Formation Date: may 2008

Funding Status: Series A

Investors: North Bridge Ventures

Founders or Execs past companies: AppIQ, Akorri

Industry: Financial Web, B2C

Offering Description: stealth mode social media website focused on international currency trading

2:28 - Could Karl Ravech be any more uncomfortable sitting in that chair?

I really like Keith Law as a writer and evaluator but his voice and television presence leave a lot to be desired.

Bud Selig is the awkwardest man alive.

With the second pick the Pirates selected Pedro Alvazrez and right away into ESPN's coverage they start out with a big mistake saying on the bottom of the screen that the Pirates selected Yonder Alonso. They fixed it a few minutes later but that's pretty embarrassing, where is the NFL draft graphics crew?

2:34 - Seriously, Bud Selig you are TERRIBLE on television, either learn how to speak in front of people or have someone else come up and read the names. How did he ever sell cars? Would you ever buy a car from that guy, I mean, if his comb-over is that bad, how could you possibly trust a used car?

2:40 - These phone calls with the draft picks are the least useful and interesting conversations possible. The first two with Tim Beckham and Eric Hosmer were completely unintelligible, and the one right now with Buster Posey while audible presents nothing and seems like a waste of television time. Then again, it saves us from having to listen to Steve Phillips' "knowledge."

Also this is the first time I've ever seen Jim Callis on television and he looks completely different than I imagined. Now all his comments about Jessica Alba in his chats make me uncomfortable.

2:44 - Bud seems pissed, it looks like someone just ripped a giant fart in his face right before he went out to read the Marlins' pick of Kyle Skipworth.

2:47 - ESPN LOVES Jay Bruce.

2:50 - Hooray! They finally get the Yonder Alonso pick right!

2:55 - Seriously, what is Bud Selig's deal? Every time he mentions the next team on the clock he says it sneeringly and looks like he's challenging them or something. He must be pissed about the slotting system.

3:00 - One of the problems with the MLB draft as compared to the NFL draft is that the footage of all the prospects totally sucks. Everything looks like it was shot by someone on a camcorder and there is rarely anything in the video that truly shows or tells you anything about the guy as a player. Methinks this is part of why the MLB draft will never become the behemoth that the NFL draft has morphed into. That and that most of these players won't be seen again by MLB fans for at least 2 years.

3:05 - Another catcher off the board! The Astros take Jason Castro The Red Sox are getting jonesed.

Karl asked if that means the Astros are desperate for a catcher, does this mean that Koby Clemens ISN'T going to be the catcher of the future? Alas!

3:11 - Justin Smoak gets taken. PACK IT UP!

3:17 - Rickie Weeks' little brother gets taken, immediately starts disappointing fantasy owners who keep expecting him to leap forward.

3:22 - "Matt Stairs times two" that's Peter Gammons' evaluation of Cardinals pick Brett Wallace. Steve Phillips then mentioned Wallace's fat bottom. I never took Steve for a BBW type, but then again, it takes all kinds...

3:27 - Aaron Hicks gets taken by the Twins and he's actually at the draft which is pretty neat, especially since he's the only one from the first 14 picks that was at the draft. Now he and Bud Selig are taking an awkward picture moment. It's a great moment for Aaron Hicks and his family, it's a shame Bud Selig had to be there.

3:32 - Bud Selig, you're a 74 year old man, learn how to read.

3:35 - Gordon Bechkam's hair is amazing. It's like a giant helmet of 70s hair. I love it.

3:38 - With the 16th selection, the Milwaukee Brewers select Alex Rodriquez, Brandon Webb and Jonathan Papelbon. Nothing to see here, keep moving along.

3:48 - Steve Phillips just bragged about his draft pick of Scott Kazmir and no one made a reference to Victor Zambrano. I can't believe they let him off the hook with that one, I mean, that is still one of the worst trades in recent history, hence Phillips sitting at the draft with ESPN rather than with a team. Since Phillips didn't make this trade like I thought he did, I choose to believe it was his way of saying how smart he is, but you know what Steve, no one likes you, even your co-workers constantly make fun of you on national television and about how they don't listen to you...

