Without Sports

WE'VE MOVED!!

2006-05-04T17:29:00.000-04:00

COME CHECK US OUT AT OUR NEW SITE!

http://www.hugetimesports.com

Sox/Yanks

2006-05-02T08:21:00.000-04:00

Yesterday brought more storybook stuff for the Sox at Fenway. After finalizing a deal yesterday afternoon to reacquire Doug Mirabelli from the San Diego Padres, his returned almost rivaled that of Johnny Damon.

After grabbing a few items Dougie was on a private charter flight from San Diego to Boston’s Logan Airport where he landed at 6:48pm. With a scheduled game start time of 7:15, Doug received a police escort which reached speeds in excess of 80mph through downtown Boston in order to get him to the ballpark on time. After putting his uniform on in the back of a state police cruiser, Mirabelli arrived at the park minutes before the first pitch – he didn’t even have time to warm Wakefield up, Varitek stepped up to handle that task. Nevertheless, he settled in behind the dish in time for the first pitch.

“I hadn’t caught a knuckleball since October, yea – I was nervous”

C’mon, does Boston live and die by its baseball team or what? Where else in the league would a backup catcher receive a police escort during rush hour! It’s terrific.

As to be expected, Damon was booed mercilessly. Sure, there were a few cheers mixed in, but jeers echoed through Boston as New York’s new leadoff man entered the box. In a show of good sportsmanship, Johnny did acknowledge the crowd and even pointed to his ex-teammates as a sign of appreciation for everything Boston has given him. My personal favorite moment of the night came from the fans in the center field bleachers. They were throwing fake $100 bills at Damon with signs that read: “You really are an idiot.”

Poetic justice: Damon went 0-4.

The Sox took the opener from the Yanks and game two is slated for tonight. It’s pouring out here in Boston, hopefully the weather lets up so we can keep this momentum rolling!

This just in...

2006-05-01T12:16:00.000-04:00

Doug Mirabelli is on his way back to Boston! The deal, finalized just hours ago, will send Josh Bard, Clay Meredith and some cash-ola to the Padres in exchange for the return of Wakefield's personal catcher.

This article from ESPN has the details.

Mirabelli will be in Fenway behind the dish tonight.

Rivalry

2006-05-01T08:19:00.000-04:00

The Red Sox and the Yankees - the GREATEST rivalry in sports. DiMaggio and Williams were great rivals who constantly made each other better on the field. When these two teams get together the intensity level is raised exponentially. They always make each other play better, and we should expect no less tonight.

On the last day of the '61 season, Roger Maris hit his 61st home run of the year against Red Sox rookie pitcher Tracy Stallard at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees win the game 1-0 and their 26th American League pennant on their way to their 19th World Series title. Maris' record would stand until Mark McGwire would break it in 1998 with 70.

Flash forward to here and now. This past December, Red Sox outfielder and fan-favorite Johnny Damon did the unthinkable and signed with the Yankees. Yes, it's been done before. Wade Boggs did it in '96, Roger Clemens did it in '99, and legendary pitcher Luis Tiant did it in '79. But this one seemed to hurt the worst. Damon was part of history. Not only was he part of the championship team, he was an integral part - an important piece. More than that even, he was one of the most beloved Red Sox players to put on a uniform in 20 years. Fans loved everything about this guy, his hair, his beard, his refusal to compromise himself...then he does just that and goes to the team with the strictest dress code in the league. No facial hair and regular haircuts for all - Steinbrenner robots. Full compromise for Damon, this one hurt. To make it 100 times worse for the fans, he didn't just go to the Angels, or the Indians, or to an NL team - he went to the archenemy. Tonight marks his first day back in Boston since the trade and you can be sure the Fenway faithful will let him hear it.

It's the first game of a scheduled 19 between the two clubs in 2006. It's always exciting, it's always interesting, it always feels like game 7 of the ALCS, no matter what month it is.

Let the games begin!

Sox Update

2006-04-28T08:42:00.000-04:00

Undoubtedly, there’s always something for me to write about in the world of sports. However, what kind of a guy would I be if I didn’t accept a few topics from you – my loyal readers? Jack, my corporate neighbor and an avid WithoutSports reader commented that he would like to see a piece about the departed members of the 2004 Red Sox and where they are now. Well Jack, ask and you shall receive…

Kevin Millar
Kevin Millar was known more for his mouth than his bat with the Red Sox. However, he did provide some pop during the 2004 season. Known for being a “clubhouse guy” (aka - I really suck but always remain in a good mood) the Red Sox didn't show any interest in re-signing him this winter, and Millar joined the Balitmore Orioles.
’06 stats: 19 G, 2 HR, 10 RBI, .209 BA

Mark Bellhorn
Good Lord – let me first start off by saying I would have personally helped to pack Bellhorn’s bags if it would have got him out of Boston any quicker. The guy got caught looking more than a bum at a peep show! The Sox designated Bellhorn for assignment on Aug. 19, 2005, ending his tenure with the club after a rocky season. He was picked up by the Yankees 11 days later, and is currently on the Padres roster.
’06 stats: 16 G, 1 HR, 3 RBI, .286 BA

Pedro Martinez
PETEY!!! Pedro Martinez famously signed a four-year, $53 million contract with the Mets in December of 2004. Pedro had one of the most dominant stretches of any pitcher ever to wear a Boston uniform, winning 117 games and two Cy Youngs in seven years. In his last start with the team, Pedro pitched seven shutout innings in Game 3 of the World Series. Still miss ‘em…
’06 stats: 26.2 IP, 4 W, 0 L, 3.04 ERA

Terry Adams
Remember him? Didn’t think so – he’s floating around in the Pirates farm system somewhere.

Scott Williamson
The Sox closer during the 2003 postseason was injured for a good portion of the 2004 season and was not on the postseason roster. It’s really too bad, I always liked Scotty’s stuff. In fact, does he even know we won? Scotty doesn’t know, Scotty doesn’t know…
Sorry, Eurotrip reference - it had to be done. He’s with da Cubs, here’s the line:
’06 stats: 8.2 IP, 2 W, 1 L, 5.19 ERA

Bronson Arroyo
Most recently, Bronson Arroyo was traded to the Cincinnati Reds for outfielder Wily Mo Pena. Arroyo was disappointed, calling Boston his "second home."
’06 stats: 35 IP, 4 W, 0 L, 2.34 ERA (He also mixed in a 1-hitter earlier this week)

Curtis Leskanic
Curtis Leskanic went out on top. He retired from baseball after the 2004 World Series.

Derek Lowe
Derek Lowe signed with the Dodgers before the 2005 season. I was never a big D-Lowe guy but I’ll give him his props. Originally slated for bullpen work during the 2004 postseason, Lowe won all three deciding games in the playoffs, including a dominant start in the World Series clincher.
’06 stats: 31 IP, 1 W, 1 L, 3.77 ERA

Doug Mientkiewicz
Mientkiewicz squeezed the final out of the 2004 World Series and didn't let go ... for a long, long time. (Sarcasm alert) The slick fielding first baseman is holding his own in the BASEBALL MECCA of Kansas City.
’06 stats: 18 G, 0 HR, 5 RBI, .250 BA

Doug Mirabelli
Tim Wakefield's personal catcher Doug Mirabelli was traded to the Padres for second baseman Mark Loretta in December. He’s been missed of late as Josh Bard is having a tough time behind the dish.
’06 stats: 12 G, 0 HR, 0 RBI, .167 BA

Pokey Reese
Pokey Reese signed with the Seattle Mariners following the 2004 season, and decided to retire this spring after joining the Florida Marlins. Yea, he’s still the man.

Orlando Cabrera
Cabrera made a significant impact with the Red Sox. He provided spectacular defense and hit .294 with the Sox, and .288 in the 2004 postseason. He was passed over in favor of “Rent-a-Wreck” in the offseason and is currently a member of the Angels.
’06 stats: 21 G, 3 HR, 15 RBI, .289 BA

Dave Roberts
Dave Roberts came to the Sox in a midseason move in 2004. His clutch steal and subsequent game-tying score in Game 4 was the defining moment in the ALCS against the Yankees. Roberts was traded to the San Diego Padres in December of 2004 for cash and players, including outfielder Jay Payton.
’06 stats: 18 G, 0 HR, 5 RBI, .265 BA

Bill Mueller
Billy Ballgame signed with the Dodgers this offseason, reuniting with former Sox mates Derek Lowe, Nomar Garciaparra, and Grady Little forming the Red-Sox-West out in L.A.
’06 stats: 22 G, 2 HR, 13 RBI, .320 BA

Johnny Damon
Damon signed a four-year, $52 million contract with the Yankees last December, bolting the Red Sox for their biggest rivals. I could go on for days about Damon, but instead I’ll offer you this piece and continue with the stats.
’06 stats: 19 G, 1 HR, 10 RBI, .286 BA

Ramiro Mendoza
A friend of mine always said – “Friggen Mendoza, why doesn’t he just go back to the Yankees!” Well, he did. Mendoza was signed by the Yankees (for his second tour in the Bronx) prior to the 2005 season. He has not played yet this season.

Mike Myers
Mikey was another member of the 2004 World Series Champion Red Sox to defect to the Evil Empire. Myers signed a two-year deal with the Yankees after the 2005 season. Myers was a solid left-handed specialist for us in Boston.
’06 stats: 5.2 IP, 0 W, 0 L, 0.00 ERA

Alan Embree
Embree, who was on the mound when the Red Sox beat the Yankees in Game 7 of the ALCS, signed a minor league deal this season with the Padres after a short stint with the Yankees
’06 stats: 10.1 IP, 0 W, 0 L, 3.48 ERA

Dave McCarty
Dave McCarty was signed to a minor league contract by the Red Sox last spring, however, McCarty has since retired and now works with NESN as a baseball analyst.
’06 stats: Chillin’ with Remdawg, TC and Eck!!!

