Johan Santana tosses first no hitter in Mets history

Johan Santana? More like No-han Santana, amirite? (*Rimshot. "I'll be here all week."*)

Santana tossed the first no-no in the history of the Metropolitans Friday night in an 8-0 victory over the Cardinals. It took Johan a career-high 134 pitches to complete the task and he was also aided by an incorrect call in the 6th inning.

Carlos Beltran's liner in that inning was ruled foul, but clearly hit the chalk and should have been fair. Hindsight, though, is 20/20. There is always a little bit of luck involved in no hitters and usually a hint of controversy. We're still waiting to see a side angle replay on Philip Humber's check-swing strikeout of Brendan Ryan during his perfecto, after all.

Nonetheless, Johan Santana made history Friday night. As the oft-injured ace of a struggling franchise in the midst of a resurgence, he certainly deserved it.

(Photo courtesy Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Hines Ward joining NBC Sports

Hines Ward, former always-smiling Steelers wide receiver and Dancing with the Stars champion, will join NBC as an analyst for Football Night in America, college football and the NBC Sports Network. SI's Richard Deitsch broke the news via Twitter this afternoon.

Judging by the replies to Deitsch's Twitter and from other reactions around the net, people are happy with this move. It's a natural fit for Ward, who always seemed to have the knack for broadcasting and television. Ward got some on-air practice during NBC's pregame for this year's Super Bowl XLVI, providing analysis along with Aaron Rodgers.

(Photo courtesy ABC)

Terrell Owens got cut by the Allen Wranglers

The Allen Wranglers of the Indoor Football League announced Tuesday that they have parted ways with Terrell Owens after the wide receiver violated the terms of his contract. As well as being released as a player, Owens loses his ownership stake that he received as part of his deal.

You know it's bad when you own part of the team and still get cut.

Majority owner John Frankel said Owens refused to play in two upcoming road games and did not show up at an event at a local children's hospital. Even though Owens was not required to play in all of the Wranglers' away games under the terms of his contract, the team wanted him to play in the next two contests because of their importance to the team's playoff aspirations.

Add the Wranglers to the list of organizations that Owens has left on bad terms. He apparently saw the IFL as a way back into the NFL when he signed with the Wranglers in February. But at this rate, and with his past history of attitude and character issues as well as his age, Owens' return to the highest level of the sport seems very unlikely.

(Photo courtesy Jerome Miron/US Presswire)

Video: Outfielder makes diving over-the-wall grab

Via ESPN's Robert Flores comes this gem of a catch during a NWAACC baseball championship first round playoff game. Lower Columbia College's Derrick Salberg is the hero, leaping over the outfield wall and robbing what would have been the game tying home run. Not to diminish this great catch at all, but why is that wall so short?

Now you're just the Kobe that we used to know

With the Lakers out of the playoffs and changes looming, it is of course time to blast Kobe Bryant. Doing so has become old hat, but Dan Rib has done it in a new and interesting way. Here he is with his own version of Gotye's hit "Somebody That I Used To Know," instead called "The Kobe That We Used To Know."


"You didn't have to hog the ball. You're triple teamed so kick it out to either Blake or Sessions." Tell me that won't be stuck in your head for the rest of the day.

Video: Jay Pharoah's spot-on Stephen A. Smith impression

Jay Pharoah, one of Saturday Night Live's unsung performers, nailed it this weekend with his Stephen A. Smith impression during "Weekend Update."


(Hat tip to SportsGrid)

Dropping Links: Sunday, May 20, 2012

- I'll Have Another won another, capturing Saturday's Preakness Stakes, again coming from behind on Bodemesiter. With the Preakness and Kentucky Derby down, I'll Have Another will try to capture the Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes. |New York Times' The Rail Blog|

- The Thunder took a 3-1 series lead over the Lakers with their win Saturday night in Los Angeles. It was about more than Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook's offense, though. |TrueHoop Blog|

- Kerry Wood retired like a boss. |Hall of Very Good|

- Lawrence Taylor's Super Bowl XXV ring sold for $230,401 at auction. |ProFootballTalk|

- New gameplay footage from NCAA Football 13 |Pastapadre.com|

(Photo courtesy Nellie Hertenstein/Reuters)

Of course Odom won't get share of Mavs' playoff money

The Dallas Mavericks have decided they will not give Lamar Odom a playoff share, about $14,000. It was a players vote following Dallas' first round sweep at the hands of the Thunder that determined Odom would miss out on the money.

