TGIF: 2009 BABIP Leaders and Losers (Pitchers)

Marc Savard Snubbed by Canadian Olympic Committee

Save Leon Powe Petition is a Little Ridiculous

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Celtics Hold Practice, Focus Set to 2008-09

In this edition of the Four-Point Play, I’ll take a look at the progress of Darius Miles, the Tim Donaghy referee scandal supposedly coming to a close, what the Celtics will do if Kendrick Perkins has to sit down with an injury, and Ray Allen’s battle against his son’s rare illness.

1. The Celtics officially have held their Media Day, which is an indication that the new season is upon us. New addition Darius Miles is impressing so far in training camp.

• This is a great sign for a no-lose signing. I think Miles could do a lot for this team as a 6th, 7th, or 8th man off the bench. He could fill in valuable minutes for the forwards, if healthy.
• For the moment, the former “Baby KG” says his knees (which have kept him out of 2 straight seasons) are doing just fine, according to the Boston Globe’s Marc J. Spears:

“This is my first training camp in, like, three years. I haven’t played in training camp in so long. I felt good. I tried to stay loose. I’m trying to learn plays real quick. Trying to get things down pat.”

His knees, said Miles, “were no problem. No problem at all. Same ol’ same ol’.”

2. An independent NBA investigation has shut the door on the NBA gambling scandal, saying that Tim Donaghy acted alone and there are no other officials involved. View the report here [pdf].

• Something about this is really fishy. As a journalist, I’m naturally skeptical, but I really do think someone else was involved. While what Donaghy did was disgusting and he should be punished, it annoys me when one guy takes the fall for some/many others. He’s the NBA-equivalent to the White House’s Scooter Libby.
• But, if it’s true that Donaghy acted alone, I’m glad to see the incident over and i’m also glad to know that no games will be fixed in the upcoming season.

3. Kendrick Perkins is still nursing a shoulder injury (sound familiar?) and new signing Patrick O’Bryant could take over the starting duties for the team’s first preseason game next Wednesday against the 76ers.

• O’Bryant is currently practicing with Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Rajon Rondo, so he’s getting a nice experience with the big boys. O’Bryant has taken on a big role in the absence of P.J. Brown, who served as the team’s backup center towards the end of last season.
• Doc Rivers seems pleased with O’Bryant’s development, according to Yahoo! Sports:

“Patrick gets to play with the starters and that’s never a bad thing for him. Obviously, we’re going to miss James Posey, but losing P.J. Brown concerns me as much. Patrick has a chance to fill that role. We have Leon [Powe] and [Glen Davis], and they don’t have the length but they have other things they can do.”

4. Ray Allen fought his way to an NBA title, and learned during the Finals that his baby son, Walker, has juvenile diabetes, which is a life-threatening but treatable disease. He’s now fighting against his son’s potentially fatal disease.

• Ray Allen has started the “Walk for Walker” to take place this Saturday, October 4 at 9:30 a.m. at the Hatch Shell. It’s a three-mile walk to raise money for a cure for diabetes.
• Allen and wife Shannon released a message through the Boston Globe’s Marc J. Spears:

A resounding THANK YOU~ for your ALL of your support, incredibly generous donations during this shaky economy and most importantly your commitment to the belief that together we can diaBEAThis terrible disease!! Ray and I are in awe of the response we’ve gotten over the past month from all of you, and we are so happy that with your help we are now $20,000 closer to a CURE for diabetes!

• So if you’re doing nothing this Saturday morning (early I know for a weekend day), then head on over to the Hatch Shell for the walk. Hey, you’ll probably be able to meet Ray Allen and it’s all for a great cause, so it’s well worth it.

Tags: Celtics, Darius Miles, Four-Point Play, Kendrick Perkins, Kevin Garnett, Patrick O'Bryant, Ray Allen, Tim Donaghy

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