Nomar Garciaparra
Finally, we come to Nomar. NOOOMMMAAAHHH!!! Sorry, had to get that out another time. The Sox icon was traded in a 2004 midseason move that brought Cabrera and Mientkiewicz to the Red Sox. After playing with the Cubs last season, Nomar is currently manning first base for the Dodgers. Last week he smashed a grand salami in front of his sweetheart Mia Hamm watching in the front row. Oh, and he’s already been injured once this year.
’06 stats: 4 G, 1 HR, 4 RBI, .188 BA

Stats accurate as of 4/27/06

Delmon Young

2006-04-27T08:51:00.000-04:00

As my roomate always says: "Get off your knees ump, you're blowin' the game!"

Delmon Young could have said that to the home plate umpire after being called out on a questionable strike three call, instead he just threw a bat at his chest. Young, a Devil Ray's top prospect, lost his cool last night in Pawtucket when he delayed leaving the batter's box after a called third strike. The umpire ejected him, prompting Young to flip his bat end over end and hit the umpire in the chest.

Young, 20, is the younger brother of Detroit Tigers outfielder Dmitri Young. He was voted the Tampa Bay Devil Rays' minor league player of the year last season and the 2005 minor league player of the year by Baseball America. He's also sitting on my bench in my fantasy league. I drafted this guy with a deep pick and have been waiting for him to come to the bigs and do some damage. Actions such as this, sure aren't going to get him here any quicker.

McCoy stadium, home of the Pawsox, seems to be a hotbed for flaring tempers. Remember Izzy Alcantara, the guy who drop-kicked a catcher so he could run unabated to the mound to attack a pitcher. Must be something in the water out there in Rhode Island. I'm curious to see what will become of this Young situation - a penalty will definitely be enforced - but how severe?

Thoughts?...

BLAZED in '06

2006-04-26T09:36:00.000-04:00

Miami running back Ricky Williams was suspended for the 2006 season by the NFL on Tuesday for violating the league's substance-abuse policy for the fourth time.

PASS THE DUTCHIE
FROM THE LEFT HAND SIDE!!!!

"I'm disappointed with the decision, but I respect it," said Williams "I'm proud of my association with the National Football League and look forward to returning to the Dolphins in 2007."

"...in the meantime, I'm going to go on tour with Lenny Kravitz and get wicked stoned!"

Okay, so I'm kidding about that last part - kind of. Bottom line, this guy just loves the cheeba. All of Williams' previous positive tests were for marijuana, which he acknowledges using. The latest test apparently involved a different drug. C'mon Ricky, didn't mama always tell you that weed was a gateway drug - haven't you seen the public access commercials - JUST SAY NO MAN!

The 1998 Heisman Trophy winner at Texas and 2002 NFL rushing champion, Williams retired and sat out the 2004 season to "explore himself and the world." Meanwhile, the Dolphins have no clue what to do about their lack of talent at RB and it looks like the team will be high and dry again this season.

My advice: Pick one Ricky - football or the sticky green? You can rip 40-yard runs or you can rip the bong, but you can't do both. Anyway, that's enough for today. Anyone else got the munchies? - I'm gonna go get some cheetos, man!!

Red Sox vs. Indians

2006-04-25T10:32:00.000-04:00

Curt Schilling (4-0) and the Boston Red Sox take on Cleveland over at Jacob's Field tonight. Schill is going for his fifth win in as many games while the Sox try to club the tribe in a three game set.

Can I make something clear? If I hear one more person suggest that Papelbon should be moved into the starting rotation I am going to drive my car into a bridge abutment - I swear. At this point in the season I don't even think Foulke would make a case for himself to be the closer. Papelbon has been perfect at the back of the bullpen. He's got his wild-thing Rick Vaughn haircut, he's throwing gas and he's in his element. Why disrupt that? Sure, I would like to see him in the rotation so we can get 200 quality innings out of him instead of 70 - NEXT YEAR! Then, we'll have Craig Hansen (Pawtucket) and Foulke to setup/close games and Papelbon can get into our starting five. Until then, let's leave well enough alone - "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Solidifying your bullpen and having the ability to win close games in April is much more important than having a new #5 starter. Besides, if a $120 million franchise can't go out and get a #5 starter to throw into the mix during some point in the year - the wrong people are in the front office.

Bob Cousy

2006-04-24T20:00:00.000-04:00

I’ve spent a lot of time on the golf course. I’ve been playing, no doubt, but I have also notched many rounds under my belt as a caddie. From the time I was twelve years old through college graduation - I spent all of my summers frying under the hot sun trying to make a buck.

There is a private course in my hometown of luxurious Worcester, MA that truly does stand out as a premier Donald Ross design. Due to its exclusive nature, there are a few notable names and “big wigs” that are members and frequent the course on a day-today basis. One of these members is the legendary Bob Cousy.

Enough background, here’s the real story. After a decade of dedicated service to this club, word began to spread throughout the membership that my last day was just around the corner. I had finished college and needed to get a “real job” in order to start my career and pay the bills. Hearing that my last day was near, Cousy took the time to ask my boss exactly when it was and began to plan a little surprise for me. He knew I was a sports fanatic – simply by the daily conversations I used to have with him about the NBA. So, on my final day of work, Cousy came strolling down “the path” with a basketball under his arm. He then nonchalantly challenged me to a game of horse in the nearby basketball court.

I repeat, Bob Cousy, the man who revolutionized the game of basketball, CHALLENGED ME TO A GAME OF H-O-R-S-E.

I was obviously thrilled. “The Cous” and I shot around for about ten minutes, talking hoops and warming up. When the game began, he didn’t miss a shot – no lie. I got smoked: H-O-R-S-E to perfection. I was 21 at the time, and I got handled by a seventy-five year old man. When it was all said and done, he autographed the ball we had used with a nice message and thanked me for all of my hard work over the years.

Needless to say – it was a better tip than any 5 spot I was ever slipped.

Braves vs. Nationals

2006-04-24T10:37:00.000-04:00

Sunday Night Baseball Game of the Week! Isn't it nice to just sit back and relax at the end of your weekend and watch some professional stickball? Atlanta was taking on Washington last night (a decent contest) when something happened...something that always happens in these type of feature games and it pisses me off. In the fifth inning, ESPN goes to their mid-game interview with the managers. I don't see the point of this and it must irritate the managers themselves to no end. They interviewed Frank Robinson, who manages the Nationals and is the only person in history to hit 500 HRs and manage teams for 1000 wins. (586 HRs and 1001 wins to be exact)

Here comes the mind blowing question from our announcers in the booth:

So Frank, did you ever think you would become the first person to hit 500+ homeruns and manage teams for over 1000 victories?

C'mon...what is the guy supposed to say - yes, I absolutely always knew that I would accomplish such an amazing feat!! Please, these mid-game interviews are horrendous. They provide no real insight into the game and distract managers from doing their jobs. Let's leave all of the intellectual questions for after the game and just play ball!

NFL Draft

2006-04-21T08:32:00.000-04:00

Spring is supposed be a chance to turn everything around. The weather is nicer, the air is crisp and flowers are beginning to bloom. For the NFL teams that struggled the most in the fall, spring is supposed to be filled with promise as well. A horrible 2005 season means a terrific pick in the 2006 draft - which is just days away.

A top three pick in the draft can cure a lot of ills, reset a team’s course, have an impact for a dozen years or more. The stat guys have more information on some of these players than anyone could have thought humanly possibly. College players entering the draft have had their personalities analyzed, their drills watched and all of their sprints timed again and again. Scouts want to be certain they have every piece of the puzzle before inking a rookie to a huge contract. But, as NFL personnel executives constantly remind the media and fans, drafting is an inexact science.

This article sums it up great...

"Right up there with Newton's Law, Pythagoras' Theorem and Beethoven's Fifth comes this sports principle: The louder someone talks about the NFL Draft, the less they understand it."

Looking back 20 years, the top three picks have included at least one certifiable bust in 15 out of 17 drafts since 1986. (I'm looking at you Ryan Leaf!) Some players have had hard luck with injuries while others simply have work ethic issues. Although you can never be 100% sure that your new guy will be the next big thing, it’s fair to expect a top-three pick to be a permanent fixture in the lineup and the league, anchoring a position and garnering Pro Bowl invitations.

Swoosh!

2006-04-20T09:20:00.000-04:00

It's no secret that Ray Allen can shoot the rock. When he steps behind the arc he drops 3's like a bad habit. In the final game of the season against the Denver nuggets, Allen dropped seven 3-pointers, setting a new NBA season record with 269 shots from downtown.

The six-time All-Star shooting guard erased Dennis Scott's 3-point mark of 267 set in the 1995-96 season for the Orlando Magic.

Did You Know?

The NBA introduced the Three-Point Shootout competition during the 1986 All-Star Weekend and for the first two years of the competition, it was no contest. By winning the first two years, Larry Bird proved himself to be the best long-distance shooter in the league. Out to three-peat(no pun intended), Bird asked before the contest: "Who's finishing second?" But Bird faced considerable competition from Seattle's Dale Ellis, who established a final-round score of 15. Needing to hit his last three-pointer to win, Bird let fly the money ball. With the ball halfway to the hoop, Bird raised his index finger, turned and walked away - still the king.

Closing the Door

2006-04-19T12:46:00.000-04:00

After yesterday’s game Jonathan Papelbon is 7 for 7 in save opportunities. Fans have gotten a nice surprise from the kid as he transitioned from starter to closer because of the uncertainties of Keith Foulke. Red Sox analysts are saying that not since Roger Clemens came through the Boston Red Sox farm system have they seen a pure fastball pitcher like this. And his confidence, he acts like he's been playing for 10 years.

