, for an aging, slower Shaq. The Suns got close to a championship w/ Marion. The Suns don't need a new coach , they need an athlete like Marion.

Aaron (Springfield MO)

David Stern is not more corrupt than Bud Selig

Jeff (Ohio)

Well Stern is the man whose basically twisting the knife in Seattle's back. Even with evidence that there was no plans to stay in Seattle, he just turns the other cheek for his BFF Clay Bennet.

Michael (Connecticut *loves Australia*)

Morning Amy. I think D'Antoni should be cut if he couldn't pull it off. If you're gonna make a winner, back it up by not losing 4-1!

Jeremy, South Dakota

Steve Kerr's role in the downfall of the Suns is huge, but he is not to blame. Shawn Marion was unhappy and coming to the end of his contract, Kerr needed to try to get value for him. And what better value than a proven center that could beat Duncan, but Shaq proved that he is closer to working in a Sheriff's office than the NBA Finals.

GaryBridges (Chesapeake, Va)

Hey Amy...peek down at your ticker on ESPN2...Breaking News-D'antonio is done as Suns coach

Amy Nelson

  (10:29 AM)

right but i'm not sure if that's based off the si report or has actually been confirmed...

Jarrid (Lafayette, La)

I will tell you what Kerr did wrong instead of going out and getting shaq he should have gotten Ron Artest someone to add some defense to and run to the suns

Kenny Florida

When you talk about playoff point guards I think right now youd be crazy to not mention Jameer Nelson from the Magic. He pushes the tempo in each game and has shown he can outplay good point guards.

Chaz (Syracuse)

Who is Phoenix going to hire to replace D'Antoni? Are they going to rebuild now with Nash getting up there? Wouldn't they be better bringing Shaq back for a full training camp, making a couple minor moves and making one more run at it?

Eric (Tucson)

Hey why aren't anybody talking about Max Scherzer for the Dbacks that looks amazing he sat down a record for a first appearance 13 straight struck out 7 of those players

Amy Nelson

  (10:30 AM)

Eric, what an exciting debut...we'll see how he handles the wear of the season.

Ryan Oswego, NY

Do you agree that Roy Halliday, even though he had a 3 hit shutout going through 8 innings should have been pulled for a relief pitcher just as Boston pulled Lester for Papplebon, instead of leaving him in for another CG non win?

Amy Nelson

  (10:30 AM)

no let him go for it as long as his pitch count isn't up...

Christopher (San Antonio)

Amy, since you cover baseball, did you see the pick Pedrioa made in the 9th to save the game?

Amy Nelson

  (10:30 AM)

yes, great play.

Michael (Connecticut *loves Australia*)

Amy, I'm making a guarantee. The Yankees will NOT make the playoffs!

Tyson (Montana)

He is a stud best young player in the game right now

Michael (Bozeman, MT)

The Orioles are atop the AL East, Detroit and Cleveland are STILL under .500! What's next, the Cubs winning the pennant?!? Oh wait, that could happen.

Amy Nelson

  (10:33 AM)

can't believe the orioles are doing this, don't think it will last but you have to give credit to trembley.

Aaron (Springfield MO)

Hey Amy......Do you think Mindy McCready misremembers her affair with Clemens?

Amy Nelson

  (10:33 AM)

didn't seem so from her comments in yesterday's paper

Dan from CT

How long do you think the mets will be patient with Carlos Delgado?

Amy Nelson

  (10:34 AM)

great question...as long as they possibly can. but they need production from that position...

daniel (philadelphia)

its easy to get off to a great april...staying good thru may is diffrent...ask last years brewers

Michael (Connecticut, *loves Australia*))

I wonder what CMT viewers think....

Jeff (Ohio)

Weren't the Orioles in first place in late-May a couple years ago, with a much better team? Yeah, it's not gonna last.

Tyson (Montana)

Amy, I'm making a guarantee the Mets will not win the NL East no big left handed power

daniel (philadelphia)

i think september baseball will be as exciting as last years....teams will all get going once the temp stay above 60

Malcom Port Saint Lucie,FL

hi Amy i got a question for you do the florida marlins win the national league east and do you think they are real?