3:57 - Karl just complimented Brett Wallace on his bottom-half, easy fellas, let's try and keep this a family program...

4:00 - The Mariners choose a college reliever in order to bolster their... uh, what the hell are you guys doing here Seattle? Maybe you want to draft someone who can help your team down the road hitting-wise? Nah. Bill Bavasi is clearly one of the worst GMs in baseball. Someone fire him and do something smart for once with that franchise.

4:03 - Al Kaline is at the Tigers' table and looks like he's having a great time. Someone get that man another gin and tonic!

4:16 - Dave Winfield smiles as Bud Selig almost shows that he can read written words in front of people.

4:21 - One of the things that I do appreciate about the MLB draft is that after the beginning of the draft there haven't been really any of those stupid shots of the fans all yelling and pointing at the their team's logo on their hat. Oh and no NY fans. I mean granted, I can't imagine that the MLB draft is that exciting to be at, but still, thanks ESPN for not showing all those craptastic shots of douchebags.

4:24 - Vinny Castilla is sitting at the Colorado Rockies table, I can't believe he wasn't busy! I understand he was lured with the promise of two hot dogs and a six-pack of High Life.

4:27 - Bud Selig is starting to look like he needs a nap. Can someone please get him a Red Bull or something to perk him up, it seems like he'd rather be anywhere but at the draft right now.

4:41 - With zero suspense, the Yankees take Gerrit Cole a player rumored to fall because he wanted a huge bonus, one more example of a team willing to pay for talent as opposed to worrying about stupid slot numbers.

4:53 - With the 30th pick of the first round the Red Sox take Casey Kelly, I'm going to say immediately that he will become a superstar because Theo Epstein is a drafting god. Therefore this pick is GENIUS!

Now there is a 15 minute break, why? What possible reason is there for this? Oh let's take an already not especially interesting draft and take a long break for no reason. Sounds like a great plan. Who are the people who are running this stuff over at MLB, you're making no sense!

5:10 - We are about to return to the draft actually happening, this is EXCITING! I miss the old days when the draft was simply teams on a giant conference call. Of course when I say "I" miss, I mean I miss reading about it online later.

Bud Selig is GONE! Roy Krasik is in. Hooray! I think Bud overdosed on metamucil and is backstage carefully tucked in for his afternoon nap.

There are fewer baseball names in this draft as good as Shooter Hunt.

5:14 - It's amazing, now there is someone reading the names who is able to actually read the words in front of him and sound like an intelligent adult. Congrats MLB!

Finally we're passed the stupid 5 minute time limit, I mean, what is all that time for, there aren't any trades allowed, is there anything more complicated than the teams just taking the next guy on their list? Regardless these supplement picks are FLYING in. I love it! Now this is exciting!

5:22 - ESPN why have you taken off the listing of the order of teams? Now I have no idea who is coming up next.

5:25 - Jaff Decker? He's the 42nd pick, taken by the Padres but his name simply makes no sense. What the hell were his parents thinking. Why not Jeff?

With the 45th selection the Boston Red Sox select Brian Price, future All-Star and multiple Cy Young winner, probably.

5:29 - And in the most anti-climatic ending to a draft's coverage, the first round and the supplemental round are over, the draft will be back, off-camera and back to the conference call at 6:15. The excitement in the Slanchelor Pad is overwhelming.

5:31 - So the the first part of the draft is over, there have been all these picks and my draft phone has remained unrdisturbed. Hey MLB teams, I'm available, undersized, semi-unathletic poor fielding 2Bs are all the rage. I'm like the new Dustin Pedrioa! Someone pick me!
Thanks for everyone who kept checking as the draft went along, and to all y'all who check it out later. This was my first live-blogging experience and I hope people enjoyed it.

Is it too early to buy a Casey Kelly Sox jersey?

