Moderator

  (9:16 AM)

welcome fans, lots of Laker talk in 1st down today ...First Take starts at 10 ET...get your popcorn ready!

Alton (Banner Elk, NC by way of Indianapolis)

What is all this talk about the Lakers being the team to beat? Cleveland has the best record, the best player and is not adding their third superstar back into the lineup a week before the playoffs. Bynum is going to cause chemistry problems for LA and Kobe is going to overcompensate this by taking more shots. Cavs 2009 NBA Champs.

Chris (Cleveland,Ohio)

Cavaliers against Lakers in Finals My old social studies teacher told me the Cavs will lose to the Lakers at home,because of that loss back in February,and I don't believe ,but is the Lakers that much of a threat to the Cavs in the Finals,if they play them in The Q?

Moderator

  (9:19 AM)

thats a new one...sports analysis from old social studies teachers

Tricie (Cleveland Ohio)

I agree with Alton and last I check Boston are still the defending champs althought thier reign ends here....GO CAVS!!!

David(Phoenix, Arizona

The Lakers will cruise thru the Western Playoffs and be rested and ready to go in the finals against whoever may be left standing after you beat each other up in the East. Lakers all the Way!!!!!!!!!!!!

James Denver

Do you think anyone should tty to loose tonight to avoid playoff matchup.

Moderator

  (9:48 AM)

James we'll discuss that scenario in 1st Down today...

James Denver

LA wont cruise they wont even sweep Utah in 1st round Jazz will win at least 2 in Utah and Denver San Antonio and Houston can give them series win a couple games. It wont be cake walk it was last year but there going to win it all.

umor (detroit mi)

Cleveland gonna get it's heart broken in the finals. Lakers gonna sweep.

umor (detroit mi)

Now if bad kobe shows up. not passing the ball kobe, not trusting gasol or bynum kobe. Jacking threes kobe. Then I take them sweeping the cavs back.

Moderator

  (9:51 AM)

umor...no waffling

Dana Jacobson

  (9:56 AM)

morning all. TGIW!

umor (detroit mi)

Why did the angels turn down pedro? They could use a pitcher. I wish the tigers would get him.

Dana Jacobson

  (9:56 AM)

umor...pedro martinez? not exactly stellar last year with the mets. better days are behind him

Tricie (Cleveland OH)

One loss at the house doesn't mean that the Lakers are going to beat the Cavs

Dana Jacobson

  (9:57 AM)

Tricie, very true...but i like their odds a lot more with that one win than without. imagine if they get a game one win after that... we'll really see what cleveland is made of. then again - first round hasn't even started!!!

Pete (NC)

Wake me up when the Conference Finals are here. It takes for...ev...er to get here and I really don't care about the month it takes to get there.

Chris (Lakeland Florida)

I can't wait for Christmas! That's about the time the NBA Finals will begin.

Greg (ATL, GA)

My head hurts trying to figure out the western conference playoff scenarios.

Michael Cookstown, New Jersey

Everyone is saying Cleveland in the East with LA in the West as the NBA Finals. Any team can get hot. I like the 76ers to surprise the world.

Rich Rodriguez

People who leave Duke to come play QB at Michigan need to get lives

Matt(New Britain,CT)

they seriously need to shorten the nba playoffs,have 2 best of 5 series,then 7 for the conference and nba finals

kenny (cleveland OH)

i cant wait to see all the lakers talk about how they blew it when they dont make it to the finals and the cavs win it all

Greg (ATL, GA)

Lakers shouldn't look past the Jazz. I smell an upset.

Moderator

  (10:16 AM)

I smell bagels somewhere in this studio, I'm going to investigate

lawrence stowe vt

Imagine how good the trailblazers would be if they had Durant instead of oden???

James Denver

Yeah with Andre Miller as your point good luck 76ers.

Matt (Laramie, WY)

Have to be looking forward to the draft. The palyoffs in the NBA and HNL are both to long. I actually dread them bothe until the conference finals.

Jay Crawford

  (10:16 AM)

hey room. let's rock.

whatcoat950(Dover,DE)

Lakers vs the western conference is almost like Tiger vs the field right now.

Damian (Oklahoma)

Portland and LA? I'd F'n love that too!

Jay Crawford

  (10:17 AM)

funny damian!

Matt(New Britain,CT)

is j.a's microphone on?

Jay Crawford

  (10:17 AM)

good catch matt! it was not. working on it

James Denver

Utah would have home court advantage be 4th seed if in East.

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla)

Best way to get your team of favorite player to lose early is to pick them as a early favorite. ;)

Jeff (Michigan)

Who cares about the Lakers and basketball?? Where are the NHL playoffs?

Nick Howe Ames, IA

Also could Jake Peavy be a pick-up for the cubs after the All-Star, we got the players they want it almost went down before the season, is it still in the mix, no question we would have the strongest rotation in the N.L if this deal were to happen, is it possible?

Jay Crawford

  (10:18 AM)

they love him nick...stand by

Chris (Lakeland Florida)

Skip sabotaged Jay's mic....you know it, I know it, and the American people know it!

Jay Crawford

  (10:18 AM)

good one chris. i wcan always count on you for a good a.m. chuckle

lawrence (lowell MA)

Correct me if Im wrong the Celtics are still champions until someone wins the title this year.. I know they are hurting with injuries but where is the respect...

Jay Crawford

  (10:18 AM)

lawrence, you're not wrong...yet...

Greg (ATL, GA)

I bet Skip turned J.A.'s mic off. He loves to hear himself talk.