Amy Nelson

  (10:34 AM)

No. Way.

AJ (Canton NC)

the same thing is happening to the yankees that happened to the raiders in the nfl. they both have a crazy owner 197 yr old "veterans". what are the yankees going to do next year when their whole team retires and starts collecting social security

GaryBridges (Chesapeake, Va)

shouldn't roger clemens find out where barry bonds is hiding out....AND JOIN HIM

Eric (Tucson)

It is funny with Clemens that everybody is lying except for him

Tyson (Bozeman, MT)

She will forget about it when that big check comes in the mail

Lee (Richmond, KY)

Amy, the fifth foul on Amare and Shaq came on tripping fouls...they were phantom fouls. That changed the run that the Suns were on...it was nothing the Spurs did...

dan denver co

does anybody agree flops should be technical fouls and the whole hack a shaq should be an intentional foul, it just doesnt seem sportsmanlike and ruins the games for me as just a neutral nba fan who grew up in tennessee.

Jamarquis Thomas (Humble, Texas)

Before Game 3 of the 2006 NBA Finals everyone crowned Avery Johnson the best thing to come through since Emmit Smith. After game 5 in the first round of the 2008 playoffs every one in Dallas(Yes.. Marc Cuban) want Avery out. WHAT HAPPENED???

Chris, Falls Church VA

How was the Celtics situation this year different that the Suns last year? David Stern said it was not a matter of fairness, but correctness in the Suns situation. How is it different this year with the Celtics?

Amy Nelson

  (10:36 AM)

i think and hope they realized hwo ridiculous they were last year in applying the rule and going forward, they are making better judgement calls.

Kenny (New Orleans)

Clemens is a joke. Does anybody care if he had an affair more than 10 years ago?

Amy Nelson

  (10:37 AM)

some people certainly seem to do...

Eric (Tucson)

Watching the baseball segment it is annoying that they don't talk about the Dbacks I know they are a little far west and are not the Dodgers but they are running away with the nl

Amy Nelson

  (10:37 AM)

eric, conor jackson is coming on the show later, so you won't be denied your dbacks...

Nathan (York, Pa)

Is there anyone who can honestly say they trust or believe Roger Clemens anymore?

Ben (Indiana)

The spurs have been consistently the best team in basketball for years. I do not care if they bring ratings or not. More teams should take after the spurs and play like a team. Not one-on-one-on-one-on-one.

Marc (Lexington, Kentucky)

The Orioles might be on top of the AL East fence right now but don't worry the Redsox and Yankees are sneaking up like little boys with slingshots to knock them off. I give them to mid or late May.

tramayne north carolina

Everyone loves to judge Phoenix based on the Shaq trade but reality is Shaq played as well as anybody could have hoped in that system. The real problem was Nash playing uncharacteristic in key stretches with turnovers, Barbosa not giving his usual 10 points, and the inability of the Phoenix guards to hold Tony Parker. D'antoni actually coached pretty good. Especially leaving Shaq in during hack a Shaq and Shaq rewarded him by hittin more than usual in the 4th. The Phoenix guards didnt show up with the exception of Bell.

Kevin ( Columbus, Ohio)

Good morning Amy, So earlier there was a comment on Mike and Mike and I wanted to know ur take on it. Jerry Kruass said back in the 90's, Players don't win championships, Organazations do. I agree with us somewhat, but in a case by case scenario. The Suns, have always been a team trading for the guy to bring them the quick fix. Barkley, Tom Chambers, look when they made the Paul Westphal trade. They are not a good run organazation and as luck has, they have yet to win a championship.

Amy Nelson

  (10:38 AM)

i think that's an interesting take, dont disagree with it necessarily.

