A simple math lesson: 3 is greater than 2

I thought NBA analyst Jeff VanGundy was dead-on questioning the basketball IQ of today's players after Orlando guard Jameer Nelson was late in contesting Derek Fisher's 3-point shot that sent Game 5 into overtime and killed any chance of the Magic winning the NBA Finals.

You know Los Angeles needs a trey to tie, so you pick up the guy with the ball shortly after he crosses halfcourt. So what if he blows by you? A drive to the hoop isn't going to get the job done.

But I also question Magic coach Stan VanGundy's personnel grouping and strategy during that crucial possession. Why was Nelson, who looks about 5-foot-2, on the floor? Wouldn't you have a better chance with a taller defender? And why not give a foul?

Of course, the series would be tied at two games apiece if Magic center Dwight Howard didn't imitate a bricklayer at the free-throw line.

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My wife found out today that she'll be interviewing singer Tom Jones next week on WHAM. I suggested her first question be "What's new pussy cat?''

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Astute students of baseball history are aware that this century is starting off the same way the 20th century did regarding the Yankees-Red Sox series. Back in the early 1900s, Boston dominated, and was considered the baseball powerhouse. The Yankees, then known as the Highlanders, didn't start turning things around until a certain cursed slugger traded in his red socks for pinstripes.

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Joe Girardi better figure out how to beat the Red Sox if he intends to keep his job.

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You learn something new every day. I didn't realize that Yogi Berra's famous "it's deja vu all over again'' malapropism was first uttered during the great home run race of 1961 after Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle had homered back-to-back so many times.

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It's good to see Churchville's Tim Redding come back with two strong starts for the Mets. Yes, I am a homer. I admit it. I like to see local guys do well.

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I'm also a big fan of former East High and Syracuse University tight end Roland Williams, who, by the way, is the only Rochester-area football player to play on a Super Bowl champion. Roland is back this weekend to host his life-skills football camp for local youth. I'm big on not forgetting your roots, and Roland certainly hasn't.

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COMING ATTRACTIONS: I'll be taking a look at what it's like to play 19th Century Base Ball (yes it was two words back then). We begin our 9th season of play Sunday at the Genesee Country Village and Museum in Mumford. And, next week, I'll look at several excellent baseball books out there, including the new biography about broadcaster Vin Scully, written by my good friend, Curt Smith.