James Denver

Duke point guard was number 1 rated QB coming out of High School. He chose Duke basketball over Notre Dame football. The kid ws really good in High School.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Jay is in the house! 'Sup Jay?

Jay Crawford

  (10:19 AM)

sup johnny! the indians are awful! help!!!!!!

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Jay is in the house! 'Sup Jay?

Adam G. (Tampa, FL)

I'm impressed with how unselfish Kobe Bryant has become.

Jay Crawford

  (10:19 AM)

good point adam....a career transformation.

Joel(North Carolina)

Dana can we mix some hockey into 1st take no one is even talking about the playoffs and they start tomm, yes the nba playoffs are big but come on,will there be an upset or will the capitals win it all?

Sean (New York)

I agree with Jeff. NHL playoffs are getting no attention here.

lawrence stowe vt

Lakers with bynum are going to win it all with some trouble with portland.

Matt(New Britain,CT)

It'll be exciting to see if there are any surprises in the playoffs,but i'm looking forward to the draft,seems totally unsuspecting now,no pick is a lock

Bruce Temple,Tx

Dana,what do you think of our Lions drafting an OL #1 then packaging the #20 &#33 to move up for sanchez? Or keep the #1 and make a deal with cleveland for anderson or (god help me)Quinn.

Ricky (Baltimore)

Six nationally televised games for the Cowboys?? What, exactly, have they done recently to deserve this? Then again, when you can't win a playoff game I guess that's the only chance that people get to see them...

Michael Cookstown, New Jersey

I like the NFL Draft. It only takes one day. The NBA & NHL Playoffs need to be shorter.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

The NBA Finals last longer than Ryan Leaf's NFL career.

Jay Crawford

  (10:27 AM)

funny johnny!

Greg (ATL, GA)

I really can not comprehend how Sanchez is a better QB than Stafford. I know Trent Dilfer is president of the Sanchez fan club, but I'm not buying it.

Chris (Lakeland Florida)

Cowboy players have their own rock band now? Part of me wonders what folks would say if Romo or T.O. were 'distracted' by this in the offseason when they should be committing to winning it all. The other part of me wonders if Jerry Jones stands off-stage during sound check telling the sound guy how to pot the mics.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:27 AM)

bruce, yes on the top pick, go jason smith there. not sure on moving up for sanchez but i like the way you're thinking. maybe at 20 you could get freeman or sanchez? i know that's crazy but remember the way quinn dropped??

Joel (North Carolina)

Dana can we mix some hockey into 1st take no one is even talking about the playoffs and they start tomm, yes the nba playoffs are big but come on,will there be an upset or will the capitals win it all? Go Canes

Dana Jacobson

  (10:28 AM)

Joel, we had barry melrose on yesterday talking eastern conf and he's back today to talk west.

Karl (Florida)

Clearly, the NFL schedule is more of a talking point then the NHL playoffs. One starts in 5 months, one starts tonight... I know ESPN isn't exactly hockey central, but show a little respect for these guys! a 3 minute segment on sportscenter? the NFL schedule for the month of October got more love!

Dana Jacobson

  (10:30 AM)

karl, if you're watching sportscenter why are you chatting with us? kidding. nhl playoffs deserve love but i'm sorry, numbers show more people care about the nfl..including the schedules. may not be fair...but it's what mr. neilsen tells us

Ricky (Detroit)

AJ Burnett keeps CC Sabathia in his locker?

Dana Jacobson

  (10:30 AM)

nice ricky

JP (Li)

AJ Is the Yankee Stopper. Enough said.

sean from da 808

you all are crazy...u all need to listen to skip. if it wasnt for all the injuries, the lakers wouldnt even be number 1. hornet spurs and even rockets could have beat them up. but that dont matter cuz this is prince james year and after the season is over it will be king james.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:33 AM)

sean, we're not saying the west is as tough as its been but injuries are a part of the game. lakers had em too, so why isn't what they did impressive? i don't think it's as impressive but still worhty of praise

James (New Orleans)

I'm super excited for the NBA playoffs. I don't know how you can't be unless you don't have a team involved in it.

Jay Crawford

  (10:34 AM)

JAMES... CAVS..LAKERS...SEE YA IN JUNE

umor (detroit mi)

Brad pitt as billy bean....NO

Karl (Florida)

Dana, thanks for taking the time! I understand numbers and all that, but do you think it's a chicken vs. the egg thing? If more time was spent hyping the playoffs, would more people care? Average sports fans don't know to watch hockey because no one ever talks about it!

Jay Crawford

  (10:35 AM)

its true umor

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Hey what are the nominees for Dunk of the Week (not that it matters to me but for the others)?

Jay Crawford

  (10:35 AM)

no contest today...maybe tomorrow...

Moderator

  (10:35 AM)

2nd down topics for ya: the Bears and Jay Cutler play on national TV 5 times...good move by the NFL?

Calvin W (Clearwater, FL)

Michael Kim, is that the name of the update guy? What is he talking about, Hasheem Thabeet in the lottery? He has no offensive game and he is a good a good shotblocker when someone comes right at him.

Moderator

  (10:36 AM)

he'll be a lottery pick...book it...

Dana Jacobson

  (10:38 AM)

Karl, honestly...if people don't care about hockey they're not watching it on tv. even playoff hockey on tv doesn't translate. so you can hype it all you want, not sure it will make a difference

Justin (Michigan)

i dont think its that karl, i think its the scoring. Most people like to watch alot of points happen and granted it is starting to get better with a few new rules the past couple years but its still not quit there yet but again like i said MUCH MUCH better.