”Whenever Tito gives me the ball, I just go out there and throw my heart out.”

He sure does, throwing nothing but filthy cheese. Presently, he’s an absolute rock out of the bullpen. But let’s not forget to keep in mind the big picture - someday he'll start. The Sox envisioned him as one of their seven potential starters during the off-season. Now, of course, there are only four of those starters because Bronson Arroyo was traded, David Wells is on the disabled list, and Papelbon is too valuable to be released from bullpen duty - for now.

One more quick note: Adam Stern made an unbelievable catch last night to save the game for Papelbon. All I hear on the radio today is that Stern never should have went for that ball because if it gets by him the game will be tied. PLEASE…outfield is a very instinctive position. I understand the Sox were positioned to protect against a double to keep the runner on first from scoring. That being said, when Stern made a break for that ball it was obviously because his instincts told him he had a pretty good chance of making the catch. Let’s not overanalyze this play – Stern took a little bit of a gamble and it paid off big for the Sox – ‘nuff said.

Joke of the Day

2006-04-18T16:21:00.000-04:00

The Golf Confessional

A man walks into a confessional and says, "Forgive me Father for I have sinned..."
The priest replies, "What is it that brings you here?"
"Well father, I used the F-word over the weekend."
"Oh is that all? Say five Hail Mary's and may the Lord be with you."
The man replies, "but I really need to talk about it."
"Let's have it then," the priest says as he leans back on the hard wooden bench.
"You see Father, I was playing golf this weekend and on the first tee, I was lining up my drive and proceeded to hit a horrendous slice into the trees."
"And that's when you cursed aloud?" the Father queried.
"No, not yet. As luck would have it, I found my ball and had a clear shot to the green from a nice lie; when all of a sudden, a squirrel scampered out of some bushes, picked up my ball by its teeth and darted up a tree."
"That must have been when you cursed, right?"
"No, because just as the squirrel had climbed to the top of the tree, a bird swooped out of the skies and grabbed the squirrel with its talons. The bird flew out the trees and back out over the green. Then, the squirrel dropped my ball from its mouth landing 5 inches from the cup!"
"And that's when you cursed aloud," the priest said assuredly.
"No, no.." The Father interjected, "Don't tell me you missed the f-ing putt!"

Clutch

2006-04-18T11:38:00.000-04:00

Bottom of the ninth, two outs, one man on and your team is down by a run...

It's the scenario that is played out by kids in their backyards all over the world. It's also the scenario that played out yesterday in Fenway Park - Boston's proverbial backyard. The city was overflowing with excitement. Between a close Sox game and the 110th running of the Boston Marathon, the city had plenty to celebrate.

Mr. Clutch, David Ortiz, had already homered twice in the game and was waiting in the on-deck circle with everyone asking - "Could he possibly do it again?" As it turned out, he would never get the chance. With two out in the bottom of the ninth, Mark Loretta jacked a two-run bomb to win the game and spark the first home plate jumping fiasco of the 2006 campaign.

Fenway erupted, bars erupted, the city erupted. This was the type of game that gets a team rolling on a hot streak. The victory will simply go down as another notch in the win column in the record books - but to be in Boston yesterday, it was much more than 'just another game.'

Baseball Heaven

2006-04-15T13:44:00.000-04:00

Ask any baseball fan about his or her favorite experiences and sure to rank high on the list is a visit to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. For me as a fan - the Hall of Fame has provided much satisfaction and enjoyment over the years.

The 100th anniversary of baseball was celebrated in 1939. Four years earlier, plans got underway to mark the baseball centennial with festivities in Cooperstown, the alleged location of baseball's birth. The main idea of the celebration was the establishment of a permanent Hall of Fame to honor the game's giants. The baseball graceland is located today where it was 63 years ago, on Main Street in the heart of Cooperstown. Next to the town's single streetlight, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is one of the country's major tourist destinations. It also has bragging rights as the best-known sports shrine in the world.

Also, Cooperstown touts Doubleday Field, the oldest baseball diamond in America. I can remember being a kid and running the bases at Doubleday Field - sliding into home avoiding the fake tag my dad was applying at the dish.

Cooperstown is a place every baseball fan should visit at least once in their lifetime. If you have never been there - GO! The little town is a marvel.

Trick Plays

2006-04-14T10:30:00.000-04:00

Ah yes, the facet of sport which gets very little attention and is usually regarded as useless, unless you can actually pull it off. If you do, prepare to be hailed as a genius and peppered by reporters after the game. That's right, I'm talking about a little thing called the trick play. From the fumblerooski to the hook and ladder to the hidden ball trick, trick plays are designed to catch your opponent off-guard because of its level of ridiculosity. My personal favorite: The Barking Dog Trick.

We've all seen the highlight from that high school basketball game on Sportcenter. This kid was on the right baseline and suddenly he bolted for the door, ran through the lobby and came back into the gym through the door on the left baseline. Last second of the game, the kid drops down on all fours and starts barking like a dog. Opponents can't help but watch, and the dogboy's teammates take advantage of their disinterest to score the winning basket.

It's pure genius.

I always felt bad for the kid who had to bark - if your coach tells you to assume a canine position at a pivotal point in a game, that's pretty much an indication that you are the anti-clutch player. (Much like Mr. March - Arod. Oooh, nice Yankee jab there)

Keep your eyes peeled on 'D'...you never know what's coming.

Only 712 To Go

2006-04-12T14:42:00.000-04:00

It's back...way back...WAY back...GONE!!!!

Forget about Barry Bonds, the real story in power hitting this year comes from a skinny pitcher. Former Sox starter Bronson Arroyo hit his second homerun in as many games. Bronson has more homers this season than Manny Ramirez, Barry Bonds and Mark Texiera combined.

Unreal.

I've always been perplexed by the fact that 9 out of 10 major league pitchers are simply that: pitchers who can't hit to save their life. Seriously, I know with the kind of money these guys make, managers don't want to risk injury to their aces, but would taking a few swings in the cage once in a while kill 'ya? In the AL where pitchers don't have to bat, this isn't as big an issue. In the NL, however, pitchers become four 'gimmie outs' every game. It was nice to see Arroyo transition over to the NL - prepared - and taking guys deep.

Hang on to that autographed Arroyo ball, he only needs 712 HRs to catch Babe Ruth...hahaha

A True Player

2006-04-11T14:58:00.000-04:00

Mostly for my love of baseball (and partially for my hatred of what Bonds has done to the game) here's an excerpt from ESPN The Magazine that I just had to post:

We are all familiar with the story of Babe Ruth; it's the classic American narrative. He was born inside a burning saloon. As a teen, he was persuaded to become a southpaw pitcher through the guidance of a priest impressed by the boy's ability to consume entire turkeys during brunch. As he matured, Ruth found he was able to hit 600-foot home runs for dying children without the use of a bat. His on-field excellence was punctuated by an ability to drink whole kegs of beer while making love to nine women simultaneously, none of whom was his wife. When the Red Sox traded his rights to the Yankees, 560 people died in a mud slide. Ruth served as Warren G. Harding's secretary of state, albeit briefly. He also weighed in the neighborhood of 18,000 pounds and once won a best-of-three-falls wrestling match against Man o' War, the horse he later ate.
For all practical -- and statistical -- purposes, Ruth wasn't a real person. In 1927 he hit 60 home runs, exactly twice as many as NL co-champs Hack Wilson and Cy Williams hit; when Ruth retired in 1935, he had hit 714 homers, more than twice as many as Lou Gehrig, the man in second place. In 1925, he got a tummy ache, and it was one of the biggest stories of the year. He revolutionized the game, captivated radio audiences, built houses, inspired candy bars and was used as an epithet by Japanese soldiers during the war. Ruth has been dead for 57 years, and he is still substantially more famous than Barry Bonds.

Still, Bonds will inevitably pass Ruth on the all-time list. Unfair? Sure. How can a man who grew up around the game and, more importantly, around some of the games all time great players (his dad, Willie Mays, Reggie Jackson) not have the greatest respect for the sport?

Bonds once stated: "The last baseball game I played was in college. Ever since then, it's been a business. This is a business."

Well Barry, your view of America's pastime that you so arrogantly call "the business" will never be the same as mine. Just keep cashing your checks and frequenting the pharmacies for your next Rx.

Sox Ink Big Papi

2006-04-11T09:59:00.000-04:00

Prior to 2004, no player in Major League history has had more than two postseason walk-off hits in his career, and no player ever had more than one in a single postseason. Then came David Ortiz. Just last year he was awarded a plaque by the ownership, honoring him as the "Best Clutch Player" in Red Sox history.

"We had a long talk about myself staying here in Boston. What can I say? I want to finish my career as a Red Sox player. Thanks to Mr. Lucchino, Mr. Henry and Mr. Werner and Theo, we worked this out so I'll be around a while."

Just yesterday Big Papi was signed to a contract extension through 2010, with a club option for the 2011 season. This guarantees the Sox will have one of the most explosive bats in baseball in their lineup for the next half decade. What's more, the guy is loved by fans and players alike and is sure to lift the spirits of Red Sox Nation with his huge smile from season to season.

Another Record Safe - For Now

2006-04-07T13:53:00.000-04:00

Well, Jimmy Rollins' hitting streak is over. Why in the heck would anyone watch the Phillies now?

Rollins' run at history ended Thursday, with an 0-for-4 outing that stopped his hitting streak at 38 games - 18 short of DiMaggio's amazing 56. With three fly outs and a bunt attempt that Marquis foiled, Rollins' streak was over. And just like that - Phillies fans have to go back to rooting for their struggling squad.

