Monday, May 30, 2011

Overreacting To Injuries

Last week, Buster Posey was injuerd in a collision at home plate when he was run over by the Marlins' Scott Cousins. At the time of the hit, it was plainly apparent that Posey was badly injured. He was in agony on the ground, seemingly trying to crawl to the dugout. Later, it was learned that he had torn three ligaments inhis ankle, and had a broken fibula. Expectations are theat he will be out for the rest of the year, and be ready for Opening Day 2012.

Prior to this injury happening, it was admitted that baseball had never discussed any rule changes to prevent collisions such as this one from occurring. Now, all of a sudden, people are saying that rules need to be changed to keep this from happening.

News flash - this is a part of the game. This has been occurring since baseball began. Where was the outrage when Pete Rose ran over Ray Fosse in the 1970 All-Star game, which is erroniously considered to be the reason why Fosse never bacame a star? Where were the demands for a rule change when Phil Bradley ran over Buck Martinez, effectively ending his career? In fact, why were there not demands for a rule change when Carlos Santana was knocked out for the rest of the 2010 season when Ryan Kalish collided with him? Why now?

Yes, the catcher can be a sitting target while waiting to catch the relay throw at the plate. However, he is extremely well protected with shin guards, a chest protector, and a helmet. In fact, it would seem that the runner has the same likelihood of injury as the catcher, just because they are running into all of that equipment.

This is just another example of people overreacting to something that is nothing. This is not a situation like the NHL, where frozen chunks of rubber or skates could take someone's eyes. This is not a situation where they are attempting to limit concussions. This is a baseball play - nothing more.

Hopefully, baseball with do the right thing with all of this talk about changing the rules. And that is to do nothing.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Kris Humprey's $2Million Mistake

Kris Humphries just became a name.

Humphries, a backup center on the Nets, had been dating Kim Kardashian, who is essentially famous for being famous. Now, for a scrub on a terrible team, this would seem like a strange relationship, as she is well-known and people within his family probably were unaware the Humphries played professional basketball in the United States. Then, one takes a look at her dating career, and realizes that she collects professional athletes the way other women collect those creepy china dolls or knick knacks. Actually, this seems to be a family trait, as her fat ugly sister married Lamar Odom (which shows that he has HORRIBLE taste) and Bruce Jenner is her step-father.

So, realizing that he will never get a cash cow like this, Humphries gave her a $2Million engagement ring. Yes, that is a '2' with six zeros after it. Considering that he makes $3.2Million per year as a player, he just spent 5/8 of his salary on that ring. Giving her a ring of that caliber is the equivalent of hanging the Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer by Gustav Klimt in an apartment in the Central Parkway neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Now, this is not about Kim Kardashian....actually, yes it is. The only real difference between her and a hooker is that hookers get paid for what they do. Kardashian has ZERO redeeming social value, and exists mainly to give females the wrong idea as to what they should be when they grow up. She is proof that a not-so-accidentally leaked sex tape can launch your career and make you a star - unless you happen to be Dustin Diamond. But that is more about no one wanting to see Screech naked than anything else.

So Kris, enjoy being married to this waste of oxygen. Just don't expect it to last long, or to walk away without a venereal disease of five. That $2Million would have been better spent if you had lit it on fire.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Good On You Barry!

On Opening Day, San Fransisco Giants fan Bryan Stow was beaten in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium. From that beating, he was in a coma for weeks, and is presently in critical condition, heavily sedated to prevent seizures caused by the traumatic brain injury he suffered.

Members of the San Fransisco Giants have stepped up, in a major way, to show their support for Stow and his family. Members of the team have visited him, and Tim Lincecum gave $25,000 to the Bryan Stow Fund, to help cover his medical expenses. But it was one former player who made a surprise, and unreported, visit to Stow that truly touched his family.

On April 22, Barry Bonds went to visit. He stayed for an hour with Bryan, and left behind a signed bat for Stow's children. But he also left something else. Bonds volunteered to pay for the college education of Stow's two children, Tyler, age 12, and Tabitha, age 8.

Bonds has been much maligned over the years. Whether it was due to his standoffish and aloof nature, the steroid allegations, or the recent purgery trial that he went through, people are quick to assume to worst when it comes to Bonds. Yet, when he went and visited Bryan Stow, he did not do so for publicity. He did so because he felt it was the right thing to do. And he, through his actions, is going to provide something much more than any token gesture could - he is going to provide these kids a future.

So rip on Barry all you want. Sometimes, there is more to a person than they let on.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

How To Fix The NBA

The NBA has a serious image problem, even if they refuse to admit it to themselves. There are questions about the officials. There are questions about whether or not personal agendas get in the way of the game. Interpretations of the rules change depending on which players are involved. And through it all, David Stern refuses to see an issue, being so deep in denial that he may as well be in Egypt.

Fixing the image problem that the NBA has would be relatively simple. Here are the five things that need to be done to bring the NBA back to what it once was:

1. Get rid of the lottery system for determining picks. The lottery was initially put in to keep teams from tanking their season in order to get the top pick in the draft. However, since the inception of the lottery system, there have been questions as to whether or not it is rigged. In fact, one of the league's own general managers, David Khan, recently suggested such a thing. While there is supposedly a system in place for the amount of ping pong balls each team has, it is a complex algebraic equation. For the sake of transparency, do what every other league does - the worst team gets the top pick. If the league is that concerned about teams tanking their season, fine teams that intentionally throw games, or bring in a relegation system, such as in the English Premier League. That will stop this from happening.

2. Make the referees accountable. Far too often, one can look at which referees are officiating a game, and find the likely outcome for that night. Certain referees have a personal agenda, which they bring to the court with them. For instance, who can forget Joey Crawford tossing Tim Duncan from a game because he was laughing on the bench? Create a committee designed to watch the referees, and make sure that the game is played with the actual players determining the outcome. On a related note....