Big Ern Portland

Very Good, I think the bears will win the division even tho it was a whole sale to get him it will prove to be worth it...no???

Dana Jacobson

  (10:39 AM)

LEt's not forget about green bay...rodgers had a great year, rest of the team didn't...but if that changes at all you can't count them out

James (New Orleans)

I'm fine with the Bears being on TV. A lot of sport's lovers had the Cutler-Broncos trade shoved in their face every day all day. So I think we're interested in seeing how Cutler fares now that he's in Chi-Town.

Cedric (Memphis TN)

Dana you do know him. Lou is the guy that gets knocked out. Zach Randolph and Nene both got suspended for decking him in games.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:39 AM)

thanks cedric...shows where my attention is or isn't

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla)

Justin's right....... it's why football is more popular than baseball, and baseball is more popular than hockey.

Scott (Virginia)

No I don't see how it could possibly be a good move by the NFL to have the Bears on there 5 times when the only thing they proved last year is that they are mediocre. Until they can show they can win consistently they do not deserve the national scene.

Steve (Brooklyn, Ohio)

The bears are a incredibly boring team to watch besides Cutler and Forte no offensive threat to watch, and an aging defense that is a shell of what it once was, there's 5 games that are going to get some low ratings

lawrence (lowell MA)

why does Jay Cutler has the all pro label? He is only a all pro because Farve was hurt so he was next one in line to go..

Ricky (Detroit)

This is the problem with the NFL. It's always a "flavor of the week" scheduling process that leaves out a lot of promising teams. The Bears are a notoriously boring team. One new player will not bring you five games worth of quality ratings.

Adam G. (Tampa, FL)

No the Bears have no weapons

Moderator

  (10:42 AM)

coming up... Dice K had his 2nd straight sub par start for the Red Sox...do you blame the WBC???

Chris (PA)

If there is any team from the East to stop the Cavaliers from going to the Finals, which is it?

Jay Crawford

  (10:43 AM)

orlando

Doug (martinsburg,WV)

Jay or Dana HELLO luv the show watch every day.Tell skip hay,and what are the chances for woody to come back for one more special 1st and 10? and will the vikings add a qb before the start of the season? if not can they win? ty for your time.

Jay Crawford

  (10:44 AM)

thanks doug...stay tuned..woody may come back for a day sometime down the road...

Cedric (Memphis TN)

Dana, Jay, Skip, JA, Stephen A, you heard it here first! The Lakers and Cavs will both lose in the first round this year. I know it sounds crazy, but after a dream finals last year with Lakers/Celtics, it's time for some craziness. Book it!

Jay Crawford

  (10:44 AM)

book it cedric??? wow!

Justin Behling (Boyceville, WI)

Dice K is overrated!

lawrence stowe vt

woody,woody,woody,woody

James Denver

Can Denver please have Jay back we will give you back Orton and some offensive weapons.

Cody (shaftsbury, vt)

Skip is nuts no way the cowboys win the nfc, absolutely ridiculous. Roiy Williams is a slower T.O. Romo will look worse with no one to throw to and there defense is going to be down as well. Lost Zac Thomas, Terrance Newman isn't himself.

Jay Crawford

  (10:45 AM)

that horse is out of the barn....get it????

Joseph Westbrook: (Little Rock, Arkansas):

Skip... before the Cowboys can claim a win they have to prove that their coach can manage the team and that Romo can handle the pressure of leading the time in the forefront rather than complaining in the shadows.

Chris (Lakeland Florida)

"Dice K had his 2nd straight sub par start for the Red Sox...do you blame the WBC???" I blame the A's and Rays personally

JP (Li)

Woody > Skip FTW

sean from da 808

hey skip i know this is early and the season just started, but im a big boston fan...should i be worried about the redsox. they seem like their in a lot off trouble esp. now that becket is suspended and matsuzake is now 0-2.

Damian (Oklahoma)

Yes yes and Yes. Dice-K should have been gently warming up to his elite pitching stride, but instead he was pitching his heart out for country pride in the WBC.

Kevin (NYC)

I thank the WBC! Can't wait for Skip to eat crow when the Sawx miss the playoffs.

Moderator

  (10:46 AM)

Bernie Williams coming up on the show...cool

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla)

Oscar DeLaHoya...... you mean he wasn't already retired? YAWN...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

John (Atlanta)

Why didn't I hear any talk about Dana's appearance on "Dinner: Impossible" last week? Potential 1st & 10 Topic: Who's a better chef, Robert Irvine or Skip's brother/sometime PBS TV Chef Rick Bayless?

Moderator

  (10:47 AM)

John, get your TIVO on...we showed clips and everything...

Jessica Simpson

Why are you people jealous of my Tony? LOL. He led the league in 3 point baskets against left handed pitchers!

Chizzie Thornton, Co

Dana, Dana, Dana, Dana is the best emale sports personality ever. That why she will agree wit me that the Nuggets will go all the way this year.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:48 AM)

chizzie nice try. NO GO...sorry. i'm on the lakers bandwagon

Matt(New Britain,CT)

as a red sox fan,you have to wonder,was dice-k worth all the hassle and the money?

Dana Jacobson

  (10:48 AM)

matt we're talking about that in 3rd down

Ricky (Detroit)

Bernie Williams was one of the most underrated players in baseball. Classy, clutch in the playoffs, and an all-around solid player with very little ego. They just don't make them like Bernie anymore...