He goes into the books with the eighth-longest streak of all time, the longest by a shortstop, the second longest by a switch-hitter.

"It was a blessing to be a part of. It was pretty fun. I'm slotted in at No. 8. That's nice."
- Rollins

It was nice - great theater. Rollins extended the streak with a hit in his last at-bat 11 times, including an eighth-inning double on Opening Day. He gave the crowd a good show. Rollins' streak gave people something to look at, kind of a distraction as the Phillies stumbled in their opening series: The Phillies lost, but Jimmy Rollins got a hit. Well, Rollins didn't get a hit Thursday. And the focus is back on the team. Asked if that was perhaps a welcome change, Rollins said: "Nope."

2006 Masters

2006-04-06T15:44:00.000-04:00

After playing a 1996 practice round with Tiger Woods, then a 20-year-old amateur, six-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus volunteered that he could see Woods winning as many green jackets as himself and Arnold Palmer combined. That would be 10, a preposterously bloated number Nicklaus only threw out in jest...but no one is laughing now. Woods will be gunning for his fifth title in 10 professional appearances when the 70th Masters Tournament begins today at Augusta National Golf Club. He is the defending champion. He has won the tournament three of the past five years. He is Tiger Woods. He dominates.

There has been a lot of sports radio buzz about how Augusta National, with the new length and narrowed fairways, will play under dry conditions. The consensus from players seems to be that the course will play harder, especially as the greens become less receptive as they get baked out by the sun.

No matter the conditions, one constant in the Masters is Woods, the world's No. 1-ranked player. The four-time champ (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005) is the overwhelming favorite to take home the green jacket yet again.

How Lowe Can He Go?

2006-04-05T14:21:00.000-04:00

Driving to work yesterday morning I heard the following quote on the Red Sox radio network-WEEI:

"Wow, Barry Zito got hammered in last night's game against the Yanks....worse than Derek Lowe on a good night at Daisy Buchanan's."

Appropriately, look what hit the wire today:

Derek Lowe takes the prescription stimulant Adderall to control attention deficit disorder but he could not name the doctor who prescribed it. He said he gets it from the Dodgers team trainer. Lowe said he did see ex-Red Sox doc Bill Morgan, who prescribed Ritalin to treat the condition.

Lowe admitted to Trinka, his ex-wife, that he’d had an affair with a flight attendant while they were married. That after he left Trinka for the flight attendant, Lowe cheated on his new galpal with his wife during a weekend visit to Florida to see his kids. Former Red Sox bullpen catcher Dana Lavangie called Trinka just prior to the 2004 playoffs and told her that her hubby was “falling apart” because he had been taken out of the starting rotation. But once Lowe started to have some success in the series he didn’t drink for three weeks.

Although Lowe insists that he doesn’t get drunk during the baseball season, he admitted that he still goes to bars after games. Trinka insists that, before they split up, that her hubby regularly drank in the Dodgers clubhouse and would come home drunk after games.

File this under: The Lowe Down...

Hey Barry, You Dropped Your Needle!

2006-04-04T13:32:00.000-04:00

A fan threw a syringe at Barry Bonds during Monday's season opener. Barry, however, insisted it was OK because he was told it only contained flaxseed oil.

Hahaha!!! That's just a little BALCO humor for 'ya. Barry actually looked disgusted when the syringe landed near him as he trotted off the field in the eighth inning, though he later said it didn't bother him. "If that's what they want to do and embarrass themselves, it's on them,'' Bonds said. "I still have to play baseball.''

What is alarming here is not that a fan threw a large, needle-less syringe at Bonds but that a fan in San Diego would do so. If that's the kind of reaction he gets in a city this laid back, imagine what awaits him in Oakland or New York (fortunately for him, Boston isn't on the schedule).

There are those who support Bonds and believe he is innocent of any and all accusations. I am most certainly not one of those people. I do not believe Bonds. I do not support Bonds. I do not respect or feel bad for Bonds, not in the slightest regard. All heckling he will receive throughout the remainder of his career was brought on by no one but himself. After all, he will eventually be STEALING the coveted homerun crown from the great, substance-free, Hank Aaron - a few jeers is a small price to pay.

Opening Day 2006

2006-04-03T10:30:00.000-04:00

The Sox are ready to take the field and begin their 2006 campaign. Here's what we will be generally seeing on a day-to-day basis:

BATTING ORDER

1. Coco Crisp, CF: If anyone wished Spring Training counted, it was Crisp, who seemed to spend his entire Grapefruit League tour on the bases. The challenge of replacing Johnny Damon doesn't appear to be one that will rattle Crisp. His job is to set the table for monster mashers David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez.

2. Mark Loretta, 2B: The thumb injury that pretty much wrecked Loretta's final season in San Diego hasn't been evident at all, as the second baseman looks primed to have a big year. Defensively, he should be helped by having the gifted Alex Gonzalez at shortstop.

3. David Ortiz, DH: Can Big Papi do the unthinkable and produce a fourth consecutive career season? Considering how high he set the bar in 2005 (47 homers, 148 RBIs), that could be asking a lot. But there's no reason Ortiz shouldn't have another big year and add to his already legendary status in the city of Boston.

4. Manny Ramirez, LF: The star slugger was unhappy in the offseason? It didn't show, as Ramirez came to camp and did what he always does - smash line drives to all fields. Ramirez looks forward to another season of feasting on American League pitching.

5. Trot Nixon, RF: Nixon, who in many ways has been the ultimate Red Sox since moving into the everyday lineup in 1999, will try to rebound after being riddled by injuries the last couple of years. This is a crucial season for the gritty right fielder, as he's entering the final year of his contract. Per usual, Nixon will get his uniform dirty just about every night.

6. Jason Varitek, C: The captain is arguably the most valuable member of the team because of all he does to get the most out of the pitching staff. Of course, Varitek is also a threat from both sides of the plate and a rock behind it.

7. Mike Lowell, 3B: The third baseman is a star on defense, but he is at a crossroads offensively. Is Lowell's sharp decline last year a sign of things to come, or will the comforts of Fenway Park help him rebound? Stay tuned, but the Red Sox would gladly settle for 20 homers and 80 RBIs from a player noted for his strong clubhouse presence.

8. Kevin Youkilis, 1B: He finally gets his chance to play every day. Youkilis was a confident player all spring and looks enthused about his opportunity. With J.T. Snow also with the team, Youkilis will likely spell Lowell occasionally.

9. Alex Gonzalez, SS: A defensive stalwart, many Red Sox pitchers are enthused about his arrival. Gonzalez has been an inconsistent hitter throughout his career, but the Red Sox hope he can at least pose somewhat of a threat in the No. 9 hole. He does have some pop, and he has been known to get clutch hits.

Knuckleball Harry

2006-03-31T13:48:00.000-05:00

"It meant more to me to have the stability to stay here. I'm a firm believer in loyalty, which the Red Sox have been very loyal to me over the last 12 years, and I want to stay loyal to them. The stability and security is more important to me than trying to be a free agent. I'd much rather stay with a team that I'm comfortable with, in a city I love, regardless of the money. At this stage of my career, it really doesn't matter anymore."

It sure is refreshing to see a guy happy in his baseball environment. Red Sox godfather Tim Wakefield will hit the big 4-oh on Aug. 2, and he's shown no signs of slowing down. Last year, for example, he won 16 games, just one short of his career high. His 225 1/3 innings were a personal best. Kicking off his 2006 season on Tuesday in Texas, 'Wake' will get the nod one slot behind ace Curt Schilling.

Wakefield is one of only three pitchers currently in the major leagues who can throw the mysterious knuckleball. A knuckleball is usually thrown about 60mph and is disgustingly hard to hit because of the lack of rotation when thrown. More often than not, knuckleballers such as Wakefield rely on wind gusts to help them fool batters. Since throwing a knuckleball puts very little strain on a pitchers arm, those who can throw one can usually throw it for a very long time. Such is the case with Wakefield, who feels he can pitch well into his forties.

"I want to play as long as I can," Wakefield said. "As long as they want me to keep coming back, I'll keep coming back."

Editor's Note: 3 days until Opening Day

MLB Takes Action

2006-03-30T14:37:00.000-05:00

Rather than stand up and take responsibility for how he and others within the institution of baseball failed to lead on the steroid issue, Bud Selig is going to order an investigation of the steroid use of Barry Bonds and others. Major League Baseball will hire former U.S. Senate majority leader George Mitchell to lead the effort.

Selig has been under pressure for weeks to form an investigation. Two books being released this spring accuse Bonds of using steroids, human growth hormone and insulin for at least five seasons beginning in 1998.

1. "Game of Shadows," written by two San Francisco Chronicle reporters
2. "Love Me, Hate Me: Barry Bonds and the Making of an Antihero," by Jeff Pearlman

“Nothing is more important to me than the integrity of the game of baseball,” commissioner Bud Selig said Thursday.

At long-last fans will get some answers instead of just speculating about steroid use - despite the fact that it is inherently obvious in some cases. Players will be allowed to participate with their teams per usual throughout the duration of the investigation.

Scratch 'n' Win

2006-03-28T15:35:00.000-05:00

Red Sox fans who play the state lottery now have a chance at the ultimate prize: season tickets for life! Fans will be able to pay $5 for the Red Sox Instant Ticket beginning April 11, the date of the Sox's home opener. Although professional sports teams historically have shunned all forms of gambling, there are signs they are becoming more accustomed to the idea, so long as it involves fans and not players.

"The grand prize, season tickets for life, are located in Fenway Park's grandstand. And not behind a pole, either!" -Sam Kennedy, VP of sales and marketing.

Now if I were a gambling man, which I am, I would bet that this game will become quite popular among members of Red Sox Nation. In addition to being available throughout the state, the tickets will also be offered inside Fenway where fans can purchase the $5 tickets in the concourse right after they buy their $5.50 miller lites and $6 Fenway franks.