3. Call the game the same way for all the players. What would be called a foul when committed by Steve Blake would not be on Kobe Bryant. Likewise, if Kobe drives the lane and someone sneezes near him, it is going to be called a foul. If Steve Blake gets hit going for a lay-up, not going to be called. The referees have a very loose interpretation as to what is a foul and what is not, and the determining factor is typically the name on the back of the jersey. Eliminate this by either fining or suspending referees that do not call the game equally. Should this be a recurring problem with certain referees, then fire them. The officials should know the rulebook, and call the game according to the actual rules, not by which ones they feel like enforcing at that particular moment.

4. Get rid of owners that are destroying their teams. Major League Baseball has a clause that allows the commissioner to take over another team, or block a trade, if it is in the best interests of baseball. This was recently used by Bud Selig when he took over the Los Angeles Dodgers, essentially forcing Frank McCourt to the curb. In the NBA, there are several owners who, through either gross imcompentance or a desire for financial gain, do nothing to improve their teams. Owners such as Donald Sterling, the Maloof brothers, and James Dolan should be forced to sell their teams to people that are interested in making them competitive, instead of pocketing a few extra dollars.

5. David Stern needs to resign as commissioner. This is the biggest one. Stern has, for years, run the NBA as though it is his personal fiefdom, where the owners and players ask for his blessing to say and do anything. There is a common belief that Stern determines who will win and lose in the playoffs, most notably the 2006 NBA Finals, where the Miami Heat were seemingly given their title over the Dallas Mavericks. He has a way of watching his league create storylines that rival those in professional wrestling. He is presiding over a league that is basically becoming a joke, and this is not what the NBA should be. Stern needs to go.

With those five changes, the NBA can once again be what it was back in it's golden age in the mid 1980's. All that is needed is for the league to admit that there is a problem. Unfortunately, this will never happen.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Jose Bautista's Improbable Journey

The rise of Jose Bautista from continual afterthought to power hitting monster is quite the interesting one. Bautista was drafted in the 20th round of the 2000 amateur draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He toiled in the minors for three years, never rising higher than A ball. His best season came in 2002, when he hit .301 with 14 home runs and 57 RBI. Throughout his minor league career, he struck out more than he walked, had mediocre power numbers, really didn't have a set position.

In 2004, Bautista racked up more miles than an airline pilot. He was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the Rule V Draft, at which point in time he was considered their 12th best prospect. At the time, Baseball America said in their Prospect Handbook that “Bautista has a quick bat and can catch up to the best fastballs. His power potential is his best tool.”  Still, he was not an elite talent.

Since Bautista was a Rule V draftee, Baltimore had to keep him on the Major League roster, or waive him. After 16 games and 12 plate appearances, on June 3rd, they placed him on waivers. The Tampa Bay Rays picked him up, where he logged 12 games and 15 plate appearances. Failing to impress the Tampa front office, he was sold to the Kansas City Royals on June 28th. With the Royals, he logged 13 games and 26 plate appearances. In those plate appearances, he struck out 12 times. Thoroughly unimpressed, the Royals traded Bautista to the New York Mets for Justin Huber on July 30th. Bautista never actually suited up for the Mets, as he was traded with Ty Wigginton and minor leaguer Matt Peterson back to Pittsburgh, in exchange for Kris Benson (and his wife) and Jeff Keppinger later the same day. Bautista would spend the rest of the year in Pittsburgh, where he would get another 43 plate appearances, and striking out 18 times. With all of these transactions, Bautista became the first, and only, player to be on five different teams in one season.

In 2005, Bautista spent most of 2005 in the minors, playing primarily in AA, where he hit .283 with 23 home runs. In 2006 and 2007, Bautista stuck with the Pirates, playing as a super utility player in 2006, and the primary third baseman in 2007. Then came 2008. He started off as Pittsburgh's primary third baseman, but the organization lost faith in him after he struggled to hit .242 with only 12 home runs. Frustrated, the Pirates acquired Andy LaRoche, then sent Bautista down to AAA. Finally, on August 21st, he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, who sent Robinzon Diaz over to complete the trade on the 25th.

2009 appeared to be just like every other season for Bautista. He played in left, right, and at third for the Blue Jays, showing very little of the power potential that made him a mid-level prospect. He appeared that he was simply a utility player, someone that would never quite reach his projections. Then, in September 2009, Toronto's hitting coach Dwayne Murphy made some adjustments to Bautista's swing. Suddenly, everything clicked, and Bautista would hit 10 home runs in the month of September.

Despite the power surge over the last month of the season, Bautista hit a total of 13 home runs in 2009. Because of this, he was overlooked going in to the 2010 season. From the start, he showed that his production in September was not a fluke, as he started to hit. By May 24, 2010, he had hit 14 home runs. He was selected to the American League All-Star team, and led the AL in home runs with 54, shattering his previous best of 16, set in 2006. He would finish fourth in the MVP vote, and earn his first Silver Slugger award.

This year, Joey Bats as he is now known, is back at it again. Through 37 games, he is leading the AL in home runs again, with 18. In his last 162 games, Bautista has hit 63 home runs. Next on the list is Albert Pujols, who has hit 41.

So, why do people refuse to acknowledge what Bautista is accomplishing? Is it the immediate suspicion that, even though one can plainly see the difference in his swing, that this surge cannot be natural? Is it because he plays in Toronto? Regardless of the reasoning, Bautista's transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. He has gone from being an unknown utility player to a feared slugger in roughly one year. Time to pay attention.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Quick Hits

This post is about things that happened that just don't fit to have their own post:

-Roger Goodell is leaning on the Fords, owners of the Detroit Lions, for guidance through the labor issues in the NFL. These are the same people that kept Matt Millen as President and CEO of the Lions from 2001 to 2008. The lockout is going to last until 2015 now.