Dana Jacobson

  (10:48 AM)

ricky, agreed. And a nice man away from it all too from just talking with him in the green room

Karl (Florida)

Fair enough, Dana. Again, thanks for taking the time to respond to my thoughts. It's not everyday I get feedback from an on-air talent! I guess I'll just have to point my dish north and try to pick up TSN or Rogers if I want my hockey talk.

Moderator

  (10:49 AM)

what do you guys make of Greg Paulus (Duke point guard) getting the football bug again??

Dana Jacobson

  (10:50 AM)

Karl, glad to respond. Look, it's just my opinion. If it makes you feel any better we do have the debate all the time. We try to find compelling stories so that we can do more stuff. sometimes it gets lost in nba playoffs/start of baseball though. if the nhl playoffs were in july we'd be golden!

Chizzie Thornton, CO

Dana you will agree that the Nuggets are a lot better with Chauncy at gaurd, than A.I.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:51 AM)

chizzie, huge improvement. huge. adding chauncy to that team. I just really believe the lakers are on a mission

Ryan (Wilmington, DE)

Dana, who would win in a fight, 2 grizzlie bears or 150 2nd graders?

Dana Jacobson

  (10:51 AM)

ryan, clearly you are a loyal first take watcher. I miss the grizzlie bear questions. The 2nd graders...no way you can keep up with those kids

Oaks (Noo York)

The WBC is a scapegoat. It's Dice-K's job to be ready and if he's not throwing well it's all on him. Can't blame a tournament for this, Huge amounts of pitchers are off to rough starts. Take the lumps like a man and move on.

Donny (Boston, MA)

C'mon, lets take it easy right now on the Sox and even the yanks. The season is very young and there is a lot of baseball to play. If the pitching and hitting, Ortiz especially, is like this in June and July then I would start worrying

Dana Jacobson

  (10:54 AM)

donny finally a man who gets it. i was just saying something similar to skip. it's hard for me to get too high or too low right now, UNLESS my team REALLY sucked last year and is off to like a 5-1 start

Scott (Va)

I thought that De La Hoya was already retired and helping his son in training for his push into boxing

Dana Jacobson

  (10:54 AM)

100% now, not going back...

chad (texas)

hey dana, its lookin pretty bad that your wolverines have ta resort to try and pick up paulus as a desperation qb. sry we took pryor, guess u'll just have ta wait a few more years lol. u know scarlet and gray is still an option!!!

Dana Jacobson

  (10:55 AM)

chad, we check out all our options...nothing sad in that. what is this scarlet and gray of which you speak?

Robert ( SAC,CA )

seriously do you have to be a reg in here to have a voice ???

Dana Jacobson

  (10:55 AM)

robert - ive posted you before so relax

Paul (Denver)

Isn't unfair to say the Bears have no weapons when they have Forte, Olsen, and Hester? Plus, you can't judge a team before the draft or FA is over.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:56 AM)

paul we've talked about this endlessly on here. RECEIVER wise...bears need guys. yes if they find someone in the draft great, but will they have an immediate impact? First rounder is in denver now remember

Donny (Boston, MA)

Oaks has it right. It's time for Dice-K to start focusing on his MLB team and not about an exhibition tourney

Mark nj

Dana are you p.o'd the Lions didn't get Cutler? What do u think they should do w/ #1 over all?

Dana Jacobson

  (10:57 AM)

mark, i would have been happy had they got him...at this point, i'd go jason smith with #1, worry about the o-line first. get protection for a qb b/c without it...no qb is going to do you much good

umor (detroit mi)

Scarlet and gray. NEVER ISAY NEVER.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:57 AM)

thanks umor

Joel (North Carolina)

Wow i love the grizzlie question my money is on the grizzlies just because of the size, im pretty sure, one swipe and take out like 8 of them, amazing comment!

Dana Jacobson

  (10:58 AM)

Joel, no shot. Have you ever spent time with 2nd graders?

Greg (ATL, GA)

Dana did you hear about the Lions getting a new logo? Are they getting some of that tampa rays fever?

Dana Jacobson

  (10:58 AM)

greg, i did. monday newser to unveil that and more they've said

lawrence stowe vt

great interview Jay...

Dana Jacobson

  (10:59 AM)

agreed

Calvin W (Clearwater, FL)

Is Take Me Out To the Ballgame a Song? How can that be anybody's favorite song? That doesn't hold a candle to "Stairway To Heaven".

Robert ( SAC,CA )

that was like a week ago ... just don't get why people say a random ass comment that has nothing to do with the show or topic and it gets posted ... is this just a chat room or a sports show chat room where we follow along and comment on what we see and hear ?

Dana Jacobson

  (11:00 AM)

robert we do this everyday so we talk about everything. not just sports.

Jay Crawford

  (11:04 AM)

thanks greg. he was great!

Matt (Philly)

Your favorite baseball song should "Centerfield"!!

Jay Crawford

  (11:04 AM)

solid matt, but come on.. take me out rocks!

Matt (Philly)

I'm pretty sure Robert's comment was meant for the Morning Buzz

Pat From Cleveland

Why do you guys always talk about the Lakers?

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Santa Claus has a lot in common with Ohio State football. Neither one shows up in January.

Jay Crawford

  (11:06 AM)

watch that johnny!

James (New Orleans)

Cowboys linemen and Bernie Williams need to collaborate.

Jay Crawford

  (11:06 AM)

that would be an interesting mix!

Justin (Georgia)

Wow! i really never liked the cowboys much (mostly because of T.O.) but after that segment im in love with the O-line. I love that style of music.

Jay Crawford

  (11:07 AM)

they rock it justin!