Just another way for the club to raise money you say? On the contrary, all proceeds will benefit the 351 cities and towns of Massachusetts like any other lottery game, the club sees no profits.

I don't know about you, but I'm feelin' lucky....

Foulke 'em up

2006-03-27T10:12:00.000-05:00

Pitching in a Triple-A contest against the Orioles' Ottawa Lynx, Red Sox closer Keith Foulke struck out the side on 13 pitches, 10 for strikes, in one inning on Friday afternoon. Foulke, who is scheduled to pitch in big-league games several times next week before the start of the season, was asked if he feels that he's cramming to get ready for the season.

"Let's call it a controlled cram," he said. "When I start sweating or if I'm nervous about having not very much time, that's when you guys can be nervous. But I'm very confident. That last week, say, I'll probably throw three times next week, and I think after that I'll be just fine."

As a key piece of the 2004 championship squad, Foulke has been a little bit of a question mark for the last two years. He underwent arthroscopic surgery on both knees last year, and has recently received three injections of the joint lubricant Synvisc in both knees. So, what can we expect from our closer this year? My prediction: solid comeback year with Foulke anchoring the Sox bullpen.

"He was phenomenal," Schilling said of Foulke's outing. "That's as good as I've seen him look since October of 2004. That's exciting. That's very exciting to see that."

Bracketology II

2006-03-24T10:19:00.000-05:00

No need for LSU and Glen "Big Baby" Davis to cry in this NCAA Tournament. The Tigers left the tears for J.J. Redick. Last night LSU upset #1 ranked Duke and in doing so, blew the brackets wide open. No one wanted to play Duke, now everyone is looking at the athletic, supercharged Tigers as a serious contender. As you all know, from reading my Bracketology post, my picks have all gone down the toilet. I am, however, holding out hope for the BC Eagles who take on Villanova tonight.

Anyway, moving on....

How about J.J. Redick? I couldn't help but feel bad for the guy as he turned in a horrendous performance in his collegiate finale. One of the best NCAA players of all time totally wet the bed going 3-18 from the field and scoring a measly 11 points - 16 below his game average. Is it really a surprise? Redick seems to choke every year in the late stages of the tourney. You can be sure NBA scouts have noticed this, Redick may have cost himself a few draft spots last night by throwing up all of those bricks. Nevertheless, he is a superb player and he, along with Sheldon Williams, have carried the Blue Devils on their shoulders for some time.

"This definitely hurts," said a red-eyed Redick, "the last four years have been pretty amazing and I didn't want that to end."

LSU hasn't been to the Final Four since 1986 and has never won it all. Not even Shaquille O'Neal, who rocked rims for three seasons in Baton Rouge, could get the Tigers past the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

"We didn't get the respect we deserve, we used that as motivation."
-Glen Davis

With a powerhouse eliminated, who knows what we've got in store for the rest of the month. I've said it before and I'll say it again, ANYTHING can happen during March Madness.

IDIOT!!!

2006-03-23T16:14:00.000-05:00

The Yankees' new center fielder went 1-for-4 as the designated hitter in his first game against the Sox. John Damon grounded out in the first, had a third-inning single and struck out in the fourth and sixth. He received mixed emotions from Yankee fans in addition to the onslaught of boos from visiting Boston fans before his first at-bat.

"It's not a big deal ... it's an exhibition game," Damon said. "There's going to be a lot of games against them over there."

If you picked up on it, I referred to our former idiot leader as 'John Damon', not 'Johnny'. During the telecast last night Remdawg profoundly declared that he will only address the leadoff man for the pinstripers as 'John' because 'Johnny' Damon is dead to him. I share Jerry's animosity and very much like his idea. Johnny was the long-haired, care-free, fan-favorite centerpiece of the world champion Boston Red Sox. John is now a clean-cut, Steinbrenner robot who plays center field in the Bronx - but he still plays it well.

"I can't control how those fans think about me," said Damon. "The one thing I always did was go out and play hard every day and play hurt and played when most guys can't -- and I plan to do the same here for New York."

After all, a man doesn't change his stripes just because he goes to pinstripes.

IT'S NO GOOD: Pats Lose Vinatieri

2006-03-22T11:26:00.000-05:00

Sometimes even great players leave cities because they feel as if their team takes them for granted. And maybe because they feel that their former coach, however brilliant, was a bit lacking in something they craved - the human touch. Partly for that reason, Adam Vinatieri, the greatest clutch kicker in NFL history and a virtual lock to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame, is no longer a Patriot. Vinatieri, whose last second field goals catapulted the Patriots to victory in two Super Bowls and several other postseason games, is leaving the Patriots after 10 seasons. In a move sure to further sicken every Patriots fan, he's joining one of their archrivals, the Colts.

The Patriots, who drafted McGinest in 1994 and signed the undrafted Adam Vinatieri in 1996 are starting to deteriorate. The two have six Super Bowl rings between them. Other than Tom Brady, McGinest has been the defining Patriot of the Belichick era, a gamer who always rose up when it mattered most. Franchise player Adam Vinatieri nailed three of the most famous field goals in NFL history (in the Snow Game and in Super Bowl wins against the Rams and Panthers) and probably goes down as the premier clutch kicker of all time. Take either one of them off the Pats and they aren't The Champs - that's where we stand today.

Everyone passively accepts the "hey, it's a business" approach, but it works both ways. Signature guys shouldn't have to abandon their original teams to find market-value deals as their careers progress. We want to watch guys like Willie break into the league, emerge into All-Pros, lift us to a higher place, then shift into the "grizzled veteran" stage of their career. We want to have Adam (aka Mr. Automatic) on the team because he represents so much of what the Pats stand for and was such an integral part of the championship run.

Final Verdict:
I'm disgusted by the non-move by the Pats. With the new salary cap agreement the team has plenty of room to spend some extra bucks - a player of Vinatieri's calibur is too important not to bring back. Big loss for the Pats, huge win for the Colts.

Celtic Youth

2006-03-21T14:13:00.000-05:00

About three years ago a friend of mine, who was enrolled at Providence College, called me to brag about another dominating performance by the Friars on the hardwood. Needless to say, I was less than pleased because the minuteman of my beloved Umass were really stinking it up at the time. The only reason I remember the conversation is because he was going on and on about this freshman they had on the team, Ryan Gomes. "This kid is the next big thing, virtually unstoppable", he said. I was less than impressed because, if you knew my friend, he tended to exaggerate more often than not. But to his credit, the prediction was right on the money.

First off, Providence coach Time Welsh benched Gomes for the first seven games of his freshman season before finally giving him minutes in his first college game. He responded with 15 points and eight rebounds, and never sat out again. Secondly, Gomes is Providence College's all-time leading scorer.

So it should come as no surprise that when Doc Rivers finally decided to give him a chance to start for the Celtics, Gomes took the ball and ran with it. If things continue at this rate, he may never come back out of the Celtics' lineup either. One night after establishing his scoring career-high with 27 points and nine rebounds in the win against Washington, Gomes dropped 29 points and grabbed 11 boards in the victory over Philadelphia at the Garden.

"He's been playing like a man and not like a rookie."

-Paul Pierce

Arroyo for Wily Mo and Dough

2006-03-20T14:21:00.000-05:00

Another one gone...

Lately it seems like the remaining members of the 2004 World Championship Red Sox squad are dropping like flies. Fan favorite, Bronson Arroyo was traded earlier today to the Cincinnati Reds for outfielder Willy Mo Pena. Arroyo, still young, has been to the post-season each of the last three years and set the bar for his standard with career numbers last season. In addition to getting it done on the diamond, Arroyo is also an accomplished singer with the debut of his album, Covering the Bases, last summer. I'm not claiming to be a fan of his music, but he did donate all of the proceeds to charity and was a tough guy not to like on the Sox roster.

In return, the Red Sox get 24 year-old Pena, a powerful right-handed hitter who belted 26 homers last season. Pena gives the Sox some right-handed pop in the lineup and will most likely be used by Francona in place of lefty Trot Nixon when the team is scheduled to face left-handed pitching.

This trade involved two guys that were well-liked by their respective clubs, hopefully the good sentiments continue as they both change venues.

Alexander the Great

2006-03-18T12:52:00.000-05:00

Coming off an MVP award and a record-breaking season, Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander was finally inked to a long-term deal. After being named the franchise player in 2005, Alexander was given an 8-year, $62 million-dollar contract. Cha-ching!!

During the Seahawks' NFC championship season, Alexander racked up 28 touchdowns, which is an all-time NFL record. You've just got to feel good for this guy. He has wanted a long-term deal for ages, and he went about it without ever mentioning that he needed the dough to feed his kids or dress his family. I've always been a fan of players who are humble and have the presence of mind to appreciate the God-given talent that they are blessed with. Shaun Alexander went out and earned his raise by winning the MVP, being the offensive player of the year and rewriting the NFL record book. Wow, what a novel way to ask for a new contract: hard work.

In a side note, I think Shaun Alexander, Tiki Barber and Ronde Barber should get together and do a remake of that Michael Keaton movie Multiplicity. You know, where Keaton's character clones himself over and over again so he has more time to do the things he enjoys. The trio are practically triplets...Or, maybe they can just continue being Pro Bowl players collecting millions of dollars. You know...either, or

Blood Sport: UFC

2006-03-17T14:33:00.000-05:00

The stars of Spike TV's, The Ultimate Fighter, practice by chucking heavy medicine balls against the wall, the sound detonating like an M-80. From there, they move on to pummeling a heavy bag or wrestling each other to the ground, choking one another and bending arms and legs to the breaking point. Among the group, you see bruises, bumps, mangled ears, and massive amounts of scar tissue. Of course, there are the requisite cameras to capture all of the action. However, unlike on the sets of Survivor, Fear Factor--even Big Brother and American Idol--there are no judges to impress, no exotic locations to pose in front of, no celebrity hosts or airhead bleach blondes, no weird foods to sample, no makeup, no wardrobe--no bullshit. What sets it apart from the rest of the reality-TV pack is that it's actually real. Real punches, real fights, real blood with real guys delivering them. What a concept!!

