Sports Sphere...& Beyond

Vikings' Key Losses

2006-08-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

Just a day earlier, Koren Robinson was telling viewers of Monday Night Football he was a new man. He was no longer a pawn in alcohol’s evil game.

I guess that he was only talking about Monday night since he was arrested Tuesday night under the suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Sometimes timing is everything. If you were to choose when to be arrested for drunken driving, I’m willing to bet you probably wouldn’t want it to be the first night after the game you told the audience of ESPN’s first Monday Night Football game you were done. Terrible timing.

Koren Robinson could be suspended for the entire season after entering the NFL’s substance abuse program with a four game suspension during the 2004 season. Thus far in his career, Robinson has been arrested for a DWI, a DUI, and been through two rehabs at alcohol treatment facilities.

Initially, Robinson was caught speeding by two officers but did not pull over. Koren led the officers on a ten mile chase into the city of Mankato. He then stopped and was cooperative with the police. His stunt might lead to an additional charge of fleeing the police.

If Robinson were to be lost for the season, Troy Williamson will be the Vikings new number one receiver with Marcus Robinson stepping into the starting spot. Travis Taylor will take over the number three position.

That was not the end of the bad news for Viking fans on Tuesday. First round pick Chad Greenway is out for the year following a knee injury. Reportedly, Greenway tore a ligament in his left knee. I actually feel sorry for the Vikings on this one; preseason injuries always suck but even more so when it happened on a special teams play. I was really looking forward to watching Chad, too (this would have been an all-Chad article if not for Koren’s arrest).

Timing is everything, whether it’s a DWI or an injury.

Monday Night Football Debut

2006-08-14T21:28:00.000-07:00

I was able to persist through the excruciatingly dull (yet painful) preseason football game (or at least 3/4 of it) in the name of Tony Kornheiser (a big fan). With my handy-dandy notebook and a #2 pencil in hand, I set out to recap all of the meaningful events of the Vikings-Raiders Monday Night Football game.

Randy Moss was back in town for the first time since being traded to Oakland prior to the 2005 season. The big question leading up to the Monday game was how Minnesota fans would treat Moss upon his return. I have had some discussions with a few friends of mine that are Viking fans. The intelligible fan (whom I will just designate Fan A) felt that Moss’s accomplishments needed to be recognized and applauded (calling him a good yet misunderstood guy). The unintelligible fan (whom I will designate Psycho) sad Moss is gay and “sucks.”

Needless to say, the majority of Viking Nation were intelligible fans. Some even sported signs welcoming him home; “MN=Moss Country.” Randy Moss was given the respect he deserved for being a spectacular players for several years. There is nothing scarier than a deep ball thrown in his direction.

As for the on field play, this game was really a match of quarterbacks; the good and bad. Starting the game for the Raiders was Aaron Brooks. He didn’t throw the ball behind him in this game, but that doesn’t mean he was good. In fact, Aaron’s 1-7 performance was so hideous I am dropping him in my fantasy football league as I write this sentence (Brooks is now 2-10 during the preseason). You know things aren’t going well when your superstar wide receiver (that would be the aforementioned Randy Moss) publically endorses the second stringer Andrew Walter (more on him later). All told, it was a forgettable day for Aaron Brooks.

Coming in to spell Aaron Brooks was second year player Andrew Walter. He was injured for most of last season, but was highly touted by Raider management coming in to last season (they felt he was the #1 QB prospect in the 2005 draft). He started off very well when he threw a very nice touchdown pass. Unfortunately, it was almost all down hill from there. Walter was picked off by Cedric Griffin on an under thrown pass. When the Raiders got the ball back, Andrew Walter turned the ball over yet again on an arrant pass. Nevertheless, he showed he has the ability to take the starting job away from Aaron Brooks.

Now, rewind back to that fact that Randy Moss is publically endorsing Andrew Walter. In an interview with Suzy Kolber, he stated that Andrew Walter was a very good quarterback right now. Moss liked the fact that Walter can throw the deep ball. My favorite tidbit was when Tony Kornheiser pointed out what “I wouldn’t mind having [Andrew Walter] as my QB” means for Aaron Brooks. Start the quarterback controversy now. I will bet that Brooks will be benched by the end of the season.

As for the Minnesota quarterbacks, the boys in the booth let it be known that Brad Johnson is one of the few players currently in the NFL that led his team to a Super Bowl win. Couple that with the fact that Johnson was the 39th highest paid quarterback (now 40th since that pretty boy Matt Leinart finally got a contract signed), it seemed that the announcers were becoming Johnson’s agents (except one bearded fellow who pointed out that Brad is old... really, really, really old). His actual play was nothing spectacular, but was exactly what you expect out of him; solid.

The real show stopper for the Vikings at the quarterback position was their second round pick out of Alabama State. Tarvaris Jackson was exactly what Johnson isn’t; spectacular (but not yet solid). He was Michael Vick-esque but with passing ability. I was as dazzled by the touch he shows as I was by his moves in the open field. Tarvaris played exactly like he did in the game I caught on ESPN last season. He is the real deal as the quarterback of the future for Minnesota.

Like all exhibition football games, the score doesn’t matter. From what I saw, the NFC North is really going to be tight between the Bears and the Vikings. You always here the analysts saying the valuable running backs are the ones that can make a play that would go for a loss into a run for a minimal gain. Chester Taylor will be that running back for the Vikings. The previously mentioned Brad Johnson will be the leader Brad Childress is looking for (more on that later). The receiving corps, although missing the stand out player, is going to be well off with Troy Williamson and Koren Robinson (whom I would like to happily announce have moved to numbers in the 80s) with Marcus Robinson as a veteran.

The biggest strength I see for the Vikings is the defensive line. Kenechi Udeze made Robert Gallery look like a fool (that’s coming from an Iowan). Erasmus James was able to put pressure on the QB at the opposite end. And the meat of the line, the interior with Pat and Kevin Williams, was spectacular. These four will be like hell for opposing lineman this season. Really, the Vikings will win games in the offensive and defensive trenches this season. Not much more can be said about the offensive line (assuming Matt Birk is healthy the entire season).

One of the interesting pieces of information we were provided with was from a conversation with Brad Childress. In it he says he traded Culpepper because of differences in opinion, and their inability to see eye to eye. What I found interesting was the fact that Childress specifically said he traded Culpepper. If he is unsucessful, I could see Viking fans turning on him quick, especially due to the fact that he traded their star quarterback. I don’t see that being a huge problem (I think Childress is going to be a great fit in Minnesota).

My prediction for the Vikings is 10-6 with a playoff birth.

As for the Raiders, I like the way they are rebuilding the franchise, but the results just won’t be there. Their offensive line performed on a Houston-Texans-in-their-inaugural-season level. Robert Gallery wasn’t there only problem; they basically all sucked. The quarterbacks weren’t able to get the ball in the hands of Randy Moss. The defensive wasn’t able to stay on sides. The only real players that stood out in a positive light were LaMont Jordan on a few runs and Stanford Routt in coverage (but there are 22 players on a field at a time; I can’t see them all). As for the Raiders’ record, I would say that, at best, a 6-10 record is achievable.

As for some bad news regarding a former Iowa football standout, Chad Greenway was forced to leave the game with a knee injury he received on a special teams play. He made on tackle in the game before bowing out of the game. Really, if you were tuning in to this game to catch some of your former Iowa Hawkeye stand outs player (like me), it was a terrible day between Greenway’s injury and Gallery sucking it up. There is good new; Abdul Hodge got a shout out from Mike Tirico for his great showing in Green Bay’s training back (letting A.J. Hawk see who should have been the first rounder).

For me, the real reason to tune in to a meaningless preseason game between two teams I couldn’t really care less about was Tony Kornheiser. The most knowledgeable announcer he is not, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t do a good job. I loved the fact that he would make some funny comments with some intelligence behind it. It seemed like I would be thinking about the exact same things as he would (like when he pointed out that Ryan Longwell didn’t even try making a tackle on a give off, instead just doing a typical kicker jab step towards the ball carrier and then shying away from contact). Here were some of his best quips during the three quarters in which I watched.

No less than two minutes in to the show, the boys in the booth are talking about being the announcer for Monday Night Football. Tony pokes fun at himself, asking, “I made it to it, can I make it through it?” (I liked this once since he is often times placed on “vacation” by ESPN whenever he bad mouths the network.)

Mike Tirico talked about Minnesota being the land of 10,000 lakes when Tony said, “Won’t see any Viking players on ‘em this year, will ya?”

Mike Tirico sets Tony up by saying, “In comes Andrew Walter, the quarterback some thought could challenge Aaron Brooks.” Tony responses with a “And wouldn’t they say even more now.”

Yet again, Mike Tirico sets Tony up saying Aaron Brooks signed with the Raiders for only $8 million over two years, leaving Tony asking if that is a little much (didn’t get the exact quote, I know, I’m a failure).

My favorite was when Tony got into an argument with Joe Theismann regarding the Raiders’ offensive coordinator. Apparently, he has been out of the NFL for a while now, and he was running a bed and breakfast in Idaho as well as the town as mayor. Joe said that the coordinator was more ready to make an NFL comeback than Joe Gibbs. Tony was besides himself with the fact the guy ran a B&B while being the mayor as well as the fact that Joe was saying Coach Gibbs wasn’t as ready.

But really, some of the most priceless comedy was from Vikings corner back Fred Smoot. He was interviewed on the sideline and was asked about the love boat incident. Smoot hit the ridiculously stupid athlete trifecta. He started out by thanking God for the fact that he was in the best shape of his life. Smoot declined to elaborate on a legal matter. And, most importantly, he spoke in the third person. Someone needs to get tape of it, and put the interview on the Internet.

As for Monday Night Football; it is in capable hands with Tony Kornheiser, Joe Theismann, and Mike Tirico. If only the NFL could get a handle on the ref uniforms.

LenDale Fight

2006-08-11T07:15:00.000-07:00

The question marks surrounding LenDale White have only intensified after news came out of Tennessee hinting that LenDale was involved with a fight (if you want to call it that) with one of his teammates during practice.

Apparently, there was a bit of a confrontation between LenDale and several defensive players when he spit in the face of safety Donnie Nickey (enter Keith Bulluck yelling White spit in Nickey’s face). A few players later (after dropping a pass) , LenDale was hit by Cortland Finnegan. Several other players swarmed in; Nickey shoved White in the back while LenDale was elbowing another player. Eventually it was broken up (just like practice a short while later).

Jeff Fisher, ever eager to keep the peace, help an impromptu meeting on the field. After having a real heart-to-heart with the players, he was able to find out what happened, calling the situation a “violation of the code of ethics.”

LenDale White needs to start settling down; you don’t want to be known as the Ryan Leaf of running backs now. With the walk-by-no-comment in your arsenal, you’re only steps away from “Don’t talk to me alright! Knock it off!”

Furthermore, “You’re a rookie, act like it” (courtesy of Sean Salisbury). Going in a quick tangent, Sean Salisbury is good at making the term “rookie” into a derogatory word. I digress...

This latest act has done nothing to help him already faulty image. The character issues were there from the draft; he has done nothing disprove them.

KG's "Clock is Ticking"

2006-08-10T11:27:00.000-07:00

The unintentional comedy is at an all-time high in SLAM’s Kevin Garnett interview. Lang Whitaker sat down with KG and was able to get some great information.

The big scoop that was revealed in the interview was that Kevin Garnett wants out of Minnesota if the franchise doesn’t start working towards a championship. KG said, “If you’re not working towards a championship, then why are we in this? I’m in it to win, man, I’m not in it to be coming back talking about next year. I’m 30. I’ve probably got 4 to 5 years, you know what I’m saying? My clock is ticking, man. I’m almost like a woman who’s trying to get pregnant. My years are limited, so my clock is definitely ticking.”

How many times can you say you have heard a superstar athlete compare the end of his career to a woman's "biological clock?" If only I could actually hear him make that analogy.

Laughs were all around when Kevin seemingly struggled through the word "acquisition" (eventually just giving up at "acqui"). "Um…need to make some more acqui…you know, some more transactions, man," slurred KG.

Catch the entire article at the SLAM site. You won't be disappointed, man!

Bending the Rules Around Sponsors

2006-08-10T10:21:00.000-07:00

The NCAA is out to shorter college football games, and it’s evident in the rule changes. Really, football games have no business running over three and a half hours (even worse when it passes four hours... I’m talking to you, USC and Texas). But really, is it the actual game play that needs changed?

The rule changes that will be affecting the length of games are Rules 3-2-5 and 3-2-5-e. Rule 3-2-5 states "when the ball is free-kicked, the game clock will be started and subsequently stopped when the ball is dead by rule." Rule 3-2-5-e is as follows: "When Team B is awarded a first down, the clock will be stopped and will start on the ready for play signal."

The rationale behind both is that the rule changes will reduce the length of games (research says Rule 3-2-5-e will shorten games by five minutes).

In my eyes, the NCAA just took the easy way out; the problem is the advertising.

According to this USA Today article, the average televised (in 2003) lasted three hours and twenty-one minutes. In comparison, the average non-televised game was thirteen minutes shorter at three hours and eight minutes. As we can see, it’s not the game that is broken.

Why is it that the sponsors don’t get touched? If the NCAA really wants to keep the games from becoming drawn out, they should shorten the TV timeouts. It’s ridicules that the game and the strategy involved in it will be changed without any cut from the sponsors (I’m not saying I would react like some college coaches who say it will ruin college football as we know it... Oregon’s coach is about as crazy as their uniforms).

What did I expect? Of course, college football is about the money.

Just remember, it’s not the game’s fault, it’s the sponsors’.

Yes! We Tied Real Madrid!

2006-08-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

Spanish soccer power Real Madrid was fought to a 1-1 draw by a US team, D.C United. Real Madrid has won the league title for 29 years. D.C United crushed another European team, Glasgow Celtic 4-0.

This was a preseason game game for Madrid just like it was for Chelsea earlier this week. The Spaniards struck first with a goal in the 22nd minute, but the Americans struck back three minutes later.

The whole point of this game was to prove that Americans can play soccer. They were proud of their tie game, showing the world that the World Cup slaughter was just a fluke. I don't think that Madrid played as well as they could have because it was a preseason game. They don't care.

Take the NFL for instance, not many people care about the preseason games; the teams don't even care about preseason games. The point of this game in Madrid's eyes was to try out their newly acquired defenders and forwards. In some moments they showed how skilled they will be this season.

I do have to give a pat on the back to United though. They played an excellent game of defence. Spain had many opportunities to score but the US goal keeper stopped them from going in.

By Alex B.

Clarett's Crazy Cruise

2006-08-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

Sometimes even Maurice Clarett does something so idiotic it just makes you shake your head and say, “Holy shit.”

That something happened in the wee morning hours today. Maurice Clarett made an illegal U-turn, and was caught by the police. Instead of pulling over, Maurice thought it was a good idea to try fleeing (knowing what we know now, it wasn’t too bad of an idea).

Big Mo entered the highway with police cruisers and a helicopter hot on his tracks. He then cut across the highway’s median. While fleeing westward, he ran over a spike strip. That essentially ended the chase after just under five minutes as the disgraced star pulled into a restaurant parking lot.

Not so fast; Maurice wasn’t done fighting. Instead of turning himself over to the police, he stayed in his SUV despite several orders from the officers. The officers were forced to “remove” him from his vehicle.

When the police tried using a stun gun to restrain Clarett (who was busy giving officers “problems”), they found he was wearing a bulletproof vest. The officers were forced to use mace on Clarett.

After Maurice Clarett was secured in the police vehicle, his SUV was searched. What they found was, oh, I don’t know, startling (to say the least).

In Maurice Clarett’s vehicle the officers found three loaded handguns and a loaded assault rifle.

Now I ask, what is Maurice Clarett doing with four loaded guns and a bulletproof vest? Unfortunately, only Maurice knows why. I can only hope we find out down the road.

If I were a betting man (which I am), I would say this latest incident effectively ends Maurice’s NFL chances. He wasn’t even good enough to make the Broncos roster minus these latest arrested (he also allegedly robbed a couple at gunpoint outside of the Opium Lounge).

Maurice might be glad to know one thing: “A half-full bottle of vodka was found in the SUV.”

Nice to know the law enforcement are “glass half-full” people... he’ll be spending quite a bit of time with them.

Team USA on Tape Delay

2006-08-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

ESPN’s BottomLine was right; the U.S. beat China 119-73 in an exhibition game in Guangshou, China. LeBron James led the Americans in scoring with 22 points while Du Feng (who’s jersey read “F. Du,” which, interestingly enough, sounds better when read aloud) paced the Chinese national team with 18.

The exhibition aired on tape delay on ESPN2; which should also mean “if you want to watch the game without knowing the results in advance, don’t go on the Internet, don’t watch any of the ESPN network, and surly, don’t turn ESPN on minutes before the game starts or else you will mistakenly catch the highlights.” Really, is it that difficult to air the game early in real time? At least get back from commercial breaks on time if it’s on tape delay (which ESPN couldn’t do on numerous occasions). Alas, I digress into actual game coverage...

Coach K started out with a lineup of Gilbert Arenas, Shane Battier, LeBron James, Joe Johnson, and Dwight Howard. Personally, I like the idea of splitting Dwyane and LeBron up. They both are ball dominate players that, in my opinion, don’t work together. This was evident when LeBron started the game forcing shot after shot, some of which fell.

Watching the first quarter, I was pleased with the ball movement by non-Cavalier players (or LeBron). Gilbert Arenas, Joe Johnson, and Kirk Hinrich caught my eye by taking what the defense gave them. They didn’t force their hand; they found the open man (something I was very pleased with).

Call me a homer, but Kirk Hinrich’s scrappy defense was nothing less than spectacular -- less than spectacular could be used to describe LeBron’s defensive tenacity. (Sure, I might be beating up on the future of the NBA, but I think I’ve been every bit as harsh when calling out Dwyane Wade in the past.)

By the end of the first quarter, the outcome of the game was still in question (as “in question” as a game can be when you know the results beforehand). In my eyes, that was largely due to a lack of fluidity to the offense; the star on the court felt the need to take every other shot. LeBron ended the first quarter with something like 13 points, but did very little to get his teammates involved.

Dwyane Wade made his first appearance in the second quarter, which led to one of my favorite moments in the game. Wade pulls up at the three point line, and performs his patented pump fake/lunge as a way to draw the foul. Unlike in the NBA, he didn’t get the call. The play led to a turnover. Pure classic (speaking of which, they might as well have aired this game on ESPN Classic since the actual game was played so far in advance. Yes, I know, I’m overreacting to the tape delay).

While I’m on the bashing of some of the NBA’s young stars, I might as well hoop on over to the Chris Paul bandwagon... where I subsequently beat the driver of aforementioned wagon with a baseball bat. Chris Paul is quickly becoming the most overrated play in the NBA; sure, he’s a step above spectacular offensively, but he cannot stay in front of his man for the life of him (at which time I flash back to Carlos Arroyo shooting a lay-up while CP3 was still scratchin’ his head at the free throw line). At this point he isn’t even average defensively.

I think I’ve had enough mean-mouthing for this quarter. Elton Brand really showed the heart he plays with. An offensive series sticks in my mind when he fought (and I emphasize “fought”) for multiple offensive boards. Then on defense he took a big charge (it might have been Antawn Jamison, couldn’t really tell since Bill Walton and the gang made no mention of it).

As for some of the young stars, Carmelo flashed his range with some jumpers. Dwyane Wade was the exact opposite of LeBron; he made some beautiful passes. Chris Bosh (who I might be referring to as “The Neck” from now on) seemed a little antsy, but he eventually settled into the game.

The boys of the second quarter really stepped up, and it was evident with a 23 point led entering halftime (which is another thing I don’t get; can’t they just cut out the halftime on a tape delayed game? No, they make me sit through twenty minutes of ESPNews!). The defensive play and their unselfish nature was huge; call them the “Anti-First-Quarter-LeBrons.” Scratch that, it’s too long. I digress...

Really, I’m not sure why I bothered watching the second half (oh, that’s right, my boy Kirk). Team USA carried over their play from the end of the first half with a 31-2 run. That is hard to pull off, even in video games.

I really have to hand it to Coach K. He knows how to motivate a team during halftime. I wonder if he talked to LeBron about the way he was playing earlier in the game; his style changed completely. Yes, you heard it hear first, LeBron James made some nice passes in the third quarter (not including the time he tried impersonating Magic Johnson... he threw the ball away). He became motivated defensively, too. Really, he answered all of my criticisms from the first half; LBJ starting playing like he should have been all along.

Joe Johnson had a very consistent game. JJ is the type of player we need going into the World Championships; not scared to take the shot but not eager to take the shot. I was impressed with his defense as well.

I know, I’m becoming Kirk Hinrich’s pimp here, but I loved the fact that he was getting chippy with one of the Chinese players. The two were throwing quite a few forearms throughout the game. Another thing – he initiates the offensive very well. He isn’t looking to break his man down off the dribble the entire time, but instead he swings the ball around (really opens up the floor).

Really, who am I kidding, the third quarter was the Brad Miller show. He nailed 3 threes while on his way to a 5-5 shooting night. Let’s not forget his behind the back dish to Ol’ Kirk...

The end of the third quarter saw the U.S. increase their lead to 40 points. Luckily the Chinese faithful weren’t going to let a brutal loss get them down. The fourth quarter, of which the only truly noteworthy event was Joe Johnson tripping over his own feet for the third time on the night, quickly got out of hand.

Team USA didn’t let up their full court pressure, which made it hard to tell which team the Chinese fans were rooting for. It was like a scene out of the And 1 Mixtape Tour; I can vouge that the people of China have quickly mastered the art of the “OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH” after every dunk (heck, replace all of the thunder sticks in the hands of the fans with shirts or some other kind of fabric, and it would be hard to differentiate Guangshou from Rucker Park minus the on court MC, but I’m sure Bill Walton will fill in: "Throw it down, big fella, throw it down!").

The U.S. only extended their lead by six points in the fourth.

For some odd reason, I just knew we were going to win 119-73 before the game even aired.

Yes! We Beat Chelsea?

2006-08-07T08:08:00.000-07:00

I really don’t understand soccer.

Why is it a big deal that the MLS All-Stars beat Chelsea? As an American soccer “fan,” should I be doing back flips because of the victory?

Why is it a big deal that a team made up of the best players from an entire league beat a team during their preseason tour? Am I the only one that thinks it should be a given?

Sure, Chelsea is supposed to be the Yankees of soccer. As an American baseball fan, I wouldn’t be shocked if a Japanese All-Star team were to beat the Yankees; any MLB team for that matter.

I would expect it.

Could it be that the major soccer fans want us to believe American soccer is indeed taking a step forward? After their blatant pimping of the national team and their subsequent defeat, they probably are looking for a new way to prove U.S. soccer is among the elite.