Ryan (Wilmington, DE)

Jay...who would win, 2 grizzlie bears or 150 2nd graders?

Jay Crawford

  (11:07 AM)

um...the 2nd graders.

lawrence (lowell MA)

why do you guys always talk about the Cavs?

Jay Crawford

  (11:07 AM)

lawrence...they're good.

Zach (Indiana)

Theres a band named Free Reign in Indiana that's been around since the 70s the cowboys need a new name

Jay Crawford

  (11:07 AM)

there's probably 10 free reigns...

Calvin (Greenville, SC)

Does Skip ever chat?

Jay Crawford

  (11:08 AM)

calvin..no...too busy wathing sports on tv.

Pat From Cleveland

Hey Jay did you grow up in cleveland and what is Skip's problem. Why does'nt he like the Cavs?

Jay Crawford

  (11:08 AM)

sandusky pat...he's a hater...

Scott (VA)

Dana my son is in 2nd grade and I have been to their class. I'd rather take on the bear...lol

Jay Crawford

  (11:08 AM)

they can be rough scott...lol

Robert (California)

so how far into the season do the cowboys go before the critics call the band a distraction ?

Jay Crawford

  (11:08 AM)

ummm, i'm sure its already happening...

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Skip is busy watching sports on TV yet knows very little about them. Amazing.

Ben (long beach,ca)

not as good as the lakers

Matt(New Britain,CT)

how about some skip + karaoke? that would scare some people

Jay Crawford

  (11:09 AM)

matt, would never happen!

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla)

Any band that's been around since the 70s in Indiana that nobody's heard of doesn't count.

James Denver

They always talk Lakers because they beat your Cavs twice this year.

Jay Crawford

  (11:09 AM)

ouch james...and i liked you too.

Zach (Indiana)

Touche Mr. Crawford

Tom (River North)

Have you guys seen Heath Bell's comments about ESPN and Baseball Tonight? I have to say, he's dead on.

Jay Crawford

  (11:10 AM)

no tom...what did he say?

Mark nj

T.O. and a Rap ALBUM ! Skips worst nightmare.

Jay Crawford

  (11:11 AM)

skip loves rap! huge lil wayne fan

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla)

Skip's watching of sports on TV gives him the basics of being able to form an opinion on sports topics........ or pretty much what he's paid to do on First Take.

Jason (Chicago, Il)

Very Well put J.A.

Mike (Cleveland)

GO BLUE!!!

Jay Crawford

  (11:11 AM)

mike...give back your ohio card! come on man!

Drew (Buffalo)

Jay, what are you doing for the NHL playoffs tonight? Personally, I'm drinking heavily and eating about 20 wings.

Jay Crawford

  (11:12 AM)

lol! sounds like a true buffalo guy! i could do that every night!

Tom (River North)

Jay, here's a link for Bell's comments: http://rumorsandrants.com/2009/04/heath-bell-does-not-care-for-your-coverage-espn.html

Jay Crawford

  (11:15 AM)

that's a commonly held belief by guys who play on the west coast. there may be something to it, but it's that way with anything. if you go to a game, your excitement when talking about it is higher, because you were there. we are in the east, so it's natural, espn la now may even that out...

Calvin W (Clearwater, FL)

Hey, Rob, good musicians come out of Indiana. What about John Cougar?

James Denver

Jay same reason you gave me for lack of Nuggets talk Lakers just so dominant.

Jay Crawford

  (11:15 AM)

sorry james...

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla)

Say goodnight Oscar.........zzzzzzzzzz

Robert (California)

he even messed up the show contender

Robert (California)

de la hoya ruined his career when he tried to fight again

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Question for the First Take crew. Which do you find to be more exciting - OT in the NBA Playoffs or OT in the NHL Playoffs?

Jay Crawford

  (11:15 AM)

no question....nhl!!!

Matt(New Britain,CT)

think about it,no wear and tear for greg

Jay Crawford

  (11:16 AM)

also a whole lot of rust

John (Indiana)

Lakers will play the cavaliers in the finals

Cody (shaftsbury, vt)

De La Hoya was a good boxer, not the best, skip hit the nail on the head. You can't deny his success, olympics, championships. Maybe stayed around a little too long.

Ricky (Detroit)

I'm much closer to the East coast than the West, and Heath Bell is so off-base. The Lakers get a ton of coverage. The Raiders (for one reason or another) get a lot of time. The LA Angels have been talked about time and time again. Maybe it's because the Padres are horrible, Heath.

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla)

If RichRod takes a chance on Paulus for two WHOLE semesters he's going to have the Michigan alums calling for his head.... then again, that might be his motivation.

Dre(Memphis)

Hey Jay when are you gonna have Free Reign on live

Jay Crawford

  (11:16 AM)

we talked about it dre.,...stay tuned.

Greg (ATL, GA)

Boxing? Yawn. UFC is what it's all about.

Marvin, Toledo, OH

Jay do you know what an "Ohio care" is?

Jay Crawford

  (11:17 AM)

marvin...nope

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla)

Hey Calvin, people have heard of Mellencamp but nobody's heard of Free Reign..... when I first read that post I thought they were talking about Free Range chickens.............. LOL

Matt(New Britain,CT)

i'm sorry,but does anyone really care about boxing anymore?

Jay Crawford

  (11:18 AM)

i like it alot...harrison as a bear...solid!

Drew (Buffalo)

Jay, If you get a chance, take the drive up to Montreal to watch a Habs playoff game this year (I suggest the 1st round). Hearing 20,000 people yelling GO HABS GO! gives you chills.