"The fighters aren't allowed any interaction with the TV crew. We do, however, have an open bar in the house. The idea is to test the fighters' discipline and see if unlimited beer and vodka can drive them to their breaking point."
-Jim Byrne, UFC Spokesman

Hhmmm...serving unlimited booze to short-tempered, massively huge men who like to fight. Honestly, if that's not great TV I don't know what is.

Student-athletes or Athletic-students?

2006-03-16T14:13:00.000-05:00

NCAA Division I men's basketball ranks worst among all college sports for graduation rates. Women's basketball teams chosen for the 2006 NCAA Tournament continue to outscore male counterparts in college graduation rates. Why is this? Are women just naturally smarter than men? This is certainly a hot topic for a heated debate, maybe I'll save that for another post. The real reason, in my mind, happens to be that in a male basketball culture, it's not 'cool' to study. Most of the male players that are good enough to get a scholarship and play division one basketball realistically have a shot at playing in the NBA and cashing in for mucho-dinero. Would you study if you knew you were about to sign a $20 million contract deal? Again, another hot topic that could be endlessly debated, but it goes to show why most of these players become athletic-students rather than students first, athletes second.

A study done by the University of Central Florida's Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport reported the following:

Seventy-six percent of white men's players in the four-year period studied graduated, while 49 percent of blacks did. In women's basketball, white players graduated 88 percent of the time, compared with 71 percent for black players. Nine women's schools in the NCAA Tournament graduated 100 percent of their athletes over the period studied: Baylor, Duke, Florida, Notre Dame, Purdue, Sacred Heart, Temple, Tennessee and Vanderbilt. Florida also showed perfect graduation for men's players, along with Bucknell, Illinois and Villanova.

Bracketology

2006-03-15T13:15:00.000-05:00

Every March, you turn on the television, and watch the "experts" tell you how to fill out your bracket. Pick up a newspaper, and find more "experts" telling you what to do. Go to a web site, and read their tips for success. So why is it that with all of this "expert" advice, the temp secretary wins the office pool every year? The fact is, statistics show that the majority of these "experts" are wrong. Predicting the outcome of a sporting event is an art. Retired basketball players or old coaches don't necessarily make the best bracket analysts.

It's the old adage that any team can beat any other team on any given day. That's the entire essence of March Madness. The startling upsets, heroic efforts and buzzer-beaters are what makes the tournament one-of-a-kind. For example, everyone talks about how a team's momentum coming into the NCAA tournament is such an important factor. Are they on a hot streak or not? After all, if a good team hasn't been winning recently (Boston College this year), it's going to be next to impossible for that team to suddenly turn it around given the competition and pressure of the NCAA Tournament. Right?

Well, say what you will and pick who you like. Here's my "expert" predictions for this year's tourney:

Regionals:
#1 seed Uconn triumphs over #3 seed North Carolina
#4 seed BC Eagles take down #2 seed Ohio State(overrated)
#1 seed Duke(after surviving a scare from the Orangemen of Syracuse) over #2 seed Texas
#5 seed Pitt pulls out a 'W' against the #2 seed UCLA Bruins

Semi-Finals:
Duke takes out Pitt in a heartbreaker (my money is on a J.J. Redick game winner)
The underachieving Eagles of late surge past powerhouse Uconn

Your National Champion:

BC will give them a heck of a run, but it won't be enough to stop the Blue Devils of Duke from capturing yet another NCAA title.

Anyone want a T.O.?!?

2006-03-14T16:31:00.000-05:00

The Philadelphia Eagles recently released a one sentence statement regarding the future of their troublesome star receiver Terrell Owens:

"Terrell Owens is free to play for any team willing to have him."

Owens was due a $5 million roster bonus on Wednesday, so the Eagles had to cut him or trade him before then to avoid paying him the money. The move was a formality because Owens was already kicked off the team in November following a series of incidents and infractions, including repeated criticism of franchise quarterback Donovan McNabb.

Owens was set to earn base salaries of $770,000 plus $7.5 million in bonuses in 2006, $5.5 million in 2007, $6.5 million in 2008, $7.5 million in 2009 and $8.5 million in 2010. It's unlikely he'll get a similar deal from another team.

He criticized management, feuded with teammates and violated team policies over and over again. It's no surprise to me that he was eventually banished seven games into last season, I still can't believe it took that long. Athletes need to be held in check, that's why we have coaches and general managers. For me, it's a shame to see such a talented athlete like Owens act so high and mighty that he begins to HURT his team as a whole. It's players like this that make you appreciate the good guys in the pro's that actually use that lump located three feet above their rear-end.

Good luck finding work T.O. - I wouldn't want you anywhere near my team.

Chaney Retires

2006-03-13T13:08:00.000-05:00

John Chaney, the fiery head basketball coach of Temple University, has announced his retirement after 24 seasons as the school's ringleader. This will bring an end to a hall of fame career as he guided Temple to five NCAA regional finals and 17 NCAA tournament appearances and was twice the national coach of the year. Admired for his success on the court as well as his ability to mentor his student athletes on a personal level, Chaney also will be remembered as somewhat of a loose cannon.

As a longtime college hoops fan and alumn of Umass, a personal favorite memory of Chaney comes to mind: threatening to kill Umass coach John Calipari at a post-game press conference in 1994. The confrontation required security guards to hold both coaches back.

This season, Temple was given a birth to the NIT for the fifth straight season, a dramatic decline from when it was an NCAA tournament regular.

"I have said all along that I would know when it would be time to step down and now is that time. I want to thank Temple University, its fans and community for allowing me to do what I love for so long. It has never been a job for me, but a passion."
-John Chaney

Dreams Come True

2006-03-10T09:12:00.000-05:00

High school senior Jason McElwain, who's autistic, had been the manager of his high school's varsity basketball team since he was freshman. Helping out with drills at practice, managing equipment and keeping the team hydrated were just a few of his responsibilities. Simply put, McElwain just flat out loved the game of basketball and would do anything just to be around it. It was brought to a new level, however, when he was added to the roster by coach Jim Johnson so he could be given a jersey and get to sit on the bench in the team's last game of the year. Johnson hoped the situation would even enable him to get McElwain onto the floor for a little playing time. As fate would have it, he got the chance. With Greece Athena high school up by double-digits and three minutes go to, McElwain stepped on the court.

In his first action of his career, he badly missed his first two shots. But then...

His teammates kept feeding him the ball and McElwain went on an impressive run, nailing six consecutive three-pointers and added a layup to finish the game with 20 points.

"As the first shot went in, and then the second shot, as soon as that went in, I just started to catch fire."

As the final buzzer sounded, the crowd went wild and his teammates carried the excited McElwain off the court - celebrity style. A run like this rarely happens on the high school level. It's a dream come true for this deserving young man, who was determined not to miss the opportunity he had to risk being great.

NFL: Owners and Players Reach Agreement

2006-03-09T10:21:00.000-05:00

No worries sports fans, we will have hard-hitting gridiron action to watch in 2006. After much deliberation NFL owners and the players union agreed to a deal that will cost the owners nearly a billion dollars over the next six years. Owners chose to take the certainty of a salary cap over the prospect of life without one, and they're paying for it through revenue sharing.

The deal will carry the NFL's 32 franchises through the 2011 season. Additional cap room will provide teams with the opportuity to keep more players as opposed to cutting them to avoid harsh cap penalities.

"The union is delighted," NFLPA attorney Jeffrey Kessler said. "The new CBA is a big leap forward for the players and means a fairer system for all. It also means seven more years of labor peace. Fans can now forget about the lawyers and owners and enjoy football."

Amen.

So what does this mean for big market teams like the Patriots? More money to help sign extensions for franchise players like Adman Vinatieri and Richard Seymore. Also, smaller market teams, like Washington or Cinncinati, will also have more buying power when negotiating contracts of high calibur players. Had the owners been unable to reach an agreement, it would have put a number of veterans on the street and would have limited the amount of money available for teams to spend in free agency. By reaching a compromise, the league managed to avoid an uncapped year in 2007, which would have allowed some teams to spend almost at will and keep others from spending at all.

I'm curious to see which deals shape up in the offseason and look forward to the new system equalizing the playing field in the years to come.

going, Going, GONE!

2006-03-08T11:45:00.000-05:00

According to a 'shocking' new book, "Game of Shadows", written by two San Francisco Chronicle reporters, Barry Bonds used a vast array of performance-enhancing drugs, including steroids and human growth hormone, for at least five seasons beginning in 1998.

NO WAY! That's just shocking, it's blaspheme, totally unthinkable...say it ain't so Barry.

Honestly, everyone knew it was only going to be a matter of time before the savvy media types were able to dig up the dirt on this guy. Quite frankly, I want to go out and buy the book right this second, maybe get it on tape - I dont want to miss a single detail. The million-dollar question is simply this: Do you believe Barry Bonds, or the book?

If you believe Bonds, then you believe the third-leading home run hitter in the history of Major League Baseball is the victim of an unrelenting federal and media conspiracy designed to frame him for the use of performance-enhancing drugs. If you believe the excerpts of "Game of Shadows," then you believe that Bonds and his mind-boggling, bloated numbers of 1998-2004 (when he was past his prime) are a fraud.