-Tim Tebow finally joined his Denver Broncos teammates at their informal workout. He threw a few tight spirals to Britt Davis, did some wind sprints, and stretched. But more importantly, his presence ensures that those Broncos in attendance will be Raptured later on today.

-'Macho Man' Randy Savage died yesterday. What was not overly known about him is that he started his athletic career as a catcher in the Cardinals and Reds organizations. Strange that a guy who played four minor league seasons and did not get above 'A' ball may be one of the top five best known former members of either team to the non-sports watching populous.

-Derek Boogaard's death was ruled accidental, due to a mixture of alcohol and oxycodone in his system. While it is never a good thing to see someone die in the prime of their career, it is good to see that the concussions he suffered did not have a part in this. His brain was donated to medicine however, and I am still curious to see if the beginnings of CTE were developing.

-Why was Claude Julien not playing Tyler Seguin before this series? What did he have against the kid? Did Seguin accidentally kick Julien's dog? How could he not realize how useful that Seguin is? Yet somehow, Julien has the Bruins two wins from the Stanley Cup. Guess even the blind squirrel finds an acorn occasionally.

-The Atlanta Thrashers may be moving to Winnipeg. Nothing official has been announced yet, but this leads to the question of which team will move to the Eastern Conference in the NHL. More on this story will be posted if the move occurs.

-Yao Ming is recovering from yet another foot issue, and hopes to remain with the Rockets. Maybe, just maybe, Yao should listen to the warnings that his body is giving him, and hang up the oversized jersey. His feet just cannot take playing basketball any longer.

That's all for today. Regular sized posts will resume tomorrow.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

David Kahn Is Right

There are times when everyone has said something in the heat of frustation and anger. Typically, when given the opportunity to cool down and realize what was said, people try to pass off such statements as a joke, or to say that they didn't mean what was said. However, at these points in time, there is usually more truth spoken than anyone involved with the comments would want to realize. It's simply human nature. At such times, the walls are down, and the filter is off. After all, where wlse would the phrase 'the truth hurts' come from?

So, it is with this in mind that we look at the comments made by David Kahn in the aftermath of the NBA Draft Lottery. Kahn, after watching his league worst team miss out on getting the top pick to a Cleveland Cavaliers team that had just lost LeBron James, and was represented by owner Dan Gilbert's 14 year old son who suffers from Neurofibromatosis, said that the NBA 'has a habit, and I'm just going to say habit, of producing some pretty incredible story lines'.

Even before Kahn's statement, there have been rumors that the lottery is rigged. Just look to the very first NBA Draft Lottery, where the infamous 'Frozen Envelope' theory came about when the Knicks drafted Patrick Ewing in 1985. Last year, in another episode referenced by Kahn, the Washington Wizards sent Abe Polian's widow to represent them at the draft. Naturally, the Wizards got the first pick.

The NBA has a serious image problem that David Stern refuses to acknowledge. There is statistical evidence that shows that certain referees favor specific teams. There is evidence, albeit circumstantial, that shows that specific teams will advance in the playoffs or win games, as long as those teams just do not implode on themselves. There has already been one referee arrested and banned for fixing games. Despite claims that this was the work of one 'rogue official', who can say? How many others are there?

What kahn said in the moment has more truth to it than even he would care to recognize. If the general manager of one of the league's franchises is even suggesting that a fix may be in, how much does that damage the integrety of the NBA? At this point, the league cannot be considered anything more than the WWE with a ball.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

What the Shanahan - Part Three

It has been roughly six months since the last installment of the popular 'What the Shanahan?' posts here on the ol' blog. Part of this is due to the NFL lockout, where things such as trades and free agency cannot happen. Thankfully, Mike Shanahan is not stopped from talking during this lockout, making this third installment possible.

Apparently, Shanahan, in his infinite wisdom and knowledge of the quarterback position, is ok with the idea of having John Beck as his starting quarterback. Yes, the same John Beck that was the main quarterback during the Miami Dolphins' 1-15 season. The same John Beck that has not seen an NFL field, except from the sidelines, since 2007, when he was a 26 year old rookie. The John Beck that has a total of 559 passing yards and one touchdown. Yup.

Now, it would be one thing if the Redskins did not have better options. They did neglect the position during the draft, focusing on attempting to upgrade the defense and the receiving position. However, they do have a Pro-Bowl caliber quarterback on the roster in Donovan McNabb. While McNabb may not have played overly well in 2010, the only way that Beck would be an upgrade would be in McNabb turned into Helen Keller. Even then, it may be a tie.

It bears repeating that the Redskins gave up a second round draft choice last year and an additional draft pick in 2011. Also, for all the claiming that Shanahan is a genius as a coach, he has won exactly ONE playoff game since John Elway retired. Maybe it was Elway that made him look good.

Now, there is speculation that Shanahan is talking up Beck in an attempt to not seem desperate to get a starting caliber quarterback, and is trying to appear as though he is in a position of strength. News flash - saying that John Beck or Rex Grossman (who also claims that he is the starting quarterback, although he is not on the Redskins roster) is going to be your quarterback going forward is NOT a position of strength. Saying so is roughly akin to denying the existence of gravity and jumping off of Mount Thor on Banfin Island.

Actually, let's see Shanahan go out there with John Beck as his quarterback. When this fails in epic fashion, maybe we can finally put to rest the 'Shanahan is a Genius' rhetoric that has been spewed forth for years.