Terrence Porretto

Avery and D'Antoni are two different situations - Avery needs tougher players and D'Antoni needs to coach collage ball if defense is not a priority for him. Also get rid of the weekest 7' out there... Dirk'a dirk'a

Tim Duncan (San Antonio, TX)

You don't think I show emotion, Amy? You haven't seen me whine to the refs after getting a foul called on me...I show tons of emotion working the refs like that

Amy Nelson

  (10:39 AM)

sorry, man. you and susan lucci are at opposite ends of the spectrum, my friend.

Steve, Chicago

Better judgement calls? If they were interested in that, the rulebook would have changed over the offseason. This is all about getting the Celtics to the next round where Lebron will bounce them anyway despite Stern's shenanigans.

Vernelle Outlaw Jr. (Las Vegas)

Why does Steve Nash get no critisizm for not performing in their series? We all know he couldn't guard Parker with a gun, but he didn't get his offence going at all.

Amy Nelson

  (10:39 AM)

i think he'd been getting some critisicm on this chat...

barry bonds (sanfran)

hey roger! thanks for the vacation..i appreciate your stubborn ways...i didnt do nothing either! ( ;

Micah NC

Will Larry Brown lead the Bobcats to a championship, better yet will he be able to take this team to the playoffs? Bobcats need a star, so far we have a bunch of good college players, not an NBA team

Cedric (Memphis)

I know it's early! If the Yankees don't make the playoffs they might wanna buy the Marlins, fire their whole front office and scouts and bring in the Marlins front office and scouts and resell the Marlins to the lowest bidder!

John( Greenville SC)

Eric, I really enjoy watching your Dbacks every night. they are the most fun team to watch in the league right now. They play the right way and they have lights out young bullpen pitching, not to mention Webb and Haren as a 1-2 punch

Amy Nelson

  (10:40 AM)

I've been around that team a bunch this year and it's for real. And a great clubhouse.

Vernelle Outlaw Jr. (Las Vegas)

This chat doesn't count...

Amy Nelson

  (10:40 AM)

Wha wha what???

Nathan (York, Pa)

Amy, how many wings or lbs do you think Golic's gonna eat tomorrow?

Amy Nelson

  (10:41 AM)

too many to count, and i predict vomiting. god that's so gross...

Christopher (San Antonio)

The NL is the weaker of the two leagues in baseball. It's like the Eastern Conference in the NBA.

Josh (TX)

Amy if that was true then Stern is an idiot. Everybody wanted the rule tweaked for this very reason but he ignored it. Stern is nothing but a liar and he is desparate to get the Lakers and Celtics to the Finals no matter what.

Mike (Brooklyn)

Dan in Denver - that would be the best rule ever. Ginobili flops, he gets a foul.

Corey (Bismarck, ND)

Neither Avery Johnson or Mike D'Antoni deserve to be fired. So far they have shown they can keep their teams at a playoff competing level. Sloan in Utah has been doing this for so long and has not one a title. Also their is some coach in San Antonio that never won until Tim Duncan. Quit the coaching carousel.

Dan (NY)

Spurs showed their greatness last night. With Manu completely ineffective, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker still led them past the Suns yet another year. Suns will never beat the Spurs.

Troy (New Orleans,La)

My Astros whooped the D-backs last night

Amy Nelson

  (10:42 AM)

if schrezer had started the game i don't think that might not have happened..

AJ (Canton NC)

Somebody needs to give the rays some credit, they have defintaly cornered the market on catching teams with their pants down. when the all star break rolls around, the big boys will be back at the top of the division

Amy Nelson

  (10:42 AM)

wait til kazmir comes back, if he can be healthy...

Jon (Utah)

Duncan showed that he's not afriad of the big cactus. Duncan made Shaq look anchient.

daniel (philadelphia)

i say golic eats 45 wings...and then is not at work friday morning...where is kusilias,have him on standby

Mike (Brooklyn)

The NL is more balanced than the AL; the AL is much more top-heavy. The way the Diamondbacks are playing, they would dust off a lot of teams in the AL, if not all of them.

Daniel (Springfield, Ky)

John Smoltz said "yes" when asked if he would return from the 15 day DL as the Braves' closer. His arm can't hold up in a starting role. Does this mean that 2008 is the end of his career?