Personally, I believe the book. I believe in Barry Bonds the Un-natural. Bonds is a human Walgreens, a grotesque and insulting example of better baseball through advancements in chemistry. He should, and will be, forced into baseball exile. In light of the recent publication, Bonds is finished. He might play again, but there is only a large asterisk left by his integrity and home run totals. The only way he gets into Cooperstown is if he spends the $14.50 for a Hall of Fame admission ticket.

Hope for small-market teams

2006-03-07T11:37:00.000-05:00

One blogger writes:
I think that any team who gets Sammy Sosa can be equated to dating a chick just because she has big boobs. The dates are terrible because all the while you're thinking, "Man, this girl is really unattractive and is about as interesting as staring at cardboard, but if I could just see her boobs, it would all be worth it." If the Nationals or whoever else get Sammy, they would be thinking, "Man this guy's batting average and salary are killing us, but if we could just get those home runs, and possibly even number 600, it would all be worth it."

Here's what I would do if I were running a crummy small-market team like the Nationals or Royals:

Sign Palmeiro and Sosa as your heart of the lineup hitters, a nice lefty-righty combo. Then, quietly sign Canseco as the 25th man, just for the soap opera appeal. Could you imagine those guys sitting in the same dugout together every game? How many Balco/Viagra/giant head steriod jokes could be made throughout the season. I don't understand why teams don't just do this stuff in lieu of pretending to be competitive. Would you ever be interested in the 2006 Kansas City Royals under any other circumstances?

Tiger Repeats

2006-03-06T10:39:00.000-05:00

Arguably the best golfer in the world today, Tiger Woods took home the Doral Ford Championship for the second straight year. Starting his final round with the lead, Tiger knew he had to keep making birdies to stay ahead of the pack, delivering the kind of shots that make him so difficult to beat.

Standing on the 18th tee Sunday, however, Woods didn't need birdie or even par. He simply needed a bogey five to complete his back-to-back title run.

"I've put myself there in virtually every event, which is nice", Woods said.

On 18 he hit 9-iron so far to the right on his approach to stay clear of worse course trouble that it wound up in a bunker, nearly 100 feet from the hole. The ball sat up on a rake mark, making the shot slightly easier, and Woods blasted out to 12 feet and eventually two-putted to seal his victory.

Woods finished at 20-under 268 and earned $990,000. Not bad for a weekend's work.

Awe, C'mon Ref!!!

2006-03-04T13:08:00.000-05:00

Personally, I can't stand seeing umpires and referees make bad calls, especially on the professional level. In looking at the level of technology our society possesses today, I feel there's no reason we shouldn't implement instant replay in every sport to ensure all the correct calls are made. Until that happens, however, I will continue to scream obscenities at my television screen in a loud and obnoxious manner.

Sure, I realize that they're only human and mistakes can be made, but I also can't help thinking that I could do better.

"Just as the chances of becoming a top-notch professional athlete are slim, so are the odds of becoming a major-league baseball umpire or pro basketball referee. In fact, fewer people make their living as sports officials than as athletes".

Excellent vision, quick reflexes and snap decision making are key qualities a good referee will possess. Think you can do better? Click here to check out some frequently asked questions and some general info on becoming a referee.

Coco is Crisp in Debut

2006-03-03T09:44:00.000-05:00

It was an impressive debut for the Red Sox new leadoff man, Coco Crisp, who went 3-for-3 with one RBI, finishing just a homer shy of the cycle. Despite the great game, Crisp was still questioned by the media as to how he will fill the shoes of Johnny Damon.

"It's just the question I'm going to be asked," said Crisp. "There's no reason to get annoyed or upset about it. Everyone wants to ask that question for some reason. The only thing I can do is be myself, go out there and have fun and succeed my own way. I won't be able to do that trying to imitate somebody."

So don't expect Crisp to grow his hair past his shoulders or sprout a thick beard like Damon did. Few players in recent memory loved the limelight - and thrived in it - as much as Damon. Crisp won't shy away from it, but he probably won't grab on to it as tightly as his predecessor.

All in all Crisp is starting out his Red Sox career on the right foot, even if it is just a Grapefruit League game. As for me, well, I hate to say I told you so.

Larry Bird: The Basketball Jesus

2006-03-02T12:08:00.000-05:00

In a storybook career that began in the small Indiana town of French Lick, where he led his high school to the state sectional championship, and concluded with his number 33 jersey being retired by the Boston Celtics, Larry Bird enjoyed a legendary 13-year professional career with the Celtics.

Prior to Bird's arrival in Boston in 1979, the Celtics had failed to make the playoffs for two straight seasons. In his first season, Bird was named NBA Rookie of the Year and the Celtics advanced to the conference finals, the start of 13 straight postseason appearances. He launched an era both in Boston and throughout the NBA that may never again be duplicated.

Let's do the math -

(21,791 points + 12 all-star appearances + 3 championships) divided by (superior hustle and a jumpshot that can make it rain)

...carry the 1... and you get the greatest player to ever hit the hardwood.

If you feel like double checking my calculations feel free to peruse these sites:
The Larry Bird Page
Bird Fan Club

Nothing But Net!

2006-03-02T09:18:00.000-05:00

As we flip the calendar to put February behind us there is much to look forward to in the coming month of March. Sure, things like warmer weather and St. Patrick's Day are great, but they pale in comparison to the exhilaration that is March Madness!

Four weeks, sixty-four teams and only one champion. Students all over the country will be covered in face/body paint as they enter campus arenas hiding a flask in their back pocket. Their goal: to get as wild and crazy as possible in hope of giving their school a little extra boost come gametime.

So many games are squeezed into this month that it would be impossible to sit down and watch them all. The network execs from CBS are making a new effort this year to help fans catch more of the games by making them available on demand through NCAAsports.com. The best part - IT'S FREE.

Larry Kramer, President of CBS Digital Media writes:

"For the first time ever, fans everywhere will have an opportunity to see their teams play live, at no charge, on NCAAsports.com via our new broadband channel, nomatter where or when that game is being played".

Let the chants and the face painting begin...
Check out your favorite team and player profiles by clicking here.

It's better to be lucky than good

2006-03-01T16:00:00.000-05:00

In my mind there are three things that contribute to the final outcome of a sporting event:

1. The relationship of talent to effort.
2. External factors, such as home field/court advantage, relative fatigue, and various others which are often situation-specific.
3. LUCK

Without luck, we would never see stunning upsets or last second come-from-behind victories. Depending on what sideline you may be on, that crazy bounce could be lucky or unlucky. The coveted hole-in-one wouldn't even exist. Wild Card teams would never make that spirited championship run. Luck is one of those intangible things people either seem to have a lot of, or none at all. So next time someone wishes you 'good luck', remember just how important a little of it can be.

Quotes about luck.

Baseball Fans Unite

2006-03-01T13:39:00.000-05:00

With the start of the 2006 MLB season just around the corner, hardcore baseball junkies are gearing up for the 2006 fantasy season as well. For those of you who may not be familiar with fantasy sports, its simply an excuse for intense fans to justify spending more time watching ESPN and looking up obscure stats online.

Basically, fantasy leagues boil down to a group of ten or twelve friends who get together, draft real baseball players onto their respective fantasy teams and stat track them throughout the course of the season. Players accumulate stats in real life which score points for the created fantasy team. At the end of the season, the team with the highest point total wins the league and bragging rights for the entire year. In my experiences, it seems to serve in the best interest of the league to attach some sort of embarrasing bet to the last place finisher as well - just to keep things interesting.

Here are some sights that offer fantasy leagues:

Yahoo Fantasy Baseball

ESPN Fantasy Baseball

MLB.com Fantasy Baseball

I've been participating in fantasy leagues for years with college buddies and my best experiences have been with Yahoo. However, each of the sites has unique features that may tailor better to others depending on the make-up of their league.

Let's Play Ball!

The Truth

2006-02-28T09:38:00.000-05:00

For the Celtics, February action has drawn to a close and their star forward Paul Pierce, aka "The Truth", has just enjoyed possibly the finest month of his career.

Pierce scored 39 points, including the deciding free throw with just seconds remaining, leading the Boston Celtics to a 112-111 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Pierce has scored at least 30 points in eight of his last nine games, and averaged 33 in the 11 games the Celtics played during the month. Constantly underrated throughout the league, the C's frontman consistently gets the job done without being overly flashy. Most players of his calibur in the NBA are always running their mouth, arguing with the officials or causing unneeded and unwanted drama in the locker room. "The Truth", on the other hand, quietly goes about his business and promotes the importance of team unity to his younger Celtic counterparts.

"A lot of guys are growing up before our eyes -- like Gomes and West," Pierce said. "It's not about points, its about wins. It's about being responsible for your role and being aggressive."

Smart words spoken by a veteran player who is a "True" professional.

Mind over Matter

2006-02-27T09:41:00.000-05:00

The great Yogi Bera once said that 90% of hitting a baseball is half mental. I'm sure you've all seen his Aflak commercials, the man is known for his quirky sayings and analagies. The fact is that when competing in sports, mental toughness can be just as important as physical toughness.

For example, take the perplexing Mackey Sasser. Back in the 1990 MLB season, Mackey Sasser had it all going on, he was hitting .300 and catching everyday for the contending New York Mets. T hen he rolled his ankle in a mammoth collision at home plate, putting him out of action for the balance of the season.

He was never EVER the same.

Sasser was a very entertaining player whose career was cut short by his inability to return the ball to the pitcher. Thats right, a major league catcher, unable to throw the ball back to the mound. I honestly would not have believed it myself if I hadn't seen actually video footage. After his collision he had developed a mental fear of runners stealing on him, and sebsequently could not return the ball to the pitcher in a timely fashion. This cost him the trust of his pitching staff, and ultimately sent him packing to a DH/Outfield role in the Seattle organization.