Jay Crawford

  (11:18 AM)

would love to!

Jason (Chicago, Il)

There seems to be a lot of "staying around too long" now adays with good/great athletes

Pat From Cleveland

It was funny when Damon jones was on your show the day he got traded. The next day when he was on it was he mad?

Adam G. (Tampa, FL)

ALyssa whats good I got Manny's number give me yours for it haha

Jay Crawford

  (11:18 AM)

funny adam.

Matt(New Britain,CT)

or just head down to pittsburgh,they love those penguins

Jay Crawford

  (11:20 AM)

ive been to games in pittsburgh. when they are good, those games are off the charts!

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Did Alyssa bring you a Tony Micelli baseball card?

Jay Crawford

  (11:20 AM)

lol....i hope so

Chizzie Thornton, Co

Dana and Jay. Do you twitter?

Jay Crawford

  (11:20 AM)

sure do....

Adam G. (Tampa, FL)

I'm serious, is she married Jay?

Jay Crawford

  (11:21 AM)

adam, engaged to a baseball agent...sorry bro.

Joseph Westbrook: (Little Rock, Arkansas):

I think the question regarding Theebet is if the team he goes to will be able to teach him an NBA game. It doesn't matter what team he goes to if he doesn't get taught because I'm not convinced his talent can make him more than a role player in the league for a few years.

Greg (ATL, GA)

I would vote for UFC getting more airtime than the NHL. Much more exciting.

Jay Crawford

  (11:21 AM)

alright room...where are we on ufc. i've ben to several events...wow!

Jeffrey (Bend,Oregon)

Who is going to QB the Browns?

Dana Jacobson

  (11:22 AM)

ALL, I'm not saying the lions don't need a QB, i'm saying i wouldn't take him at #1. you need protection!!!

Jay Crawford

  (11:22 AM)

brian sipe jeffery, or bernie kosar....anybody! please!!!

James Denver

Allysa is so hot! Im your Boss now Samantha.

Ryan (Wilmington DE)

First Take helped me and my friends pass college.

Jay Crawford

  (11:22 AM)

how ryan???

Scott (va)

Dana and Jay thank you for responding to my posts.

Jay Crawford

  (11:22 AM)

no prob scott

Michael (Baytown, Texas)

Dana or Jay, I'm a Jacksonville Jaguars fan. We had a dismal season, what do you think is in store for next season? Can you get Skips take on that too?

Jay Crawford

  (11:22 AM)

hope for 8-8 michael...

Jason (Chicago, Il)

I would rather see Holt in Chicago than harrison

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

She also dated Carl Pavano. Thankfully she, unlike the Yankees and Indians, saw that he peaked early.

Jay Crawford

  (11:23 AM)

wow! that hurt johnny

Joel (North Carolina)

Dana I teach 2nd grade physical education and trust me ive knocked 4 or 5 of them over by myself i believe a grizzly bear would have a "Field Day" with any amount of 2nd graders

Marvin, Toledo, OH

Jay here in Toledo, we just built this new downtown arena, and we're getting an Arena Football team and a IHL Hockey team but they have some really lame names (Frogs, Walleye) respectively. Can u guys do some research on some of the lamest sports franchise names, cuz I feel we're gonna make "that" list?

Dana Jacobson

  (11:23 AM)

joel, maybe the 2nd graders i know are hyped on sugar. i'll take your word for it

Jay Crawford

  (11:23 AM)

marvin... goes with the mudhens!

pdub (jeannette,pa)

dana do u think the lions should trade the 1st pick?

Dana Jacobson

  (11:24 AM)

pdub no

Michael (Baytown, Texas)

Hi, I'm a Jacksonville Jaguars fan, we had a dismal season last year. Do you think they will be better or should i remain concerned? Dana or Jay. Can you also get Skips take on it for me

Drew (Buffalo)

Nothing is more boring than UFC. It is horrible.

Jay Crawford

  (11:24 AM)

wow drew! ever been in person...

derek (mo)

Jay/Dana the one interview you have always wanted? plz keep it to people who are alive we all wanted to interview MLK

Dana Jacobson

  (11:25 AM)

michael off the top of my head i'm trying to think about changes made this offseason..not good losing taylor in my opinion. garrard should be solid. i don't feel like i saw a lot of changes, which i'd say is not a good thing. correct me if i'm wrong

Jay Crawford

  (11:25 AM)

derek..... george steinbrenner,,,30 minutes! i've interviewed him several times...but want a 30 minute no holds barred intv.

Derek (Fort Collins, Co)

Jay, Denver beating Portland or Houston beating Dallas?

James Denver

The unpredictabilty of the UFC mixed martial arts makes it most exciting combat sport on earth. Stars get beat knocked out all the time. Your viewed as a better fighter if you just put on good exciting fight then if you just win fight. Most exciting sport to watch in person.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:26 AM)

derek you asked jay but i'll tell you houston is beating dallas and denver is beating portland

Jay Crawford

  (11:26 AM)

it is hot james...the arenas have an electricity to them i've never felt at any other event. and im a huge stick and ball guy, but wow!

John (Indiana)

Hey Dana and Jay do you think the NFL season should be extended a few more games

Jay Crawford

  (11:26 AM)

no way john! 16 is enough.

pdub (jeannette,pa)

i just think if they don;t trade it they will take stafford and have young qb with nothing else i say trade ut and bulid the line

Chizzie Thornton, Co

Jay I can't believe I forgot to ask you this. Have you ever seen a game, at Coors Field, here in Denver? If you haven't you have to make your way to Denver. Coors Field s awesome place to see a baseball game

Dana Jacobson

  (11:27 AM)

pdub, they wont trade to get line help, they'd take jason smith for that. but you are right they are leaning the stafford way...that or its a big smokescreen. i hope he proves me wrong and is the next manning

Jay Crawford

  (11:27 AM)

i haven't. one of 5 baseball stadiums ive never been too.