Amy Nelson

  (10:45 AM)

daniel, fascinating question...you wonder how much he'll have if indeed he's got serious shoulder problems.

Andrew (Portland, ME)

The Rays didn't catch the Red Sox with their pants down. They caught them at the end of a 20 game in 20 days stretched where half of the team was eith hurt or sick. The Rays and Os will fall back in the second half, don't worry.

Troy (New Orleans.La)

Amy what do you thin about the performance of Sherzer last night against my boys The Astros who have a great hitting lineup , this kid whiffed 7 and retired 13 in a row, he was alot better than Gonzales, do you think he will be a starter for teh D-bakcs, based on his debut last night?

Amy Nelson

  (10:46 AM)

he'll be starting next time that spot comes up.

Danny (Durham, NC)

I watched Kazmir's rehab start Monday. He looked good. Mid 90s all game but he did give up a homerun (which my buddy chased down for his son's first game). All I have to say though, welcome back to my fantasy team...

Travis (Ohio)

Just so people know, Shaq was really the best Suns player on the floor last night.

Matt Ryan Leaf (Atlanta)

Why does no one in Atlanta like me?

Terrell (Baltimore MD)

I promise you, Avery doesn't need tougher players, Avery needs tougher coaching strategies! Again, and i hate to keep pointing this out but before an elimination game, I dont think its wise to just let players rest without no type of refresher drill or something! I mean even the PLAYERS themselves didn't agree as they held a players only practice! Cmon people! What does that tell you?!

Steve, Chicago

I always like hearing Stern talk about cleaning up the NBA's image problem. Doesn't he realize the biggest image problem they have isn't tattoos and how players dress, but that many think the NBA is rigged. Stern needs to clean up his own image, not his players' image.

pat clermont fl

the owner is to blame for the suns. he has failed to keep a team together changing players like dirty socks. he should have kept the 2004 team together and allowed them the time to learn how to win. plus he has traded away their future trading away at least six first round picks to avoid the luxury tax. fire the owner i say

Eric (Tucson)

The O's will fall back with everybody healthy I think the Rays will be 2 or 3 with Boston obviously winning the East

Amy Nelson

  (10:48 AM)

i don't think the rays will finish only a few games back, but they'll be playing everyone tough...

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Amy: As a Braves fan I see the team as a mess right now. I can't figure out what direction they are taking. Are they going with a youth movement or riding out some contracts? Do they want to be a contender or are they looking to be the Pirates South?

Amy Nelson

  (10:49 AM)

they are not the pirates south, not even close. they have an intesting mix, and the biggest question is starting pitching...the young position players are good.

Brandon (Minnesota)

The Rays will win the East and Carlos Pena will be Named AL MVP

Amy Nelson

  (10:49 AM)

you go with it, brandon.

Cedric (Memphis)

wow that was something great in sports with those women carrying her around the bases. Can you imagine Renteria carrying Cabrera around after something like that. Or a Yankee helping a Red sox player

Amy Nelson

  (10:50 AM)

hah! renteria and cabrera aren't carrying anything for each other ever again, i don't think, what beef...

Mark (nj)

Amy does your head spin trying to read all these messages?

Amy Nelson

  (10:50 AM)

yes. thanks for asking! i often don't see many because so many come in so fast...

John (Lexington, SC)

Amy - How come the O's cannot get any love - they are playing some of the best ball in the league right now...

Amy Nelson

  (10:51 AM)

i think they're getting some love (albeit, with hesitation)...i'm sorry, dave trembley is working miracles down there right now.

Lone Marlins fan (FL)

Hey Amy!!! How bout my Marlins? We're still in 1st. Bring on the Braves, Mets, and Phillies because we're gonna shock the world.

Amy Nelson

  (10:51 AM)

lone marlins fan, i appreciate your loyalty, to them and to this chat! but i'm sorry, no way they're in the hunt. and if i'm wrong, please feel free to remind me of that come september.

Justin (FL)

JOHN: because we've seen this before from them. what do the O's and daylight savings time have in common? spring up, fall down...