Much Ado About Posada

Ever have a bad stretch at work where you're trying your best and nothing falls into place? Ever get ridden by a boss who claims to know what you're going through, but really doesn't because he's never been there? Ever been disiplined because your performance wasn't up to par? Chances are, most people have been in that position. The natural reaction when this happens is to want to take a couple of days, get yourself back into order, then come back focused.

That is, unless you happen to be a former All-Star catcher who was converted to DH and is slotted ninth in the batting order. Perhaps this is because of the media circus that is the New York Yankees, but Posada's tirade about being placed in the ninth spot in the batting order is roughly the same situation as described above. A bad day at the office. Nothing more, nothing less.

Yet, in typical Yankees and Steinbrenner fashion, they wanted more. They got upset when refused to rip Posada. There were internal discussions about releasing him, not for his .165 batting average, but for his so-called insubordination. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed, and Posada remains with the team.

If the Yankees are looking to be rid of Posada due to his performace, there are better ways to do so. Make him a coach. Give him a front office position. Have 'Jorge Posada Appreciation Day' at Yankee Stadium. You don't humiliate him and then demand a pound of flesh when he takes umbrage to this. Posada is a tue Yankees legend, and deserves to be treated with class.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Vin Mazzaro - We Hardly Knew Ye

Last night, Kansas City Royals pitcher Vin Mazzaro made history. And in typical Kansas City Royals fashion, this type of history was not good. By the by, the previous statement can be nominated for understatement of the year. And so can this one - Mazzaro was awful.

In the 2 1/3 innings that he 'pitched' last night, Mazzaro gave up 14 earned runs (yes, that is not a typo) on 11 hits and three walks. Somehow, he managed to strike out two batters. My theory is that they were laughing too hard at his inability to do anything to keep from just flailing randomly at the plate. The worst part of this - Mazzaro was not the starting pitcher!!!

Yes, Mazzaro was actually the third pitcher the Royals trotted out during this beatdown that best compares to how France reacts in any war involving Germany. Kyle Davies, who is usually the epitome of incompetent Royals pitching, started the game. He managed to get one out while walking three batters before leaving the game.

Back to Mazzaro. He became the first pitcher in the modern era of baseball to give up 14 earned runs in less than three innings of work. His 14 earned runs against during that one appearance are more than Josh Beckett and Josh Johnson have allowed all year. Mazzaro became the first reliever since Les McCrabb in 1942 to give up 14 earned runs in an appearance against the Boston Red Sox. In fact, the last starter to give up 14 earned runs was Mike Oquist in 1998 against the New York Yankees.

Immediately after the game, Mazzaro was demoted to AAA Omaha. This is not enough of a demotion. Considering that at the start of the year, the Indians were expected to essentially be a AAA lineup, it is proven that Mazzaro cannot get anyone out at that level. Lower rookie ball seems to be a good spot for him. Or, even better, maybe he should be on a Little League mound. I'm sure those kids would enjoy getting to tee off on a former major leaguer.

The good news for Mazzaro is that McCrabb did get another chance to pitch in the major leagues. Of course, this was eight years later in 1950. So Vin, see ya in 2019. Please leave your napalm at home when you show up next.

Monday, May 16, 2011

The New Eddie Whitson

Today, the Boston Red Sox placed John Lackey on the 15 day DL with what is being called a 'strained elbow'. The timing of this 'strained elbow' is rather peculiar, considering he did not appear to be in any discomfort at any point during this most recent disaster start. This time, in his 6 2/3 innings pitched, he gave up 9 earned runs on 9 hits with 5 walks, which has been roughly par for the Lack-ey course this season.

After the round of batting practice game, Lack-ey cranked his excuse machine into gear once again, this time complaining that his life was terrible in any way imaginable. While looking like Mr. Ed is never a boost to the psyche, if a terrible existence involves getting paid over $80million to essentially be a slow pitch softball pitcher, then sign me up.

On the whole, this signing is reminiscent of another ill-fated singing involving a pitcher going to the AL East. For this, let us steal Professor Peabody's Way Back Machine, and return to the year 1984. Fresh off going 14-8 with a 3.24 ERA for the San Diego Padres, Eddie Whitson signed a 5-year contract with the New York Yankees worth $4.4million, with an option for a sixth year. Needless to say, this marriage worked about as well as William Shatner attempting to sing (seriously, watch his Rocket Man cover). From the start, Whitson did not fit with the Yankees or in New York. He clashed with then-manager Billy Martin, getting into a fight with him in a bar and infamously kicking him in the crotch. He would get panic attacks before pitching in Yankee Stadium, and resorted to warming up while wearing a jacket, so that no one would recognize him before he took the mound. Finally, on July 9th of 1986, Whitson was put out of his misery, and traded back to San Diego for Tim Stoddard.

Back to the present. Lack-ey has the same 'deer in the headlights' look that Whitson had during his time in New York. At this point, he may as well be going out there wearing Depends undergarments, because he is soiling himself every time he takes the mound. If he actually was the horse that he looks like, Lack-ey would be glue. It's time to put him out of his misery.

Lack-ey needs to be traded from Boston. He cannot handle this market, the pressure of pitching on a team expected to contend every year, and having any expectations placed upon him. Lack-ey has been a disaster in every way possible since he signed here. If the Red Sox could get back anything that even resembled being useful for him (and this includes used sweat socks) they should take it immediately.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

On Derek Boogaard and CTE

On Friday, New York Rangers winger and enforcer Derek Boogaard was found not breathing in his Minnesota apartment at 6:15 pm. When paramedics arrived, Boogaard was pronounced dead at the scene. As of this point in time, foul play is not suspected, although it is expected to take two weeks for the autopsy to come back.

