Sports Redux: 38.7%

The fate of nations will be determined this evening in the meadowlands of New Jersey, and we don't mean the upcoming Tony Soprano/Phil Leotardo showdown. The NBA Lottery is tonight, and we'll know if the Celtics are about to take another chance on another unproven youngster, or land one of the two sure-thing prizes in this summer's draft. The C's have a 19.9% chance of landing the #1 pick (Greg Oden, and don't let anyone tell you different) and an 18.8% chance of getting #2 (Kevin Durant). And a 61.3% chance of bitter disappointment.

Radio man Sean Grande is trying to cushion the blow, talking about the rookies who might be available if the ping-pong balls don't bounce the Green's way. Frankly, we're not ready to get attached to any of those names yet. And we're not convinced Danny could wheel and deal his way into getting someone like Kevin Garnett. We have to like our 38.7% odds; we have no choice.

Speaking of disappointment, the Red Sox' series in New York got off to a crummy start. Tim Wakefield gave up early home runs to Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi, and the Sox lineup couldn't put much of anything together against Chien-Ming Wang, falling 6-2 and cutting the lead to 9 1/2. There's not a lot to report about this one; the Sox squandered some opportunities, and the beleaguered Yankee bullpen held firm. Just a bummer all around. Julian Tavarez goes against Mike Mussina tonight.

The good news for the Red Sox is that Daisuke Matsuzaka's brilliance earned him the AL Player of the Week honors. After his complete game gem against Detroit and his solid win against Atlanta, was there much doubt?

Speaking of easy decisions, linebacker Junior Seau decided he has a better chance to win a ring in Foxboro than anywhere else, and signed with the Pats for another season. The twelve-time Pro Bowler played eleven games with New England last year before getting hurt, and still was fifth on the team in tackles.