Christopher (San Antonio)

Have the Twins fallen that far where people in Minnesota are cheering for the Rays?

Amy Nelson

  (10:52 AM)

i was kind of wondering the same thing...

daniel (philadelphia)

the marlins can shock the world...but then next year the team will be traded off

Josh (Asheville, NC)

How big of unpset will it to be to see Atlanta beat The Boston 3 Party & the Celtics? I will be rolling. Were't we crowning Boston as the next NBA champs ealier this year? I will be laughing when the Hawks win in 7.

Amy Nelson

  (10:53 AM)

ain't happening...

daniel (philadelphia)

has marlins attendance risen much since their mereoric rise to first amy? or is still 4 or 5 thousand

Amy Nelson

  (10:53 AM)

i think they're drawing 30 a game...

joey brown (prestonsburg,ky)

the o's are in first because the rest of the league i s playing bad

Randy (Atlanta,GA)

Hey Amy, are you a Kobe hater? I can almost smell it from you.

Amy Nelson

  (10:54 AM)

not a big fan..he's a great player, terrible attitude.

Christopher (San Antonio)

Five thousand, is the combined weight of the Marlins cheerleaders!

Amy Nelson

  (10:54 AM)

true that...

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Amy just does a quick word scan in the messages. If hockey appears in it, she usually skips it. Mention baseball or The Wire and you are golden.

Amy Nelson

  (10:56 AM)

fair enough...hey if you've got something to say about hockey i'll post it. other than just saying let's talk about hockey..

Brandon (Minnesota)

Miamis just a terrible sports town.People in miami have better things to do.Like tan or surf.Why would anybody down there care about the heat,marlins,panthers, or dolphins?There all TERRIBLE

Amy Nelson

  (10:57 AM)

a lot of people are transplants too, tons of new yorkers, bostonians etc...

Josh (TX)

I have to apologize to the Hawks because I was one of many who thought that this would be a sweep. Whoever was crazy enough to make a bet in Vegas for the Hawks is 2 games away from being rich. I still see Boston winning though.

Jake (Kalamazoo)

Did something happen between Cabrera and Renteria?

Amy Nelson

  (10:58 AM)

yep...story in the recent issue of ESPN The Magazine...it's on our baseball page on espn.com...great story about how they pretty much hate one another. the two most successful players ever from Colombia and they hate one another...it's kind of sad, actually.

Josh (Asheville, NC)

So Amy, if you believe that the Hawks won't beat Boston so much, can I comeback for next week's chat and if the Hawks do win, will you admit I was right & you were wrong.

Amy Nelson

  (10:58 AM)

i'll always admit if i'm wrong.

Christopher (San Antonio)

So then a message like "Hey, last night I went to a baseball game, with my laptop, and used my SlingBox to watch The Wire at the same time" should get posted then, right?

Amy Nelson

  (10:59 AM)

what do you think?

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

OK, hockey talk: Everyone talks about Sid the Kid but you rarely hear about Malkin yet he was nominated for the NHL's version of the MVP. Do you think the pair can make the greatest tandem in the game since Gretzky/Messier?

Amy Nelson

  (11:01 AM)

Johhny, i can't answer to that since i don't follow hockey...

Troy B (New Orleans, La)

lets talk football

Amy Nelson

  (11:02 AM)

please no! don't people want to take some time off of football? it astounds me that it's become a hot stove sport..

R. Clemens(Houston,TX)

Amy, There is a Dateline Van outside my house, should I be worried?

Amy Nelson

  (11:03 AM)

chris hansen anyone????

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

So the real reason we don't talk hockey in the Wednesday chat is because you don't follow it then, right Amy?

Amy Nelson

  (11:05 AM)

no because no one really writes in about it...i can't really injecy my opinion if someone asks me, but others are free to, that is, if they write in. usually they don't..i usually go with what people are writing in about the most and what they want to talk about. make sense?

jemima (chicago)

Johnny, there is no use comparing because the game has changed. Blah whatever... crosby and malkin are going to be amazing.. definitely dynasty in the making.

