Nomar Stalker and I attended the Cavs game this evening. The great thing about it, it was F-R-E-E. The Cavs went through the motions, and we got help from unexpected sources, Donyell Marshall and Daniel Gibson, and beat the Raptors, 95-91.

Observations:

New P.A. announcer was pretty good, sticking to the basics. However, in the first half, he had this annoying habit of counting down the shot clock. 15...10...5, 4,3,2,1. For example, the Cavs bring it slowly up court, they flip it to Varejao and, in the background, the guy says, "15." Even though it is inane, I might see him calling out at 10 and 5 and below. But 15? Yikes! I'm not sure this happens every game, but he didn't do it in the second half, thankfully.

The Brad Daugherty bobblehead may have been the worst-looking bobblehead ever. It is Brad in a suit and a Cavs cap, holding up his jersey, a la Draft Day 1986. One of the few bobbleheads in which the guy is wearing a tie. Brad had a scoreboard message for everyone, saying he'll be here in March. I guess a 20th reunion or something. He should hope there is no NASCAR conflict.

Cavalier Girls seem to have had a large turnover, which I think is by design. I'm just not sure where they go after they leave. Oh, they still look good, but no pole dancing or Erotic City outfits.

Ronnie Duncan's histrionics have been taken over not by the aforementioned P.A. guy, but a Scream Team Leader. He introduces the squad, implores us to make noise, accompanies Moondog when he fires hot dogs at the crowd. BTW, I had my hands on one of those little basketballs they toss into the crowd. Same one twice. In keeping with the evening, I bobbled it. Needless to say, these antics got the best crowd participation of the evening.

Celebrity in attendance: C.C. Sabathia.

The Scream Team still does their Lockers imitations. Somewhere, Rerun is smiling.

Honestly, it didn't seem as loud as it has been there. Maybe they save that for the weekend games.

They replaced the shot clock/scoreboard above the south basket at halftime. It's a rare sight to see a spare brought out. Good job by the work crew.

Beer from Les was $6.00. Small soda, hot dog, and a pretzel added up to $11.25.

The Special Olympics organizing committee was in attendance. They were guests in a loge behind our section. I won't tell you how I clapped. Use your imagination, it was funny.

Meal of Links

The NYTimes tries to define Creole, in response to Alan Richman. Bottom line, I'm hungry. Something about the word "pork fat".

More food. The memorial for Johnny Apple.

If David Lynch is involved with a movie, I am there. Let's see, evil, depravity, erotic longing, violence...Bring the kiddies!

Exercise Yard

Wow. Just when you thought the worst contract this offseason went to Juan Pierre or Danny Baez or J.D. Drew. Julio Lugo and Jason Schmidt hit the jackpot. If Julio Lugo is worth $9 million at shortstop, and Jason Schmidt gets $47 million for three years, what is Travis Hafner worth? Start preparing the "Hometown Discount" talk, boys.

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