(Players in parentheses are currently not on MLB rosters but have played in the bigs at some point this or last season and remain on the 40 man rosters)

Gammons says: from the 1997 draft, just 8 first rounders are on MLB teams

In actuality: 10 of the 28 first rounders are currently on big league teams. They are:

JD Drew, Troy Glaus, Jason Grilli, Vernon Wells, Michael Cuddyer, Jon Garland, Lance Berkman, Adam Kennedy, Jayson Werth and Jack Cust

Gammons says: from the 2001 draft, 12 first rounders are on MLB teams

In actuality: 16 of 30 first rounders are on MLB teams, or if you want to not include the troika of Jeremy Sowers, Brad Hennesey and Macay McBride all of whom who have played in the majors but are currently in the minors, than the number would be 13, still different from Gammons'. They are:

Joe Mauer, Mark Prior, Gavin Floyd, Mark Texeira, John Van Benschoten, Chris Burke, Casey Kotchman, Gabe Gross, Aaron Heilman, Mike Fontenot, (Jeremy Sowers, Brad Hennesey, Macay Mcbride,) Bobby Crosby, Jeremy Bonderman, Noah Lowry

Gammons says: from the 2002 draft, 17 first rounders are on MLB teams

In actuality: I have 18 first rounders on teams, but that is including Russ Adams who is not in the majors right now. However, since the numbers haven't added up any other time not including guys not currently in the majors but who have played within the last year, I'm counting it. The big leaguers are:

BJ Upton, Adam Loewan, Zack Greinke, Prince Fielder, Jeff Francis, Jeremy Hermida, Joe Saunders, Khalil Greene, (Russ Adams,) Scott Kazmir, Nick Swisher, Cole Hamels, Royce Ring, James Loney, Jeremy Guthrie, Jeff Francoeur, Joe Blanton, Matt Cain

Gammons says: From the 2003 first round, 18 players are in the bigs

In actuality: I have 17 and this time without anyone currently not in the majors, although several players are on the DL. The players in the bigs are:

Delmon Young, Rickie Weeks, Nick Markakis, Paul Maholm, John Danks, Ian Stewart, Michael Aubrey, Lastings Milledge, Aaron Hill, Ryan Wagner, Brian Anderson, David Murphy, Conor Jackson, Chad Cordero, David Aardsma, Chad Billingsley, Daric Barton

Gammons says: The 2004 first round has yielded only 7 big leaguers thus far

In actuality: I have 9 big leaguers not counting the 5 once and future big leaguers currently toiling on minor league teams (Humber, Niemann, Sowers, Purcy and Fields). The big leaguers I have are:

Justin Verlander, (Philip Humber, Jeff Niemann, Jeremy Sowers,) Jered Weaver, Bill Bray, Billy Butler, Stephen Drew, (David Purcy, Josh Fields,) Glen Perkins, Phil Hughes, Taylor Tankersley, Blake DeWitt.

Again, I must say that I LOVE Peter Gammons, the highlight of one spring training trip was that he waved to us from about 50 feet away, and I was legitimately excited, like, for an extended period of time. Much more excited, in fact, than when Shea Hillenbrand signed a ball for me. So, therefore, I am blaming the copy editors over at ESPN.Com for putting the wrong information in the boxes. For shame ESPN and not Peter Gammons--who is infallible because he's fantastic although sometimes he's been wrong but not this time because it was ESPN and not Gammons' fault because I love Gammons.

Formation Date: 2006

Funding Status: Series A

Investors: Highland Capital

Founders or Execs past companies:Founders under 25 started company while students at Babson. VP eng from N2N Commerce

Industry: Consumer Web, custom jewelry

Offering Description: We simplify the design process for jewelers and their customers. We can craft anything from unique engagement rings to a personalized pair of earrings in as little as two weeks.

A great place to check it out is from the VC Directory.

Best of all, the graph loads much faster now. You might have to reload or refresh your browser window. Enjoy.

Congratulations to Ganesh, you made John very happy.