Joe (Boston)

Johnny, the NHL lost a lot of people with their stupid tactics that ended in the form of the lockout. Deal with it.

harrison (Charleston, SC)

Amy, what do you think Max Scherzer's chances are to start for Arizona this year?

Amy Nelson

  (11:07 AM)

harrison, already answered this in the chat. look for him to start when e gonz spot come up next.

Terrell (Baltimore MD)

Amy you have to admit, football has now become a year around sport and will ALWAYS be in sports conversations! I got football taking over as America's past time...this is the age where tradition goes out the window.

Amy Nelson

  (11:07 AM)

that's a shame...

Sean, (Dayton,OH)

the big tuna should leave jason taylor alone. he is their most proven player at the moment.

Brian (Newmarket, NH)

Who would you rather be right now: O.J., Vick, or Clemens?

Travis (Ohio)

Well the problem with hockey chat is it always goes to Crosby because that's all the casual fan knows.

Terrence Porretto - Las Vegas, NV

Jason taylor will get his revenge when the pats pick him up

Albert (NY)

Amy, Now that the Hawks have tied their series with Boston, was the Mike Bibby trade better than the Shaq and Kidd trades.

Nelson Englishtown NJ

There is no chance that the hawks will win tonight. Boston has realized if they lose this series it will be one of the biggest upsets ever. The celtics are going to play like theres no tomorrow and win by 17

Josh (TX)

Man Amy you're showing your baseball bias. You wouldn't have a problem if in December or whatever you have your silly little winter meetings you'll chat about that until the cows come home yet when someone mentions football you get crazy and upset. You gotta have to accept it. Football is America's pastime and has been for the past 10 years period.

Amy Nelson

  (11:16 AM)

well, i cover baseball for a living, so we'll always talk about baseball on this chat. america's pastime? that's baseball. i'm not dissing football, but its coverage is so saturated i think it's overload.

Stephen CT

The Rays are going to not only win more then 82 games this year, they are going to have a better record then the yankees. With Evan longoria and Scott Kazmir coming off the DL, they are looking really good.

AJ (Canton NC)

with the team that is around KG he has no excuse to make it to the finals at least, if they get bounced out of the playoffs he goes in to the group with tmac steve nash and dirk. that just cant get it done in the playoffs

Jon (Utah)

Baseball may be "Americas passtime." but football is Americas passion.

Amy Nelson

  (11:18 AM)

i wouldn't disagree with that..

Justin (FL)

howie long said it best at his hall of fame induction: baseball is america's pastime, football is america's passion. there IS a difference. baseball will never be replaced. its called pastime for a reason. look up the word people, and you'll understand.

daniel (philadelphia)

chris paul is....very good..about to be great...and probably for a long long time.new orleans finally got their "reggie bush" just in a diffrent sport...

Travis (Ohio)

Finish the sentence: Chris Paul is... the undisputed MVP. Sorry Kobe, Lebron (you my boy), Garnett... Paul is the MVP, easy.

Jemima (Chicago)

Chris Paul is about to bounce another fellow Wake Forest Legend.

Josh (TX)

Sheed would've been suspended for the rest of the playoffs easy.

Mark (Brooklyn, NY)

But baseball has been replaced. Football has more viewers and is a bigger sport than baseball in this country. Maybe ESPN should start a poll asking which sport people prefer most, then we could get some statistics.

Amy Nelson

  (11:26 AM)

it'd be football, hands down.

Christopher (San Antonio)

Football is a barbaric sport that faster, stronger usually wins. Baseball is a thinking game and takes more thought involvement. The difference in the two sports can be related to the difference in socities from back then to now!

Timothy(marlton,nj)

I like that no one got suspended from the celtics-hawks game, the league over reacts about players coming onto the floor, they need to let the players play, we all saw how the spurs suns series ended when they had their top players suspended, let them play!

Ryan Selke - Mount Pleasant, MI

I just want to know if Garnet isn't getting suspended if you think if it was Rasheed Wallace had pushed a ref if he wouldn't have got kicked out of the whole playoffs for it.