I congratulate the MLS All-Stars for their victory, but I will not drink the Kool-Aid (despite the fact that writers like Andrea Canales are trying to funnel it down my throat.)

But then again, I really don’t understand soccer.

Marbury Becomes Starbury Off the Court

2006-08-04T19:07:00.000-07:00

Stephon Marbury has taken another step towards becoming the NBA’s best "Good Guy." Earlier this week, Starbury announced he would be coming out with a new shoe which would cost all of $14.95. No matter how much I hate Stephon Marbury on the court, I cannot deny the good he does in his community.

The inexpensive sneaker is not the only good thing Stephon does. In his native New York, specifically near Coney Island, he pays seven barbers to give kids free haircuts. He has donated a million dollars to relief efforts for national disasters. Stephon Marbury is Starbury off the court.

As for his kicks, who knows if his efforts will be successful. The cheap sneaker route hasn’t been overly popular for Shaq, but it can be argued the Shaq shoe design was the reason.

If I had to make a bet now, I would be reasonably confident I would be able to win if I were to bet against Stephon. The sad fact is, in our culture, shoes are viewed as a status symbol. Who cares if the shoe is the same quality or if the price is marked up ten-fold; the cheap shoe just has to suck. Why else would shoes still fly off the shelf despite prices in excess of $100? (If you want to read some good discussion on that culture of shoes, here’s a good place to go.)

In my eyes, it is going to take a player that had a premiere expensive shoe to join Shaq and Stephon before any cheap shoe becomes successful. Just think if a player like LeBron James had the price of his shoe drop down to $14.95. In, it would sell if it had the "swoosh" and "LBJ" logo on it.

At the end of the day, we will just have to see how Stephon does in his mission. The worse he can do is shift the focus on the shoe companies for unreasonably high shoe prices.

Finally, Marbury has shown why he is Starbury off the court.

In the meantime, I will reminisce on the times in which I could get a pair of T-Mac’s for under $20... but even those were the "outdated" version. Too bad I bought my shoes on Wednesday (a deal for $30).

Bashing Brett

2006-08-04T08:49:00.000-07:00

Brett Favre has been bashed for saying the 2006 Packer team is the most talented he has ever been around. ESPN’s analysts have been portraying him like he has lost his mind. Unfortunately, they are taking his quote out of it's true meaning each time.

True, Brett Favre did say this was "probably the most talented team" he’s played with. The thing is, he then said "they are also the most inexperienced." As we all know, a talented player means nothing if they don’t know the game.

Really, is it that big of a stretch to say this team is the most talented he’s played with? Obviously, the results won’t be there at the end of the year. Most of the talent lies inside the young players who are still too inexperienced to make major contributions.

We all know the Super Bowl version of the Packers is better than this team. The thing is, they were talented and veteran-laden. In my eyes, it isn’t that big of a stretch to say the current roster the is the most talented, but of course, they probably aren’t (but the comment didn’t warrant the bashing he has received).

As we all know, talent means nothing if you don’t know how to use it.

Unfortunately for Packer fans, this team doesn’t know how to use it.

Dirty Money

2006-08-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

I wonder how it feels to steal $2.2 million from a college after you already screwed them over with NCAA sanctions. I guess I’ll just have to ask Jim O’Brien.

Former Ohio State basketball coach Jim O’Brien was award $2.2 million on Wednesday after Judge Joseph T. Clark ruled O’Brien was wrongfully fired. He said, "This single, isolated failure of performance was not so egregious."

Not only did O’Brien get caught sliding Serbian recruit Aleksander Radojevic $6,000, Ohio State was punished for it. Ohio State is currently serving a three year probation because of Jim O’Brien’s "failure of performance." Ask the NCAA if the "failure of performance" was "egregious." Obviously a three year probation is serious.

Ohio State vice president Christopher M. Culley is right on the money when he says, "We continue to believe that the university acted appropriately in dismissing coach O’Brien. The NCAA sanctions that followed the court’s initial decision in February 2006 validated the serious nature of the violation and reinforced to us that we took the appropriate action in termination his contract."

How Jim O’Brien thinks it’s okay to give recruits money is beyond me. He thinks his contract was unjustly terminated after he completely screwed the program over?

So, Jim O’Brien, have fun finding another job, but have even more fun living on that dirty money.

McLane Does the Right Thing

2006-08-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

Roger Clemens, who is only eight starts into his 2006 season, is sinking with Houston’s already sunken ship.

Lucky for him, Jayson Stark tried throwing him a life preserver today.
In his article, Stark blamed Houston Astros owner Drayton McLane for blocking any possible trades involving Roger Clemens. He says, "It was a deal that didn’t happen this weekend, but apparently could have – and should have... All Astros owner Drayton McLane would have had to do was say: ‘You know, it’s the right thing to do.’"

I wonder: Does Roger Clemens really deserve to get saved? He knew the situation he was getting in to. Hell, he had two months to watch the Astros play before he made his decision. It’s not like he signed his contract several years ago when the team was five outs away from the World Series only to have the team slowly fall apart over the next several years, like, oh, say Greg Maddux for example.

Yet you (Jayson Stark) say: "The owner could have easily done for Clemens what the Cubs did Monday for Greg Maddux. There are times when certain people deserve to be rescued from their sinking cruise liners."

Please, don’t even compare Greg Maddux’s situation with the Cubs with that of Roger Clemens. Greg Maddux didn’t ditch his team for two months while fielding lucrative offers from other teams. Maybe the Houston "cruise liner" wouldn’t be sinking if Roger was there at the beginning of the season.

Now, Mr. Stark, what do you mean by "Given Clemens’ affection for his hometown, his teammates and even his owner, he would never broach that subject (finishing his career with another team) himself. He would never ask to bail out. It isn’t what he is about?"

I’m sorry, I was under the impression that he was close to signing with the Red Sox in the first place, you know, entertaining "that subject." As for bailing out, where was he the first two months of the season?

Really, I have almost zero respect for Roger Clemens. I don’t care if the big media wants me to think he is a strong valued guy. Forget the image Roger wants us to believe, and judge him by his actions.

Please, don’t even compare him to Greg Maddux. Greg acted like the perfect professional; even though the team sucked, he didn’t bash his teammates, he didn’t openly run around with other teams, he didn’t sit out a portion of the season mulling over his future. He played out his contract despite his diminished abilities. He deserved to be given a chance to end on top, to finally win a World Series.

To close, I wonder question two things. How many times does Roger Clemens deserve to end his career with a winning team? I remember when he first joined the Yankees, the talk was that he wanted to end his career there with a championship. Now it has turned into an environment that a team is supposed to bow down to the Rocket since "it might be his last year, and he should end in the playoffs." That is a bunch of crap.

And finally, Mr. Jayson Stark, I question this quote: "All Clemens had to say was that he wasn’t ‘abandoning’ his team. He was committed for life. He’d be gone for two months, and then he’d be back to work for the Astros for as long as they wanted him, doing whatever they needed done."

Doesn’t that sound familiar...

Like it has happened before?

The Richest Get Richer

2006-07-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

Kill me now. Seriously.

The Devil (you may call him George) and his minions (also known as the Yankees) have acquired Bobby Abreu from the Phillies for four minor leagues, of which only one is very highly rated.

The rich get richer.

Why do teams always have to trade their stars to the Yankees? Why can’t they find any other suitors?
These trades that the Yankees always pull off – the ones that they give up fringe minor league talent for a proven star – used to make me hate New York even more, but this has gotten too out of hand. I, officially, hate any team that "dumps" their star players onto the Yankees. Seriously, these people (Phillies, Diamondbacks, Rangers, etc.) are like dealers playing a crack addicts weakness. They know that Ol’ Georgie can’t turn down a hit.

I find it hard to believe that another team, maybe the Mets for example, couldn’t have offered a little more talent than a former first rounder and three players that will never make the big leagues. How can’t they beat the Yankees offer?

I ask the "experts," what happened to the Yankees "building their farm system" instead of "trading it away for older players?" They sure had you guys drinking that Cool-Aid. The experts were like pimps trying to sell women with herpes; no matter how hard they try selling us on the fact that they were clean, we know they aren’t.

(The Yankees building their farm system is like a prostitute with herpes.)

Those experts sure got burned.

Didn’t they know Georgie is the biggest pimp of all? The Devil owns the pinstripes.

The Mailbag

2006-07-29T11:58:00.000-07:00

Let’s get things started and dive right in to the Mailbag.

Why does Jim Hendry feel the need to keep reminding us that Dusty’s job is safe for the rest of the year? I expect the media to be the ones that keep reminding us all, not the GM.- Mike

That point is exactly why I expect to see Dusty fired before the end of the season. Not only are the journalists bringing it up, but the man deciding Dusty’s future is as well. Although I don’t feel sorry for Dusty, he is taking too much of the blame. Basically, the entire organization, from the owners, front office, coaches, and players have sucked. I’ll put more of an emphasis on the people making the decisions.

I’m sure that you have been asked on numerous occasions, who would you take, Wade or LeBron. I have little different question. If you were building your franchise around a post player, who in the group of Yao Ming, Dwight Howard, Amare Stoudemire, and Greg Oden would you take?- Jonathan

First off, great question. I’ll start by throwing out Greg Oden. Sure, he is a great high school player, but I want to see him at least play against collegiate athletes. I’m not much of an Amare fan either, mainly because that knee injury. He is a big time player when healthy, but I want a player that I know will be there.

That leaves Yao and Dwight. A great center up against a great power forward. Yao Ming is, right now, a 22 and 10 performer. He is a very good scorer, and plays good defense. Meanwhile, Dwight Howard is already considered great at least one thing, rebounding. He still isn’t a skilled scorer, but was able to average nearly 16 points just on physical ability alone.

In the end, the difference is upside an potential. Dwight Howard is 5 years younger than Yao Ming. Dwight is entering his third season at the same time Yao would have been entering his rookie campaign. My pick is the Magic’s Dwight Howard.

Carlos Lee was traded to the Rangers earlier in the week. Although trade rumors have run rampant regarding Alfonso Soriano, no deals have been finalized. My question is, who would you rather trade for?- Tomas

This is truly an analysis of their current abilities; they both are 30 years old. Lee and Soriano have nearly identical career batting averages and OPS. Both have big time power. This is basically about the type of baseball player I want. Soriano doesn’t drive in as many RBIs, but he has nearly twice as many steals. For me, Alfonso Soriano is the one I would choose. Considering it is just his first year in the outfield, he has shown flashes that he could become a very good defensive player. Plus, I’m a sucker for speed.

How shocked were you that Floyd Landis failed his doping test with that high ratio of testosterone? It was completely unexpected to me, especially just a few days after I saw his mom interviewed.- Chuck

I was on the computer messing with the site when my brother game in, and said that Floyd Landis failed his drug test. Let’s just say I thought he was yankin’ my chain. When just comparing the shock of it, Floyd Landis failing the drug test was on level of finding out Kirby Puckett died. Call me stupid, but I thought Landis was clean, but it just goes to show my judgement isn’t spectacular with the lesser sports.

Whatever happened to the People’s Champ, Fred-Ex? Last I heard of Freddie Mitchell he was busy getting cut by the Chiefs.- Drew

I was thinking the same thing today. I was watching the CFL on Comcast today (I think it was Montreal versus Edmonton) when I saw a wide receiver with the last name of Mitchell. I hoping it might be our very own Fred-Ex, but, unfortunately, it was some Mookie guy. I decided to try Google searching him (with no such luck). I couldn’t find anything about Freddie Mitchell post Kansas City except for story about potentially signing with the Philadelphia Sol of the AFL. If anyone as heard any news about Fred-Ex, please e-mail me. (And hopefully most of you saw who that question was from.)

Do you think it’s that big of a deal that Reggie Bush hasn’t signed a contract? It’s only, what, two days into training camp? ESPN, lay off the guy!- Chad

Regarding ESPN, they are just busy making a story out of nothing. It isn’t even close to being as big of a deal as they are making it out to be. If he gets into the Cedric Benson level (over30 days of hold outs), come talk. Anyways, hopefully he gets in there soon since he will have to learn some running back and wide receiver sets.

That’s it for the Mailbag. If you want to be heard, e-mail me at sportssphereandbeyond@yahoo.com . I am also looking for people that are interested in writing for their favorite NBA team on ProjectNBA.

Showin 'Em Who's Boss

2006-07-27T12:44:00.000-07:00

Horse jockey, Paul O'Neill, is being investigated for headbutting his horse before his race in Stratford, England. O'Neill was caught on camera "Zidaning" the horse after the horse threw him from the saddle. O'Neill got up pulled the horse around with his reigns and then lowered his helmet into his horse, City Affair, giving him a headbutt to calm the horse down and control it. The HRA got more than 100 complaints from people at the race and now are in an on-going investigation. O'Neill could face a possible 21-day suspension and a fine.

To me, I think O'Neill was just letting the horse know that it was wrong to do that. He wasnt being excessive. The horse bucked him off and thought it would get away with it. After the headbutt, I bet the horse knew not to do it again. He was showing the animal who is boss.

The thing that grinds my gears is that people think this was so horrible. That poor horse! I didn't see people saying that about Materazzi when Zidane headbutted him. They supported Zidane and he ended up winning an award for his performance. Now all of the sudden it happens with a horse and the jockey is so bad. Zidane's headbutt was triggered by smack talk. O'Neill's was caused by being bucked off.

Did the act that kill the horse? No. The horse finished 4th in the 2 mile race. Paul O'Neill just watched the World Cup and said, "Gee. That guy knows what he did was wrong now with, maybe it will work on the horse." He just put the horse in its place.
Which looks worse? Exactly.

Pittsnogle to Boston

2006-07-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it seems as though I’m fighting a losing battle; the Boston Celtics have signed former West Virginia "star" Kevin Pittsnogle to a two-year contract. (If you’ve been with me from the beginning, you know that I hate Kevin Pittsnogle.)

There is nothing more frustrating than a soft big man that lacks any desire. Kevin is almost seven feet tall, yet he averages under six rebounds a game. His 6-5 teammate Mike Gansey out rebounded him this year. It’s not like Kevin Pittsnogle is a thin guy either; he has the size to play in the paint if he had any toughness at all.

At least the Celtics realize he brings nothing to a team outside of his "great" perimeter shooting. Let us kindly forget that Mr. Pittsnogle barely cracked the top 50 in three point percentage in Division I this past season...

It truly is a sad day when Kevin Pittsnogle is busy signing a multi-year NBA contract while the hard working and gutsy Greg Brunner is getting set to go to Belgium to play for a season. In my eyes, that goes against the ideals I would look to build my team around (could it be the reason the Celtics have been underachieving all these years, you decide).

I will make it my personal vow to turn the channel when Kevin Pittsnogle checks into a game. Then again, that’s a given considering I would risk self-inflicted injury otherwise.

Ricky Hurt

2006-07-23T08:05:00.000-07:00

When the Miami Dolphins allowed their All-Pro running back Ricky Williams to sign with the Toronto Argonauts, there was no doubt that injury concerns were on their mind. Those concerns came to fruition on Saturday night. Ricky Williams left the Argonauts’ game against the Roughriders with a broken arm.

Williams was injured on a running play while fighting for extra yardage. "He was actually holding himself off the ground," said coach Pinball Clemons. "He was running with the ball and he was trying to hold himself up, I think. It was a pile of people and we saw him coming down."

Fortunately for Ricky Williams, his injury is a clean break.

Williams is currently sixth in the CFL in rushing with 214 yards through four games. He ended Saturday’s game with 17 yards in the second quarter.

The Toronto Argonauts went on to win the game by a score of 26-23, but the Dolphina can breath easy knowing that Ricky didn't suffer a career threatening injury.

My Team USA Roster Announced!

2006-07-21T17:28:00.000-07:00

I’ll admit it; I’m getting pumped up for August’s FIBA World Championships. Like Stephen Colbert says, there is nothing like a blind showing of one’s nationalism.

Coach K and the members of his staff are going to be faced with some though decisions on who they take to Korea. Luckily, they have me to look to for some help.

Two young, big name stars missed the cut for my latest version of Team USA. Carmelo Anthony, in my opinion, will not, nor should not, have the opportunity to represent our country. He was caught possessing marijuana (again). Not only do the drugs get in the way, he isn’t the type of player the leaves his ego at the door, or in this case, in the United States

The second star left off of my roster is Phoenix’s Amare Stoudemire. When selecting a squad, skilled big men are a must. There is not doubt that he is an elite NBA player, but he doesn’t play a style suitable with the International style. Injury concerns also played a roll in Amare missing my cut.

Of the other players that were left off my roster, Gilbert Arenas is a bonafide star (on verge of superstar) while Shawn Marion is a perennial All-Star. Both were left off in close decisions, but with some valid reasoning. Although I like Gilbert Arenas, I question the intangibles he would bring to the national team. He isn’t a great shooter, nor is he much of a distributor. He didn’t bring much to the table outside of his scoring ability. Shawn Marion is a valuable defender, but is a bit of a liability offensively when playing Internationally.

The players that did make my cut will provide Team USA with a well balanced offensive and defensive team. The squad features skilled big men and pass-first point guards to compliment the superstars; LeBron and Wade. A plethora of shooters will be at Coach K’s disposal.

The twelfth man for my version of Team USA is former Duke star Shane Battier. Battier is the quintessential role player. In an interview earlier this week, he said he would be just as happy being the guy at the end of the bench waving the towel he would be being a key contributor. That is type of player we need, but don’t think he lacks the ability to be a valuable commodity off of the bench. Battier plays tough defense while shooting a high percentage from the three point line. Battier is capable of filling minutes at either forward spot.

Atlanta’s Joe Johnson will be a valuable player off of the bench for Coach K. He is an efficient spot up shooter. Johnson can provide depth at three positions; point guard, shooting guard, and small forward. He plays solid defense that will only improve with the International pace.

In an interview on Friday’s episode of Pardon the Interruption, Elton Brand said the players have looked to Bruce Bowen for leadership. Leadership is only one aspect that Bowen will aid the team in. He is one of the best three point shooters from NBA range, and he will be able to improve the floor spacing in Korea. Bruce Bower has made his name playing incredible man-to-man defense; expect no less than stifling from him in August.

Brad Miller is one of the most skilled big men in the NBA. He has solid range on his jump shot, but is able to mix his game up with a good post game. Miller is unarguably the best passing center in the NBA, and the best I’ve seen since Vlade Divac. Brad Miller will be a multi-dimensional threat for the good guys.

Michael Redd is the epitome of shooting. Though he isn’t even an average defender, the International three point line will be his bread and butter. Redd is one of those players that won’t need the ball in his hands to create; he can just spot up in the corner. Oh, and did I say Michael Redd is a great shooter?

Chris Bosh is a sweet shooting big man that will help out at both center and power forward. He is a good shot blocker on defense, but he lacks strength in the post. Fortunately for him, most foreign big men have the same problem. Look for Chris Bosh to help open up the post for the two bangers that have yet to be named.

My backup point guard is Chris Paul. Paul makes his money through penetrating into the defense to set up a drop off for his big men. Although that is successful in the NBA, I expect floor spacing to be the real key in Korea. Look to see Chris Paul share the starting point guard spot with an unnamed guard. His unselfishness will be valuable towards aiding the U.S. cause.

In my starting lineup, I have Bulls’ guard Kirk Hinrich slotted into the point guard position. He is a quality shooter on the perimeter, but he also possesses the ability to start the offense. Look for Hinrich to set up his teammates numerous times each game during the World Championships. His offensively ability is exactly what Team USA needs to provide good floor spacing and balance. As for his defense, Kirk is a legitimate shut down defender. Look forward towards seeing him heckle the oppositions ball handler. As a stated earlier, I would expect to see Kirk split the starting role with Chris Paul.

Starting for the United States at center is Dwight Howard. He plays excellent defense, but is an even better rebounder. With the emphasize on skill in the World Championships, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Chris Bosh and Brad Miller playing more in this role. Dwight is more of an overpowering force, and he might not get away with as much contact in Korea. Nonetheless, expect Dwight Howard to be a valuable contributor in the intangibles category.

Elton Brand, former Duke star under Coach K, gets the node at power forward. He is the quintessential modern Team USA player. Brand doesn’t have a huge ego, can play some finesse basketball as well as muscle up, and is a hard working defender. After the World Championships and subsequent Olympics, I would see Elton becoming a legitimate superstar instead of flying under the radar.

Of course, the starters at shooting guard and small forward are Dwyane Wade and LeBron James. The two players are basically, in my opinion, are locks to be starters. Who cares that neither really fit the International style, their greatness shines through.

If only Coach K would listen to me. I named the perfect roster.

NBA-less in Seattle?

2006-07-19T07:53:00.000-07:00

The days seem numbered for the Seattle Sonics. An Oklahoma City group, led by businessman Clay Bennett, has purchased the team along with the WNBA’s Seattle Storm from Starbucks’ chairman Howard Schultz. The group has not made a secret of their desire to have a permanent franchise in Oklahoma City.

Clay Bennett and his cronies will give Seattle twelve months to come together on a deal regarding the renovation of Key Arena. If no such deal is compromised on, the franchise will have the option to move to Oklahoma City (or the home wrecker of the NBA. First you steal the Hornets; now the Sonics!?!?)

Things aren’t looking too bright for Seattle fans. When your former owner, Howard Schultz, knowingly sells your team to a group that is adamant about moving the franchise, when David Stern has said in the past that Key Arena needs to be renovated or rebuilt for the Sonics to stay in the region, you know that it is very like the franchise will be moved.

It will truly by a sad day when the Sonics are moved from the Seattle area. The people of Seattle have supported a franchise for nearly four decades. Seattle isn’t like Charlotte; they actually have a long and storied history of supporting their team.

Unfortunately, moving the Sonics to Oklahoma City is becoming too real of a possibility. The investors see the quick cash they can make off of this move. Oklahoma City has shown this last season that they are willing to support a professional franchise. Everyone touts the energy level during Hornets games. The thing that we do not know is whether Oklahoma City is capable of supporting a franchise after the initial shock factor wears off. If you recall, Charlotte was in the same situation when the Hornets first came to town.

Seattle isn’t like Oklahoma City or Charlotte. They have been filling up arenas since 1967. There is no question that they are in it for the long haul. Oklahoma just has too many question marks.

In most cases, I would be confident that David Stern would see this. As for now, I’m worried that he is letting his rather large ego get in the way. Mr. Stern wants to prove that he is willing to back up his talk. I wonder if he will okay a move just to prove to other cities that you might lose your franchise if you don’t put more money into your stadium.