               Anyone who is a Boston Celtics fan must be going out of their mind right now, because I know I am.  I am sitting on the couch writing this blog and am in disbelief.  Tomorrow afternoon’s game could be the end for the Celtics’ season.  A season that went so smoothly and swiftly for this rejuvenated team.  Is this how it is supposed to end though, a possible first round playoff exit to the eighth seed?  I’ll be honest.  Each time the Celtics lost, I told myself they would end up winning the series overall and would be moving on to the next round, maybe even the NBA finals.  This could still happen, but there is that scenario where they will lose tomorrow. 

The Atlanta Hawks are one win away from the greatest upset in NBA history.  When people saw this first round match up, anyone who follows the NBA didn’t give the Hawks a chance in this series.  Nobody was expecting something as unpredictable as this.  The Hawks obviously deserve a lot of credit for taking the series seven games, but they do not deserve to move on in the playoffs.  They had a terrible regular season as they finished below five hundred.  The Celtics had the best regular season record in the NBA, which makes them worthy of at least a first round playoff win.  But none of that really matters now.  Now it is about tomorrow at one o’ clock where both the Hawks and Celtics will be playing the most pivotal game of their seasons. 

In terms of how this series has played out, the advantage does go to the Celtics.  Whenever they have lost in this series it has only been in Atlanta.  Game seven is a home game and thank goodness for that.  I’m still worried about the game tomorrow, but I would be so tense if it was being played in Atlanta.  It pissed me off that the Celtics couldn’t get even one win on the road in this series.  For some reason the Celtics let their guard down every time they walked into the Hawks stadium.  These just aren't the same Celtics I have seen all year long.  As a Celtics fan, that is the biggest disappointment of this series for me.  I know I am not the only one infuriated by this whole situation.  I know sports are not about what should happen and I know that any given team can beat any other given team.  But the Celtics losing to the eighth seed should not happen.  This series should have gone four games.  Meanwhile, the second round of the playoffs is already beginning tonight for those teams who took care of business.  Even if the Celtics win tomorrow, they will be tired out for the next round of the playoffs, due to the relentless play of the Hawks.  The Celtics just cannot get rid of the Hawks.  The Hawks are like an infection that has permeated the Celtics.  The only antibiotic for it is to win game seven tomorrow.      

Middleton was a terror off the edge last season, amassing 16 sacks

If he did break into the first round, it would make him the first player out of IU to be drafted in the... [Read More]

Denver never gave Los Angeles a match. The Nuggets self-destructed, losing every aspect of the game except technical fouls. Combined with the Laker discipline and execution, with Denver's selfish play, lack of discipline and lack of ball movement, it adds up to a sweep. Carmelo Anthony was right - his team, top to bottom, quit.

Dallas traded the farm for 7.3 points, 6.3 assists, and a nice view of the Chris Paul show. Oh yeah, forgot that ejection. That sums up Jason Kidd's performance in this series. Paul makes Kidd look old, totally dominating him on both ends of the court at will. Less prominent, though as imposing, Dallas has no equal for David West either. Josh Howard disappeared into a cloud of smoke that only thickened after his untimely comments. The coach is on the hot seat, the star point guard doesn't belong on the same court as his counterpart, the Small Forward lacks any judgment, throw in two superstars on the other team, adds up to New Orleans coasting in five tonight.

Forever the playoff goat, Tracy McGrady unfairly shouldered the blame for his teams inability to win a playoff series prior to this year. However, he earned that blame against Utah, scoring 1 point in the combined fourth quarters of Games 1 and 2. Yes, the Rockets are banged up . Yes, Utah has a solid team up and down the roster. But if they hang in the game until the final minute, McGrady has to close it out. More and more it looks like he'll never live down that comment about the Pistons, up three games to one in 2003 while with Orlando. If Houston extends the series, Utah will not lose at home twice.