The team had already banished Odom after a season of ups and downs, but mostly downs. Circumstances in his personal life made it a tough go for Lamar, as well as his seeming desire to not be in Dallas. Odom never fit in with the team and hasn't even been around the squad since April 7th.

This move should come as no surprise. To consider Odom a part of this playoff team would have been a gigantic stretch. If anything, he was a hindrance to their chances.

Video: Baron Davis dislocates knee v. Heat

This is pretty gross.

Baron Davis dislocated his knee during yesterday's Knicks - Heat playoff matchup. It's a shame that a guy so talented has suffered so many injuries throughout his career. Davis will not play for the remainder of this series and it remains to be seen what this means for the rest of his career.

Video of the gruesome injury is below.

Nets officially unveil new logo

The Brooklyn Nets' new logo was officially revealed by the organization today and, as expected, the team is switching to a black and white color scheme while using the shield style logo that leaked last week. The team's merchandise website, NetsStore.com, is now live and fans can purchase memorabilia with the new look. Jerseys currently aren't available but will be coming in September.

Since last week's leak reaction has been mixed to the re-branding effort. I personally like it. The Nets are clearly trying to wash the bad taste out of the mouths of their fans and a whole new look and feel is the best place to start.

The logo was designed by part-owner Jay-Z.

(Banner image courtesy NetsStore.com)

A few Monday morning links

- The Clippers came back from a 21-point fourth quarter deficit to stun the Grizzlies in game one of their first round playoffs matchup. Los Angeles had trailed by as much as 27 during the game but Memphis went ice cold in the last frame to lose a heartbreaker. |Ball Don't Lie|

- At the request of his 8-year-old son, Yankees GM Brian Cashman sat in the bleachers for Sunday's game and participated in the traditional "Bleacher Creatures" roll call. |Sports Kings|

- Bruce Chen tried to pick off a runner 10 times during one at bat. |Big League Stew|

- Donovan McNabb still doesn't know if he will retire or not, although his hand may be forced. |ProFootballTalk|

NBA Playoffs: First round preview and predictions

A quick rundown of the first round NBA playoff matchups, with predictions for each series:

Eastern Conference

Chicago Bulls v. Philadelphia 76ers
The Bulls are certainly a deep team and their bench is as good as some teams' starting fives. Chicago grabbed the number one seed in the East with Derrick Rose nursing injuries for most of the year. Philly should grab a game at home, but the Bulls will easily take this series.
Bulls win series, 4-1

Miami Heat v. New York Knicks
The Knicks are perhaps the hottest team in the NBA and have a better bench than Miami. The Heat, however, have owned the Knicks since LeBron and Bosh took their talents to South Beach. If the Knicks can play the great defense they've shown since Mike Woodson took over, they'll have a shot, albeit a long one.
Heat win series, 4-2

Indiana Pacers v. Orlando Magic
The Pacers, one of the most underrated and under-appreciated teams in the league, would have been favorites even if Orlando had a healthy Dwight Howard. Take "Superman" out of the mix and it's an easy series for the Magic.
Pacers win series, 4-0

Boston Celtics v. Atlanta Hawks
The 4 v. 5 matchup has the potential to be the best series of the opening round. While early in the year many figured the Celtics were too old, they've come surging back, showing us the guts and gusto that won Boston an NBA Title just a few years ago. Ray Allen's injury will be a factor but I'd expect the Celtics to take the series either way.
Celtics win series, 4-3

Western Conference

San Antonio Spurs v. Utah Jazz
The aging Spurs just keep winning and getting better. Unlike last year's team, this year's version of the Spurs is a serious threat to go deep in the playoffs. They shouldn't have too much trouble with the Jazz, although Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap could create some issues inside for San Antonio.
Spurs win series, 4-2

Oklahoma City Thunder v. Dallas Mavericks
The defending champs open the first round with a tough matchup against the OKC Thunder, a young team ready to win now. These two teams always seem to play each other close but OKC will be too much for the older Mavs.
Thunder win series, 4-2

Los Angeles Lakers v. Denver Nuggets
The loss of Metta World Peace will hurt the Lakers, who are already a thin team depth-wise. Los Angeles is playing at a very high level, with Kobe Bryant rested, and should be able to handle a stiff challenge from Denver.
Lakers win series, 4-3

Memphis Grizzlies v. Los Angeles Clippers
This series provides some very intriguing matchups. The Grizzlies have the big men to battle with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Tony Allen is a defensive specialist who will look to shut down the Clippers' wings. But Chris Paul might be the deciding factor. Finally getting his chance to shine on a bigger stage, he'll lead the Clippers to a rare first round playoff victory.
Clippers win series, 4-3