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla)

Jay - you have a better chance of owning ESPN than getting a 30min NHB intv. with George

Jay Crawford

  (11:27 AM)

i know! sadly...his intv days are done.

Baron (Iowa)

i love your show.. dana and jay you do a great job, but lets bring back Woody Paige for 1st and 10!!!!

John (Indiana)

I tend to agree with you Jay 16 is plenty enough

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Lansing Lugnuts ranks up there with bad team nicknames for me.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:28 AM)

Johnny, phenomenol nickname what are you talking about...like the river rats and banana slugs

Michael (Baytown, Texas)

Dana, your not wrong. But, with a healthy offensive line and garrrard playing at the level he did 2 years ago, if we can get a solid WR in the draft or FA then I think perhaps we will be a similar team.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:29 AM)

mihcael, i guess that's what i 'm saying though, similar won't cut it you know?

Steve (Phx, AZ)

Did you guys see Shaq getting punked by his teammate Lou Amendson? It was pretty funny and Shaq got butt-hurt and has seeked his revenge through the help of twitter and all his followers

Dana Jacobson

  (11:29 AM)

steve we did..it'll reair around 12:40 i believe

Adam G. (Tampa, FL)

COME ON!!!! NO!!!!!

Jay Crawford

  (11:30 AM)

i pulled it...

wes(hixson,tn)

love bernie williams..he was as good as it got in the game...class act... i'm going to always miss hearing..bern baby bern!!!!

Jay Crawford

  (11:30 AM)

im with you wes...

lawrence (lowell MA)

don't thew lions have t2 firrst rounds pick? why do they need to get one with the first pick

Dana Jacobson

  (11:31 AM)

lawrence not sure i understand your question but yes they have #1 and #20. i'd get smith at one b/c of the talent he brings, more so than what you'll get at 15/20

John (Indiana)

The best baseball stadium i've been to was the most recent Busch Stadium, it was beautiful

Dana Jacobson

  (11:32 AM)

John, comerica is awesome in my opinion...yes in DETROIT...and I was at the opening of SBC, Pac Bell years ago in SF which is amazing.

Michael (Baytown, Texas)

Dana, I agree, and it doesnt help having a tough schedule. The AFC south is tough and now we also have to take on the AFC east.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:33 AM)

Michael, I just said that yesterday to a dolphins fan. I'll say this..should be some great games!

Robert (California)

ginats stadium as far as the only stadium with the coast view

Dana Jacobson

  (11:34 AM)

robert, even if there wasn't a game there, the view would be worth the trip!

Eric (Petoskey, MI)

who do you think will win more championships big ben or tom brady?

Dana Jacobson

  (11:35 AM)

Eric, great question...i'm going to say brady. Not b/c of michigan...but b/c he's gotten less banged up, even though ben is younger. has one more right now and i can see one more in the future. that means 3 more for ben, which would be tough for anyone!!

lawrence (lowell MA)

not even close Eric... Brady

Dre(Memphis)

Dana who will win the NFC East

Dana Jacobson

  (11:36 AM)

dre - not a clue right now...talk to me afte the draft

robert (chicago)

i think tom brady is overated... he's a product of the system.. how else does matt castle come in and put up those numbers

Dana Jacobson

  (11:37 AM)

robert, even if he is...he has the rings doesn't he??

David (Portales, NM)

Eric I want to say big ben, but as long as brady has his coach, they'll be contenders every year

Steve (Phx, AZ)

Tom Brady

Robert (California)

neither their runs are over

Dana Jacobson

  (11:38 AM)

robert very true

Greg (ATL, GA)

I glad Melrose is back on ESPN. He is the best Hockey analyst.

Calvin W (Clearwater, FL)

I thought UFC was the University of Florida Central

Jay Crawford

  (11:41 AM)

of course it is calvin

lawrence (stowe vt)

Barry Melrose...priceless

Jay Crawford

  (11:41 AM)

the best ever!

Marvin, Toledo, OH

Dana I love Michigan football, but I love Ohio State basketball program, cuz they always have a player from my town on their roster. Is that OK?

Jay Crawford

  (11:41 AM)

marvin...NO!

Jay Crawford

  (11:41 AM)

its one or the other....you know greg simpson??

Calvin W (Clearwater, FL)

Barry, Lightning fans love you, just kidding, belated April Fools

Joel (North Carolina)

awesome clean shavin in hockey? barry how sad ?

Chizzie Thornton, Co

Dana, or Jay is there tours available of ESPN studios? I think it would be cool to go on one of them

Jay Crawford

  (11:43 AM)

i think so chizzie. yes

Calvin W (Clearwater, FL)

Why cannot Paulus play football at Duke? Duke guy going to Michigan, makes no sense.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Rooting for Michigan and Ohio State is like rooting for the Yankees and the Red Sox. Totally unacceptable.

Jay Crawford

  (11:43 AM)

thanks johnny!

Drew (Buffalo)

There is a such thing as Lightning fans?

Jay Crawford

  (11:43 AM)

you should have been in the building when they clinched the cup drew! it was sick!

Jay Crawford

  (11:44 AM)

sorry adam...didn't think that was youre real number bro. dont hate...