The mother of all first round series, San Antonio and Phoenix. Last week I wrote about a scintillating Game One that the Spurs pulled out in double overtime, best game of the year. Phoenix responded with a strong start in Game Two, then went on vacation for six quarters. Always consistent, ready to pounce on the opponent, San Antonio erased a a double-digit deficit in Game Two to win easily, before blowing the doors of the arena early in Game Three. Nash and company recovered in Game Four, but beating San Antonio four straight in the playoffs, without home court is daunting.  Unable to stop the penetration of Parker and Ginobili, the Suns become susceptible to easy shots, and kick outs for three. The defending champs took Sunday off, expect them to rebound tonight. Shaq has played pedestrian this series, failing to make a significant contribution on either side of the floor. No longer an offensive threat, too slow to play consistent defense. Losing Grant Hill, forever injured, hurts Phoenix tremendously on defense, its best answer to the younger, quicker Parker. Prior to Sunday, the Suns role players - Barbosa and Diow - failed to show up, players they need in order to win. Of any team trailing 3 games to 1, this team has the best chance to at least extend the series. They need a full team effort, and someone needs to control the perimeter on defense to slow down the Spurs attack.

Round Two is shaping up with two intriguing matchups, then again, we thought Round One was too.

Formation Date: 2005

Funding Status: First Round

Investors: Greylock, North Bridge Venture Partners

Founders or Execs past companies: Microsoft Canada, Sqa, Authentica

Industry: Enterprise Social Networks

Offering Description: At the core of the Awareness solution is an on-demand social media platform that combines the full range of Web 2.0 technologies—blogs, wikis, discussion groups, social networking, podcasts, RSS, tagging, photos, videos, mapping, etc.—with security, control, and content moderation.

The Diamond Hogs won their third consecutive SEC series this weekend, taking 2 of 3 from Ole Miss. The team lost the opener on Friday Night...UA 4-UM 12. Due to a forecast of bad weather for Sunday they played 2 on Saturday with the Hogs taking both. The first game went into extra innings with a final in 10 of UA 13-UM 11. The Hogs won the rubber match by a score of UA 12-UM 4. The win places the Hogs 2nd in the division and tied for 8th overall in the SEC. Only the top 8 records in the conference get into the SEC Tournament. The team has also won 7 of their last 9 games overall.

Over 40,000 came out for the Spring Game according to Arkansas' Sports Information Office, setting a record. The crowd saw Casey Dick pass for 404 yards and two touchdowns, while RB Michael Smith ran for 157 yards and a TD on 13 carries. Red won 45-14.

Mid-Morning Update: The Razorbloggers have their wrapups from the spring game and Diamond Hog Doubleheader posted. John Pelphrey announced that Daniel Payne, one of his 2008 recruits, will not be attending the University....

Payne, a 6-foot-7 small forward who played at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College, "is no longer eligible to participate at the Univerisoty of Arkansas and will be given his immediate release," the e-mail said.

Formation Date: 2008

Funding Status: Series A

Investors: NEA

Founders or Execs past companies: Turbine

Industry: Consumer Web, Online Sports Games

Offering Description: Play Hard Sports is the first sports network in North America focused exclusively on developing, publishing and distributing exceptional sports games and entertainment across the Internet.

Washington's plan to rough up James at every opportunity failed to yield results for a second straight night. James dominated the game, despite more intimidation tactics from 7-foot softy Brendan Haywood. The Wizards center was ejected in the third quarter after committing a hard, intentional foul on James as he drove to the basket.
 
The series shifts to Washington on Thursday, where the Wizards hope to regroup. It won't be an easy task because, as we're seeing, an angry LeBron James is a killer in the clutch. He may not have the supporting cast to overcome the Boston Celtics in the second round, but the newest pieces to the puzzle - Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West, Joe Smith and Ben Wallace - are looking to make a decent run at an upset.
 
Assuming the Celtics steamroll Atlanta as expected in the first round, an intriguing matchup of stars - Boston's Big Three vs. James - would shape up in Round 2. If James is looking for opportunities to build legendary credentials, a Game 7 at the Garden would be his best one yet.