In the end, I just can’t see a situation where the Sonics stay in Seattle. The fact that the Oklahoma City group has been open about their desire to move the team is going to do nothing but kill fan support. Expect next season to see Seattle become the NBA equivalent of Montreal; they know their team is going to be moved eventually, so why go out to games? The lack of fan support will give David Stern another reason to move the franchise.

Say hello to the Oklahoma City Sonics.

I’ll be busy saying [expletive] you to Howard Schultz, Clay Bennett, David Stern, officials for the City of Seattle, and the rest of the bad boys from Oklahoma City.

Is He Really A-Fraud?

2006-07-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

Alex Rodriguez has gained a poor reputation. We constantly hear, especially after bad games, about the reason he is playing poorly. Mainly, the criticism is coming from Yankee fans that are uber-loyal to their token man crush, Derek Jeter.

No matter what A-Rod does, it is perceived as a failure. If he hits a home run, it’s a sharp remark wondering where that was last October. If he gets out late in a game the boos are sure to follow.

Alex Rodriguez is in a lose-lose situation. He will never be able to do anything to justify his contract in the eyes of Yankee fans. Let’s say he crushes 50 home runs while hitting .330; he will only hear that Joe DiMaggio could do it while playing better defense for a fraction of the cost. This is the reason I hate New York fans.

I have decided to get to the bottom of Alex Rodriguez’s ability to be clutch. It’s hard to find the stats that would really help me in this situation, so I decided to look into some key areas. For starters, we always hear that his home runs only come in blow outs. I’ll being take a look into that. We constantly have to listen to those poor New York Yankee fans complain that A-Rod sucks in the post-season, so it’s time to delve into that myth. And the final way to prove A-Rod is, in fact, clutch, we will take a look at his Clutch Percentage.

While we’re at it, why not compare him to the golden boy Derek Jeter? Sounds like a good idea to me.

The first argument I force myself to listen to is that A-Rod hits meaningless home runs. For this purpose, I looked at the scores of games he hit home runs in. I figure a meaningful home run would be in a two run game. The evidence shows that Rodriguez has six home runs in two run games. Meanwhile, Derek Jeter has five. Give the edge to A-Rod.

To further evaluate the home run factor, the average run difference in games they hit home runs. In this situation, Derek Jeter does have the edge. The average difference for Jeter is two and a half runs. Alex is at a little over four. There is some evidence to say that A-Rod hits home runs in games that are already decided, but not to the extent that we are forced to believe.

Alex Rodriguez falls apart in the playoffs. I’m sure you have heard that mantra from any friend of your’s that likes the Yankees. They always throw in the fact that Jeter is a great post-season player. If only that were the case. Jeter has a lifetime playoff batting average of .307 while Alex Rodriguez is at .305. Not much of a difference there. To say Rodriguez sucks in the playoffs is an overstatement. We won’t even mention that Jeter hit .148 in his last World Series...

And finally, the most important stat; Clutch Percentage. This is a stat courtesy of RetroSheet.org. CLP is figured by taking a players BPS (batting average plus slugging percentage) with runners in scoring position divided by their BPS without runners in scoring position. Derek Jeter’s clutch percentage comes out to .894 (.709/.793) while Alex Rodriguez’s CLP is .947 (.835/.882). In reality, Alex Rodriguez is more clutch than the poster child (or Derek Jeter, whatever you want to call him).

To me, the evidence concludes that Alex Rodriguez, though not a spectacular player in the clutch a la David Ortiz, he is nothing close to being terrible. Furthermore, if Yankee fans consider Derek Jeter clutch, which they do, it should be pointed out that Alex Rodriguez is every bit as clutch.

What annoys me about this entire situation is that Yankee fans turn the other way when Derek Jeter has a bad playoff series, but if the same happens to A-Rod, he is roasted. Personally, I think that is crap.

Hopefully, we all can tone down the A-Rod bashing.

And by we, I mean Yankee fans.

Fantasy Football Studs & Duds

2006-07-17T12:09:00.000-07:00

For many football fans, America’s pastime has begun; fantasy football drafts are underway. To kick start the season, I have decided to give you some Studs & Duds to watch out for when you start hitting the fantasy drafts.

Quarterback Stud
Mark my words, David Carr will have his coming out party this year. The Texans have provided him with a new weapon in receiver Eric Moulds to go along with their franchise wide out, Andre Johnson. Jeb Putzier will be a big help as a tight end with receiving ability. Look out for David Carr this year. You will be able to get him in the final few rounds in most drafts, but he might go undrafted in smaller leagues.

In addition to Carr, be on the look out for Drew Bledsoe.

Quarterback Dud
Micheal Vick has fooled too many people into taking him early over the last few years. Don’t let it happen to you. The only receiver he has any confidence in is Alge Crumpler, but doesn’t really look to find anyone else.

Avoid players without quality receivers. Byron Leftwich could be one to keep an eye on; all of Jacksonville’s receivers are young and largely unproven.

Running Back Stud
Jump on the Steven Jackson bandwagon. He is finally going to be the featured back in St. Louis, and will get a boat load of carries. Rod Marrinelli has stressed that Steve Jackson will be his featured back this season. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him take a huge step towards becoming a top 5 running back this season.

In addition to Jackson, Tatum Bell is going to be the next in a long line of quality Denver backs.

Running Back Dud
Curtis Martin is finally showing his years. Every draft season we hear that Martin might be reaching the end of the line, but last year it finally proved true. He will be a solid backup, but don’t jump early at getting him.

Jamal Lewis and Thomas Jones are backs that you should hesitate when selecting. Both will be losing some carries to quality 2nd string running backs.

Wide Receiver Stud
It is pretty obvious that Randy Moss is a great receiver. After I have participated in a couple drafts, Moss has often been around the fifth receiver drafted. Considering that, he will be a steal if you take him. He had a down year due to injuries, but I’m confident that he will be back next season.

I always say it, but Andre Johnson could have a big year this season. In addition, Reggie Brown will be a go to player on the edge in Philadelphia.

Wide Receiver Dud

Stay away from number two receivers. That means Eric Moulds, Michael Clayton, the losser of the Rod Smith and Javon Walker battle, and, to a lesser extent, Reggie Wayne, should be avoided if their are quality number ones left on the board.

Tight End Stud
Kellen Winslow, if healthy, will be a very good pass catcher for the Browns. I would expect to see Winslow become Charlie Frye’s security blanket this season. Another good aspect of Winslow is that he will, most likely, be available late in the draft.

Watch out for L.J. Smith. He could become Philadelphia’s prime target this season.

Tight End Dud
Although he is still one of the better tight ends in the league, Jason Witten might take a hit in production this season. The addition of Terrell Owens could very well reduce the number of receptions this season.

Those are your Fantasy Football Studs & Duds for this upcoming season. Good luck in your journey for the title.

Santa, Meet Chris Bosh

2006-07-14T13:22:00.000-07:00

The Toronto Raptors have signed All-Star forward Chris Bosh to a three year deal with a player option for a fourth. The contract will be worth about $65 million.

Chris Bosh is donating $1 million of that $65 million sum to Community Legacy Projects, a Toronto based charity.

I wish these stories would get reported more often. We always hear about the manager that flips out on the ump, the latest linebacker to fail a drug test, the pitcher that beats his wife, or the wanna be basketball star getting arrested for carrying a pistol. I think we can agree, I focus on the negative stories as well. (I’ll try finding more of the "do good" stories from now on.)

When I think of Chris Bosh donating 1/65 of the payday he has probably been waiting for since he was a teenager, I can only think about what I would do. I don’t even think I would give away one dollar if I had sixty-five. It just shows how good of a person Chris Bosh is.

I just wonder what some other rising stars would do if they were stuck in Toronto. To me, Chris Bosh would have been one of my favorites just for toughing it out in Toronto even though he could have gotten as much, if not more, money from some contending team. It’s nice to know that he doesn’t look at the Raptors like they are a minor league team, and that he was just on a couple year stint before hitting the big show.

That would have been my view of him before he gave away $1 million. I will say that, Chris Bosh, you are now my favorite player outside of Chicago. You are making me forget that Carmelo Anthony just got caught with weed in his car. You just donated ONE MILLION DOLLARS. Just to put this in perspective, ESPN was flipping out that they were able to donate a little over $400,000 to the V Foundation. You more than doubled that!

Maybe I’m thinking too much of this. Sure, he probably negotiated an extra million just for this purpose. If that is the case, which it could very well be, all I have to say is that both Chris Bosh and the Raptors organization are classy.

Thank you, Chris Bosh, for reminding us all that there are still plenty of NBA players that have yet to be overtaken by greed.

Law & Order: Bengals' Victims Unit

2006-07-13T12:55:00.000-07:00

How much does character play into the success of a franchise? That is a question I often ask myself when I look at some teams. In the NBA, there were teams like the Portland Trailblazers – nicknamed the Jailblazers for obvious reasons – that were always ultra-talented, but, ultimately, they were unable to win in between the arrests. On the other end of the spectrum, the Mickey Mantle and Billy Martin era Yankees were able to win despite late night carousing by many of their stars. The 1986 New York Mets are another example of a team that could win despite the majority of the team being big fans of either cocaine or beer; often times both.

For every rule, there are exceptions. In my opinion, a winning team is made up of players with high character. If you have a bunch of drug addicts, alcoholics, and brawlers, you will be less likely to win.

And, of course, the Yankees and Mets were examples of teams that broke the rule. The difference is that those teams were immensely talented. The same can be said for the Dallas Cowboys of the 1990s.

That rule, the character rule, leads me to a current situation in the NFL. The Cincinnati Bengals have made a fairly large splash with their lacksidasicle stance on character when drafting players.

Today, the Bengals drafted former Virginia linebacker Ahmad Brooks in the NFL’s supplemental draft. Brooks was dismissed from the University of Virginia for "undisclosed reasons", but some reports say it for a failed drug test.

Brooks was once considered top ten talent for the regular draft, but his off the field issues have raised many character questions. That is, most teams. The Bengals are not one of them.

The character issue for the Cincinnati Bengals would be an entirely different case if this was a isolated incident. Unfortunately, former USC defensive end Frostee Rucker was drafted by the Bengals in the third round of the 2006 Draft. Frostee Rucker has quite the rap sheet.

Before Frostee was even a big time college recruit, he was charged for sexually assaulting an 11 year old girl when he was 13. Rucker was originally recruited to play football at the Colorado State. The stint in Colorado didn’t last long before he was expelled after pleading guilty to lesser charges after being accused of sexual assault. Luckily for him, the great program of USC gave him a second chance. So what did he do with it? He, the strong football player, decides to beat his girlfriend. He was just charged with battery and vandalism for that incident.

Is that a good situation for Marvin Lewis and the Bengals franchise to be getting into? Considering the high profile situation of Kobe Bryant’s rape case, I would think they wouldn’t want to get involved with another player that becomes a large story; albeit on a lesser scale for a lesser player.

Well, needless to say, the Bengals went out and drafted Florida State linebacker A.J. Nicholson in the fifth round of the 2006 Draft despite his history. Recently, Nicholson was accused of breaking in to a former teammate’s apartment. Nicholson stole several items. He now is being charged with grand theft and burglary.

Like Frostee Rucker, Nicholson also "pulled a Kobe." Except A.J. Nicholson was a little more accurate. Prior to the Orange Bowl, Florida State coach Bobby Bowden suspended him after he, allegedly, raped a woman at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa.

Even prior to those two situations, A.J. Nicholson had a history of police run-ins. When he was accused of rape, Nicholson was already on probation after pleading no contest to a DUI. At other times he was accused of resisting arrest. Those charges were dropped.

I think we can agree, the Bengals’ Frostee Rucker and A.J. Nicholson have quite the criminal record. The interesting thing is that neither of them have committed any crimes while on a NFL roster. Fortunately, the Cincinnati Bengals have that covered as well.

Wide receiver Chris Henry, a third round selection in the 2005 Draft, has been arrested four times since being drafted. First off, he was arrested for possession of marijuana. Then he went around waving a gun at a crowd of people. He has been arrested for a DUI. And finally, Chris Henry was arrested for providing three underage girls with alcohol. I must remind you, these are all unrelated incidents.

Even the face of their franchise, Chad Johnson, of whom I’m a fan, was arrested for a domestic incident with his girlfriend while attending Santa Monica College.

The thing is, Chad was able to learn from his mistake, and he became a better man after it. People like A.J. Nicholson, Frostee Rucker, and Chris Henry have proved they can’t control themselves.

With these latest selections, the Cincinnati Bengals have said they want to take the Portland Jailblazers approach to winning. They think it doesn’t matter if your team has good character, that they set an example for the community. They need to realize a team will never get behind them if they start playing with the equivalent of a prison squad.

A city’s support is nothing compared to team chemistry. I have a hard time believing a team can really mesh when they have a "me first, team second" attitude, which they surely have shown they possess when they sacrifice their team’s reputation by breaking the law. I ask you, do you think that Carson Palmer is ever going to socialize off the field with a receiver like Chris Henry like he does with his good pal Chad Johnson? I don’t think so.

Sure, I’m probably putting too much stock into character. Maybe it is because I get a kick out of watching my favorite team play greater than the sum of their parts. Or maybe because I just don’t like people like Frostee Rucker.

If you will look back to the exception to every rule, the team that won despite partying a little too much had one major thing going for them. They were head and shoulders better than their competition.

As fast and honestly as I can say Chris Henry has had a few run-ins with the law, I can say, the Bengals don’t have the talent to overcome character flaws.

Update: Just hours after I posted this story, I sit down to watch some ESPN and see that Bengals' middle linebacker Odell Thurman, a young defensive player they will be building around, has violated the NFL's substance abuse policy. Thurman will be suspended for the first four games of the year.

The Top Dog of Hot Dogs

2006-07-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

Takeru Kobayashi, the Michael Jordan of hot dog eating, once again won the "Nathan's Hot Dog Eating" contest with the world record of 53 3/4 dogs (in the 12 minute contest) beating his old record of 53 1/2 and winning his 6th straight "Nathan's Hot Dog" contest. This year, Kobayashi had some American talent to put himself up against.

Joey Chestnut, a second year veteran, set the American record of 52 dogs, the clostest any American has come to Kobayashi. Chestnut put hope in the American crowd (30,000) when he led Kobayashi by as many as 2 Coney dogs in parts of the competition. The crowd chanted "Joey! Joey!" throughout the "lunch".

Overall, the consistency and strategy of Takeru Kobayashi overtook Chestnut and by the tenth minute Chestnut found himself down a Coney dog and a half and could not make his way back. Kobayashi had a steady form of eating, which was called the "Double Tokyo Style", taking two hot dogs in one hand, munching them down, taking a swig of his drink, dipping the buns in his drink, and then eating them. Chestnut had a similar way of eating, but sped through with more cramming until becoming tired and slowing down.

Next year will be the year to watch. I think Chestnut will have a chance at winning the whole thing and finally de-throning Kobayashi. Until then, Takeru Kobayashi will still have the coveted "Mustard Belt".

Hinrich to Play for USA

2006-07-13T06:44:00.000-07:00

Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich will be joining Team USA for the tryout camp. Although he had previously declined an invitation, he was asked by Team USA management to reconsider. Hinrich, the Iowa native and former Kansas star, has agreed to play for the team.

When the list of players was announced, I wrote an article wondering why Hinrich was snubbed. Kirk is the epitome of the player the national team wants to build with. They have talked about needing players that can fill roles. That is exactly what Kirk Hinrich can do.

The 2004 Olympic team has some major holes. First off, they didn’t have good shooters. Hinrich fits the bill. Secondly, Stephon Marbury and Allen Iverson were the starting point guards; not exactly pass first type players. Luckily, Kirk Hinrich is able to find the open teammate. One of the major things that Kirk Hinrich will bring to the USA team is his defensive intensity. His looks may be unassuming, but he is one of the best perimeter defenders in the League. Dwyane Wade, who was able to tear apart some of the best defenses, was held in check for a large part of the Miami-Chicago series (as in check as anyone can hold Wade, that is).

From a Chicago fan’s perspective, I’m going to enjoy the respect he will (hopefully) start getting from the refs next season. If he becomes a breakout player on the national team, I wouldn’t be surprised to start hearing him mentioned as one of the best point guards in the League. Just think, Kirk Hinrich driving to the hole and actually drawing some fouls off the contact that he always receives. It will be heaven...

As for the USA team, I look forward to seeing the remaining pieces come together on the roster. It will be interesting to see if management actually stays to the "role player" guidelines. I can only hope that we are represented by a team instead of individual stars.

To close, I will let Andres Nocioni explain why Kirk Hinrich will help the team.

"This is good because on a national team you can't have 12 star players. You need
role players. Can't play with 12 star players. Too many want the ball, too many
want to play."

Sebastian the Great! Ha!

2006-07-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

Boston Celtics point guard Sebastian Telfair wants #31. Unfortunately, that number has been retired since December 15, 2003 in honor of Cedric "Cornbread" Maxwell. It is being reported that Telfair is going to all Maxwell to ask for permission to unretire the number, for time being .

We need to clarify something here. Sebastian Telfair has career averages of 8.1 points and 3.5 assists in 136 games. Let’s clarify, he is a decent backup, a below average starter at best.

Cedric Maxwell was a key contributor on two Celtics championship teams. Maxwell was the MVP of the 1981 Finals. He was a fan favorite. It can be argued whether he really deserves to have his number retired in the first place. (Seriously, do 22 players really deserve to have their numbers retired? That is an ungodly amount.)

Sebastian Telfair needs to get a clue before he starts running his mouth about how important #31 is to him. He has done nothing in his career to make a team unretire a jersey for him. He is just representing another one of the spoon-fed high school players that like any maturity whatsoever. (What?!? Stephon Marbury is his cousin! They act nothing alike! Please sprinkle those comments with a hint of sarcasm.)

I think I am expecting too much from Sebastian. I mean, this is the same guy that tried carrying a gun through airport security. That is portrayed as a complete idiot in the documentary Through the Fire. I mean, he lacks any class or intelligence.

Unfortunately, I won’t take that as an excuse for him needing #31. He should know that he is a nobody compared to Cornbread Maxwell. At the very least, his handlers should realize this isn’t helping his image at all, and yes, I’m looking at his "Stage Brother" in that situation.

I’m sure you all will agree with me, Karl Malone is exponentially better than Sebastian Telfair. And if you would recall, Karl Malone took #11 when he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. The reason? Magic Johnson’s #32 was retired. It didn’t matter that Magic told Karl Malone it was fine if he wore #32. Karl Malone realized the importance of a retired number.

(You decide whether that is a valid comparison. Personally, I would say the difference between Sebastian Telfair and Cornbread Maxwell is greater than the difference between Magic and the Mailman.)

One can only hope that Cornbread flat out laughs in Sebastian’s face. Hopefully he says, publically, "Who the hell do you think you are?" Hopefully, Sebastian never lives it down.

I would like to put Sebastian Telfair on notice. You are on the verge of becoming my most hated player in basketball. If you take that #1 spot, you will never get a break from the bashing on this site.

That can all be avoided if Sebastian Telfair starts to respect Boston Celtics history. When he starts to realize he isn’t in high school any more.
Essentially, when he grows up.

Danica to NASCAR?

2006-07-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

IRL “superstar” Danica Patrick is looking into a NASCAR career. T.J. Patrick, Danica’s father, was quoted at a recent NASCAR event saying they were in attendance because “we’ve had some inquiries.” Danica’s parents were seen touring the garage of Roush Racing. T.J. Patrick, who is also Danica Patrick’s agent, admitted interest, saying, “I’m trying to get her into NASCAR.”

To take Screamin’ A. Smith’s old line, quite frankly, Danica Patrick has no business being in NASCAR. Patrick, who’s only claim to fame is leading the Indy 500 and being a woman while doing it, has not even won a race on the IRL. What, at all, has she done to prove she should be driving on the most competitive circuit out there? Nothing, that is, outside of being female.

I’m all for a woman racing regularly in NASCAR, but her competitors have to believe she has business being there. I, personally, would be interested to find out how her fellow drivers would feel about the situation. Does anyone else get the feeling she would be looked down upon, not because she’s a woman, but because she is getting signed to a contract through fame? I mean, some of these guys have toiled for years in the lower echelon circuits to finally get a chance to race in NASCAR, for some even though it is only spot starts here and there.

Hopefully Danica’s handlers don’t rush this situation. In my eyes, the best thing they could do is to take it slow. She needs to win on the IRL in an effort to earn the respect of fellow drivers. She can’t get by on the fact that she was the only woman to lead a lap at the Indy 500.

You wonder, how would Danica do if she were to jump up to NASCAR next season? I’m willing to bet she wouldn’t be very good. It’s not a knock against her, but she hasn’t raced against top competition.

Personally, I would love to see Tony Stewart give Danica a love tap...

...that is, if she doesn’t earn her spot.

Going Out In Style

2006-07-09T19:24:00.000-07:00

Up until the 110th minute of the World Cup, Zinedine Zidane was playing his last World Cup tournament the way it should be played. He already had a penalty kick goal. He had been capturing the world's eye as the biggest story of this year's World Cup. Everyone seemed to be on his side. He was a true hero. Then, he did what most heroes wouldn't do...lost control of his temper.

During a free kick in overtime of the tied game with Italy (1-1), Zinedine Zidane and Italian player Marco Materazzi had an exchange of words. It seemed that Zidane did not like what Materazzi was saying to him. Zidane jogged ahead of Materazzi and then when the free kick was kicked high in the air, Materazzi watched and at that time Zidane turned around and bullrushed Materazzi, giving him a headbutt viciously into the sternum. This concluded with an automatic red card and Zidane was ejected, leaving the stadium with his head down. Not the best departure a legend could make his last game if I do say so myself.

When I watched this I didn't see it, the announcers didn't even see it. The T.V. camera didn't have the two in picture because it occurred on the other side of the field. The announcers just said, "Another Italian player is down." I figured it was just another flop, like it had been before, but then they showed Zidane barreling through Materazzi head first.

Three things were going through my head. One-Zidane should quit futbol and play football. Two- Ouch! Three- This is going to ruin Zidane's reputation, considering it is his last international game. The man who came out of retirement to help France qualify ended the miracle with a red card. He had already announced his second retirement prior to the World Cup. On top of it all, France lost the game.

Not the way to go, Zinedine. The thing I want to know is what Zidane and Marco Materazzi were saying...

If you want to see the headbutt clip, click on the picture in this article. It's a link to the video clip.

Ashley Acting Like a Girl

2006-07-09T08:06:00.000-07:00

Denver Broncos wide receiver Ashley Lelie is skipping mandatory practices while demanding a trade. Lelie, the 19th pick in the 2002 NFL Draft, feels he should be the #1 receiver over incumbents like Rod Smith and Javon Walker. Last year, I backed up Javon Walker in his hold out, but in my eyes, this is completely different.