Matt(New Britain,CT)

just downloaded moving forward with my gift card,def. worth it

Jay Crawford

  (11:44 AM)

cool matt! its good stuff.

Stephen A NaisSmith (Tampa, FL)

Whoever thinks Thabeet isn't a lotto pick is sniffin something

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla)

Does Duke really play football? ;)

Robert (California)

i wish berry melrose could still play and be an analyst

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Even though I didn't see it, thatnks for giving the NHL some time today with The Mullet. It really is a heck of a sport.

Jason (Chicago, Il)

Jay and Dana, if my grades start slipping in school, I am going to blame you guys. Ever since you guys opened the chat every day instead of just Wednesday, I cant focus on anything but sports from 9-11

Jay Crawford

  (11:48 AM)

jason, we'll write you excuse notes for your teachers if we need to...lol

pdub (jeannette,pa)

glad to see doc on

Adam G. (Tampa, FL)

Stephen A's up in here wow

Greg (ATL, GA)

I know Chipper Jones is going to miss Shea Stadium. He named his son after it.

lawrence (stowe vt)

barry is must see tv for sure

Dre(Memphis)

There is no way Jones-Drew is worth that amount of cash

Jay Crawford

  (11:50 AM)

lets see...he's in a diff role now...sproles and jones drew..we'll see....

Dre(Memphis)

How do you think Sheffield will fit in with the mets

Jay Crawford

  (11:50 AM)

dont expect much from sheff in ny

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Thanks again for allowing me to participate in the chat today. Always a pleasure for me. I've got to run now but if it's OK, I'll check in again tomorrow. To all in the chat, have a great Wednesday, don't take life or sports too seriously, and be safe. Later!

Jay Crawford

  (11:51 AM)

live like its the last day of school johnny!

Adam G. (Tampa, FL)

MJD is a beast what you talkin bout

Greg (ATL, GA)

I wish the Braves had got Sheffield instead of that bum Garret Anderson...

Scott (va)

wow...Doc Gooden looks like he still could play

James Denver

Thabeet is 7 foot 3 you cant teach size. He will be lottery pick book it.

lawrence (stowe vt)

Chipper is the reason they built the new stadium...it would have been cheaper to just sign chipper

Cody (shaftsbury, vt)

Sheffield needs to be signed, porr guy sitting on the bubble 499 hrs.

Adam G. (Tampa, FL)

Wasn't that the guy from Mall cop that named his son after Shea?

Jay Crawford

  (11:51 AM)

yep he did too...kevin james...

Ryan (Wilmington DE)

omg...it's wednesday

Calvin W (Clearwater, FL)

Chipped Jones named his son "Dump" after Shea Stadium. Wow, I didn't know that!

Jay Crawford

  (11:52 AM)

calvin...awesome!

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla)

It was good to see Doc have an honest answer to a tough question, instead of dodging the issue as so many MLB players have done in the recent past.

Jay Crawford

  (11:53 AM)

ditto rob. stand up guy

Cody (shaftsbury, vt)

Jone Drew is great no question but look at contracts in general in the NFL, they are getting bigger and more money is being guarunteed. Your telling me Jone Drew is the 3rd best running back in the NFL your nuts.

James Denver

About time to wrap it up again thanks for another great chat Dana and Jay see you tomorrow have a great day and GO NUGGETS clinch 2nd seed.

umor (detroit mi)

If it wasn't for the drugs he probley woulda won 250 games

Jay Crawford

  (11:54 AM)

one of the best ive ever seen. and strawberry, same thing.

Marvin, Toledo, OH

Is everyone sniffin somethins? The Draft is "WEAK" period! Thabeet needs to stay, just like 65% of them should. If you take out all the players who should stay there would only be one round of drafts.

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla)

I had no idea that some people though one (1) HR was worth so much money in salary. Where do I sign?

Scotty, Elizabethton, tn

Sproles is a better back than Jones Drew dollar for dollar

Jay Crawford

  (11:54 AM)

no doubt now....

Dre(Memphis)

Have a great day.......Gotta go sign a 1 year deal with the I.R.S

Jay Crawford

  (11:55 AM)

lol

pdub (jeannette,pa)

doc is 1 of my favorites of all time

Robert (California)

look what happend to thabeet against blair ... like a keep saying wait till he faces l james d wade d howard v carter p pierce he will have no affect and have more fouls then points in every game quote it

Greg (ATL, GA)

Chipper will never leave the Braves. EVER!

Matt(New Britain,CT)

crazy to think thabeet could be like the next mutombo?

Brian (Norfolk,VA)

Tell Jay Harris or Nancy Lieberman to bring me one of those teacher excuse notes next time they go back to Old Dominion!

pdub (jeannette,pa)

chipper can name next kid citi

Mark nj

I like the Cold Pizza Set more. You guys had a Basketball hoop, Jerseys in the background, cool props, and I liked your yellow mugs. First Take is so " cold " looking. Oh yeah and CP had Woody!

Jay Crawford

  (11:57 AM)

i hear that alot mark. our set was the best on any show!

Mark nj

Chipper should name his kid= DL

brian (virginia)

Steph curry 2nd skip?!?!? The Nba will eat him alive

Jay Crawford

  (11:58 AM)

alright room, got to rock the end of the show, then off to enjoy life. you guys do the same and we'll talk tomorrow....

Calvin W (Clearwater, FL)

Jay, please comment on the Marlins having the best record in baseball and your Rays are next to last in AL East.

Jay Crawford

  (11:58 AM)

go marlins and rays! what a series!