Other Opinions ... 
Busted Play is once again wishing T-Mac an April farewell.
 
Unsung Hero talks NBA playoffs, but I read the post looking for his take on Pizza Hut Tuscani pasta.
 
Scores Report points out that Luis Scola's defense deserves some of the blame in Houston.

More News ...
Garnett was named NBA defensive player of the year on Tuesday after helping the Celtics to the league's best record and lowest opponents field goal percentage (.419). He edged Denver's Marcus Camby and Houston's Shane Battier for the award.

While the Knicks search for a new coach, new Vice President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh is reportedly putting the clamps on former coach Isiah Thomas' role with the team. Walsh told the New York Daily News that Thomas is "reporting to me, and nobody’s reporting to him." In other words, 'come around, do what I say, but don't you dare speak to anyone else'.

The Milwaukee Bucks hired Scott Skiles to fill their coaching vacancy on Monday, inking him to a guaranteed four-year contract. The hard-nosed coach is developing quite a reputation as a quick fix for slumping organizations after taking the underachieving Bulls to the playoffs in three straight seasons. Things went south this past season, and Skiles was fired -- a likely outcome for his tenure in Milwaukee.

Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks

Boston is too dominate not to win this series.  It is good to see Atlanta in the playoffs but they are going to get killed by the Celtics.  Easily a sweep, Boston in 4 games.

Detroit Pistons vs Philadelphia 76ers

This is another potential sweep. Detroit is a powerhouse. Philadelphia does not have a chance. Detroit may lose a game but they will win this series. This is a warm up series for the next round.  Detroit in 5 games.

Orlando Magic vs. Toronto Raptors

This series may provide some entertainment.  These two teams are good playoff teams.  I honestly believe these two teams are a piece away from becoming contenders in the East.  i like Dwight Howard and this will definitely influence my pick.  Just watch the highlights from the dunk competition at the All Star game, and you will see that Dwight can dunk.  This will be a hard fought battle and I believe Orlando will win the series in 6 games.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards

Here is another good series with two good playoff teams.  Cleveland is still two pieces away from being a NBA champion.  There is a major chemistry problem with this team and their trade earlier this year did not help.  Washington is one hungry team and will do everything they need to do to win this series.  I believe that Washington will barely win this series but will do it in a stunning 7 game series.  Washington is 7 games.

Let's head out West.

LA Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets 

This will be an easy series for the Lakers.  The Lakers have MVP Kobe Bryant and a great supporting teammates such as Lamar and Gasol.  The other role players that are key are Turaif, Fisher, Farmer, and Walton.  The Lakers have a deep bench and Denver needs help.  I will be shocked if the Lakers do not win it in 4 games.  So LA Lakers in 4 games.  (On a side note watch for both Kobe to win the MVP and Phil Jackson to win coach of the year. )

New Orleans Hornets vs. Dallas Mavericks

I think New Orleans had a great year but they fell apart during the last week of the regular season. That is not good for the post season.  Dallas is on a mission and if Dirk's ankle holds up, I think Dallas will win this series.  I did not like the trade for Jason Kidd but he is hungry for a championship as is Dirk.  Dallas will prevail in this series and will be a fun series.  Sorry New Orleans but Dallas to pull it out in 6 games.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns

Another great series I am looking forward to.  I think Phoenix made a horrible trade for Shaq but he will help them make it past the first round.  The San Antonio Spurs are going to make an early exit.  The longer the Spurs stay in the playoffs, the more games they win.  The Spurs look old and tired. Phoenix will have their way and win the series in 6 games.  (I would like to thank the Suns in advance for making sure we don't have another Finals with San Antonio representing the West.)

Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets

I am having a tough time thinking who will win this series. Well I remember now, Tracy McGrady has never been made it past the first round of the playoffs.  I guess I will take the Utah Jazz.  Watch Houston go up 2 to 1 in this series and watch the Rockets and their NBA all star, Tracy McGrady, self destruct and lose the series.  I like Utah in 6 games

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

Los Angeles Lakers (1) vs. Denver Nuggets (8 )
Gm. 1:Sun., April 20: at L.A., 3 p.m. ET (ABC)

New Orleans Hornets (2) vs. Dallas Mavericks (7)
Gm. 1:Sat., April 19: at New Orleans, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN)

San Antonio Spurs (3) vs. Phoenix Suns (6)
Gm. 1:Sat., April 19: at S.A., 3 p.m. ET (ABC)

Utah Jazz (4) vs. Houston Rockets (5)
Gm. 1:Sat., April 19: at Houston, 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

Bosten Celtics (1) vs. Atlanta Hawks (8 )
Gm. 1:Sun., April 20: at Boston, 8:30 p.m. ET (TNT)

Detroit Pistons (2) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (7)
Gm. 1:Sun., April 20: at Detroit, 6 p.m. ET (TNT)

Orlando Magic (3) vs. Toronto Raptors (6)
Gm. 1:Sun., April 20: at Orlando, 12:30 p.m. ET (TNT)

Cleveland Cavaliers (4) vs. Washington Wizards (5)
Game 1: Sat. Apr. 19: at Cleveland, 12:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Citation URL:

Formation Date: 2007

Funding Status: Series A

Investors: Highland Capital

Founders or Execs past companies: Microsoft, Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA)

Industry: Online Video, Online Advertising

Offering Description: Our technology analyzes the visual content of videos and images "not just the metadata" to provide superior contextual advertising and brand protection to our customers.

Citation URL:

Formation Date: 2007

Funding Status: First Round

Investors: Cedar Fund

Founders or Execs past companies: EMC, NetApp

Industry: Storage, Data Management

Offering Description: aprigo is about data and the people that manage it on a daily business

Puma First Round Collection sneakers are fire! Every athletic brand in existence has been throwing punches all year and Puma estimated correctly. They certainly are off to a strong start and knocking us out early! The Puma x Yo MTV RAPS First Round Sneakers are in the same accord. These sneakers are essentially collector's items and a must-have in my book.

Call your local PUMA retailer for more information and availability. Take a clearer look after the jump.

First off, we need to throw some major love to our proxy while away, N-Bug, for keeping the site afloat and otherwise making a bunch of obnoxious predictions. Hey man, we're the only ones around here who is allowed to choose every wrong team (currently sitting dead last in the RTC pool).

Next, on to the games. We watched the majority of all 32 weekend games, and besides the typical visual and other sensory overload of a Vegas sportsbook, we'd guess that roughly half of them were actually worth it. Here are a few of the thoughts we jotted down for each day... (Round 2 updated in a separate posting)

Thursday 3/20 - Round 1

Overall, a largely boring day. Fears of all-chalk reign after favorites go 14-2 (one #11 over a #6, and a #9 over a #8 - barely an upset).