Boogaard's sudden death at the age of 27 came while he was getting back into shape after a concussion and a shoulder injury sustained during a fight. At a point in time where the NHL is attempting to limit shots to the head and promote more awareness of concussion symptoms, it would be interesting to see he Boogaard was suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. Bob Probert, an enforcer who died back in July, suffered from CTE when he died of a heart attack at age 45. Reggie Fleming, another enforcer from back in the 1960's, also had CTE.

CTE, for those who are unaware, is a progressive degenerative disease that is found in individuals who have been subject to multiple concussions and other forms of head injury. CTE is most typically found in people that played football and ice hockey, or were wrestlers or boxers. Symptoms include signs of dementia, such as memory loss, aggression, confusion, and depression - all of which may appear within months of the head trauma, or many years later.

If Boogaard is proven to have suffered from CTE at the time of his death, this leads to many interesting questions. While hockey is inherently a violent sport, there are ways to limit the possibility of sustaining a concussion. The best way would be to make a mouthguard mandatory. In fact, the concept that a custom fitted mouthguard would help to prevent concussions has been around since 1964. A study was conducted over three years that focused on high school athletes with a history of concussions, with these players playing either in college or beyond. The study showed that while the 31 players chosen had approximately 50 concussions prior to wearing the mouthguards, they had only three total while wearing them. Numerous other studies have come to the same conclusion.

While there is no proof at present that Boogaard suffered from CTE, it would not be a surprise. Given the role he played on the teams he played for, he fit the classic profile of someone who would be likely to acquire this disease. Despite this, his family is trying to separate concussions from the reason Boogaard died, until this can be ascertained.

Should Boogaard have been suffering from CTE, and his cause of death was related to it, will this be the stimulus required to get professional sports to take a serious look at concussions? While they pay a lot of lip service to them presently, very little is actually being done to prevent them from occurring. It's pathetic that it may take the death of a player during his career to kick these leagues into action.

Friday, May 13, 2011

A Tribute to Harmon Killebrew


This installment of the Card of the Week (or not quite a week) features the 1975 Topps Harmon Killebrew card, number 640 in the set. The 1975 Topps set was noted for it's two color frame around the photos, a radically different look than the previous sets had. It was almost as though Topps was trying to cash in on having drugged up people look at the card borders and have strange trips.

The reason for the card, and Killebrew in particular, is actually a melancholy one. This card was actually the final card produced by Topps during his playing career, and it feels like a fitting tribute to this great player. Killebrew, as some of you may not have heard, was battling esophageal cancer. Now, at age 74, he has decided to end his battle, and is settling into hospice care to live out the rest of his days.

Killebrew, even when looking at the inflated numbers of the steroid era, still rates as one of the top sluggers in baseball history. His 573 home runs ranks 11th on the all-time list, just behind Mark McGwire. His eight seasons with 40 or more home runs is second all-time, trailing only Babe Ruth. He also made 11 All-Star games, and won an MVP award in 1969.

Killebrew was known as a humble, gentle person, whose nickname of 'Killer' was the furthest possible from his way of being. When asked about his nickname once, Killebrew said "I didn't have evil intentions, but I guess I did have power." With 573 career homers, there is no guesswork as to how much power he truly had.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

The Red Wings Comeback

Down 3-0 in their series to the Sharks, conventional wisdom would have said that the Red Wings were doomed. Yet, what was lost in the Sharks' fast start to the series was that all of the games had been decided by one goal. In fact, prior to the Red Wings winning Game 6 by a score of 3-1, every game in the series had been decided by one goal, with two of the games going to overtime. Any of the games in this series could have gone to either team.

What the Red Wings are doing is not unprecedented. This is the eighth time in the history of the Stanley Cup playoffs that a team down 3-0 in the series has come back to force Game 7. In fact, this is the third time this has occurred in the past calendar year, with the Flyers doing so last year against the Bruins and the Black Hawks doing so against the Canucks this year.

Coming back from down 3-0 to win a series is considered a rare accomplishment, mainly because it has only happened once in any other American sport. However, in hockey, this has occurred in three of the previous seven times that a game seven was forced by the rallying opponent. Prior to the Flyers last year, the New York Islanders and the Toronto Maple Leafs did so in 1975 and 1942, respectively.

While getting to this point is difficult in the NHL (this is only the eighth time in the 163 times a team trailed 3-0 in a series that a Game 7 was forced) these games really can go either way. Should Detroit win, it will be an exact 50-50 proposition for the team making the comeback to win out.

The Sharks do not exactly have a glowing record when it comes to playoff hockey either. They have consistently been a disappointment, going into the playoffs as a high seed, yet being upset early. While it appeared as though they may have exorcised the demons of playoffs past, the whispers and images of such disappointments have to be in their heads. If Detroit jumps out to a fast start in Game Seven, the Sharks are done.

This has been a great comeback by an experienced hockey team that knows how to win. Vancouver had better hope the Red Wings somehow lose in Game Seven.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Sean Avery's Stand

When one thinks of Sean Avery, certain images come to mind. Agitator. Instigator. Pest. He was once suspended by the NHL back in December of 2008 for talking about how other NHL players were dating his ex's, referring to them as 'sloppy seconds'. He has led the NHL in penalty minutes twice, and has been called the most hated player in the NHL by his opponents.

Yet, as controversial as Avery may be on the ice, he has made an even bigger splash off the ice recently. Avery has recently become one of the few pro athletes to support gay marriage, having recorded a video in support of the New Yorkers for Marriage Equality campaign. In the video, Avery appears in a white shirt and glasses, saying "I'm Sean Avery and I'm a New Yorker for marriage equality. I treat everyone the way I expect to be treated and that applies to marriage." There are also two clips of Avery in Rangers gear, during the video.

Naturally, this has met with some backlash. Agent Todd Reynolds, vice-president of the Uptown Hockey management group, tweeted that he was "very sad to read Sean Avery's misguided support of same-gender "marriage". Legal or not, it will always be wrong." He then went on to say that while his views have nothing to do with any perceived bigotry or hatred, that this is his personal viewpoint.

