The Intern’s Hard Wood: Jan 13-18

This has been a very black-is-white, up-is-down kind of week in the NBA. You have the Knicks on a three-game winning streak; the Celtics drop three of their last five games and a case of a testicular tumour. I don’t know how but the Knicks of scraped together a three-game streak which started with a whupping on the Pistons at the Gardens. I know, I know the Pistons were on the tail end of four games in five nights but come on; the Knicks have as much chemistry as Tommy girl and Katie Holmes. In other Hotlantic news the Boston Celtics have shown a few kinks in what seemed like impregnable armour. Before beating the new-age Trail Blazers, the Celtics had dropped three of their last four. It started with an ugly loss to the Bobcats – yeah, I know - and finished with back-to-back losses to the Arenas-less Wizards. Also coming out of the Atlantic division is Jamario Moon getting an invitation to this years’ dunk comp. This really has my goat going or really has my goat or some other saying which involves a goat. Jamario is an incredible leaper and has the potential to put Toronto back on the NBA map and make the Raptors relevant in the NBA scene in the wake of the VC era. Also, CB4 got a much deserved player of the week. Everyone has now seen Bosh’s All-Star video, let’s get this guy to the Big Easy. In other news around the NBA Nene had a tumour removed from his testes-satchel. This guy seriously can’t catch a break. In the past 3 season he’s only played 120 games due to knee complications and only 12 games this season. He is also pulling in a cool $9 mill this season. No wonder Denver has one of the highest payrolls in the NBA. Other injury related news this week is Andrew Bynum being sidelined for 2 months with a dislocated kneecap and bruised knee bone. This is a major hit to the Lakers. They are now minus their best rebounder and interior defender. While watching the Lakers – Suns game last night, it seems like Phil Jackson is trying to use Kwame Brown to fill the void. It is not working as hoped. In the third quarter, he almost has a double-double with points and turnovers and a botched dunk. As of right now every time he touches the ball the whole Staples Center is booing him. It feels like a Knicks game. Also everyone should go out this weekend and check out Cloverfield in its B-horror goodness. Intern out

Tejada's troubles

Life may be getting a ton more complicated for Miguel Tejada and the Houston Astros. While he's currently being investigated regarding his 2005 testimony and whether he lied or not the feds regarding the steroid scandal, he may lose his green card or even worse spend 15-20 months in jail.

The trouble stems from a 2005 interview when Tejada had told government officials that he had never used steroids, know nothing about them and didn't know anyone who had used before.

Tejada's situation is actually quite similar — oddly — to what happened Martha Stewart. Both lied when they were originally questioned and now that the truth has come to light, consequences must be paid. So how bad would it be if the Astros, who just traded a bunch of players and prospects to acquire Miggy, couldn't pencil him into the lineup for a long while. Adam Everett must be liking his chance of getting on the field this season.

Finally, what terrific foresight on behalf of the Baltimore Orioles for getting rid of Tejada before the Mitchell report pointed a finger at the former AL MVP. Whoever thought that the Orioles would make a legitimately smart move?

Are you serious?

Just when I thought Pacman Jones might be back on the right track, he goes out and does something incredibly stupid again. A Tennessee woman is seeking an arrest warrant on Jones, alleging that he punched her at a strip club. Why is Pacman back at strip club? The last notably time he was there, he made it rain money and then someone was shot outside the club. Now he's (allegedly) punching people? And a woman no less? If this story comes out to be true, who do you think will be back in the NFL first? Pacman Jones or Michael Vick? If he shows up in New Orleans for NBA all-star weekend, it may very well be Vick who's back first.

It's also funny how my headline didn't have to change even though i wrote it when it applied to a story about the possibility of Tom Brady retiring after a 19-0 season and fourth Super Bowl win to spend time with his kid and girlfriend (who live on opposite coasts).

Apples for apples

It looks like both Troy Glaus and Scott Rolen passed their physicals and are now on their way to their new teams. Glaus is headed back to the NL to play third base for the Cardinals while Rolen will team up with fellow Blue Jay newcomer and former Cardinal teammate David Eckstein. This trade is a great "in need of new surroundings" trade and when you look at the two players involved, they're pretty much the same. "Apples-for-apples," a coworker called it. The only real differences between the traded players are that Glaus may hit a few more home runs while Rolen is a superior defender.

Both Glaus and Rolen should do well in their new homes. Glaus will figure to play better on St. Louis' grass field and his time missed due to injuries should decrease. Rolen will play better since he won't have to deal with Tony LaRussa, who he had a very public falling out with over the past year.

The only real question left is how will Rolen adapt to American League pitching? Glaus already spent time with Arizona and should have a rough idea about some staffs but Rolen will be starting fresh. The Jays better hope he's a quick study considering their competition.