• Xavier 73, Georgia 61. We thought Georgia would get rocked by Xavier in the first round (see: Syracuse 2006 after G-Mac's run through the Big East Tourney), but boy, were we ever wrong. For thirty minutes, it appeared Georgia was going to keep the run alive. Ultimately, tired legs prevailed and XU won (as well as a backdoor cover, much to the delight of the Caesars Palace sportsbook).
• Marquette 74, Kentucky 66. Kentucky's Joe Crawford finally fulfilled the promise that he brought with him to Lexington four years ago, torching Marquette with 35 pts before succumbing to the overall superior team. 64 of UK's 66 pts came from Crawford, Ramel Bradley and Perry Stevenson, two of which are seniors. Where are the points going to come from next year aside from currently-injured Patrick Patterson?
• UNLV 71, Kent St. 58. Kent St. blew up for a whopping ten points by halftime of this one, and it was significantly in doubt whether the Flashes would reach double-digits. Tremendous upset pick in our bracket there.
• Purdue 90, Baylor 79. Wow, Purdue looked fantastic in this game.
• Kansas St. 80, USC 67. We were kicking ourselves for listening to the hype on this one and going with USC. K-State was playing two hours from home - why didn't we listen? This was a clunker of a game. Aside from a brief early second-half run by USC, they never seemed very interested in winning this game. Beasley was the and1 master, and surprisingly Mr. Oh-fer Bill Walker (22/5 on 7-12 shooting) got the best of his former and more heralded Rose Hill/Indian Hills teammate OJ Mayo (20/5 on 6-16 shooting).
• Duke 71, Belmont 70. Game of the Day and monumental near-miss on par with 89 Princeton-Georgetown and 96 Purdue-Western Carolina. There were a 999 people in Caesars rooting for Belmont that night, and only one person standing right behind us rooting for Duke. The sad part is that this young shemale Dookie actually acted smug and self-righteous after nearly losing to Belmont. What the hell was that lob play to no one anyway?
• Washington St. 72, Winthrop 41. We've never seen a team play so completely on par with one team in the first half only to be thoroughly dismantled and crucified in the second half. A halftime score of 29-29 quickly became 72-41. Wow.
• West Virginia 75, Arizona 65. No, Kevin O'Neill, just because you were 16-6 with Nic Wise and Jerryd Bayless doesn't make you a good team. Most of those 16 wins were in the pre-conference schedule.

Friday 3/21 - Round 1

Somehow we wormed ourselves into the high-rollers roped-off section at the Caesars book, even though our average bet was around $20. Must have been the million-dollar haircuts and the winning smiles. On a day when two of our preseason F4 (Gonzaga & Indiana) were eliminated, this was the day to have great seats, though, as there were six upsets by seed, and three absolutely classic games.

• Davidson 82, Gonzaga 76. We can't add more value than has already been written about Stephen Curry and Davidson, but a 30 pt second half (40 for the game) on 8-10 shooting from three to lead a second half comeback for the Wildcats was absolutely thrilling to watch. At least we nailed this one back in October. As for the Zags, we're so over them. The nation's favorite mid-major is largely el busto come March (two S16s and no further in the last seven seasons).
• Miami 78, St. Mary's 64. Didn't see this one coming, but Miami's Jack McClinton equaled SMC's score 32-32 in the second half all by himself. Oh, and he was sick too.
• W. Kentucky 101, Drake 99. Like everyone else, we really believed that Drake had pulled off the improbable comeback from down 9 with 3:32 to go. But what an unreal shot by Ty Rogers to win that game. Not only did he pull the trigger from about 28 feet, he only cleared the defender's outstretched hand by mere inches. This was one of the best Tourney first round games in several years.
• Butler 81, S. Alabama 61. NCAA Tourney Committee, please stop pitting mid-majors against mid-majors in the first round!!!
• San Diego 70, Connecticut 69. Would you have believed that out of the troika of WCC teams Gonzaga, St. Mary's and San Diego that USD would be the one to win its first round game? Against a power like UConn, no less? Of course, we didn't pick it, but UConn was clearly a flawed team, and they haven't been a serious threat the last two seasons. Great upset win for the Toreros on an absolutely brass-balls shot by De'Jon Jackson.
• Siena 83, Vanderbilt 62. Vandy was garbage away from home all season, and it was no more apparent than ever in this game. Siena led from start to finish, and the Dores never seriously threatened them. Worst protected seed selection of the Tourney by far.
• Arkansas 86, Indiana 72. What a wasted season for DJ White and Eric Gordon. We'll never know how good this team could have been had phone-gate not delivered the termination of Kelvin Sampson, but it was clear from there forward this IU team was just going through the motions.
• Villanova 75, Clemson 69. A most improbable 12-over-5 matchup, considering that Nova was probably the last team invited, and Clemson had been playing so well lately. Yet, in typical Clemson self-destruction fashion, the Tigers blew a ginormous first-half lead of 16 pts and gave Villanova the preferred entree into the second round against a waiting #13 seed.