Amy Nelson

  (11:29 AM)

did anyone see that randy moss formed a racing team?

Justin (FL)

CHRISTOPHER: was that a take on george carlin's bit on the two sports?

fred madison ga

i think bill parcells is very childish not referring to terrell owens by his name and ignoring jason taylor,seems to be the actions of a six year old.

Trey (SF)

The NBA is showing favoritism towards KG...no doubt about it, they are dying for the Lakers-Celtics Finals and will do whatever they can to help that happen.

Katrina Detroit

OMG, A Celtics Final are you kidding me, If the league is trying to have a laker/celtic final the Celtics are not on the same page because they seem to have a problem with the Hawks, the team in the playoffs with the worst record. They are supposed to represent the east, OKAY, as a Piston fan I beg to differ.

Cedric (Memphis)

it's the truck series but huge in that community nonetheless

Bryan (Lubbock, TX)

Randy Moss and Racing? Not sure how thats gonna work out but I think it will be interesting to see

Travis (Ohio)

Oh no, here's the segment. I'm just waiting for Jay to jump out of his seat and call Chuck D his homie.

Terrell (Baltimore MD)

I think randy moss in the racing arena is kinda wierd...i would have never put the two together

Cedric (Memphis)

yes amy that is a big move in racing

Amy Nelson

  (11:31 AM)

why is it a big move in racing?

Eric (Tucson, Az)

Randy Moss in racing really seems odd NASCAR and the NFL a little different but then again Joe Gibbs has a team

M. Trail (Rindge, NH)

moss is a weird guy and to be honest, im not realy that suprised that he's trying to get into racing. He has so much money he might as well do something like that.

Alonzo (Macon, Ga)

Baseball has one thing over Football that can never be topped. Aaron, Ruth, Koufax, Robinson, Mantle, Gibson, Ripken...Football has icons but Baseball have God-like figures that will loom over the sport for centuries. Kids 100 years from now will be Babe Ruth or Hank Aaron fans. There aren't any football players who will ever be able to reach those heights.

Tim (Philly)

The fact that he formed a race team is just rediculous, he is smart though think of all the money that is availible in nascar and other areas.

Amy Nelson

  (11:32 AM)

why is it ridiculous?

adrian (myrtle beach)

cuz no one watches racing randy mass is already the biggest name in the sport

GaryBridges (Chesapeake, Va)

i think it's a smart move for Randy. Racing is really growing....by the second

Cedric (Memphis)

because you dont have too many minority owners and diversity in the sport of racing

Christian (Chapel Hill, NC)

Randy Moss is from West Virginia i don't find it too odd.

Eric (Tucson, Az)

I will say that he really might be setting him self for something to do after he retires from the NFL so that Randy Moss can fuel the competative spirt

Cedric (Memphis)

Besides I believe this a start and he will be a Nascar owner ala Joe Gibbs one day

Matt T. (Rindge NH)

just because no-one really watches racing and moss is a superstar doesn't mean that this is a ridiculous move for him

Greg (Detroit)

Amy, Randy Moss is only starting a racing team because it is a HUGE tax write off.

Amy Nelson

  (11:34 AM)

is that true?

Rob (Mississippi)

No one watches racing? are you serious? There was 200,000 people at Talledega last weekend.

John Kenosha WI

Moss is a coutry boy and all country boys love them some NASCAR Moss included.

Bryan (Lubbock, TX)

I wouldnt say its ridiculous but you have to wonder who advised Moss on this business venture bcuz really thats what it is is a way to look into making more money. Moss may be a great businessman and know what is going on but I want to know who advised him this was a great way to do it. Wish him good luck tho

Taylor (Columbia, MO)

I was hoping that ya'll would give some love to Max Sherzer, who retired all 13 batters he faced in 4 1/3 innings of relief in his first major league game for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He accumulated seven strikeouts, with a nasty fastball that reached 98 mph. It was the most strikeouts ever by an Arizona in his first appearance.

