espn.com Ali Contest
Sure, you can charge the mound if you want. But that's yesterday's news. Nowadays, baseball needs new and different means to counter the ol' beanball. Like a voodoo doll. Or killing 'em softly with a song. And if that fails, remember that high and tight heat might break some bones, but a new nickname will really hurt.
CAN'T WE GET ALONG | TOP 10 BRAWLS




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Page 2's Jason Whitlock says Martha Burk has it all wrong. It isn't the Masters keeping women out of boardrooms and executive suites. If Martha really wants to make a difference, she'll find a way to make Monica Lewinsky's budding television career fade to black. Yep, that's why we call Jason "Mr. Personality."

10 Burning Questions Heroes & Villains
Ever wonder what goes on -- or stays off -- under those draft-day suits? We did. Page 2 sat down with some of the NFL Draft's hottest prospects -- Carson Palmer, Willis McGahee, Charles Rogers and more -- to get answers to the ol' boxers-or-briefs question, and plenty more.
 If you cheered when Tommy Lasorda took a bat in the belly, or when Tonya Harding broke her bootlace, you'll love our columnists' choices for the top villains in sports. As Page 2's Heroes and Villains Week winds down, you'll also want to check out our list of the top 10 good guys and 10 worst bad guys.

THE DAILY QUICKIE
After Wednesday night, the Rocket is only three wins from 300. The Daily Quickie says the way the Yankees are going, that's about the only drama left in baseball. Even our interest in the NFL Draft took a big hit when Carson Palmer bit the Bengals' bullet.


The benches always seem to empty in baseball, but we rarely see any real action. What are the best fights in baseball history? We're glad you asked. Check out Page 2's list of the greatest basebrawls of all-time and vote on which one packs the strongest punch.
10]  Lenny Randle vs. Frank Lucchesi (May 28, 1977)
When Rangers second baseman Lenny Randle lost his starting position to a rookie, he went to talk to his manager, Frank Lucchesi. Randle suddenly attacked Lucchesi leaving him with a broken cheekbone, a concussion, and a lacerated lip.
9]  Billy Martin vs. Ed Whitson (Sept. 22, 1985)
In a bizarre bout that started at the hotel bar and then proceeded to the lobby and third floor, pitcher Ed Whitson broke one of Billy Martin's arms and two of his ribs after (according to Whitson) Martin "sucker-punched" him.
8]  Bill Dickey vs. Carl Reynolds (July 4, 1932)
When Senators outfielder Carl Reynolds and Yankees catcher Bill Dickey collided hard on a play at the plate, Dickey swung and, with a single punch, broke Reynolds' jaw. It was one of the quickest KOs in baseball history.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NBA FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Thursday Celtics 2 Pacers 180
Thursday Bucks 1½ Nets 188
Thursday Lakers 10 T-Wolves 201½
Friday Spurs 2 Suns 182
Friday Magic 3½ Pistons 183
Bold indicates home team | Complete line


 
Got a comment about something you've seen on Page 2? Here's your chance to sound off to the editors and columnists. Plus, if you'd like to send an e-mail to The Sports Guy, here's your direct link to Bill Simmons.


BASKETBALL DIARY
Gary Payton and George Karl are together again. Page 2's Charley Rosen tries to figure out how long their latest partnership will last.

TUESDAY MORNING QB
Everyone has a mock NFL draft, but how many people actually mock the draft? Enter TMQ with his second annual NFL Mockery Draft.

THE SPORTS GUY
Who will survive the NBA playoffs? Page 2's Bill Simmons eliminates 15 of the 16 playoff teams and crowns a new King.

CINCY BUNGLES
How will the Bengals screw up the No. 1 pick in the 2003 draft? Eric Immerman delves into Cincy's secret strategy sessions.

ICE ICE BABY
When Page 2's Jim Armstrong was asked to come up with 10 reasons the NHL playoffs are better than the NBA, it only took one Molson.

BEST COACHING JOBS
Roy Williams faced a tough choice -- but not as tough as deciding on the 10 best coaching jobs in all of sports.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


These guys share more than the same initials: It's former Washington State QB Jason Gesser, left, and singer Josh Groban. Page 2 has received 11 requests for this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.


NHL Playoffs: Flyers at Senators
7 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Game 1 of East semis.
 
NBA Playoffs: Pistons at Magic
8 p.m., ESPN
T-Mac tied 1-1 going home.
 
NBA Playoffs: Mavs at Blazers
10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Can Blazers stop Dirk?
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Wed., April 23: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
• Tues., April 22: Making A Mockery
• Mon., April 21: Paging Dr. Evil
• Fri., April 18: NHL vs. NBA playoffs

Other featured content:
• What the Heck Are They Thinking?
• 10 Burning Questions for Mike Bibby
• Fashion Report: Women in Uniform
• Page 2's 2003 Wacky Bracket
Thursday, April 24, 2003
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