Views like the ones voiced by Reynolds probably have a lot to do with why there has yet to be an openly gay player in any of the four major American sports. Several players have come out after their playing careers, notably John Amaechi and Esera Tuaolo, but even then this is a rarity. This appears to be more due to the locker room stigma of being labelled as homosexual than anything else, as statistics would lead one to believe that there are more gay athletes.

This is not a political or social blog, and it is not intended to be. This is a sports blog, pure and simple. Personal views on the topic of gay marriage have nothing to do with this article, or why this topic was selected. Regardless of how one feels about such things, Sean Avery is to be commended for taking a stand for something, regardless of how controversial it is, that he believes in. Children grow up idolizing athletes, musicians, and movie stars, and more often that not, these people behave in such a way so as to make their fans cringe at their behavior. Sean Avery, by making this stand, has proven that he is worthy of being such a role model for anyone.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Sacramento's Stay of Execution

In Part Two of our tale, the champion of the fans of the Sacramento Kings, Kevin Johnson, has emerged victorious in his battle to keep the Kings in town, at least temporarily. In what David Stern described as a 'herculean effort', Johnson was able to gets sponsors to promise over $10million from area corporations, helping to keep the Kings in town. Johnson has also promised to do everything he can to get a new arena built for the Kings to play in.

Boss Stern, in his typically hypocritical way, stated that while Johnson did a great job, he 'pledged support for a move to another market'.  Stern also went out of his way to praise the efforts that Anaheim has made to lure the Kings there, stating that this only furthers his belief that they will have an NBA franchise in the future (when Sacramento doesn't get the new stadium built).

The NBA, and the Maloofs, now have the Sword of Damocles hanging over Sacramento's head. Either plans for the new arena show signs of progress and are passed, or their beloved Kings move. Boss Stern has made his offer that you cannot refuse. Now the muscle is to be applied as they try to extort more from Sacramento.

So, who really wins here? At first glance, it would seem that Johnson and the fans won. However, that is not the case. They still need to find a viable location to build the new arena, get funding and planning passed by various governmental agencies, and then figure out how to pay for it. Chances are, a new tax will be put up to vote by the people of Sacramento for the privilege of building an arena that they will have to pay to enter.

No, the true victors here are the Maloof family. They are getting exactly what they want - a new stadium for the Kings either way. If they remain in Sacramento, that's fine. If they move to Anaheim, that is also fine. Nothing is coming out of their pockets, and they get to keep the Kings. It's a win-win scenario for them.

Watching this saga play out only makes me feel bad for the Kings' fans. They are a great fanbase who are rabid in their support of this team. They deserve better than threats and being forced into providing a new plaything for another spoiled billionaire.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Not Your Father's Mavs

In one corner, there were the L.A. Lakers. The two time defending NBA Champions, coached by the legendary Phil Jackson. They are led by the ultra intense Kobe Bryant, who practically seems to will his teams to victory. They are a team forged by the wars of the playoffs, tempered and galvanized by winning, and winning often.

In the other corner, there were the Dallas Maverics. A team that never played to expectations when the playoffs arrived, choking under the spotlight. Their owner Mark Cuban was known not just for helping to pull the Mavs out of continued mediocrity, but more for his continual wars with the officials and the league. Their biggest name, Dirk Nowitski, has the same reputation as his team - a force in the regular season, but invisible when it mattered most.

During the first round, the Lakers had issues with the New Orleans Hornets, specifically Chris Paul. The Lakers were the older team, and it would make sense that smaller, quicker guards would give them issues. However, the Lakers responded as they always have under Phil Jackson, and won that series in six games. Nothing to worry about here, just a minor blip on the radar.

Like the Lakers, the Mavs won their series in six games. However, that was the only similarity. They got to face off with another team that perennially disappoints in the playoffs in the Portland Trailblazers. They watched a 22 point lead slip away during Game 4 of that series. While they did end up winning the final two games, absolutely nothing suggested that the Mavs would pose any threat for the Lakers. In fact, the Mavs were actually the older team in the matchup.

So, the Mavs and Lakers were set to face off in the playoffs for the first time ever. This seemed surprising, given how both were constantly playoff teams over the past decade. Yet, they never ran into each other, mainly due to the Lakers extended runs in the playoffs, and the Mavs history of early exits. Easy series win for the Lakers, especially with home court advantage, right?

In Game 1 of the second round, the Lakers jumped out quickly, holding a 16 point lead in the second half. Looked like the same ol' Mavs, a team that just could not handle the glare of the playoff spotlight. Then something strange happened - they fought back. Rallying behind Dirk, the Mavs took their first lead with 19.5 seconds left, holding on as Kobe missed his final shot. Strange, but nothing to worry about yet. After all, the Lakers lost Game 1 in the first round and came back to win the series.

So, on to Game 2. Here the Lakers would redeem themselves and show that they were still the team to beat, right? Wrong. The Mavs utterly dominated the Lakers in practically all facets of the game, hitting clutch free throws and making three pointers while the Lakers found the rim with amazing consistency. Once again, Kobe did his best to keep them in the game, but defensive lapses continued to lead to easy baskets. In fact, this caused center Andrew Bynum to claim that there were 'trust issues' with the Lakers, particularly on defense. Hmm..... Now some cracks were beginning to appear in the armor.

To Game 3. This time, the Lakers were without Ron Artest, who was suspended for a game after his clothesline to J.J. Barea in the final minutes of Game 2. To start the game, Jackson rolled the dice and came out with a jumbo front line, with two seven footers in Bynum and Pau Gasol, and the 6'10 Lamar Odom. The lakers controlled the paint for much of the first half, holding a 51-47 lead at halftime. The game would go back and forth, with the Lakers holding a seven point lead with 5:05 left to play. The Lakers can't blow a second game in the series, right?