Ashley Lelie hasn’t even come close to proving he is #1 material. He feels that, because he was a first round draft prick – I mean pick – he should be handed the starting job. Ashley – what kind of name is that – does have blazing speed. Unfortunately, just because he is fast doesn’t mean he is better than NFL great Rod Smith.

Lelie is a member of the group of players I hate; the ones that think they will be handed everything after the draft, the ones that feel they don’t have anything left to improve, the ones that run their mouths talking about their college game. I’m sure we all know the players I’m talking about, in every sport.

The annoying aspect of this situation is that Ashley Lelie thinks he is a great player. But the thing is, in my eyes, he is the third receiver on the Broncos. Rod Smith, despite getting up there in age, and Javon Walker, despite the injury, are both better players. And now, having received the playing time Lelie would have had in the practices, Darius Watts is proving that he is a good player. If Ashley doesn’t watch out, he might be the #4 receiver on this team.

What I sense from Ashley Lelie is that he is afraid of competition. He is afraid to be in a battle for playing time. He would prefer going to a team in need of a wide receiver, oh, say Atlanta, and just be handed the job without a fight. He is insecure in his abilities. He is thinking, What if I lose the job?

I will answer that question. You will be in no worse of a situation than you are now. No team wants to touch you and your prima donna ways. But if you did lose your job, you wouldn’t be in a position to get that big paycheck you will be looking for next off-season. Let me guess, you’re thinking a team won’t want to pay millions for a #3 receiver, right?

Well, I can say this. No NFL team wants to pay a player Keyshawn Johnson type money who has a Terrell Owens type attitude with Jabar Gaffney type skills.

And do you want to know how I can prove it? Look at Freddie Mitchell, better known as Fred-Ex.

Do yourself a favor and get back to into camp.

For Third Place at the World Cup

2006-07-09T07:27:00.000-07:00

Germany once again showed the world in a 3-1 win that the Italy game was just a fluke. As the saying goes, "One game changes everything," but even more important is the Portuguese captain, Luis Figo, 33, announced his retirement from international football. In the Portuguese's games that I had seen, the name Figo always was the one I heard the most so I can realize the impact this alone will have on their team.

Luis Figo joined Portugal soccer when he was 18 and since then has played in 127 matches and scored 32 goals. Figo also played at two clubs in Spain, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Figo wasn't the only one that announced his retirement from international play following their loss against Germany. Portuguese striker, Pauleta, also is ending his career. Pauleta was Portugal's leading goal scorer, 47 goals in 87 appearances, but he never did well in international tournaments.

A third possible loss for Portugal is their coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari, is also thinking about leaving. Scolari lead Brazil, his native country, to a first place finish at the World Cup in 2002. Scolari says, "He needs a few days to ponder his future."

It just goes to show how important a loss can be in the World Cup.

When Owners Attack

2006-07-07T21:21:00.000-07:00

I have sympathy for the fans of the Atlanta Hawks.

No, it isn’t because they haven’t fielded a good team in years, nor due to the lack of knowledge exhibited by their management. Chris Paul isn't even the reason.

All of my sorrow for the Atlanta Hawks is because of one man, one co-owner named Steve Belkin.

Belkin, who has started several legal battles with several other Hawks owners, won a case last month that gives him the ability to buy out several of the owners. But while those fellow owners will be appealing the case.

The thing is, during the appeal, the Hawks will be unable to sign players to multi-year deals out of worry that the moves would decrease the value of the franchise. The ruling by this judge, who obviously doesn’t know anything about the workings of basketball, effectively screws Atlanta’s ability to make moves this off-season (although they will be allowed to sign Speedy Claxton to a previously agreed upon deal since it came before the ruling),

What free agent would honestly be willing to sign a single year deal with the Hawks? Let's be honest, the players that would are probably just trying to make it in the NBA. The Hawks really have no chance to improve through free agency because of this ruling.

Even further evidence of the potential downfall in the situation is that the Hawks will be unable to re-sign forward Al Harrington, assuming Belkin himself is unwilling to make the move. That means the Hawks, who reportedly had planned on offering him in a sign-and-trade, are stuck in a situation where they lose a valuable player that could have fetched some good talent in return.

I can’t wait until the day Atlanta gets out of the cellar, just to give their fans the chance to feel success. I hope Al Harrington is allowed to be signed. I look forward to the day the ass Steve Belkin leaves.

As it is now, the Hawks are being attacked by their own owner.

(And to think, I’m not even an Atlanta fan.)

The Next Big Sport

2006-07-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

Soccer is usually not the most talked about sport in the US of A. This is starting to turn around. Maybe it is just the feeling of the FIFA World Cup that is making me think this, but it seems to me that soccer is becoming more and more popular. Back in the day, rarely (if at all), a person would turn on the T.V. and see a soccer match.

Thanks to ESPN and ABC, this is starting to happen. Now, every saturday (or so) there is a MLS match, Major League Soccer (might as well be Minor League Soccer for as much publicity it gets), on ESPN2. There is usually one on Saturday on ABC sometimes, too. I know, this isn't much, but it has come a long way from just nothing at all on T.V. The two stations are pioneers of soccer and I encourage soccer 110%.

I know what you are thinking, "soccer is boring, usually no one even scores at all!". Well that is why soccer is exciting. It is 90 minutes of hard-nosed competition. When there is a goal, it is so powerful, so moving, it can make or break a team. The whole game changes. Most countries live and die soccer. We don't. Nobody even knows who some of the dominant club teams or players outside the country are, along with most MLS teams.

People complain that the NBA is boring because there is no defense so it's just a game of high scoring. Then they complain that soccer is boring because the game has defense so it's low scoring. The bottomline is that soccer is growing. It is up there with the most exciting sports. Learn the game, and love it.

Saturday July 8th- Houston Dynamo vs. Chivas USA 4:00 p.m (CT) ESPN 2
Saturday July 8th- 3rd Place WC Game: Portugal vs. Germany 1:55 p.m. (CT) ESPN***
Sunday July 9th- World Cup Final: ITALY VS. FRANCE 12:30 p.m. (CT) ABC***
Saturday July 15th- Chicago Fire vs. FC Dallas 3:00 p.m. (CT) ESPN 2
Saturday July 22nd- Columbus Crew vs. Los Angeles Galaxy 3:00 p.m. (CT) ESPN2
*** = great matchups
Watch this, it's amazing when you figure it all out...

Dwyane Wade=King In His Class?

2006-07-07T19:05:00.000-07:00

After the NBA Finals, the title "King of Basketball" moved from LeBron to D-Wade. Now it's Dwyane Wade that is the next MJ. This makes me feel a bit sick, if I do say so myself. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade both came out of the 2003 Draft (yet we forget LeBron is several years younger). If I had to pick a player for my team, D-Wade or LeBron, I would go with "Bron Bron" in a heartbeat. The only thing that possibly puts Wade above James, though it shouldn't based off of given the circumstances, is that Wade has a ring.

The circumstances I am talking about is that look at the teams they play for. Wade is on a better team than LeBron. You can not tell me that the Cavs are better than the Heat. The Heat have the most dominant center in the NBA, Shaq, while the Cavs have an injury proned Zydrunas Ilgauskas. The Heat also have more productive players in their line-up and on the bench compared to the Cavs (not getting too far in depth about the stuff we already know). There is no doubt if LeBron was on the Heat that they would have won. I don't know if the Cavs would have gotten as far as they did in the playoffs with Dwyane Wade leading them instead of Lebron James.

I didn't choose writing this because I hate Dwyane Wade, I don't like LeBron the best. I wrote it because I am a concerned NBA fan. I will let you decide what to say in it, here's some things to keep in mind.

LeBron James- 31.4 PPG; 7.0 RPG; 6.6 APG; .480FG%; .335 3P%
Dwyane Wade- 27.2 PPG; 5.7 RPG; 6.7 APG; .495FG%; .171 3P%

Who did that without Shaq?

Days Numbered for Dusty

2006-07-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

Chicago Cubs’ general manager Jim Hendry announced that he would be evaluating the performance of manager Dusty Baker over the All-Star break. Hendry also said he would look at players he feels have a position on the team in the future.

As for Dusty, he said he feels confident in his abilities; he emphasized his which led me to believe he was questioning his players.

Many baseball fans think Dusty shouldn’t be fired. Even ESPN.com’s resident racist Scoop Jackson wrote an article in the past saying the journalists in Chicago were racist for suggesting Dusty should be fired.

They say the Cubs suck because of the injuries to Mark Prior and Kerry Wood.

I say, that is exactly why Dusty Baker should be fired. All you have to do is look back at the run the Cubs made in 2003. Prior and Wood would go over 100 pitches in every game; often times in 120s. Dusty Baker’s managing style sacrificed the future’s of two aces because of the "win now" mentality. And no, I’m not looking at this in hindsight. I was saying, even at the time, that their pitch counts were going to be a problem.

I’ll admit, I can’t blame Dusty completely for the way Kerry Wood has turned out. He had arm troubles his entire career, even before Dusty came into the picture. The thing is, when you know one of your top pitchers – who utilizes power to be successful – has a history of arm problems, wouldn’t it be wise to bring him out after 130 pitches?

Likewise, Mark Prior was rushed back from injuries. When you have a dominating young talent like Prior, I would think one would be overly cautious when nursing him back to health. The one thing we know, the original injuries suffered by Mark were unusual.

Maybe I’m acting as a bitter fan, but Dusty needs to be fired. I would forget about Prior and Wood if the team was actually playing fundamental baseball. Sure, they aren’t quite playing on the level of tee ballers, but Little Leaguers wouldn’t be that much of a stretch. (OK, it is, but you get the point that they have been playing sloppy.)

Thankfully, the days seem numbered for Dusty Baker.

But hopefully it is just the start of a major house cleaning.

Jose on the Move?

2006-07-05T13:12:00.000-07:00

own The once atleast semi-proud Jose Canseco is requesting a trade after just one game with the San Diego Surf Dogs of the Golden Baseball League. The child custody arrangement regarding his daughter has been altered. Canseco’s daughter will be spending the rest of the summer with Jose, so he will need to be in Los Angeles area. Yeah, this story just reaffirms the "sensitive side" of Jose Canseco, the one you only get to see on fine programming like VH1's the "Surreal Life."

The former MVP debuted on Monday, going 0-3 with three strikeouts. The outing led to taunts from fans, including the ever original saying, "Hey, Jose, these aren’t even Major League pitchers." In another interesting matter, a comment by my brother was confirmed; Jose Canseco will indeed become a part time pitcher for which ever minor league team is lucky enough to win his services.

Personally, I would love to be in attendance for a Jose Canseco minor league outing. The hecklers would be unreal – and probably fairly audible. Of course, Jose would probably be too busy making a fool of himself to hear anything the fans say. Whenever I make an error I can just look back to that play he made – or shall I say didn’t make – with Texas and say, "Well, at least I didn’t take that fly ball off the head and allow a home run." See, the sensitive Jose is always making people feel good.

Another great aspect of Jose’s minor league stint is that he will provide some good quotes. I loved the Major League Baseball and the Mafia comparison. There isn’t much better than that.

In related news, his opinion that the Commissioner’s Office needs a shake up (and a little help from the Dan Patrick/David Stern argument at the Draft) has led me to the idea of writing an article picking my commish. Stay tuned, it will probably come on a slow news day.

Big Ben Joining the Bulls

2006-07-03T18:51:00.000-07:00

Former Detroit Pistons center and reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year Ben Wallace is signing with the Chicago Bulls. The deal is reportedly worth $52 million over the course of four years. (Update: ESPN is now reporting $60 million over four years).

At this moment, I can picture Bull diehards dancing in the streets while basking in their glory.

This signing – although not yet official – will go a long way towards making the Bulls a true title contender. Yes, you read that correctly, they will be in contention for a NBA Championship. I dare to say the Bulls could have beat the Heat had Ben Wallace been on the roster. They had nobody able to defender strong players like Shaq; Tyson "Twig" Chandler got eaten alive.

Ben Wallace will help improving Chicago’s respectability. More so than anything, respect from the refs will be huge. With a star player like Big Ben, Shaq won’t be able to throw so many elbows.

The fact that this deal is worth only $4 million more than the Pistons’ 4 year, $48 million offer shows me he had a real problem with Flip Saunders’ coaching style. Ben Wallace knows that Scott Skiles is going to be stressing defense while still running on offense.

Of course, withall great moves, there are still some down sides. Critics, and I am included in this group, say his game rapidly declining. I feel he will only be a shadow of himself by the time his deal is complete; Wallace will be 36 years old.

In addition, Chicago needs a post scorer. They do still have around $6 million in cap space, but most quality big men are overpriced (the oft injured Nene just signed a 6 year, $60 million contract). There have been rumors that Chicago already has a deal involving Tyson Chandler allowing for the acquisition of a more offensive oriented post player. Depending on who you believe, Tyson might be on the move in trades to get PJ Brown and JR Smith from the Hornets or Troy Murphy of the Warriors.

To me, what can’t be overlooked in this trade is the example Ben Wallace will be setting for Tyrus Thomas and, if Chicago keeps him, Tyson Chandler. They both will be able to learn how to be a defensive stopper from a multiple time winner of the Defensive Player of the Year award. By the time this contract is up, I could see Tyrus Thomas being Ben Wallace Version 2.0.

For now, Chicago will have to feel very good about their roster. The depth is truly incredible; and young. I frequent RealGM message boards, and trust me, teams are worried about the Chicago Bulls of the future (there is quite a bit of talk about how "scary" they will be). They have four young players on the verge of stardom (Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich, Andres Nocioni, and, to a lesser extent, Luol Deng) to go with Tyrus Thomas, Thabo Sefolosha, Chris Duhon, Tyson Chandler, Michael Sweetney, and now Ben Wallace.

Sorry for going in a tangent there at the end, but I have to go dance in the street!

SS&B All-Star Game Selections

2006-07-03T14:50:00.000-07:00

The 2006 MLB All-Star Game rosters were announced on Sunday. The game, which is being held in Pittsburgh this year, still will determine which league as home field advantage in the upcoming World Series.

I have decided – since the fan voting and manager selections didn’t do some players justice – to name my own SS&B All-Star teams for both the American League and National League. I will have a different policy in selecting the teams though. Here are some of the changes...

1. Instead of just naming three outfield starters regardless of their actual position, I will name a starter at left field, center field, and right field.

2. Not every team must have a representative, eliminating a player like Mark Redman from being placed on the roster despite sporting a 5.65 earned run average.

3. Even though the game is being played in a National League park, I will have a position for the designated hitter.

4. The rosters will be scaled down. Each position will have a single backup. Three starting pitchers to a roster.

Now, here are my starting lineup cards.

American League

Starters
1. RF- Ichiro Suzuki; Seattle
Key stats: Batting Average: .359 HR: 6 RBI: 30
Statement: Ichiro is the prototypical lead off hitter while playing a great right field.

2. C- Joe Mauer; Minnesota
Key stats: Batting Average: .392 HR: 5 RBI: 40
Statement: He is everything you would expect out of a number two hitter; he has a high on base percentage and puts the ball in play. Joe is underrated defensively.

3. DH- David Ortiz; Boston
Keys stats: Batting Average: .276 HR: 26 RBI: 75
Statement: Ortiz provides the pop you expect out of your three hitter. Thankfully, we have a DH.

4. LF- Manny Ramirez; Boston
Keys stats: Batting Average: .309 HR: 22 RBI: 60
Statement: Started the season slowly, but has really ended the first half on fire.

5. 1B- Paul Konerko; Chicago
Keys stats: Batting Average: .314 HR: 20 RBI: 63
Statement: Paulie is one of the keys to the Chicago attack. He isn’t spectacular on defense.

6. CF- Vernon Wells; Toronto
Keys stats: Batting Average: .315 HR: 20 RBI: 62
Statement: Vernon Wells has always been severely overlooked. He plays great defense in centerfield.

7. 3B- Joe Crede; Chicago
Keys stats: Batting Average: .303 HR: 16 RBI: 57
Statement: Crede has just started coming into his own this season. Defense is one of his strong points.

8. SS- Derek Jeter; New York
Keys stats: Batting Average: .339 HR: 5 RBI: 47
Statement: I’ve never been a big fan of Jeter. Unfortunately, there weren’t any other shortstops good enough to take his job. He is overrated though.

9. 2B- Jose Lopez; Seattle
Keys stats: Batting Average: .282 HR: 9 RBI: 57
Statement: Thankfully, Ozzie Guillen did name him to the team. Very good offensively for a second baseman, but he plays a gold glove defense.

Starting Pitcher- Francisco Liriano; Minnesota
Key stats: Record: 9-1 ERA: 1.99 Strikeouts: 94
Statement: Liriano had better make the All-Star team through the final vote. It’s not like he was just called up; he had nine saves before moving into the rotation.

Bench
1B- Justin Morneau; Minnesota
It was a close call between Morneau and Lyle Overbay. Their averages are pretty even, so I gave the deciding factor towards the home runs.

2B- Mark Loretta; Boston
He probably wouldn’t be on the roster if Robinson Cano wasn’t injured. Mark is have a good year, though.

SS- Michael Young; Texas
I would have liked to have given him the starting nod over Jeter, but he just wasn’t there offensively. Michael Young is pretty consistent.

3B- Alex Rodriguez; New York
Yankee fans, shut up with the A-Rod bashing. Believe it or not, he is better than your beloved Derek Jeter. I’ll save that for another day.

CF- Grady Sizemore; Cleveland
The center field race between Sizemore and Gary Matthews, Junior was close. I just wonder how much of an advantage Matthews gets by playing in Texas.

RF- Jermaine Dye; Chicago
Jermaine Dye has always been one of the most overlooked players in the league. He is the epitome of a team player. If we were going by the current All-Star rules, he would be one of my three starters.

LF- Carl Crawford; Tampa Bay
Crawford is a huge threat to steal a base. He is improving on his power. Look out in a few years.

C- Kenji Johjima; Seattle
Kenji is having a very good year after coming over from Japan. And no, I didn't forget about AJ Pierzynski or Ivan Rodriguez.

DH- Jim Thome; Chicago
Chicago has been transformed from a small ball team to a power team just with the addition of Jim Thome. It’s nice to see him healthy again.

P- Johan Santana; Minnesota
He has nasty stuff. Can’t wait to see the combo of Santana and Liriano for years to come.

P- Roy Halladay; Toronto
Roy is always one of the best pitchers in the league. This year is no different.

National League

Starters
1. SS- Jose Reyes; New York
Keys stats: Batting Average: .291 HR: 8 RBI: 39
Statement: One of the most electrifying players in the league, but I’m sure you already knew that from ESPN’s blatant pimping of him (kinda like I do for Joe Mauer, except Mauer never gets it from anyone else).

2. CF- Carlos Beltran; New York
Keys stats: Batting Average: .293 HR: 24 RBI: 64
Statement: Carlos is finally getting accustomed to New York. Just think if he wasn’t hurt towards the beginning of the season.

3. 1B- Albert Pujols; St. Louis
Keys stats: Batting Average: .320 HR: 27 RBI: 72
Statement: If only he didn’t get hurt! Well, I guess Hack Wilson isn’t going to have to worry about his record until next year.

4. DH- Ryan Howard; Philadelphia
Keys stats: Batting Average: .284 HR: 28 RBI: 69
Statement: And you wondered why the Phillies traded Jim Thome?

5. LF- Carlos Lee; Milwaukee
Keys stats: Batting Average: .284 HR: 25 RBI: 66
Statement: Just think of the hype that would be surrounding him if he didn’t play in Milwaukee. He is a big time player.

6. 3B- David Wright; New York
Keys stats: Batting Average: .324 HR: 18 RBI: 66
Statement: Wright is a great, young third baseman. Hopefully he doesn’t turn into a Jeter like figure.

7. 2B- Chase Utley; Philadelphia
Keys stats: Batting Average: .300 HR: 16 RBI: 49
Statement: Chase is going to be a mainstay at second base for the National League All-Star team in the future.

8. RF- Bobby Abreu; Philadelphia
Keys stats: Batting Average: .290 HR: 8 RBI: 57
Statement: Wondering why Bobby Abreu is my All-Star starter? National League right fielders suck this season. There were a plethora of left fielders to choose from if I was doing this MLB’s way.

9. C- Brian McCann; Atlanta
Keys stats: Batting Average: .354 HR: 5 RBI: 23
Statement: What is it with all of these young catchers? McCann is starting his career off hot.

Starting Pitcher- Brandon Webb; Arizona
Key stats: Record: 9-3 ERA: 2.72 Strikeouts: 97
Statement: This year has been a resurgence for Webb. It will be interesting to see if he’s still in the race for the Cy Young at the end of the year.

Bench
1B- Lance Berkman; Houston
First base was stacked for the NL this year, and Berkman edged out Nomar Garciaparra.

2B- Dan Uggla; Florida
Dan Uggla is having a great rookie season. I would have been fine with Brandon Phillips in this position.

SS- Edgar Renteria; Atlanta
Shortstop isn’t a deep position for the NL. Renteria is going back to his St. Louis form for the Braves.

3B- Miguel Cabrera; Florida
Don’t let the batting average fool you. Although Pittsburgh’s Freddy Sanchez is hitting quite a bit higher, Cabrera still has a higher on base percentage. Just think if he had some protection in the Florida lineup.

CF- Andruw Jones; Atlanta
It seems like we always overlook defense when we chose our All-Star teams. Even though Jones isn’t having as good of a season as his last, his defense is still spectacular.

RF- Jacque Jones; Chicago
Remember what I said about the National League right fielders? It’s sad when Jacque Jones is the second best right fielder in any league.

LF- Matt Holliday; Colorado
Often overlooked, but he is having a huge season for the Rockies. I still wonder how much of it is Coors Field.

C- Michael Barrett
Barrett is one of the few bright spots for the Cubs this year.

DH- Alfonso Soriano; Washington
After refusing to move to the outfield early in the year, Alfonso sure has made the most of the change. With the overload of left fielders, I had to move him to DH.

P- Bronson Arroyo; Cincinnati
Arroyo has had a great year for the Reds after being exchanged for Wily Mo Pena.

P- Brad Penny; Los Angeles
Penny is one of the better pitchers in the league when he is healthy.

My rosters are complete. If you have a bone to pick with my selections, leave a comment or e-mail me at sportssphereandbeyond@yahoo.com. You can discuss this topic in the SS&B Forum as well.

Draft Reactions, Ramblings & Reviews

2006-07-02T08:37:00.000-07:00

Even though the NFL Draft is considered the king of drafts by most sports fans, no draft in professional sports allows for as immediate of an impact as the NBA’s. That is probably the reason I’m such a sucker for the NBA Draft.

