It's Barstool Friday!!!!!!!!

Yeah, it's Barstool Friday. This was supposed to be a triumphant return, but UMass blew it in their first game of the A-10 tourney last night, pissing away a 17 point lead over Charlotte and in the process, popping the bubble on which they had firmly sat. A trip to the NCAA tournament is now extremely unlikely, barring some really strange happenings in other conference tourneys. The only saving grace being that with UMass out, I don't have to contend with my loyalty, thereby increasing my chances of defending my HCBF March Madness Bracket Challenge Championship. So I'll try to muster a little enthusiasm for the following barstool talking points...

• Good-bye Doug Mirabelli. The Red Sox cut ol' Doug yesterday, giving the Tim Wakefield Personal Catcher role to Kevin Cash. Cash caught Wake admirably last season when Dougy was out, so I think he'll be fine. In a way, its sad to see Mirabelli go, even though his plate appearances make Billy Crystal look like David Ortiz. So thanks Doug, for all the passed balls that didn't happen. Best of luck. Although I'm not ruling out another State Police escort later this season if Cash can't cut it.

• I promised to talk about that lose Arlen Specter. But I'm in a bad mood, so forget it. If anybody brings it up at the bar this weekend, I recommend just telling them to eff off.

• The Celtics are riding their longest winning streak in over 20 years. They should take care of business tonight when the Jazz come to the Garden, and then a tough road swing against Milwaukee (OK, this one's not tough), the Spurs, Rockets, Mavs and Hornets. After that, aside from the SUns and NOLA at home, it's cruise control till the playoffs. Other than those two games, I think we only meet a couple of other teams that are even over .500 before the regular season ends. I love this team! The Green Is Back On!

• Great weekend of college hoops ahead, with all of the conference tourneys. I'll watch some, but it just won't be the same. Friggin' UMass!!!! grrrrrr.....

Alright, let me go back to wallowing in self-pity. Have a great weekend folks, have a pint or 3 for me. See you next week.