THIS AND THAT by Tannen

I know we sit in Pac 10 country, but the focus of the college hoops world today is Duke at Wake. I've been speaking in recent weeks about the Blue Devil defense and my belief it's their best since the last National Title team in Durham back in 2001. They've lost just once, a nightmare at Ann Arbor where they shot about 25% from downtown and in a lackluster effort, got to the foul line just 6 times. In that same game, Michigan shot the lights out. They've won 10 straight since, with the closest differential at 8 points. They dominated a strong Georgetown team in the 2nd half and last Saturday torched Maryland by 41. If the Dukies win this one on the road in convincing fashion, I think they become a powerhouse number one.
On yesterday's show I misreported that the Blazer's Steve Blake would not likely return for 2 weeks. The trouble is I was basing that comment on a report dated 2 weeks ago! Turns out he returned against the Clippers earlier this week, but after trying to work through a hard pick, re-injured that shoulder and will sit out against Charlotte and likely against Utah at the Rose Garden on Saturday.
Quick hot stove note. The agent for Manny Ramirez, Scott Boras is a huge, huge liar. He's basically inventing teams who claim to be interested in signing Man-Ram long term for about 25-million a season. The fact remains he'll likely go back to the Dodgers for one, maybe two years. Boras is just a scumbag. The Red Sox have now put a timeline on their offer to catcher Jason Veritek. He can take their one year offer by Friday or find another team willing to dole out big bucks for a 37 year old who hit .220 last year. Oh by the way, guess who his agent is? Boras!