I have decided to offer my reactions and reviews of each team’s draft. Along with that, there will be some random ramblings about the draft coverage presented by ESPN. For these purposes, I will just evaluate the players a team acquired, so trades will not change a team’s grade. When dishing out the grades, I will mainly take into account needs and the value of player they got based on where they were selecting.

I will offer a separate section regarding the trades towards the end.

Atlanta Hawks
Selections: Duke PF Shelden Williams (#5), S. Florida PF Solomon Jones (#33)
Reaction: I don’t think Atlanta got great value out of Shelden Williams at #5. I still think they could have used a point guard like Randy Foye, but understand they want to replace ZaZa Pachulia in their front court. I’m not a big fan of Solomon Jones, especially considering players like Paul Davis, Alexander Johnson, Paul Millsap, and James Augustine – all potential first rounders – were available.
Grade: C+

Boston Celtics
Selections: Kentucky PG Rajon Rondo (#21), California PF Leon Powe (#49)
Reaction: The Celtics had a pretty solid draft. I like Rajon Rondo; he is a great defender. The only negative aspect of the pick is that Marcus Williams was still on the board. Powe will be one of those second rounders that will stick around. I could see him having a Ryan Gomes-like impact next season.
Grade: B

Charlotte Bobcats
Selections: Gonzaga SF Adam Morrison (#3), UCLA C Ryan Hollins (#50)
Reaction: The pick-up of Adam Morrison at #3 was one of the better moves in the draft. I like that the Bobcats are going after successful collegiate athletes. The core being built in Charlotte has a chance to become "super sensational" (I know, bad Dickie V impression, but I had to, they are in North Carolina). I do have a slight question about the position Adam will play for the Bobcats; Gerald Wallace is almost exclusively a 3, and Ammo isn’t athletic enough to play the 2. I don’t expect that to be a huge problem though. As for their second pick, I guess there weren’t any better centers selected after him, but I’m just not a big fan of the underachieving seniors that great drafted on the sole basis that they are tall.
Grade: A-

Chicago Bulls
Selections: LSU PF Tyrus Thomas (#4), Swiss SG Thabo Sefolosha (#13)
Reaction: This was a very good draft for the Bulls. Their biggest in this draft was scoring out of their front court. Unfortunately, there really weren’t any true post scorers in this draft. Considering that, Tyrus Thomas has the potential to become a game changer in the front court. He fits into the Skiles mentality, something LaMarcus Aldridge didn’t have the capabilities of doing. In addition, I’m a big fan of Thabo. He is considered the top perimeter defender in this draft, and that was the Bulls’ second biggest need coming into the draft. Chicago drafted very good players to compliment their young core.
Grade: A

Cleveland Cavaliers
Selections: Michigan State SG Shannon Brown (#25), Texas PG Daniel Gibson (#42), Nigerian PF Ejike Ugboaja (#55)
Reaction: Shannon Brown will go a long way towards improving the scoring in the back court. Athletically, he is a huge step up over current starter Eric Snow. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him starting for the Cavs Daniel Gibson will be a quality shooter off the bench, and LeBron will allow him to play off the ball (which is great for all involved considering his point skills are lacking, to say the least). Ugboaja will most likely be another foreign player that stays overseas; doesn’t make much of an impact either way.
Grade: B+

Dallas Mavericks
Selections: Michigan State SG Maurice Ager (#28), George Washington SG JR Pinnock (#58)
Reaction: Maurice Ager was a steal at #28. Many experts had him as a late lottery to mid first rounder. I would look for him to have a huge impact; he is a very good shooter, a good athlete, and plays solid defense. He could have a nice impact for Dallas if they decide to move Marquis Daniels. As for Pinnock, there really aren’t many good players you can get with the third to last pick in the draft. If I wanted to get picky, I would say West Virginia’s Mike Gansey would have been a better selection.
Grade: B

Denver Nuggets
Selections: None
Reaction: They traded their picks.
Grade: None

Detroit Pistons
Selections: Senegal C Chiekh Samb (#51)Iowa State PG Will Blalock (#60)
Reaction: Samb is a still fairly raw, but he is typical of a late second rounder. It is not too often you see the last player picked in any draft have the potential to make an impact for a team, especially considering that team is a championship contender, but Will Blalock could be one of those players. Blalock is a quick point guard of the traditional styling. He could realistically see some playing team depending on how Lindsay Hunter plays.
Grade: B+ (Remember, the position they are drafting at is taken into account)

Golden State Warriors
Selections: Bradley C Patrick O’Bryant (#9), Croatian C Kosta Perovic (#38)
Reactions: Patrick O’Bryant is an interesting character. He is one of those guys that came completely out of nowhere in the NCAA Tournament. His claim to fame seems to be dominating Pittsburgh’s Aaron Gray, so I’m really uncertain where to stand on him. The one thing you know you will be getting out of him is good shot blocking, so he already is an improvement over Adonal Foyle. He’s got tremendous potential though, and considering Saer Sene was drafted with the next pick, Golden State got good value out of the pick. On the other hand, Kosta Perovic – and I’ll admit I don’t know much about him – isn’t that great of a pick at #38. ESPN’s coverage said he has no chance of making the NBA, so take that for what it’s worth. They always say you can’t teach big (7-2). There were still some more proven players (as proven as a draftee can be) on the board at that point, so I am questioning this pick.
Grade: C+

Houston Rockets
Selections: Marquette SF Steve Novak (#32), Israeli PF Lior Eliyahu (#44)
Reaction: I think the Steve Novak is a great pick; #32 is where you should be drafting a shooting specialist (not #11, but I’ll get to that soon enough). He is going to open up the floor for Yao since teams will have to protect against his three point shooting. As for Lior, he was drafted ahead of a player like Alexander Johnson (among others who have been previously mentioned). For that reason, and that ESPN’s foreign analyst informed it is unlikely he will ever be in the NBA, I’m not a fan of this pick.
Grade: B-

Indiana Pacers
Selections: Memphis SF Shawne Williams (#17), Cincinnati SG James White (#31)
Reaction: I’m not a big fan of the Shawne Williams selection. Danny Granger has the 3 spot solidified for years to come. I don’t understand where Williams fits. The James White acquisition is a good one. He is the type of player that will thrive in the NBA. If he doesn’t develop the rest of his game, he will still get by on athleticism alone ( a la Desmond Mason).
Grade: C

Los Angeles Clippers
Selections: Michigan State PF Paul Davis (#34), Miami SG Guillermo Diaz (#52)
Reaction: The Clippers had an excellent draft considering they had no first rounders. They were able to get two first round caliber players who should fit in nicely. Paul Davis, despite not really having excellent potential, is a going to be a solid player given the minutes he will receive. As for Guillermo Diaz, he is extremely athletic. He would have been drafted near the lottery had he been 6-6 as apposed to 6-2.
Grade: A

Los Angeles Lakers
Selections: UCLA PG Jordan Farmar (#26)
Reaction: Farmar was the only pick for the Lakers, but they made it count. They finally have a point guard to replace Smush Parker (especially after his melt down in the playoffs). He is deceptively athletic, and will fit in perfectly with Kobe since he doesn’t demand the ball. Very good move by the Lakers.
Grade: A-

Memphis Grizzlies
Selections: Connecticut SF Rudy Gay (#8), Villanova PG Kyle Lowry (#24), Florida State PF Alexander Johnson (#45)
Reaction: This was probably the best draft out of all the teams. They acquired the best player in the draft skills wise (that is, not counting his "mentality") in Rudy Gay. He will go a long way towards improving the athleticism alongside Pau Gasol. Kyle Lowry is going to be a very good, tough, fast point guard of the future for the Grizz. Throw in the fact that they acquired the ultra-athletic Alexander Johnson in the second round (many outlets had him going as high as #16). Together, the three combine to become the best group of draftees for any team.
Grade: A+++

Miami Heat
Selections: None
Reaction: Their pick was traded as part of the package to get Shaq.
Grade: None

Milwaukee Bucks
Selections: UNC SF David Noel (#39), Croatian PF Damir Markota (#59)
Reaction: It wasn’t that exciting of a draft for the Bucks. I’m not at all excited about David Noel; Hassan Adams would have been a better pick. As for Damir Markota, he is your usual two to last pick in a draft. I have read some decent mentions about him though, so there is always a chance.
Grade: C

Minnesota Timberwolves
Selections: Villanova PG Randy Foye (#7), Boston College PF Craig Smith (#36), Greek C L. Mavrokefalidis (#57)
Reaction: Randy Foye will go a long way towards replacing Marco Jaric as a starter. I have a feeling Minnesota took Foye to please KG with a NBA ready player. I liked the drafting of Craig Smith; I don’t care that he is undersized, he will be a beast off the bench. He is just so strong. I can’t help but thinking what he would be like if he was 6-11 (I can’t imagine the hype that would be surrounding him) even if he had produced the same stats in college. I can’t believe I’m rooting against someone just because of their name, but I hope "LM" never makes the League (just to save the guys that have to write out the box scores some trouble). That is a long name.
Grade: B

New Jersey Nets
Selections: Connecticut PG Marcus Williams (#22), Connecticut PF Josh Boone (#23), Arizona SF Hassan Adams (#54)
Reaction: Thank god someone jumped on Marcus Williams. The Nets were able to get a steal and Jason Kidd Junior at the same time. Josh Boone is going to be a big help in the post (needless to say, Cliff Robinson is on his last leg). Adams was a steal at #54 as well. He is just extremely athletic and good defensively.
Grade: A

New Orleans Hornets
Selections: Connecticut PF Hilton Armstrong (#12), North Carolina State PF Cedric Simmons (#15), Brazilian SF Marcus Vinicius (#43)
Reaction: I will say this, I hate Hilton Armstrong. I almost puked when I heard Jay Bilas bash Saer Sene for being unproven, yet only two picks later say Hilton Armstrong had great potential. Hilton Armstrong is a college senior. In his breakout year he averaged under 10 points, and a little over 6 rebounds. That is pathetic, yet he is a lottery pick?!? I can’t wait until he turns out to be a bust. On the other hand, Cedric Simmons was never much of an option in the NC State offense, but was able to get his points. He is going to be an impact on defense. Vinicius was a very good pick at #43.
Grade: C- (Take that Hilton Armstrong.)

New York Knicks
Selections: South Carolina SF Renaldo Balkman (#20), Temple SG Mardy Collins (#29)
Reaction: Thank you, Isiah, for giving us (the Bulls) a better chance at the Greg Oden sweepstakes next year. Renaldo Balkman was so mediocre he didn’t even start all of the time on a NIT team. Renaldo Balkman was a stretch to even be drafted. Renaldo Balkman is not a good thing for Isiah Thomas’ future. (Oh, and I loved the entire "Phoenix was going to take him if we didn’t" claim. Nice try, but you didn’t fool me!) Mardy Collins is a solid pick, but I just don’t see him getting much run.
Grade: F-

Orlando Magic
Selections: Duke SG JJ Redick (#11), Illinois PF James Augustine (#43)
Reaction: I have a bone to pick with JJ and he backers (that means Jay Bilas, Dickie V, among others). If a player, oh, say Rodney Carney, was arrested for a DUI, would you guys still try saying he has impeccable character? Would you still say it was an isolated incident? I highly doubt it. Throw in his bad back (which can become a nagging injury, just ask T-Mac). Plus, I am of the opinion a specialist isn’t drafted in the lottery. You take the shooting specialists in the second round (a la Kyle Korver a few years ago, Steve Novak this year). Factor all of that together, and you get what, in my opinion, turns out to be a bad pick. James Augustine is going to be a steal at #43. He is an athletic big man that can rebound.
Grade: B-

Philadelphia 76ers
Selections: Memphis SG Rodney Carney (#16), Washington SG Bobby Jones (#37), Bosnian C Eden Bavcic (#56)
Reaction: I don’t really see the need for a Rodney Carney at this point. AI (the younger version) is basically a better version of Rodney Carney (without the shooting ability, but with better defense). Kind of a bad move unless they trade AI (the old version). As for Bobby Jones, there is always a spot for a great defender. When talking about Bavcic, I need only insert tolken "it’s late 2nd round" comment.
Grade: D+

Phoenix Suns
Selections: None
Reaction: They sold both first round picks for cash.
Grade: None

Portland Trailblazers
Selections: Texas PF LaMarcus Aldridge (#2), Washington SG Brandon Roy (#6), Spanish PG Sergio Rodriguez (#27), English PF Joel Freeland
Reaction: The Blazers were able to get two of my top 3 players in this draft. Brandon Roy is going to be a great fit in the Pacific Northwest. LaMarcus Aldridge will offer very good scoring in the front court, especially if Portland decides to trade Zach Randolph. I’m a big fan of the play making Sergio Rodriguez; he’s a nice Sebastian Telfair replacement without the off the court problems. As for Joel Freeland, he is a bit of a late draft riser, but I like the fact that he decided to get his picture taken with the Commish holding a soccer jersey. That was classic.
Grade: A+

Sacramento Kings
Selections: Rutgers SG Quincy Douby (#19)
Reaction: I guess Douby is a decent player off the bench (he’s instant scoring at least). I’m somewhat perplexed at what position Sacramento is projecting him at. I would think they would be set at the 2 with Kevin Martin and Francisco Garcia. They would have a plethora of shooting guards if Bonzi Wells re-signs. Considering all of those factors, I would assume he is being looked at as a 1. In that case, Marcus Williams should have been their pick.
Grade: C

San Antonio Spurs
Reaction: They traded their only pick in this draft, a second rounder.
Grade: None

Seattle Sonics
Selections: Senegal C Saer Sene (#10), Connecticut SG Denham Brown (#40), Israeli PG Yotam Halperin (#53)
Reaction: Saer Sene is a reach at #10. I read several reports saying he only learned within the last year how to properly shoot a lay-up. This pick is pure potential. He is freakishly long; comparable to Samuel Dalembert. I guess Seattle is trying to stockpile the young centers; Johan Petro and Robert Swift have already shown pretty good promise. Denham Brown is a very good selection in the second round, but I’m not all that sure about Halperin. I guess if I was a GM, I would have leaned towards Will Blalock
Grade: C-

Toronto Raptors
Selections: Italian PF Andrea Bargnani (#1), Texas SF PJ Tucker (#35)
Reaction: I’m a Bargnani supporter. He is a mix between Dirk Nowitzki, Keith Van Horn, and Cliff Robinson. I am one of the few people that seems to think he will be a center down the road. Most scouts that have covered him closely acknowledge he is almost 7-1, and he weights 250 pounds. To me, that is a center. It will take time for him to develop a back to the basket game though. PJ Tucker was a good pick in the second round. He is a great rebounder for his size, and will really help as a backup for Joey Graham. He could also play some power forward if Toronto decides to play some small ball (like Phoenix). Tucker is pretty good in the post.
Grade: A-

Utah Jazz
Selections: Arkansas SG Ronnie Brewer (#14), Illinois PG Dee Brown (#46), Louisiana Tech PF Paul Millsap (#47)
Reaction: I loved the draft by the Utah Jazz. Ronnie Brewer will be a great replacement for Matt Harpring, assuming he decides to leave. Brewer is a long defender capable of put some minutes in at the 1 and 3. The Jazz were able to reunite former Illinois stars Dee Brown and Deron Williams. It should be interesting to see them on the court together. They were able to get a great rebounder in Paul Millsap. I had to laugh when ESPN was daring enough to compare Paul Millsap’s stats to Karl Malone’s (both attended Tech). Now that I think about it, I wonder if Karl had anything to do with this selection, or if it is just pure coincidence.
Grade: A

Washington Wizards
Selections: Ukraine PF Oleksiy Pecherov (#18), Belgian PF V. Veremeenko (#48)
Reaction: Neither of these players will have an impact on the Wizards next season. Reportedly, both with be stashed in Europe for another season. That being said, this won’t make Gilbert Arenas happy. Arenas had previously said the Wizards needed help from the draft for next season. Doesn’t look like that will happen.
Grade: D

That is all more my reactions and reviews. Now it is time for my random ramblings...

1. Is there any better way to start a draft than to hear New York fans chanting, "Fire Isiah!"?

2. Great commercials, Ammo! "Yeah, I cried on national TV. So what?" The entire fighting crime with his moustache was hilarious. Nice advertising by NBA Live.

3. Jay Bilas (he will from now on be referred to say Jay Bias) is an idiot. Shelden isn’t a better prospect than Aldridge or Bargnani. Jay Bias needs to factor in his automatic Duke bias prior to making his rankings.

4. How does Jay Bias consider Kevin Pittsnogle a center, but claims Bargnani is so soft he will have to play small forward? Bargnani averaged as many rebounds in the Euroleague (which was a lower rebounding rate) as Pittsnogle did in college.

5. Once again, Screamin’ A. Smith is calling out Rasho.

6. I’m really getting sick of ESPN announcing the pick before handing it over to David Stern. It completely takes out the element of surprise.

7. Oh my! David Stern and Dan Patrick get in a little tussle over ESPN’s criticism of prospects. Ends in Patrick saying, "I always did like Paul Tagliabue better!" (Note: A guy on the RealGM message boards was saying he watched this momenty on TiVo several times. Stern was genuinely pissed off.)

8. Mr. Jay Bias contradicts himself saying, at pick #7, "Foye is the best player available" even though his rankings have Rudy Gay ranking higher. Come on, Jay, step up your game.

9. God, I think the Knicks fan that was just interview was drunk. He barely made it through the interview without falling over (and trust me, he did stumble). If you remember what I’m talking about, did anyone else thing the guy was breathing so hard one might have thought he just finished running a marathon?

10. I really feel sorry for Greg Anthony. He really has to care the coverage.

11. Wow, Joel Freeland has got a soccer jersey with him. Oh my, he is getting his picture taken with it. If only I knew what Dave was saying to him...

There you have it, my first round draft ramblings. Keep reading for a breakdown of the trades.

Portland and Chicago Trade
Chicago Receives: Draft rights to Tyrus Thomas, Viktor Khryapa
Portland Receives: Draft rights to LaMarcus Aldridge, future 2nd round pick
Winner: Chicago. Portland didn’t even have to make this trade, and they would have still gotten Aldridge. I tend to think Blazers’ management fell for John Paxson’s smokescreen; they Bulls were looking for a post scorer (Aldridge would have fit the bill). Bulls get their man in Thomas while also acquiring former first rounder Viktor Khryapa, who many in Portland viewed as a favorite player.

Portland and Boston Trade
Boston Receives: Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff, 2008 2nd round pick
Portland Receives: Draft rights to Randy Foye, Raef LaFrentz, Dan Dickau
Winner: Portland. Randy Foye has the ability to actually be a good defender in the NBA; Telfair never could be considering his size. Portland also gets rid of an off the course trouble in Telfair (who tried carrying a gun through airport security... then said it was his girlfriend’s). The Blazers get a little younger in Raef as well. The rest of this trade won’t really have much of an impact.

Portland and Minnesota Trade
Minnesota Receives: Draft rights to Randy Foye
Portland Receives: Draft rights to Brandon Roy
Winner: Portland. I don’t really get the point of this trade for Minnesota. They don’t even get any cash considerations (according to NBA.com). Why didn’t they just draft Randy Foye at #6? For Portland, they were able to get a player that will help immediately at the 2 guard.

Chicago and Philadelphia Trade
Philadelphia Receives: Draft rights to Rodney Carney, 2007 2nd round pick, cash considerations
Chicago Receives: Draft rights to Thabo Sefolosha
Winner: Chicago. I think the difference between Thabo and Rodney is larger than a second round pick and money. Thabo is a well rounded player that has the desire to be great. The big question mark about Carney is his desire. Chicago was able to get there top guard without giving Utah or New Orleans a chance at taking him.

Boston and Phoenix Trade
Phoenix Receives: Future 1st round pick
Boston Receives: Draft rights to Rajon Rondo, Brian Grant, cash considerations
Winner: Boston. I have a policy against trading current first round draft picks for future picks. They reason, you ask? The very same Phoenix Suns traded the draft rights to Luol Deng for the Bulls first round pick the next season. They ended up trading the #7 pick for the #22 pick; straight up. That is unlikely to happen this time through, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Boston make a huge improvement since they have so much young talent. Really, the only reason the Suns did this trade was for more money, which is an aspect I don’t like.

Portland and Phoenix Trade
Phoenix Receives: Cash considerations
Portland Receives: Draft rights to Sergio Rodriguez
Winner: Portland. Phoenix sold off their first round pick. I hate that. I hate the fact that a team is willing to give up a chance of drafting a Steve Nash-like backup for money. I hate this trade from Phoenix’s prospective.

Indiana and Portland Trade
Portland Receives: Draft rights to Alexander Johnson, two future 2nd round picks
Indiana Receives: Draft rights to James White
Winner: Portland. I don’t see the difference between Alexander Johnson and James White being two second round picks. If anything, I think Alexander Johnson is the better player.

Portland and Memphis Trade
Memphis Receives: Draft rights to Alexander Johnson
Portland Receives: Future 2nd round pick
Winner: Memphis. I truly believe Alexander Johnson will be a poor man’s Tyrus Thomas. I don’t see many second round picks being as good as him.

Boston and Denver Trade
Denver Receives: Future 2nd round pick
Boston Receives: Draft rights to Leon Powe
Winner: Boston. I must eco the same type of statement I made in the last trade. There won’t be many second round picks as good as Leon Powe. He is going to be able to contribute for Boston next season.

Minnesota and Philadelphia Trade
Philadelphia Receives: Draft rights to Bobby Jones
Minnesota Receives: Future 2nd round pick, cash considerations
Winner: Philadelphia. They were able to acquire Bruce Bowen Version 2.0 for a future second rounder and the possibility of cash. That seems like a good deal to me.

Philadelphia and Toronto Trade
Toronto Receives: Cash considerations
Philadelphia Receives: Draft rights to Edin Bavcic
Winner: Push. This is one of those trades that will have little to no impact on either teams.

Milwaukee and San Antonio Trade
San Antonio Receives: Future 2nd round pick
Milwaukee Receives: Draft rights to Damir Markota
Winner: San Antonio. The pick they receive from Milwaukee will undoubtedly be a higher pick than Damir Markota, who was the second to last pick in this draft. I’m confident San Antonio will come out with the better end of this trade.

Houston and Orlando Trade
Orlando Receives: Cash Considerations
Houston Receives: Draft rights to Lior Eliyahu
Winner: Push. Another meaningless trade.

Detroit and Los Angeles Lakers Trade
Los Angeles Receives: Maurice Evans
Detroit Receives: Draft rights to Cheick Samb
Winner: Los Angeles. Samb might be a decent player one day, but Maurice Evans is already a known commodity (to be determined whether or not that is a good or bad thing).