Most top athletes and coaches believe that psychological factors play as crucial a role as physical attributes and learned skills in the make-up of champions. When physical skills are evenly matched – as they tend to be in pro sports – the competitor with greater control over his or her mind will usually emerge as the victor. Mental strength is not going to compensate for a lack of skill, but in close contests it can make all the difference between winning and losing.

See You in Vancouver

2006-02-27T09:04:00.000-05:00

The 2006 Winter Games came to an end last night with an elaborate closing celebration. Entertainment included performances from various artists ranging from rocker Avril Lavigne to hip-hop star Mary J. Blidge. Topping off the ceremony was a display of aerial expertise from skydiving gurus showing their prowess in a wind tunnel with gusts exceeding 125mph. These guys defied gravity as the crowd cheered wildly for each event of the winter games that was depicted.

A personal favorite moment came when a crazed fan rushed the podium as the President of the Olympic Organizing commitee was giving his closing remarks. Traditionally, the symbolic torch is extinguished and given to a representative from the next hosting country. The 2010 Olympics are slated for Vancouver, Canada. This fan, presumably spending the afternoon at a local tavern in the Olympic Village, decided he needed to speak his mind. Running on stage and up to the podium, he grabbed the mic from the Olympic Committee President and simply screamed "[expletive] Vancouver. Let's go again in Torino!"

The man was then tackled by security and dragged offstage.

Overall, I whole-heartedly enjoyed watching this year's competition. I just wish more people had this guy's passion.

Big Bumble for Gumble

2006-02-24T11:56:00.000-05:00

Host of the HBO television series 'Real Sports', Bryant Gumble recently made this comment:

"I try not to laugh when someone says these are the world's greatest athletes despite a paucity of blacks that makes the Winter Games look like a GOP convention."

Excuse me a second....

Okay I'm back, I just needed throw away anything I owned that depicted Gumble as a credible sportscaster. Are you kidding me? This is quite possibly the most ludacris comment I've heard with regard to the Olympic Games. Furthermore, Gumble then bashed figure skaters calling them "pseudo-athletes" and "over-emotional". I've been watching quite a bit of these games and I don't think figure skaters are psuedo-athletes. They're athletes, period. Sure, they're athletes in poofy shirts and sequins, but they do amazing things on a blade of steel that is no wider than Gumbles shirt collar.

The Austrian Ski jumper who took home gold (I think his name was Morgenstern) sure looked like the world's greatest ski jumper to me during his gold medal win. The guy was in the air longer than most flights out of Logan. Just because he happened to be white didn't ruin it for me. As far as I know, there isn't an all-white ski jumping conspiracy in place, is there?

Sure, The Games may not be everyone's cup of tea, but don't bash the talent of the athetes based on their skin color. Olympic medals are awarded for skill, not skin tone.

Coocoo for Coco

2006-02-24T11:10:00.000-05:00

With Johnny Damon no longer patrolling the center field grass at Fenway Park this year I can only wonder how Red Sox Nation will respond to the newcomer Coco Crisp. As a diehard Sox junkie I was disapointed to see Johnny leave, and yes, I felt as though managment botched that one big time. Also, I'm looking forward to May 1 when the Yankees first come to town and 36,000 fans boo Johnny so loudly the walls of Fanueil Hall shake. That being said, how will newbie Coco Crisp adapt to playing in the intense sports environment which is Boston? Crisp joins the Sox from Cleveland where basebll fans have been less than enthusiatic about their team for the past decade. In Boston, Crisp will face the constant scrutiny of fans, players and above all the media. Every at-bat, every ball hit his way and every comment he makes will be analyzed and disected to the highest degree. I believe the first few weeks of the season will be trying for Crisp, but if he can manage to keep a cool head, a positive demeanor and just focus on playing baseball I think the city of Boston will be in for a real treat. He's a solid fielder, average hitter and posesses above average speed which will bolster the sub-par baserunning threat of the Sox. His transition should be fun to watch, and even more amusing will be the witty signs fans create tying him to the ever popular breakfast cereal!

Knight School: Keeping players out of the dark

2006-02-24T10:28:00.000-05:00

Bobby Knight, long-time coach of the Indiana Hoosiers and current Texas Tech basketball frontman aired the first episode of his new television show Wednesday night. The always controversial coach is running an open tryout where high school athletes compete in a grueling competition for a chance to 'walk-on' his collegiate squad next season.

As I was watching the show, the first thing I noticed during the player profiles and interviews was that every single one of the kids had an enormous amount of respect for Bobby Knight. Rightfully so, I mean the guy has more years of competing at a championship level than these guys have been walking the earth. What intrigued me is that some of the players started to 'hot-dog' moves in the very first day of the tryouts!!! C'mon guys, this is Bobby Knight, not some high school volunteer coach who's running the team to supplement his teacher's salary. If any of them want to have a prayer of possibly making his cut, they better stop showing off and start playing sound, fundamental basketball. I'm looking forward to seeing Knight bruise and batter these kids into shape and shed some light on the true meaning of being a Division 1 collegiate athlete.

Manny Being Manny

2006-02-23T20:37:00.000-05:00

Saddle up sports fans, the Red Sox are down in Fort Myers and that can only mean one thing - spring training. With another year just around the corner the media is already beggining to feast on the actions of superstar slugger Manny Ramirez. Ramirez, who was granted permission to show up late to this year's preseason sockhop for personal reasons will report for duty the first of March. The Dominican hitting machine put up career highs last season in long-balls and RBI's and is consitently one of the best hitters in the league year in and year out. Nevertheless, the Boston media continues to put Manny's actions to the forefront of every story in a negative connotation making much adu about nothing. In my humble opinion, there's no doubt in my mind his numbers will be there come October, the press needs to back off and just let Manny be Manny.

Olympic-sized Ideals

2006-02-23T14:31:00.000-05:00

Here we are in the thick of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games! Nations from all around the globe are putting their best foot forward and unifying to compete on athletics highest stage with a chance to be crowned the best in the world. If you’re like most people, myself included, you probably look forward to the games. There are those who return home from work, make dinner and be sure to look away from the screen as the nightly news flashes the daily results. These individuals want to maintain that breathtaking level of suspense that builds when you don’t know the outcome, anything can happen. They are content to ride the wave of surprise when they are curled up on their couch excitedly watching the rebroadcast at 8pm. On the other hand, there are those who could care less, if at all. Medal counts and background stories on athletes are inconsequential to these folks and for the most part, probably aren’t that sports-minded to begin with. Where I believe the rest of us fall is somewhere in between. We are channel flippers who stop and watch segments of events or internet surfers who log on to get up to date results throughout the day. The bottom line is that most of us do care about the Olympics and how our country is represented and performs in front of the billions tuning in.

The problem is, the expectations for these athletes are set so high, it’s almost unreal to us when they don’t dominate in the manner we had expected. For example, the slogan of the 2006 U.S. Men’s Ski Team was simply ‘Best in the World’. Experts from all over the world had rated the American team as untouchable. They were supposed to sweep the medals and Americans watching from home with exuding confidence would clap, cheer and toast to our superiority. But that didn’t happen…in fact, the Americans were embarrassed on the slopes. Superstar downhill sensation Bode Miller entered in five events and was expected to medal in ALL of them – he will be leaving Torino empty handed. How is this possible? All the media hype, all the papers had reported it was virtually in the bag. I’ve heard people say that the Americans didn’t try hard enough and were not prepared. This statement I would consider ignorant at best. After Bode’s flop performance in the slalom, rumors leaked that he was seen in a bar the night before, tossing a few back. The fact of the matter is that people forget anything can happen in these competitions that are determined by hundredths of a second. Now I’m sure Bode Miller wasn’t out throwing back shots of tequila at 2am before his big race day, but that’s how the media spins it. The worst part of it is that the majority of the public believe the allegations. Credit is taken away from deserving athletes of other countries who had a great run, while blame is posted to Bode for losing what was his race to win. Let’s just not forget to give credit where credit is due.

The Love of the Game

2006-02-22T08:39:00.000-05:00

“Without sports, we would never cry in our beer”.
-ESPN Commercial Slogan

It’s no secret that in today’s day and age money dominates sports. Most owners are greedy egomaniacs constantly looking for ways to increase revenue, put their face on the news and ultimately put the all-mighty dollar on their side. Some may argue there are way too many politics lurking behind the scenes in the modern day sports forum. Exorbitant playing contracts, huge endorsement deals and flashy players are only a few of the things that fuel such a high level of competition on the professional plateau. As sports have evolved throughout the years, so much emphasis is placed on making the green, I feel as though we sometimes lose site of why we began participating in sports in the first place.

Regardless of an athlete's background, whether he's a poor kid who plays stickball in the street or the spoiled child of a millionaire, sports provides something that we all need a little of from time to time, the opportunity to be a part of something great. We live in impersonal times when people can name the cast of ‘Friends’ without missing a beat but not their next-door-neighbor’s children. Sports, however, rejuvenate that lost sense of community. Maybe it’s as simple as being a Laker diehard or a member of Red Sox nation, sports brings people together like nothing else. Reality television has taken over the masses, but the unscripted drama of sports is still the only thing that makes us forget our responsibilities, causing people everywhere to ditch class or jet out of work early - anything to see the game.

The level at which you play or the talent and skill you may possess means nothing when looking at the pure meaning of sports. Professional, high school, pop-warner or even a company softball squad, nothing compares to being part of a team. Warming up together, rooting others on and of course, sharing drinks after the game ... is there anything else that inspires such camaraderie? You may not remember your anniversary but you'll always remember exactly how it felt to be in a locker room before the big game, surrounded by your teammates and knowing, just knowing, that you were going to win.

If not, you can always cry in your beer.