Wed. Dec. 17 Quick Hitters

Where in the World is Rafael Furcal
Following this guy's free agent journey is more exciting than the NFL playoff chase. Oakland, Atlanta, L.A., where is he going? You can tell the MLB free agent pool is low when there is so much talk about a poor man's Omar Vizquel getting courted like "The Bachelor" by the Braves and Dodgers.

Changes Coming in Ottawa
When Senator fans start booing you know there is trouble. Maybe the NHL's most forgiving fan base finally started to let their frustration be felt as they loudly booed the home squad during thier most recent egg laying, a despicable 4-1 loss to the Atlanta Thrashers.
Watching the Senators the past two months may very well be the most painful thing in hockey right now. Such a talented team that goes through the motions on so many nights is shameful at best.
As I mentioned in a previous post, the Sens are about to embark on an 8 game road trip during the holidays and new year. Assuming they continue to play the way they have played the entire first half of the season, expect changes at one or multiple levels. Murray, Hartsburg, Spezza, take your pick.

JoePa 3 Year Extension
Think you're getting old and your job is becoming really hard. Joe Paterno just signed a 3 year extension at Penn State. Assuming he does not die or get bought out, Paterno will be coaching NCAA football at 85 years old!!

Falcons In/Cowboys Out??
Just read an article on CNNSI predicting that Atlanta, by virtue of a win over Minnesota this weekend, will make the playoffs, while Dallas, predicted to lose to Philly in week 17, will not make playoffs.
I can see the logic of predicting a Cowboys loss at Philly, but will the Falcons win this weekend at Minnesota? I'm not so sure.

Pats Losing To Cards?????
The same writer predicted Arizona will beat the Patriots in New England this weekend...not a chance. I really hope they do, because that would help the Dolphins...but there's NO WAY the Cardinals are beating New England on sunday. Maybe if they needed a win to clinch or stay in the NFC playoff hunt, but with the NFC west already secured, there's no way they're showing up in Foxboro and beating the Pats who absolutely have to win to stay in the AFC playoff hunt.