Dallas and Los Angeles Lakers Trade
Los Angeles Receives: Draft rights to JR Pinnock
Dallas Receives: Future 2nd round pick
Winner: Push. I don’t see JR Pinnock making much larger of a difference than any second round picks in the future.

Unofficial Houston and Memphis Trade
Memphis Receives: Draft rights to Rudy Gay, Stromile Swift
Houston Receives: Shane Battier
Winner: Memphis. The Grizzlies were able to get a young, potential laden 3 for a seemingly un-special but solid player in Shane Battier. Even if the trade ended right there, I would give the edge to Memphis. Factor in Swift, and it makes it a huge trade for Memphis.

Hopefully you enjoyed my draft coverage. If you would like to debate some of the draftees, you can go to the Sports Sphere...& Beyond Forum to discuss with other readers.

As for Jay Bias, I will always catch your lies. Step up your game before you come back.

Brunner Will Play Summer League

2006-07-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

For all of the Greg Brunner fans out there, some great news was announced yesterday. Iowa's Greg Brunner has signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves to play for their summer league team. It is just the first step towards playing in the NBA.

The NBA's summer league, which is held in Las Vegas, will give teams a chance to scout players. Based on their play in the league, participants could earn an invite to a team's training camp.

I can't wait until the games start. If Brunner plays like he always does -- the hard worker going for every rebound and loose ball -- I wouldn't be surprised to see him at Minnesota's (or any other team, for that matter) training camp come October. Every team needs an energy player like Brunner; the fact that he plays with excellent intelligence and has a high level of skill is just a bonus.

I can only dream of the day I get to see Greg Brunner in the NBA. Hopefully he gets proving himself throughout this process.

I won't even mention how great of a fit Minnesota is for Greg...

The Return of the Mailbag

2006-06-30T18:19:00.000-07:00

After a prolonged absence, I’m ready to write. What better way to get back in the grove than a new edition of the Mailbag? I can’t think of any better way. Let’s get started!

What’s your take on the entire Ozzie Guillen and Jay Mariotti feud? Do you think that Bud Selig gave Ozzie enough discipline?- Carl

Interestingly enough, I didn’t think this was that big of a deal. Even though I’m a Cubs fan looking for any possible way to bash the White Sox, I must say Ozzie using the term "fag" didn’t bother me very much. Sure, I may be easy to convince when he said he didn’t use the term to demean homosexuals, but when I use it, neither do I. I think I’m letting him off a little easy since I’m a Jay Mariotti hater as well.

As for Bud Selig, the entire sensitivity training thing was ridiculous. Nothing will change Ozzie. If I were the commish, I would have gave him a fine a la David Stern; $50,000 seems good to me.

Did you hear that Jose Canseco has signed with a minor league team? I thought professional baseball would have black balled him by now.- Jonathan

Yeah, I caught that on the ESPN Bottomline. I guarantee it is just a move to boost attendance. As for the black ball thing, he was already black balled out of MLB the first time through. I’m just not a big fan of Jose Canseco.

Hey, a Miami fan here. Don’t you think you are taking your Wade bashing a little far? Come on, he is a great person, and a great player to boot. Stop the hating, and start recognizing he is the best young player in basketball. - Alfredo

I guess I need to clarify my stance on Dwyane Wade. I hate the "on court" Dwyane Wade. The way he handles himself with the officials. I just looked at some footage against the Bulls when Ben Gordon crossed him over. He fell over, but then got up – while Ben was busy hitting a buzzer beater – yelling at the ref. That is the part of him I don’t like. I know that he is one of the good guys off the court.

On the aspect of him being the best young player in basketball, I’ll take LeBron any day. We forget too quickly that he almost single handedly led the Cavs past the Pistons. We mustn’t forget that.

Drew, why haven’t you written any articles for so long? What’s up with all the slacking? - Reid

It wasn’t so much "slacking" as superstitious. I was hitting pretty well in baseball after not blogging for something like four days. I told myself once I had a bad day I was going to start writing again. Needless to say, I went 0-5 the other day in a double header. I will be back for the long haul. Yeah, I’m the same guy that make sure he has the same sock on the same foot if I hit well the day before...

I can’t believe you haven’t even touched the HGH story. How did you forget to mention the entire Jason Grimsley case? That will have a huge effect on baseball. - Will

I didn’t forget. I have been requested not to write about HGH and steroids. I just want my readers to know not to expect me to mention performance enhancing substances anymore. But since you brought it up, I really am looking forward to finding out who Grimsley turned in.

I’m sure you have seen the series of "Ultimate Depth Charts" on SportsCenter. I was puzzled when the entire board for the quarterbacks the experts mentioned "the depth behind the starter," but then threw that out the window when it came down to Manning and Brady (they selected Brady). Anyway, I am a big Peyton Manning backer. If you had to pick between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, who would you take? - Paulie

I was thinking the same thing as I watched the show. I, too, would take
Peyton Manning. I always hear Brady supporters say that Brady has the rings, that Brady led his teams to championships in the final minutes of Super Bowls, that Brady beat Peyton head-to-head. That pisses me off. I have this to say; Peyton would have has many rings if he had the Patriots’ defense as well. Peyton wouldn’t have needed to make last minute rallies to win the Super Bowl; they already would have had it wrapped up. And finally, New England’s defense "beat" Peyton, not Brady. Ten times out of ten I will take Peyton Manning.

What was your take on the NBA Draft? Personally, I think the Magic made out with a steal in J.J. Redick. Who were your draft winners and losers? - Mike

First off, I would like to inform my readers that I will have a complete NBA Draft review up by Sunday. But to get to your questions, I felt the Bulls, Nets, Grizzlies, and Trailblazers had the best drafts. Tyrus Thomas and Thabo Sefolosha will help Chicago in areas of need. Marcus Williams and Josh Boone fit perfectly with the Nets, and Marcus will be Kidd, Jr. I loved that Memphis was able to trade Shane Battier for Rudy Gay and Stromile Swift. Portland came out with two of my favorite players in the draft; LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy (even though their trades confused me at times).

I think the pick of Renaldo Balkman by the Knicks sucked. I have seen this kid play, I’m actually a fairly big fan, but he has no business being drafted at #20. Then I heard the entire "he’s a mix between Dennis Rodman and Ron Artest" thing, and I almost shit my pants. He doesn’t have Rodman’s rebounding, he defense isn’t as good as Artest’s, but he plays with a sort of similar mentality... I guess. Then Knicks fans booed with the Mardy Collins pick (even though it was actually pretty good, in my opinion). Almost as funny as the drunk New York fans getting interviewed by ESPN was the propaganda put out by Isiah Thomas. He was telling anyone that would listen that Phoenix would have taken Balkman at #21 if he didn’t.

That is all for the Mailbag. If you would like to be part of the next Mailbag, e-mail me your questions or observations at sportssphereandbeyond@yahoo.com. You might just be featured. Check that, it took me over a month to get that many questions... you will almost be ensured of making the cut.

Swallowing the Whistle

2006-06-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

Hopefully you can make sense of my ramblings, and, obviosuly, I'm slightly biased. Go (insert name of Miami's opponent here)!

I was disgusted when I saw the ending of the Father’s Day NBA Finals game. I can’t tell you how annoyed when I saw the official whistle Dirk Nowitzki for a ticky-tack foul like that. All refs know that was a situation where you have to swallow your whistle.

Every ref, on every level, knows you should never determine the outcome of the game. If you are going to call a foul in the closing moments of a game, there had better be substantial contact. I think we all can agree, the contact on Dwyane Wade was minimal. Plus, did they call him when he did his best Michael Jordan impersonation; pushing off on Jason Terry.

Unfortunately, the ref gave Miami the win.

The common argument I have been hearing on this issue is that Dallas had plenty of opportunities to win beforehand. I, for one, feel that is a load of crap. So, since a team didn’t close the game out means the game should be just given to the other team, and that we, as fans, shouldn’t second guess a ref for making that call?

For me, even more annoying than the fact that it was Dwyane Wade drawing the foul, was that we have learned since early on in our basketball "careers" that we cannot just wait for the refs to bail us out. When I saw Dwyane Wade, with he head down, dribbling around – which three men guarding him – you could see he was looking to draw contact instead of making the hoop. Essentially, he was looking for the ref to bail him out. I would have thought a star play like himself could have found a wide open teammate when he is triple teamed.

But I guess, when Wade was getting to the line on any minor contact, he knew the refs would give it to him in the end. (I still am trying to comprehend how one player gets to the line twenty five times in a single game.)

This game was so poorly officiated (I won’t even get into the Josh Howard phantom timeout except to say he was looking directly at Avery Johnson – the ref has got to be looking for eye contact to know who he’s talking to, maybe judge by his tone) that a Miami reporter (apparently someone else realizes how bad the game was officiated...I'll digress) decided to write an article about how Mark Cuban, reportedly (a report which David Stern has denied) went up to Stern saying, "Fuck you! Fuck you! Your league is rigged!" I feel this report was completely bogus. Usually, in matters regarding Mark Cuban, I refer to his blog. There, if found a great quote about rigging the NBA. Here is an excerpt.

"It’s all nonsense. Any prudent, rational person can easily see it. The games are not rigged. That’s a complete insult to the players on the court and the incredible amount of effort they put into preparing for and playing the games. All 82 regular season and post season games. The NBA couldn’t rig the games if it wanted to. And it doesn’t want to. It’s that simple."

To all Miami journalists, do a little more research instead of writing about "I heard from someone that says they heard Mark Cuban say..."
But to get back onto that idea; rigging an NBA basketball game. "To rig" is defined as "to manage as to gain an advantage." I think we can all agree that the NBA calls games differently for stars. Can it be agreed that, by calling the game differently, stars gain an advantage? I don’t think it is too much of a stretch...but I digress.

In the end, it might just be another case of star treatment. Unfortunately, that treatment might have cost the Dallas Mavericks a chance at the title.

But, maybe Dwyane Wade has taken another step into greatness...and made the NBA some more money while he’s at it.

Stack Suspended for Game Five

2006-06-16T17:28:00.000-07:00

Today, the NBA announced Jerry Stackhouse will be suspended for Game Five of the NBA Finals. Stackhouse performed a hard foul on Heat star Shaquille O’Neal while on a fast break. Although the play only resulted in a flagrant foul at the time – not an ejection – NBA Vice President Stu Jackson felt the need to suspend Stackhouse, saying, "The contact by Jerry Stackhouse was clearly excessive and warrants a suspension."

I, for one, am plenty sick of the NBA’s suspension policy. In my opinion, Reggie Evans’ crotch grab was "clearly excessive and warrants a suspension." I understand the reasoning for the suspension though; they have to protect their own tails after suspended Ron Artest for a forearm to the head of Manu Ginobili. Every other relatively hard foul, then, has to result in a suspension for the system to seem fair; emphasis on seem.

The thing about this play that drives me crazy is that, in my opinion, it is a play that should be made. I feel, whether or not it seems dirty to others, you have to foul Shaq on the break; the crowd would have exploded if he threw it down on a fast break. Although Stackhouse might have gone at him a little harder than the duty called for, it’s hard to measure the force it takes to stop a 350 pounder. Stack probably should have made it look like he was going for a little more of the ball, and it would probably saved this suspension.

Another thing that frustrates me about this ruling is that one NBA Finals game is like the equivalent in importance to at least twenty regular season games, again, in my opinion. Yet, Stu Jackson and the NBA didn’t deem an equally dirty play between Andres Nocioni and Shaquille O’Neal during the regular season worthy of a suspension on Shaq’s part. O’Neal clubbed Nocioni in the head on a lay-up. It just, to me, emphasizes Avery Johnson’s point about that the suspension was handed out because Shaq is on of the marquee players in this series. I’m thinking, if it is Avery Johnson in his playing days on the receiving end of that foul, it would get no run in the press.

In the end, Stackhouse probably deserves the suspension solely on the precedent previously set by the NBA throughout the 2006 Playoffs. I guess I just always have to question the role star power has to play in these decisions; hopefully it is less than I am led to believe.

Mauer Getting the Hose

2006-06-15T17:56:00.000-07:00

I’m sick of Joe Mauer getting overlooked. Seriously, can the All-Star voters please get their head out of their ass, and realize who is deserving? I know I already wrote an article about the All-Star balloting, but this is different. This is all about Joe Mauer's case for being the starting catcher.

I am not a fan of the Twins. No need for claims of homerism. I just have the ability to recognize a travesty when I see one.

Within the last few days, the major media outlets have finally started giving Mauer some air time. But, at last count, Mauer wasn’t even fifth, I repeat, fifth, in the AL All-Star voting for catchers. Joe Mauer is, in my opinion, having the best hitting season thus far by any position player in the AL.

There is no way there are five better catchers than Joe Mauer.
Please don’t even get me started on Jason Varitek. I know, I will always be a little tough on Varitek. That is why I decided to post a question on ESPN’s Red Sox message board. I asked, "Why does Jason Varitek deserve to start the All-Star game?" Their responses, you ask?

"Because the fans voted him in, and there are a lot more Red Sox fans than Twin fans."

"Because he has more fans than Mauer."

"Just because a player has better numbers is not going to make fans like him more than someone else."

"The All-Star game is for the fans, and who they want to see."

"For some reason people think only the players with the best numbers should play."

"And while his numbers are not as good as Mauer's, he is not totally undeserving. His defense is excellent (current gold-glove) and the pitchers think he is the best."

Basically, the main ideas they tried presenting were that Varitek has more fans, stats don’t determine who is deserving, and it’s all about who the fans want to see. Oh, and what a crazy idea I had; a player with better numbers should play. Call me crazy.

I thought the most thought out point was that Varitek’s defense at least makes him semi-deserving. I figured I should go take a look at the stats. Mauer has a .995 fielding percentage to Varitek’s .994. Both of them have committed two errors on the season. The thing separating them is assists. One has 24 to the other’s 13. Yes, Mauer has more throw outs. Not only is Joe Mauer better offensively, he has the defensive edge as well.

Now, we can’t really have a debate here without bringing up the offensive comparison. According to CBS Sportsline’s stats, Joe Mauer is hitting .381. Varitek is batting .258 (up since my last article). That comes out to be a difference of .123. Huge.

The difference in on-base percentage is almost as staggering; .101. Mauer has the edge in slugging percentage by .103. Varitek barely has half as many hits on the year (46 to 82). Joe Mauer has hit more doubles, stole more bases, scored more runs, and struck out fewer times.

The only category Jason Varitek has an edge in is home runs; 7 to 5. They both have 30 runs batted in.

There is really no doubt that Joe Mauer is far and away the better, more deserving player.

The only question left is, "How do we change the voting?" Honestly, there isn’t much we, as baseball fans, can do. Boston fans seem to have blind loyalty to their players, and ‘Tek seems to be their Jeter. All we can do is hope other fans step up to correct this travesty. In the meantime, we can try voting as much as we can. Please take the time to fill out your ballot with Joe Mauer as your starting catcher.

I mean, is a system where a team’s fans openly admit their player isn’t having as good of a season, yet still vote for him to be considered an All-Star truly that just? I was watching a segment of Inside Baseball today, and there was a piece that A’s pitcher Huston Street went to the local Wal-Mart, were some voting is conducted, and rounded up a ton of kids to vote for the entire A’s starting line-up. Those are the people we would be competing against.

Maybe I am a little too honest when it comes to my voting; maybe I am crazy for voting for the most deserving player. I hope all of you take the chance to fill Joe Mauer’s name on the ballot.

In Joe Mauer’s profile on CBS Sportsline it says, "Anyone who is voting for anyone other than Victor Martinez, Joe Mauer or Ramon Hernandez at the catcher position right now is just plain stupid."

I tend to agree.

Big Ben in Big Trouble

2006-06-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

By now, I’m sure all of you know that Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger was involved in a motorcycle accident on Monday. A big deal has been made about Roethlisberger’s lack of a helmet. The fact that he had previously been defiant towards criticism regarding the safety of motorcycles hasn't helped him at all. Right now, the main thing is that Ben is healthy (or at least as healthy as one can be after that kind of accident).

SportsCenter, essentially, ran a montage of clips showing Ben Roethlisberger saying, "I’m a big boy, I will do what I want. If I want to ride a bike, I’ll ride a bike."

As they say, hindsight is 20/20. For one, I felt it was a mute point for ESPN to be making in the first place. It’s obvious he was wrong; you don’t need to keep playing footage over and over. (My favorite part was the look on Andrea Cramer’s face. It belongs on ESPN Classic, to be honest.)

As a fan, I am sick of professional athletes risking injury in situations like this. Roethlisberger emphasized the point that he drives carefully. The thing is that roads are full of people not driving carefully. The old adage regarding motorcycles is that "there are no fender benders when you’re on a motorcycle." A crash that might leave only a few scratches to a car can, potentially, be deadly on a motorcycle.

The latest twist to the story was added today. Apparently, Ben Roethlisberger doesn’t even have a valid motorcycle license. At one point he did have a learner’s permit, but that has since been expired. This makes Ben’s argument, in which he states the reason he rides without a helmet is the law allows him to, seem a little strange. If he was all that interested in following the law, it would make since to have a license to legally drive the bike.

Thankfully, the outcome, as far as injuries are concerned, is nothing like that of former Bulls guard Jay Williams, Brown’s tight end Kellen Winslow, or Jet’s defensive back Jaime Martin. But, the circumstances regarding Roethlisberger’s accident are also different. This is the only one in the group to involve another vehicle. Williams was driving fairly erratically, and we all know Kellen Winslow was busy doing some tricks. Martin ran into a pole (could easily have been fatal had Georgia law required a helmet). Yes, of the major accidents, Ben’s is the first to involve another vehicle. For his sake, we must mention that, according to early reports, he was not the cause of the accident. Roethlisberger is the victim of an honest accident. We, as fans, can’t be blind to the situation, and say it is all Ben’s fault.

Maybe this will lead professional leagues to mandate off the field activity, like extreme activities. There is no doubt that, if you perform the following activities regularly, sky diving, motorcycling, and other risky activity, will consistently lead to a greater chance of severe injury, even death. When the team signs the player to a contract, they have to know that, barring a game related injury, the player will be available.

In the end, I hope this will provide the ultimate example to other athletes; people in general. Prior to this, the athletes (like Roethlisberger last year) were able to point out that the previous crash victims were at no fault but their own. Now, they might finally realize that the true threat, even if you drive carefully, is people in general.

J.J. the Drunk

2006-06-13T12:43:00.000-07:00

I would like to issue a correction on a previous article. In March, I wrote about Duke’s loss, and J.J. Redick’s subsequent crying as the greatest moment in the life of this Duke hater (me). That is no longer true.

J.J. was arrested in Tuesday’s wee morning hours. What for, you ask? Drunken driving!

The "impeccable character" of J.J. Redick was not on display this time. With a blood-alcohol level .03 over the league limit, Redick thought it was just a great idea to hop behind the wheel.

Hasn’t he been watching the Mother Against Drunk Driving commercials? Obviously not.

The fact that this happened only weeks before the NBA Draft is just the cherry on top. This J.J. hater is hoping it will hurt his draft stock; drastically. Maybe, if we luck out, he could even slip into the 20s.

Then again, it was just J.J. acting like the privileged kid.

If only I could pay to see his face when the officer actually had the balls to arrest the Golden Boy, J.J. Redick...

NBA Versus NCAA Basketball

2006-06-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

It seems that the NBA is considered less exciting than NCAA basketball to some basketball fans. It is common to hear fans mention the lack of motivation in the NBA game; they just do not play with any heart. "The college kids just go all out the entire game," they say.

As a fan of the NBA, I feel that is flat out wrong.

I have a couple of theories that go along with the myth. One, fans consider basketball less exciting when they don’t have that local team to cheer for. For example, here in Iowa, NBA basketball doesn’t even compare to collegiate basketball. The reason: we don’t have a team to really care about. Everybody wants to have a team that will represent their area. Unfortunately, it is just impossible to have a NBA team in every state. With college basketball, there are usually multiple D-I teams in each state. Quite frankly, basketball is just more fun to watch when you actually have a vested interest in the team.

Secondly, the average basketball fan can relate to the typical collegiate athlete more so than a finely tuned professional basketball player. We see guys like Gerry McNamera and say, "Hey, he isn’t that athletic, maybe if I had worked as hard as him when I was young I could have been in the same position." Not-so-likewise, we see a Kobe Bryant, and we realize we have no chance to be that good, that athletic. The fact that we can relate more to the college player is huge in a fan’s interest.

In my opinion, the energy at the arena is huge for the view at home. If the fans at the game is pumped up, we, too, will be able to get into the game. That is another advantage for college teams. Kids attending college will use anything as an excuse to get rowdy. That just transfers to us at home. It isn’t the NBA’s fault that the casual fan attending a game just doesn’t care until the fourth quarter; it is really why the first three quarters of most games seem unbearable to those that don’t love it. The television viewer’s take of a game has everything to do with the energy level of fans actually in attendance.

The three aspects I have pointed out have nothing to do with the motivation of the athlete. NBA players aren’t dogging it; it just feels like it since the casual fans, who are unable to name players without a program, aren’t actively into the game. I think it is the main reason that playoff basketball is just so much more exciting.

I would like to advise to you all – especially those of you who don’t consider yourselves NBA fans – to find a NBA team you can root for. Preferably, that team would play a style you find entertaining. I feel, the biggest aspect of being a fan is finding a team you can actually follow. To go back to my Iowa example, it doesn’t make sense for me to be a Bobcat fan since I would probably be able to watch 4 games a season. I won’t be able to get interesting in the team or the players if I only see 4% of their season. The key is – and I really want to stress this – is find a team that is on TV often. For me, Comcast Chicago has pretty much every Bulls game. It makes sense that I am a Bulls fan; even better considering I like their tough-natured approach; they even have players I can relate to (Kirk Hinrich and Andres Nocioni’s hard-nosed styling).

Hopefully, I will hear fewer people saying the NBA sucks, and more people considering themselves, in general, basketball fans.

Stop the Balloting

2006-06-06T17:43:00.000-07:00

As a baseball fan, I hate that fans get to vote for the All-Star teams.

You see, the thing that annoys me is that Yankee and Red Sox fans tend to vote for, oh, their team’s starter at every position to be All-Stars. As of now, the only leading vote getter at their position in the American League not on a New York or Boston roster is Vladimir Guerrero.

I mean, come on Boston, is Jason Varitek, who is hitting .244, more deserving than Ivan Rodriguez, currently hitting .309? No. Jason Varitek has no business being in the 2006 All-Star game. Rodriguez is even a star, yet isn’t the leading vote getter. Ramon Hernandez is having almost an identical season as Pudge – more homers – but is getting shafted. Minnesota’s catching stud Joe Mauer has to be frustrated considering he is hitting .111 better than Varitek with more homers, yet still can’t get any love from the fans.

