First Down

HE SAID WHAT?

“We know that this was not a very well-planned ballpark. Any player that’s played there will tell you that it’s become one of the biggest jokes in baseball.” — ESPN’s Peter Gammons on the number of home runs being hit at new Yankee Stadium

THE BEST OF THE WEEKEND IN SPORTS

Lakers vs. Nuggets

Kobe and friends can put away pesky Denver on Friday, but don’t expect the Nuggets to roll over and die on their home court, where they went 33-8 in the regular season.

Penguins at Red Wings

The Stanley Cup Finals begin Saturday with Pittsburgh looking to get revenge for Detroit’s victory last year.

NASCAR Sprint Cup at Dover

On Sunday, drivers look to recover from the rain-addled race in Charlotte, N.C., by heading to a track that has yielded a different winner each of the past seven races.

Tigers at Orioles

Finally, Orioles fans have something to get excited about: Top prospect Matt Wieters is slated to make his debut behind the plate Friday.

TWT FIVE ” PLAYERS WHO SHOULD BE LEADING ALL-STAR VOTING

1. Raul Ibanez, Phillies - He has 17 home runs, 44 RBI and is batting .339. Yet he’s sixth among NL outfielders, even trailing the suspended Manny Ramirez.

2. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins - He leads all NL shortstops in slugging and on-base percentage and is one of the best all-around players in baseball. Yet he trails the Brewers’ J.J. Hardy, who boasts a .247 batting average.

3. Justin Morneau, Twins - No knock on Kevin Youkilis, who has been awesome at first base. But Morneau has been as productive and didn’t miss 15 games due to injury.

Story Continues →