Wrong. The Mavs, once again led by Dirk, rallied with an 18-6 run to win the game by six. Phil Jackson had never coached a team that fell behind in a series 3-0. In fact, he had only been behind in a series 2-0 on six other occasions. Uncharted territory for both the Lakers and for the Mavs, who never had this type of playoff experience.

Now, there was no chance the Mavs would sweep the Lakers, right? I mean, this is still the two time defending champions, with a Hall of Fame coach and one of the top two players in the league on their side. While no NBA team had ever blown a 3-0 lead in a playoff series, it felt like the Mavs would be the team to do so, given their playoff history. So, the Lakers had to win Game 4, right? Wrong again.

The Mavs jumped out quickly on the Lakers, hitting a record 20 3-pointers as they would go on to rout the defending champions in a 122-86 victory. Continuing their pattern of playing Jason Kidd on Kobe, and defending the perimeter, the Mavs were in control from the start. While they only led by 4 after the first quarter, it felt like a much bigger deficit. As soon as the second quarter started, the Mavs just continued to pull away, and the Lakers frustrations began to show, as Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum got thrown out of the game for cheap shots just 45 seconds apart.

All in all, not quite the ending for Phil Jackson that anyone expected. His last series in the playoffs culminating in his first time being swept as a coach? To the Mavs, a team with a history of underachieving? To quote Vizzini from The Princess Bride - INCONCEIVABLE!!

Now the west is wide open for the Mavs, as they match up well with either Oklahoma City or Memphis. Could the Mavs finally get back to the Finals, and avenge having the championship stolen from them in 2006?

Saturday, May 7, 2011

The Kentucky Derby

Since 1875, crowds have descended upon Louisville, Kentucky to watch midgets beat on horses as they run frantically around a track. Ridiculous hats that would be mocked if worn anyplace else are all the fashion here. Mint julep pours like water, even if no one truly knows what it contains. In the end, there are two weeks worth of build up for a two minute race.

While horse racing may have been popular in the 1800's and early 1900's, there are simply better things to do than watch a bunch of Sarah Jessica Parker clones running on dirt. Yet, people still pretend to care about this event, mainly because it has been ingrained into the collective consciousness of the nation. Why? Yes, there is a lot of history here, but there is a lot of history in other events that people do not care one iota about. Any prestige surrounding this event is simply the by-product of the sporting media trying to hype the 'mythical' horse racing Triple Crown.

If horse racing is truly so important, then why is that no one can name the horse that won two years ago? In fact, how many people even heard of the horses racing this year prior to the Derby? Oh yeah, it's because no one cares about this 'sport'.

So knock yourselves out watching 'Sex In The City Part 3 - Carrie Goes For A Jog' if you want. There are a plethora of better options out there.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Phoenix Coyotes - Financial Sinkhole

The NHL has decided to exercise the option they had to take $25million from the city of Glendale, Arizona, in order to cover losses accrued over the season by the Phoenix Coyotes. This money was placed in escrow by the city after the NHL insisted they do so, in the event that they were unable to sell the team after purchasing it in 2009.

When the NHL purchased the Coyotes, the team was bankrupt. The plan was to find ownership that would keep the team in Arizona. However, the NHL is ignoring one vital problem here, namely that no one in Arizona cares about hockey. This past season, the Coyotes ranked next to last in attendance, just ahead of the New York Islanders - a team so terrible that the odor of New Jersey was preferable. Keep in mind, this season the Coyotes finished with 99 points and a playoff berth.

The NHL needs to get it's collective head out of the sand and realize that the Coyotes need to be moved. Ironically, the best place to put the team is where they moved from - Winnipeg. The fans in Winnipeg desperately wanted to keep the team in Canada, and several attempts to sell the team to local entities failed.

The then Winnipeg Jets originally moved to Glendale because of financial issues. Ironic that the Coyotes may move back there for the same reason.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

The Bruins Playoffs

All season, the Bruins were a team that seemed to shrink away from adversity. They had problems with teams that would take the game to them. They would follow extended winning streaks with losing streaks. Their coach, Claude Julien, looked completely clueless behind the bench, appearing as more of a thinner Alfred Hitchcock clone than an NHL coach. The powerplay was anemic at it's best.

This continued into the playoffs against Montreal. The Bruins lost the first two games in Boston, with Montreal goalie Carey Price looking dominant. The Bruins then won Game 3, but promptly fell behind 3-1 in Game 4. Then Claude Julien did something completely out of character - he did something. He called a timeout, and just told his team to look at the scoreboard. It worked. The Bruins would go on to win the game.

Then came Game 7 of the series. History was against the Bruins here, as they had not won a Game 7 in years. Tim Thomas had never won a game 7. Zdeno Chara had never won a game 7. Julien had won one - against the Bruins while he was the coach of the Canadiens, so that was roughly the equivalent of someone beating up Helen Keller. Montreal seemed ready.

The game would go into overtime, and it felt like the Bruins would be done. Given their past history, it would seem that they would tighten up, and inevitably lose the game. Then something strange happened for the Bruins - they won. Suddenly, all sorts of demons were slain.

This carried over into Game 1 of the Flyers series. Both teams were fresh off Game 7 victories, so they both should have been ready. The Bruins went into Philadelphia, and steamrolled the Flyers with a 7-3 victory. In Game 2, the Flyers jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead, and it became possibly that the Bruins victory was an aberration. The Bruins would fight back, and force overtime due to the unbelievable play of Tim Thomas, who stole that game for them. Then came Game 3, where the seeds of last year were attempted to be placed into the minds of the Bruins players. Their response - a dominating 5-1 victory.