I will say this, Bud Selig has to step in if Jason "Thank God Boston Loves Me" Varitek is named the starter over Joe Mauer. If I were Ozzie Guillen – who might just invite his catcher A.J. Pierzynski instead – I would let Varitek catch one pitch, and then pull him. Hell, do that to all the undeserving starters.

I did not vote for the All-Star game this year. The reason: I have not watched enough baseball to determine who is most deserving. I wish that logic would be used a little more. When fans aren’t voting for players on their favorite team, they are busy voting saying, "Oh, I know this guy, he usually is an All-Star caliber player." The thing is, it is common place for that "All-Star" to be struggling a certain year. Thus, the little guy gets screwed since the casual fan doesn’t know who he is.

Just for a little reference. Do we consider Nick Swisher a starting outfielder even though he is hitting .287 with 16 home runs? No, yet Manny Ramirez, who is hitting .293 with 14 homers, is a starter. Those stats are pretty damn even. Now think about Alex Rios with his .358 batting average. He is getting screwed.

I could continue with examples, but I’m sure you all realize too many players get snubbed by the casual fan who has no business filling out an All-Star ballot.

I hope that, one day, we will live in a country that players are not judged by the color of their jersey, but by the content of their production.

Really, I just hope that Joe Mauer is catching the 2006 All-Star game for the American League.

The only way this can happen is to take the power away from the people

Baseball Anger Management

2006-06-05T05:28:00.000-07:00

"Hi, I’m Tom, and I am unable to keep myself from e-mailing hate mail to umps."

"I’m Russ, and I have a problem keeping my emotions intact during my softball games."

"My name is Carl, and I have to stop playing baseball."

"No, Carl, you just have to stop starting bench clearing brawls."

"Okay, I have a fighting addiction."

"Good job, Carl, now, Drew, it’s your turn."

"My name is Drew, and I don’t have one of those problems."

"Come on, you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t have any anger problems."

"Well, I mean, okay, I’m Drew, and I hate the Yankees and Red Sox."

"Wait, how is that a problem? We all do."

"No, no, I hate them with a passion. It used to just be the Yankees, but then the Red Sox just played that ‘underdog’ card a few too many times..."

"Now, how did you get to an anger management class through your hate for the Yankees and Red Sox?"

"...I mean, everything about them. ESPN for trying to force the ‘rivalry’ down my throat. The Yankees for being the evil empire. George Steinbrenner. Derek Jeter. I hate them..."

"Drew, did you here my question?"

"...Paul O’Neill for never sitting down without screaming at the ump after he struck out..."

"He can’t control it!"

"...The fact that the Red Sox have the second highest payroll, yet they act like they are Tampa Bay- and the media for being into it."

"Okay, are you finished now, Drew?"

"Yes."

"Good. What you are feeling is an extreme anger towards one figure."

"Well, Yankees, Red Sox, and ESPN, that makes three."

"Yeah, I guess, but you will need to learn to deal with your anger, and the first step is admitting you have issues with your anger. Say ‘I have a problem controlling my anger.’"

"I have a problem controlling my anger."

"Good job for your first session. Would you like to ask me any questions about further procedures?"

"Well, what do I do these next few days when ESPN trys force feeding me the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry?"

"Just do what everybody else not living in New England does..."

"... don’t watch!"

Dwyane Proclaims

2006-06-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

I’m a stickler for historical accuracy.

When Dwyane Wade proclaimed after the series clinching win over Detroit, "I’m the first one from the 2003 Draft to make it to the Finals!" I was surprised to hear such a truth.

Of course, we all know I have a disdaining for Wade. The fact that he said such a thing gives me the idea he had planned to say it following a win. Given that piece of information, all I have to say is this. "Are you kidding me?"

Not only should it not matter if you are the first to the NBA Finals out of your draft class, if you make that proclamation it should at least be accurate. Did he forget Darko Milicic, Brian Cook, Carlos Delfino, and Luke Walton, who all made it to the Finals in their rookie year?

Furthermore, is he trying to say it means he’s better than LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony? If so, does it mean that Darko, Cook, Delfino, and Walton are all better than him since they reached the Finals earlier?

The thing about this is, I get the feeling that he is trying to say, "Hey, I’m better than LeBron." That is almost as annoying as his inaccuracies. Just because he is the first superstar to get there doesn’t mean he is better. LeBron would have made it last season if he had Shaq. Dwyane Wade has got nothing, outside of falling to his ass every time he takes the ball softly to the hoop, on LeBron James. Check that, he might be a better 1 on 1 defender, although he tries to block every shot. LeBron James does everything Dwyane does, except he does it better.

I can’t wait until Shaq retires, and we get to see the real Dwyane Wade. I wouldn’t be shocked to see the new Penny Hardaway. He doesn’t realize how much Shaq has help him become an elite player. Just think how good Carmelo would be with O’Neal.

You know, this entire rant could have been prevented by Dwyane doing some proper research.

Or, he could have just said, "I’m the first superstar from the 2003 Draft class to make it to the Finals."

But he wouldn’t be there without Shaq.

Disgraced in Tennessee

2006-06-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

An arbitrator ruled yesterday that the Tennessee Titans must allow Steve McNair to work out at their practice facility. The Titans had previously barred McNair from working out, claiming they were worried about the potential for injury. Had McNair been injured, they would have taken a rather large cap hit... and they wouldn’t be able to trade him.

I can not tell you how much respect I have lost for the Titans over the years, but especially throughout this McNair situation. Steve McNair has been the face of their franchise for years. When I think Tennessee, I think of Air McNair the year he led them to the Super Bowl.

The fact that the Titans have let this situation drag on is ridiculous. Have some respect for an icon. If you are going to trade him, trade him. I recall during the draft the analysts were discussing a trade was close with Baltimore. Not letting him work out at the team facility is just ludicrous.

Unfortunately, Titans management has never been loyal to their players. Remember Eddie George? Soon after all those carries started to take their toll on him, they just cut ties with him. How soon do these guys forget? In my opinion, Tennessee would be on the level of Arizona without McNair and George.

Thankfully the arbitrator made the correct judgement in allowing McNair to even enter the facility even though it will probably feel rather awkward.

Hopefully, free agents will learn to avoid signing with the Titans.

Lost Respect for Roger

2006-05-31T05:16:00.000-07:00

With Roger Clemens’s signing reportedly on the near horizon, I ask this: What makes him better than every other Major Leaguer?

No, I am not asking better as in skills. I’m talking better as in "I don’t have to go to spring training, can miss the first months of the year, and still get paid as much as I am used to."

I’m not sure if any of you are frustrated with this. If I were the Astros or their fans, I wouldn’t so much as be happy that he came back as I would be angry that he left. Essentially, if the reports are true, he sat out the first few months of the season despite perfect health. I’m only speaking for myself, but that just doesn’t seem right.

I know that Roger is one of the greatest pitchers are all-time. The fact that he had a career year (Yes, a career year, even better than that 1986 MVP season) is astonishing considering he is in his forties. But still, I just can’t forgive him for his actions.

His supporters will argue it was just means to save himself for the playoffs; last year he was hit-able down the stretch. To that I say, "Couldn’t he have just gone fewer innings early in the season?" The way it stands now, Houston might not even be in the playoffs making the "strategy" rather useless.

Yesterday on Baseball Tonight, I believe Harold Reynolds mentioned Curt Schilling has mentioned he would soon. Reynolds brought up the point that, "Hey, why wouldn’t Curt pull a Clemens, and get to miss the entire spring training, but still make a ton of money?"

In the end, Roger Clemens might have started a devastating new trend.

He surely lost some respect from one fan.

Mocking the NBA Draft

2006-05-29T13:04:00.000-07:00

The 2006 NBA Draft is a month to the day away. NBA franchises will be looking to add impact players in the lottery; one lottery team trying to add talent to an already stellar team. Scouts will say that this draft is lacking a true franchise player. I tend to agree.

Nonetheless, quality players are available. Several players are looking to parlay March performances into NBA cash. Others have been staples on the NCAA basketball scene for years. The lack of high school players is noticeable.

It is rather early in the process. Workouts are still taking place, and the Orlando Draft Camp doesn’t start until next week. Regardless of that, this is my early mock for the first round.

1. Toronto Raptors
You can look for the Raptors to possibly move this pick. Toronto GM Colangelo has been expressing his man-crush for Italian Andrea Bargnani for some time now. The 7-0 twenty year old has been earning comparisons to a young Dirk Nowitzki. It will be tough to live up to those expectations. Toronto does have glaring needs as point guard and center. Although Bargnani is a seven footer, he isn’t the prototypical center. He is a combination of 3, 4, and some 5 if need be. The only question here is how will Toronto piece together Chris Bosh, Charlie Villanueva, and Andrea Bargnani as all three are fairly fragile 4s. Rudy Guy and Marcus Williams are also options if the Raptors move this pick.

2. Chicago Bulls
With the Raptors’ selection of Andrea Bargnani, the Chicago war room will explode knowing that LaMarcus Aldridge has fallen to them at number 2. The 6-11Texan is exactly what the doctor called for. He has the size to player center, although he will most likely be a 4 until he adds bulk. Aldridge is a skilled big man with refreshing post moves. Critics point to his calm demeanor and the fact that he didn’t dominate collegiate players as a way to detract from his game. I feel that Daniel Gibson is a large reason Aldridge didn’t tear up Big 12 posts; he wouldn’t give LaMarcus the ball. There are several other options here as well. Chicago GM John Paxson has called LSU forward Tyrus Thomas a "game changer." Expect Chicago to look hard at Andrea Bargnani if he falls. There is an extreme; very extreme, outside chance that Washington shooting guard Brandon Roy is selected to be the "big" guard the Bulls are looking for.

3. Charlotte Bobcats
Charlotte’s draft trends seem to show that they look for players that are big time college players. Emeka Okafor, Sean May, and Raymond Felton were are important NCAA players and champions. Don’t be shocked to see them stick with that trend and select Adam Morrison. Bobcats GM Bernie Bickerstaff has expressed questions about Morrison’s NBA potential and ability to create his own shot. For that reason, Rudy Gay is a real possibility. But, neither of those players will be the Bobcats pick. Washington guard Brandon Roy is going to fill Charlotte’s need. If you will look back on an ESPN commercial about the NFL Draft’s steals, they scouts would say, "Hines Ward is good at everything, but not great at anything." Roy is the NBA equivalent of Ward. He is a great basketball player. Period. Critics say he isn’t a great athlete. Well, most great athletes don’t shoot like Brandon Roy. Plus, Roy has an incredible basketball IQ. Not to mention that his last name is an acronym for Rookie of the Year.

4. Portland Trailblazers
The Blazers are in turmoil. Do all of their good players have a problem with Nate McMillan? Seriously, why can’t Zach Randolph and Darius Miles act professional? Well, no matter what happens with those two, Tyrus Thomas is probably going to be the best option for the Blazers. He is an uber-athletic "post". It will take Thomas some time before he really becomes a player, if he ever does. For most NBA fans looking at this draft, they would say that Tyrus, of all the top picks, is probably the biggest gamble. He could become the next Shawn Marion. He could, just as easily, be Portland’s version of Hakim Warrick or Tyson Chandler (except 6-9). Adam Morrison could get a long, hard look from the Blazers considering his Pacific Northwest roots. The same for Brandon Roy if he is available.

5. Atlanta Hawks
Hopefully Atlanta realizes that drafting by need is OK. Last year they drafted wing/post Marvin Williams despite already having Josh Smith, Josh Childress, Joe Johnson and Al Harrington playing basically the same position. They did that with Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and Raymond Felton all on the board. This year, they will finally draft that all important guard. UCONN point guard Marcus Williams is considered the prototypical guard. He possesses great playmaking ability, a la Jason Kidd. He will be able to run the show for the Hawks considering they have no pass first point guards on the team. Another possibility is the tough Villanova guard Randy Foye, although it is considered a rather large stretch at this point. There have been rumors about the Hawks trading the 5th pick for the Hornets’ 12th and 15th. That wouldn’t be a bad trade for either sides, and Atlanta would probably be able to get Foye or Sergio Rodriguez at 12 and a post at 15.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves
The possibilities at this pick are endless. Some scouts feel Bradley center Patrick O’Bryant might be a valuable center down the road (I’m not one of them). The more likely selection at this pick is either Adam Morrison or Rudy Gay. It is really more of a one’s taste to decide between the two. I think the 6-9 sophomore Rudy Gay will be the best pick for Minnesota. He can jump out of the gym and plays good defense. He has tremendous upside, but his desire is often questioned- for good reason. Rudy hasn’t lived up to expectations at UCONN, but I feel he has talents suitable for NBA, which is one thing we are unsure about with Morrison.

7. Boston Celtics
I was reading on a draft message board yesterday when a Celtic fan said, "If Adam Morrison is available for the Celtics, and we don’t draft him, I will chop off Danny Ainge’s testicles." Well, I think Adam Morrison will probably be their man as he is the best player available at this point. Morrison is obviously a skilled scorer, but he has great basketball instincts. He has a mid-range jumper Larry-esque. His looks and shot have really been the main reason he gets compared to Larry Bird. There is one major difference; Larry was a prolific collegiate rebounder. If not for questions about Adam’s ability to defend quick NBA guards and forwards, he could have been the top pick. Look for Marcus Williams, Randy Foye, Patrick O’Bryant, Ronnie Brewer, and even Shelden Williams be strong possibilities.

8. Houston Rockets
The Rockets are in need of a quality power forward to go alongside Yao Ming, and an athletic shooting guard that can take pressure off of Tracy McGrady. Last year the Rockets hoped they had found that forward in the form of Stromile Swift, but he hasn’t lived up to any of the potential he had when drafted with the second pick in 2000. Shelden Williams is the odds on favorites at this pick. Obviously Shelden Williams was a great collegiate player. He has a solid post moves. The defensive end is where he makes his mark. Williams is considered a great weakside defender. I have questions about his actual post defense. He was eaten alive this past season when guarding Craig Smith, Marco Killingsworth, Cedric Simmons, Tyler Hansbrough, Alexander Johnson, Eric Williams, and Al Thornton. That is quite the list. Ronnie Brewer is a possibility since he posses the skills to player 1, 2, and 3. He is very athletic, but his shoot isn’t that good (childhood injury effected mechanics). Rodney Carney could be a possibility, although his stock has been dropping as of late.

9. Golden State Warriors
There was once a time that the Warriors had an excuse to be in the lottery every year. That is no longer the case. They have good talent, but just haven’t been able to put it together. They had a very good draft last season with Ike Diogu, Monta Ellis, and Chris Taft. Monta Ellis really has star potential. This is a team that really has the ability to draft a project. Patrick O’Bryant is one of those players that game out of nowhere during March to elevate his stock into the top ten. If this was a guard, we wouldn’t even know his name. But, the old adage is you can’t teach size, and that is one thing that Patrick O’Bryant has. He is a good shot-blocker and rebounder, but he has also made strides in his post game. I am excited to see the plethora of post options the Warriors might have down the road; I’m high on former first rounder Andris Biedrins as well.

10. Seattle Supersonics
One thing that Seattle has is post players. Robert Swift, Chris Wilcox, Johan Petro, and Nick Collison will solidify the 4 and 5 positions for years to come. They still have question marks at the other three positions. Luke Ridnour is a very good offensive point guard, but his defensive game is terrible. Rumors are abound regarding Rashard Lewis’s and Ray Allen’s position in the Sonics’ future. For that reason, Rodney Carney and Ronnie Brewer are going to be at the top of Seattle’s board. I feel Seattle will draft Ronnie Brewer. He can play 1, 2, and 3, thus filling all three needs. He isn’ the shooter of Carney’s caliber, but Brewer offers great slashing and defensive ability.

11. Orlando Magic
I am a Darko believer. Thus, I don’t think Orlando has immediate needs for a post player. It would help if Fran Vazquez came over to the NBA. From the sounds of it, the earliest will be after next season, if ever. The Magic are in the market for a shooter at the 2 position. By shooter, I do not mean J.J. Redick. Although he is a possibility, I think the best option available is Rodney Carney. He has the athletic ability to play 2 or 3, which is valuable when Grant Hill moves on. The biggest question about Carney is, like Gay, his desire. He doesn’t really play with passion as of yet.

12. New Orleans Hornets
The one position that the Hornets do not have to worry about filling is point guard. Power forward is being manned pretty well by David West. The other three positions are up for grabs, especially considering Byron Scott’s feud with the talent J.R. Smith. Slightly off topic, but why would one go by the name J.R.? Does he idolize J.R. Rider or something? They share the same selfish mind-set. Anyways, Cedric Simmons and J.J. Redick are probably the two most realistic options. But, there is always that one player that just rises up draft boards like Charlie Villanueva. That player is Memphis forward Shawne Williams. His draft stock seems to vary from site to site. DraftExpress has him as a mid second rounder, but NBADraft,net puts him in the mid first to lottery. From watching Shawne Williams, I’m excited about his potential. He has earned the comparison to Seattle’s Rashard Lewis.

13. Philadelphis 76ers
The 76ers are one of those teams that is just baffling. There is only one thing I know about this team; neither Samuel Dalembert or Kyle Korver are worth their collective salary. I think their draft board is probably wide open at this point. They could look at point guards Randy Foye or Sergio Rodriguez. Rodney Carney, if he is available, could been a good fit to replace Korver. My favorite of all of their options is North Carolina State post Cedric Simmons. He has a great NBA body, and will be good under the tutelage of Chris Webber. He has shown great flashes in college, but hasn’t really been ultra-consistent.

14. Utah Jazz
The Jazz need a shooting guard more than anything else. Kirilenko is a great 3, Deron Williams has shown he is a very good point guard, and Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur have proved they are more than serviceable post players. Unfortunately, there aren’t any really good 2s at this point in my mock. The only two options I think they could consider are J.J. Redick and Mardy Collins. Neither are very athletic, but Utah is far from an athletic team. That is why J.J. Redick will be the pick by the Jazz. He will be the Hornacek (but better) to Deron’s Stockton (obviously not as good). We all know how Jerry Sloan likes the fundamental basketball players.

15. New Orleans Hornets
They made the shocker of the draft at 12, and now they will select Hilton Armstrong or Maurice Ager. I am not even close to being sold on Hilton Armstrong. How he rose from nowhere to mid first is beyond me considering he didn’t even average 10 points (albeit he was on UCONN). For that reason alone, I bypass Armstrong’s defense and select Maurice Ager as the guard of the future for the Hornets. He has shown throughout his Michigan State career that he is a great scorer. In a recent workout he held Rodney Carney scoreless. Maurice Ager will be a great fit for the New Orleans Hornets as a shooting guard.

16. Chicago Bulls
The Bulls will either take a post or a tall guard at this spot. According to this mock, Hilton Armstrong, Mardy Collins, Rudy Fernandez, and Thabo Sefolosha are on the board. I know most Bulls fans are desperate for the tall guard at this pick. I’m actually not as worried about the backcourt situation. Had we gotten production out of the frontcourt against Miami, we could have won that series. That is why I am selecting another post player although we could very well just sign on of the many options is off-season. Florida State’s Alexander Johnson is my pick. He is sky-rocketing up draft boards as of late. He is in the 6-9 to 6-10 range and weighs around 250 pounds. Johnson is athletic, but has some post moves. I can see him guarding the strong posts in the near future; players that LaMarcus Aldridge will be unable to handle. Alexander Johnson is my post pick at 16. Mardy Collins and Rudy Fernandez would get a long look at this point to be the back-up guard with size.

17. Indiana Pacers
Sergio Rodriguez is the point guard of choice to replace Jamaal Tinsley, who is all but gone.

18. Washington Wizards
A post player is in the cards for the Wizards, and Hilton Armstrong is their man.

19. Sacramento Kings
The Kings select the best player available in the form of Randy Foye.

20. New York Knicks
What don’t the Knicks need at this point? Mardy Collins is a Larry Brown type player.

21. Phoenix Suns
The Suns get another fast guard with shooting ability in Quincy Douby.

22. New Jersey Nets
Jordan Farmar is a good option to be the heir apparent to Jason Kidd.

23. New Jersey Nets
Saer Sene would be a great project for the Nets. He is a big gamble.

24. Memphis Grizzlies
Rajon Rondo is the point guard of the future for the Grizzlies.

25. Cleveland Cavaliers
Shannon Brown is the athlete to play with LeBron.

26. Los Angeles Lakers
Point guard is a huge need for the Lakers, so step on up Kyle Lowry.

27. Phoenix Suns
A slow player like Kurt Thomas doesn’t work at the Suns pace. Take James Augustine to run on the break.

28. Dallas Mavericks
Take the best player available in Guillermo Diaz.

29. New York Knicks
Paul Millsap is the tough rebounder that will always have a spot in the NBA.

30. Portland Trailblazers
They have many needs, but Rudy Fernandez is the best player on the board.

Those are my 2006 NBA Mock Draft picks. I was a little surprised that I had Adam Morrison slide like he did. Shawne Williams is obviously a talented player, but scouts seem divided on his potential. I was shocked that I had J.J. Redick go as early as I did (if you had asked me before I worked out the draft siutations, I would have said that J.J. is a early 20s type player). I doubt Randy Foye will slide to 19, but remember Danny Granger last year.

If you would like to compare my mock to the big guys, here are links to DraftExpress and NBADraft.net.

Watching the WNBA?

2006-05-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

Most of us can honestly say we have not watched an entire WNBA game. I, for one, can say I haven't watch more than a quarter.
Wait, I just found out WNBA games are played in halves, so, correction, I have not watched more than a half of WNBA basketball.

That might be changing soon. ABC and ESPN2 will be televising WNBA games this season. ESPN2 will have 14 games including 5 double headers. A real step up from Lifetime.

By now, I'm sure most of you are saying, "And I care because.....? The WNBA is boring."

I agree. In the past, the game was a "Oh, my God, stick needles in my eyeballs" type game. Gradually, the game has developed into a more up-tempo style- not too much unlike the early NBA.

But the brilliance in ABC and ESPN having a contract with the WNBA is truly going to be felt in a few years. Women's basketball, on all levels, is becoming more and more athletic. This year's girls McDonald's All-American game featured something like 9 players that could dunk. Several have the ability of dunking from a set position.

In five years, the WNBA will be watchable. Everybody knows Candace Parker will be taking her flash to the Association, but the overall talent will be there.

And the big networks will finally be there for the ride.

WNBA, say good bye to Lifetime.

Number Five

2006-05-17T05:17:00.000-07:00

How did this become such a big story? Who cares if Reggie Bush wants to wear #5 in the NFL? Does he truly believe the #5 made him a great player?

Reggie, just take a different number. Remember your addition sentences, and pick a number that adds up to 5. It isn't that big of a deal.