Amy Nelson

  (11:36 AM)

we've talked about this twice, taylor.

Eric (NY)

Randy Moss is fast, the trucks go fast...I'd say that's a good fit. He also mentioned he's competitive in everything he does, could've fooled Oakland fans.

Travis (Ohio)

If it's truck series that's more interesting, maybe he could help make the truck series more popular.

Matt T. (Rindge NH)

I highly doubt moss is starting a racing time just because it may or may not be a HUGE tax write off

Christian (Chapel Hill, NC)

Lots of people watch racing - they just don't admit it

Greg (Detroit)

Straight Cash, Homey

Rob (Mississippi)

He'll learn the ins and outs from the truck series and in a few years when he retires he'll step up to the Sprint Cup and make big bank walking around a garage.

Jon (Utah)

Nascar is straight up boring. I'd rather do my own root canal.

randy moss (boston/wv)

i wanna go fast! shake and bake

Dave (Tyndall Airforce Base Panama.City FL)

let him do it maybe it will distract him next season and help some other teams in the AFC win some games

Josh (NC)

Taz Shelter. Just like it is with his Jamba Juice or whatever it is. But the bottom line is his kids live in Charlotte and as most people know thats racing country. It will give him something to do when hes done.

Travis (Ohio)

I don't find racing boring. In fact, it holds my attention better than baseball (sorry Amy).

Clay (Tyler, TX)

I seriously doubt that Moss will ever be a NASCAR owner

Amy Nelson

  (11:40 AM)

well he's a nascar truck owner now...

Amy Nelson

  (11:42 AM)

so i dont know if anyone saw that catch by the baseball player from quinnipiac, but he's up next on our show...

Sean (Philly)

Moss and Tony Stewart team up next year in the real NASCAR.

Amy Nelson

  (11:43 AM)

what should moss name his truck?

Mark (Brooklyn, NY)

The guy who caught the ball and then went over the fence?

Amy Nelson

  (11:43 AM)

yep that kid. he was standing right in front of me and i asked my producer who the heck he was...it's him.

Freddy (PA)

I wonder if his truck team will take laps off like Randy takes plays off?

Tim (Philly)

That catch was amazing, probably one of the best ones I have seen, if that would have happened at my school I would have been at every game.

Andrew Jones (Los Angeles)

I could do that with my eyes closed....if I decide to lose some weight.

Joe (Detroit)

That catch was one of the best I've seen this year, almost as good as Brandon Inge's at the end of last years season

Taylor (Columbia, Mo)

Amazing catch. Exceptional concentration.

daniel (philadelphia)

no one from his team helps him..they just cheer and head the other way

Eric (NY)

Amazing catch, now that's what I call concentration. Did anyone else notice his teamate running by, seemingly towards the dugout rather than out to help him?

Eric (Tucson, Az)

Randy should call the car 18-1

Jemima (Chicago)

College baseball is awesome, it just doesn't get the coverage because MLB actually has its own farm system unlike cheapo sports football and basketball

Gray (Chicago)

Pretty crazy how that kid goes from playing CF at a small school and now is on the ESPN campus...

Jeff (Ohio)

Andruw you're play is so bad you forgot how to spell your own name.

Torii Hunter (L.A)

I could make that catch

Terrell (Baltimore MD)

great catch...even as a non baseball fan i can appreciate excellent athletic play

Justin (St Paul)

Moss should name his Truck "Straight Cash Homey"

AJ (Canton NC)

Moss should name his truck close, or almost, or not quite

Travis (Ohio)

I bet Skip could've made that catch with one arm and one leg tied behind his back.

John Kenosha WI

He may never make the Pro's but he will remember that catch for the rest of his life and cherish it even more..

Christian (Chapel Hill, NC)

Moss' car should definitely be called Straight Cash Homey and its number...18

Jeff (Ohio)

Screw the car/truck, the whole team needs to be the Straight Cash, Homey Racing Team.

Amy Nelson

  (11:56 AM)

i'm with you guys on that. hey thanks everyone for the chat today, and for some many people who wrote in. i'll be back next week.