These Bruins are different than they had been. They are playing with confidence and a swagger. They are not backing down, and are actually initiating the play instead of reacting to it. Julien has always been more of a reactive, defensive minded coach, but the reins appear to have been loosened on the offense. Game 4 in Montreal was the turning point, and it may actually go a long way.

While they may not win the Stanley Cup this year, they are definitely playing like a contender, moreso than in years past. A collapse such as what happened in the playoffs last year would be a total shock, given how well the Bruins have performed.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Francisco Liriano's Not-So-Dominant No Hitter

Usually when one thinks of no-hitters, they think of utter dominance. Maybe two or three walks, a decent amount of strikeouts, and a wake of confused hitters left behind. Then there are no hitters such as the one pitched last night by Francisco Liriano.

Liriano threw 123 pitches over nine innings, walking six while only striking out two. He threw first pitch balls to 19 of the 30 batters he faced. Of his 123 pitches, only 66 were strikes. His two strikeouts were the fewest in a no hitter since Jerry Reuss had two during his in 1980.

Also, the White Sox offense has been thoroughly anemic this season, hitting .236 for the year, which is 12th in the American League. Their OPS of .668 ranks 11th in the AL. Of their regulars, only Paul Konerko and Carlos Quentin have an OPS+ of over 100. Their starting third baseman, Brent Morel, has an OPS+ of 20. Prized free agent acquisition Adam Dunn is hitting .157 for the Sox. This team is not the 1927 Yankees here.

Give Liriano credit for throwing the no hitter at a time where he was pitching for his spot in the rotation. Yes, it is special to pitch a no hitter. However, do not equate this no hitter to a dominant preformance. It was anything but.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

A Brilliant Idea

There is a facebook page that was created to get Vin Scully, the legendary Dodgers announcer, to call the 2012 All-Star Game in Kansas City. Please like this page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vin-Scully-to-call-2012-All-Star-Game/112421905508132 - and spread the word. Hopefully, this legend will be put into the national spotlight, and those outside of the Los Angeles area who have never heard him will get the joy of Vin Scully calling a game.

Bill Just Wants to Have Fun

In sports, we often forget that the coaches and players are people. With a few notable exceptions, they go out of their way to be devoid of personality during interviews. They do not give fun or entertaining quotes, so as to avoid prodiving bulletin board material for the opposition. They seem to be so wrapped up in sports, that there is nothing else in their lives.

Then there is Bill Belichick, who even amongst the dry and impersonal ranks in coaching, seems to be incredibly dry and impersonal. However, he will occassionaly provide bits of entertainment, deadpanning a sarcastic remark at the right time. Or, he will simply do something just because he can. This was the case Saturday during the draft.

The Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots (specifically Andy Reid and Bill Belichick) have made a trade during the draft every year since 2000. It seemed as though that streak was going to end this year, until they managed to make one trade. The Patriots traded pick 193 to the Eagles for pick 194. That's it. They made a trade simply because they could.

Talking about the trade, Belichick told the Boston Herald that "We talked to the Eagles. We wanted to make the trade, they wanted to make the trade." Belichick gets a lot of criticism for continually trading back in the draft, but somehow I get the feeling that he will get a pass on this one.

Well done Bill. This was a great trade.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Examining Day Three of the Draft

The players selected in the last four rounds may not be the biggest names in the draft, but they can be the ones that lead a team to greatness. For an example, just look at Tom Brady going at pick 199. Good teams, such as the Patriots, typically find productive players in these spots year in and year out. Here is a list of some of the players that may very well succeed going forward:

Jacquizz Rodgers to Atlanta in round five. Rodgers, right now, is going to be the change of pace back for the Falcons, spelling Michael Turner and probably getting around ten touches a game. He also will be the heir to Turner when the Falcons move on from him. Turner is 29, and has a history of getting injured. Rodgers may make an impact sooner than people would expect.

Brandon Hogan to Carolina in the fourth round. Hogan is a solid cover corner, which fits the Panthers defense perfectly. The Panthers blitz a lot, leaving their corners in a lot of one on one situations. Also, the Panthers will probably lose at least one of their starting cornerbacks. Hogan might end up as a starter from day one.

Jordan Cameron to the Browns in round four. Cameron is a former basketball player who will provide Colt McCoy a huge target in the red zone. Look for most of Cameron's production to come on third downs, and for him to see a lot of passes in the end zone. He is also a problem to match up against defensively, and may be moved around the formation quite a bit.

Ricky Stanzi to the Chiefs in round five. Stanzi is the quarterback of the future in Kansas City, and may see time this year if Matt Cassel does not progress further this season. Stanzi, if given the chance, will make plays with that team. A lot of teams are going to regret passing on him.

Brandon Fusco to Minnesota in the sixth round. Fusco has great strength, and is an aggressive blocker. He is raw, but will develop quickly and will help open lanes for Adrian Peterson. Fusco has the potential to become a productive starter as a center, and may end up in the upper echelon in a few years.

Marcus Cannon to the Patriots in round five. Cannon is an interesting story. Just prior to the draft, he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgins Lymphoma, from which a full recovery is expected. Before this discovery, he was expected to go int eh second round. Cannon can play either tackle or guard, and helps to solidify an offensive line that had issues last year. He may turn out to be the biggest steal of the draft.

Taiwan Jones to the Raiders in the fourth round. Jones may have been one of the most complete running backs in the draft. While the Raiders do have Darren McFadden, they use a backfield by committee approach, which will give Jones plenty of opportunities to show what he is capable of. He has great speed and solid hands, which will make him the perfect third down back for Oakland.

Keep an eye on these players going forward. There is the potential for all of them to turn out to be steals for their respective teams.