It should be mentioned that Reggie offered to donated 25% of the earning off his jersey sales to Hurricane Katrina relief had the NFL allowed him to wear #5. He is now saying he will do it regardless of his number.

Nonetheless, I agree with the NFL' policy about limiting positions to certain numbers. The entire idea is to single out the lineman for illegal man down field (although I'm sure the officials are intelligent enough to notice the difference between Jonathan Ogden and Reggie Bush).

I'm glad the NFL hasn't been like the NCAA. I can't stand seeing Doug Flutie wearing #22 in that memorable Hail Mary against Miami. It frustrates me every time I see that highlight.

The thing I don't understand is this: Why don't they just claim Reggie is a quarterback? Can the NFL really mandate what position he plays? Or maybe kicker. Just on one play, send him out for the kickoff.

Since I doubt that would happen (or if there is some policy against it, I haven't looked into it), Reggie, just take a different number.

But I still say, throw another slash in that name.

Reggie Bush: RB/WR/KR/PR/K

#5.

Ricky Being Ricky

2006-05-15T17:22:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, the NFL announced Miami running back Ricky Williams would be suspended for failing his fourth drug test. He is gone for a year. All of the sports stations were saying, "Oh well, it's just Ricky being Ricky."

I know plenty of people hate Ricky Williams. They say he's a quitter. A druggie (just do a Google Image search of "Ricky Williams"). Pure scum.

I am not one of those people. I will, even after his fourth failed drug test, say I am a Ricky fan.

I understood why he retired (he stresses that he retired, he didn't quit). Ricky mentioned that he did not want to end up like Earl Campbell. Both were the same style of runners; bruisers who received a ton of carries.

Iwould like to quickly remind you all, Earl Campbell is a few years over fifty, but has trouble walking.

Let's be honest, the rate that Ricky was going prior to his retirement, he wouldn't have lasted much longer than Earl's eight seasons before his body fell apart. Dave Wannstedt was going to milk Ricky to the last drop. He gave Ricky Williams 392 carries in 2002. Seriously, if I was Ricky, I would be angry too.

But, Dave Wannstedt is a selfish coach that only cared about his job. He knew that if Ricky didn't run the ball nearly 400 times, the rest of the backs weren't good enough for the team to go to the playoffs. He knew that his job was on the line.

So what does he do? Of course, ran his star so far into the ground that he feels like he has to retire to save his body from certain destruction.

Then Ricky retires, and the Dolphins fall apart. Wannstedt gets fired. The team says, "If we had Ricky we could have gone to the Super Bowl."

I have this to say, if you depend on one player so much, you aren't a Super Bowl team. Period.

I know you guys still think he is a pothead. I can not argue that he doesn't do drugs, since, obviously, he wouldn't have failed any drug tests if he was as clean as Pope John Paul II. But that does not mean I think he is your typical drug user.

I will say this; Ricky Williams is one of the most intelligent football players I've listened to in an interview. He thinks deep (and no, I don't believe it's the drugs talking). I listened to an interview on ESPN Classic on Sunday. He was asked why he won't apologize for quitting on his team (that was when he stressed he retired). He said something on the lines of, "If I were to apologize and didn't truly feel I did anything wrong, is that really considered an apology? To me, it is just me telling people what they want to hear; it doesn't mean anything if I don't think I did anything wrong."

I don't think I gave the summary justice, but if you ever get a chance to see the interview I'm talking about, make sure you watch it.

In this same interview, he mentioned that he was as happy now (right after his retirement) as he had ever been in his life. You could tell that a enormous amount of pressure was lifted off his shoulders when he was out of football. He couldn't stop smiling. It was fun to see out of a guy so misconceived.

If we look back at his early years in New Orleans, Ricky was nervous in the NFL. He was so scared of the media that he would do interviews with his helmet on. He isn't your typical NFL player that tries to draw attention by saying, "Number 34, the best back in the League, now I'll do a touchdown dance....."

Ricky didn't do that stuff. He was kind and soft-spoken.

In all honesty, I wish Ricky would have been able to run off and be by himself.

I wish the Dolphins didn't feel the need to take him to court over the eight million dollars.

I wish he didn't have to play football just to pay off a bill.

Essentially, I wish that Ricky could be Ricky.

Fan Rant: Calling Out NASCAR

2006-05-14T12:02:00.000-07:00

The following was written by Dan Western, and does not necessarily express the opinion of SS&B.

I turned the T.V. on tonight at 7 to Fox, because that's when Cops is on. Cops is possibly my favorite show, and I watch it every Saturday evening, it's a good way to relax. Imagine my surprise when I hear not "bad boys, bad boys, whatchu gonna do...", but I look up and see cars. Yes, cars racing around in a circle like the bunch of fools they are. And then during the commercial break I learn that this great presentation is being brought to me by Fox Sports.

Well, I have just one question, why are they showing a NASCAR event when they should be showing a sporting event? NASCAR IS NOT A SPORT!!!! They don't even race anymore. It's just a bunch of rednecks driving cars around in a circle, but it's not a race because 1) It's a friggin' circle, nobody's getting anywhere, and 2)Those cars all go the same speed and stay in one pack, it looks just like any semi busy interstate. Wow, when was the last time anybody got excited watching the traffic go by on the interstate? O.K., if this wasn't advertised as racing, nobody would ever think it was remotely exciting. The only real car racing anymore is the drag racing that punks do in the street at night, and that's illegal.

There's more sport and physical exertion in Cops than there is in NASCAR. Think about it, foot chases, wrestling supsects, dog attacks, gunfights, and they've even got real racing in the form of high speed chases. If you're going to piss me off by exchanging Cops for a sport that's not football, at least make it a sport.

If you would like your voice to be heard in the form of a Fan Rant, the e-mail is sportssphereandbeyond@yahoo.com .

Fan Rant: Dick Vitale

2006-05-09T05:21:00.000-07:00

The following is a Fan Rant by Ben Lynch.

I may hate the Packers, I may hate Greenday, but I don't think there is anything I hate more then Dick Vitale, "Dickie V", "Mr. Basketball", or what ever you call that monster! As to this day, I don't know anyone that likes the guy either (EXCEPTION: Duke fans). This guy is one of the most biased guys I know, and has one of the most annoying voices out of anyone I have ever met.

I think ESPN needs to get some young guy who knows his stuff, and isn't afraid to choose a under-dog to win it all and to root them on.

My respect went up just a little, little bit for Dick this last NCAA basketball season when he picked Duke all the way and then losing to UConn. UConn is still a big school on the east coast, so its still bad. We do have some bad news though, Dick signed a contract extension with ESPN through the 2006 year, so just one more year guys...hopefully

Thanks, Ben, for your Fan Rant. An article about Dickie V has to have a bit of an impersonation. Here it goes..."I said, 'J.J., you're awesome, baby! You're a real PTPer, Prime Time Performer. Then Josh McRoberts! He's a diaper dandy, baby! Mr. Williams, the Landlord! He's a member of my all-Rolls Royce team. The Dukies, my pick to win it all, baby!' "

A Week Off

2006-05-08T16:44:00.000-07:00

Loyal readers, I would like to announce that I will be taking the rest of the week off for a small vacation. I want to take a break from blogging to keep from burning out. The last week's work haven't been the best material, and that is a large part due to overwork. I will not be writing anything original this week.

I will, however, be opening up the blog to "Fan Rants." If you would like to see your work published on Sports Sphere, e-mail me your original article at sportssphereandbeyond@yahoo.com. If I don't get any "Fant Rants", then there won't be anything on the site. Please take advantage of this opportunity to get your opinion heard!

Honor Bonds?

2006-05-06T15:44:00.000-07:00

Steroid Alert: If you don't want to read about steroids and Barry Bonds, you should probably stop now.

Earlier this week, Bud Selig and Major League Baseball announced they will not honor Bonds when he passes Babe Ruth for second on the all-time home run list. They cited their policy of only celebrating new records.

As a fan that feels Barry Bonds has cheated baseball, I do not agree with Bud Selig. He thinks, as a fan, I am stupid.

Bud, do you think I forgot that Rafael Palmeiro was honored for his 3,000th hit?

Sure, Palmeiro's celebration was short, nothing really special. But then to say Barry Bonds will not be honored at all because he might have used steroids is wrong. There were reports after Palmeiro failed that drug test that Major League Baseball had known about it since the spring, but were letting him appeal the suspension before it went public.

If that is true, which I tend to believe it is since professional leagues treat their stars differently, they have to honor Bonds. Even if it is just a small acknowlegment. You can't tell me that 3,000 hits is more important than 715 home runs.

As much as I hate Barry Bonds, Major League Baseball needs to step up, and mention the passing of Babe Ruth. It is partly their fault for not making steroids against baseball rules. Whether I like it or not, Babe Ruth is the most famous baseball player of all time. I'm sure if you asked the average American who the all-time home run king was, they would say Babe Ruth. Passing him is a big deal.

But, atleast I will never have to see the day Barry Bonds passes Hank Aaron. Several years ago, in a game I consider one of the sickest I have watched, Hank Aaron was commentating when Barry hit two huge homers. Aaron said something on the lines of, "He is the best power hitter I have ever seen." You could listen to his voice and tell that it killed him to say it, knowing the questions surrounding Bonds.

Barry Bonds passing Hank Aaron would be the real travesty.

But for now, we have force ourselves to watch a celebration of number 715.

NBA Suspensions

2006-05-04T13:30:00.000-07:00

The following was a larger story when the Nuggets were still in the Playoffs.

This postseason has been one full of suspensions. It seems like every day we find out that a player has been suspended for a flagrant foul.

The NBA has to feel like a bunch of idiots for suspending Ron Artest on an innocent foul on Manu Ginobili. If they had not called suspended Artest, they wouldn't be feeling the pressure to suspend anybody that has a foul similar to it.

Unfortunately, the worst foul of the playoffs did not result in a suspension. How did Reggie Evans not get suspended for grabbing Chris Kaman's, let's see how to refer to it, package? Instead, he was cited for "unnecessary and excessive contact." That is the dirtiest thing I have seen in the NBA since the "Basketbrawl",and that hit on Rudy Tomjanovich. Allowing Reggie Evans off for that play is insane.

As a Bulls fan, I would have sacrificed the suspension of James Posey to get Reggie Evans suspended. There is no room in basketball for this. What happens when the next guy does it? He shouldn't get a suspension since Reggie didn't.

But knowing the NBA, they will give that guy the suspension. The NBA should stop the crotch grab right now.

I think he needs to be suspended ten games. Send a message. There is no way that Reggie Evans grabbed Chris Kaman's man region "accidently." He had to think, "Oh, to get this rebound I will grab the balls to get the ball."

Unfortunately, the NBA is busy suspending players for incidental forearms.

NFL Draft's Winners and Losers

2006-05-01T16:42:00.000-07:00

The 2006 NFL Draft has come and gone with futures having been decided. Who made out the best, you ask? And who did the worst? I will tell you.

Winners

New York Jets
The Jets are building their team from the inside out having drafted offensive linemen D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold. Hopefully teams will learn from the Texans that offensive talent doesn't matter if you don't have a line to protect the quarterback. I loved the selection of Kellen Clemens, quarterback out of Oregon, in the second round. I think he could potentially become the best quarterback in this year's draft; atleast ahead of Leinart and Young.

Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals did a good job selecting talent. Matt Leinart was a good value pick at number ten, although I would have taken Jay Cutler. It is still a question whether Leinart will be able to throw the deep ball in this offense, especially since Boldin and Fitzgerald like to go deep. They solidified their offensive line. Leonard Pope was a steal in the third round, and he will go a long way in providing Matt Leinart a big weapon in the future.

Denver Broncos
Jay Cutler, in my opinion, is the best quarterback in this draft. I think if he played for USC, he would have been among the elite players in this draft. I thought Denver made a great job positioning themselves in the eleventh slot to make the selection of Cutler. I think the biggest move in this draft was trading for Javon Walker. Walker is portrayed as the bad guy, but I think he was in line demanding to be moved out of Green Bay. Brett Favre should never had said anything about Walker's contract demands. Favre basially pinned all of Wisconsin against Javon Walker. What did Javon say about Brett's long delay in announcing his return to the Packers? Nothing. Denver got two great players.

Mario Williams
Williams received a six year, fifty-four million dollar contract after being selected as the top pick. That is huge. When I saw the figures in this deal, I knew that the Texans were actually making a football decision. There is no way that Reggie Bush could be asking much more than that. Was there a bigger winner in this draft than Mario Williams? He could have slid to the fourth pick had the Texans not taken him.

Philadelphia Eagles
I liked the pick of Brodrick Bunkley in the first round. The Florida State defensive tackle is going to be huge in teaming up with Mike Patterson. And Bunkley ran a 4.5 forty at the combine, at three hundred pounds. The Eagles also selected offensive tackle Winston Justice in the second round. Mel Kiper had Justice rated as the number two tackle, and was projected in the top ten as recently has a week prior to the draft. I was impressed with the Eagles' draft.

San Fransisco 49ers
Vernon Davis is going to be huge in allowing Alex Smith to live up to his potential. Manny Lawson is the "Vernon Davis of Defense." Both of these players are freaks athletically. The key for the 49ers was to draft talent, and they did a good job in this draft. I still can't believe how athletic Davis and Lawson are. Wow.

Losers

Chicago Bears
The Bears had two needs in this draft: tight end and a return man. They filled one need. The one area they didn't need to draft for was defense, yet their first offensive pick came in the sixth round (and a fullback, no less). I think Chicago would have been better served- after trading down- to have drafted Sinorice Moss at number forty-two to fill the return needs and offer some playmaking wide receiver skills. Then at fifty-seven they would have been able to drafted a tight end like Leonard Pope. If that had happened for this team, they could have been a real winner in this draft.

Matt Leinart
Has anyone in sports cost themselves more money? He could have came out last year and been the top pick. Leinart decided to stay in school to winner another championship and Heisman. He left with neither. Needless to say, he's about twelve million dollars short now. On the bright side, he now has some toys in Arizona.

LenDale White
At one point LenDale White was in Mel Kiper's top ten. He ended being drafted in the middle of the second round. What could have been. All of the draft analysts were bashing this kid's work ethic saying, "If he isn't dedicated now, when millions are on the line, when will he ever be?" Not exactly a good impression, and it showed. Despite of all of that, the Titans may have gotten themselves a steal.

Buffalo Bills
One word can describe the Bills' draft; reach. It was questionable whether or not it was a reach to draft safety Donte Whitner at number eight, but it was no doubt that John McCargo was a huge reach at number twenty-six. Maybe some other team was interested in him shortly after twenty-six, but Mel Kiper said on air that McCargo was projected as a late second rounder at best. The key to the draft is to keep from reaching to select a player. Unfortunately, the Bills need to work a little more in that area.

If you would like to comment on my picks, or would like to take part in the Mailbag, e-mail me at sportssphereandbeyond@yahoo.com .

SS&B's "Pimp Slap of the Week"

2006-04-28T14:19:00.000-07:00

As you all know, last week's "Pimp Slap" was skipped due to a lack of nominees. This week is different. There have been numerous people that have really angered me this week. Just a reminder of the criteria for the "Pimp Slap", a player must doing something so stupid, so enraging, that you just say, "Wow." Here we go.

USC Football- Let's just say it hasn't been a great week for USC football. First it was the report about Reggie Bush's relationship with an agent. Then it was quarterback Mark Sanchez being arrested for sexual assault. For a week that should be marked by the first round selections of Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, Winston Justice, and LenDale White, it has turned out to be less than ideal.

Keith Hernandez- The former Met said on air, "What is that girl doing in a baseball dugout." He then continued on saying that "girls" don't belong in baseball, followed by a lame excuse that he was just joking. Around the Horn and the Boston Globe's Jackie MacMullan put it best saying, "Keith Hernandez, I'll just get back in the kitchen." Just for clarification, Keith, it is 2006.

ESPN Analysts- One day they say that Barry Bonds no longer deserves the "Bonds treatment" and that teams need to pitch to him. The very next day they change their story to "why do teams pitch to Barry Bonds." I had to laugh when I saw it.

Delmon Young- I'm sure most of you have seen the minor league star throw the bat at the umpire. It looked pretty vicious until I saw the ump's reaction. He took a step back, but just looked up. It didn't even phase him! Nonetheless, Young deserves a 50 games suspension (I've heard people saying the entire season while some only 8 games). I also hate the fact that he plays the game like he is entitled to something. I hate entitlement.

Miami Heat- I was going to just name the players on the Heat that deserved nomination for the award, but decided that I was naming most of the team. They are: Shaquille O'Neal, Dwyane Wade, Udonis Haslem, Antoine Walker, and James Posey. Shaquille O'Neal had two blatant, dirty fouls in game three of the series. He tackled Michael Sweetney and then punched Ben Gordon on two separate plays. Like I've said, we haven't seen the real Shaq. Dwyane Wade then did something I was appalled to see. He sand-bagged, cherry-picked, what ever the term you prefer. He left his teammates play 15 seconds of 4 on 5 defense while he waited under the other basket for the outlet pass. Tome Dore on Comcast Sports Net put it best, "If that happens at the Y, you tell the guy to get off the floor." Shaq and Wade have officially passed Kobe as 1-2 on my most hated players list. Udonis Haslem, obviously, for throwing that mouth piece at the official (I was mad that the ref called it during a Bulls 3 on 1 fast break though). Not to mention the fact that he is constantly elbowing people (see picture). Antoine Walker for acting like a 10 year old after he fouled out. That was pathetic- you just didn't play "sliddin' the feet" defense. Finally, James Posey. He deliberatly chased down Kirk Hinrich and shouldered him to the ground. I just saw on TV that the NBA wasn't even thinking about suspending him for the next game. Holy cow! If Kirk Hinrich was LeBron James, James Posey would be suspended for 2 games. I'm sick of the NBA and officials acting like Kirk is a nobody.

There is the list of nominees, and all are very worthy opponents. But there can be only one winner...

...actually, five. The winners are the Miami Five! You guys think you are NBA contenders, but you don't have the "intestinal fortitude" to play with the elite teams. You guys act like bunch of little -girls- when you get killed by the Bulls. I think this team takes after the "stars" of the team, Shaq and Wade. Wade plays like he is entitled (there's that word again) to every single call. Shaq acts like the bully, but this time the bully has the aid of the teachers (refs) in beating up the little kids (Sweetney, Nocioni, Gordon, and many more in the future). I want every Miami player to know that I hate what you guys stand for. I hate the way you guys act. I hate the way you guys carry yourselves.

For all of you that may not be fans of the NBA, those of you that just watch to enjoy the game, that don't have that one team to cheer for, please join in the support of the Chicago Bulls. I, for one, am hoping that the Bulls beat the Heat just to show them the way the game is played.

Just a reminder, I gave the Miami Heat this week's "Pimp Slap." I would do a little more if I had the chance.

Update: The NBA just announced they will suspend James Posey. My information was accurate as of Around the Horn.

5th Edition of the Mailbag

2006-04-26T16:45:00.000-07:00

I've taken almost two weeks off since the last Mailbag, and it has shown. Some big things have happened. The NBA Playoffs have started. Brett Favre announced he will be coming back for 2006. And the Cubs nation has already gone hysterical.

What angers you more on last night's (several days old) horrific Cubs incident? That Derrek Lee is out for 8-10 weeks? Or Scott Eyre tried to make a "Gold Glove" throw that had no chance on getting the runner out?- Trent

Do the Cubbies have any shot at making the playoffs now with D-Lee out of the lineup for at least two months?- Trent

Yeah, Cub nation is already worried. But I ask, why does this always have to happen to the Cubs? Why? Everytime that they are going well, something bad happens. A Wood injury. A Steve Bartman mistake (which I would have done as well). A Prior injury. A Sosa injury. A Wood injury again. So on and so forth until Derrek Lee gets hurt. God hates Chicago fans, I honestly believe that.

But to actually answer your questions, I will say that Eyre was stretching that play a little much. I wonder if Rafael Furcal could have been able to avoid Lee as first though. I think he could have seen the ball was a good five feet over his head.

As for the playoffs, I am forever the optimist. I actually believe the Cubs have a chance at the playoffs. If Todd Walker can have one of his average seasons replacing Lee, and Hairston and Perez play decently at second, I think they can tread water until Lee gets back. The key really lies in the pitching. I'm looking forward to watching Sean Marshall, Carlos Zambrano, and Greg Maddux try to lead this staff until the team gets healthy. I'm really excited about Marshall, and eventually, Rich Hill. It will be nice to have some good lefties.

From what I see, it seems like everyone is fed up with Barry Bonds this, Barry Bonds that (including me). I know Barry Bonds is pathetic and gave the MLB a bad name, but just give the guy a break on ESPN for a while. When will Barry Bonds stop being overly talked about from the media? -Ben

Hate to tell you, Ben, but ESPN will always cover Barry Bonds. What network has a television show entitled "Bonds on Bonds." Oh, ESPN! I would be fine if they just did like a few minutes covering the game, and the chase of Ruth, but we don't need an update every thirty minutes about his "possible steroid use." It really is annoying. I doubt it will ever end.

Which of these do you consider the worst reffing job? 2006 NBA Playoffs Bulls/Heat game 2? The entire 2005-2006 Duke basketball season with Shelden Williams virtually getting treated like Shaq? Or the 2005 NCAA National Championship Illinois/UNC with Sean May running James Augustine over like a diesel powered combine, and Augustine getting called for the foul?-Trent

I think you can mention the entire 2005 NCAA Tournament, but if you are just talking the Championship Game, I think we have to recall that possession in which Roger Powell was getting hacked across his arms and shoved on like 4 shots. He got no call. I could even hear the skin getting hit on TV. I think that was one of the worst officiating jobs ever. I had to turn the game off at half time for fear that I might destroy the TV.

I was pretty mad about the Shelden Williams calls though. If I had SS&B started at that time, you would have heard quite a bit of complaining about that. The Bulls and Heat game was just frustrating for the "star" standpoint. That has really just been something that has been bothering my year.

I would like to personally thank you for always giving mad ups to Elton Brand. I have watched a few games of his this season,and he is crazy. Thank you.-Ben

No problem. I think Elton Brand is going to be one of those players-when he retires- who's greatness isn't fully understood. He has never been a flashy player, but can score in the post on anybody, plays great defense, and rebounds. He has made all of the scouts forget about his being "too small for an NBA power forward" coming out of Duke.

Furthermore, my Bulls traded him for Tyson Chandler. That worked out wonderfully. Just to give you an idea of who the Bulls have traded since 2000, here is a potential roster they could have. No players that were traded for one another are listed.

Starters

C- Brad Miller

PF- Elton Brand

SF- Ron Artest

SG- Ben Gordon

PG- Kirk Hinrich

Bench

F- Donyell Marshall

C/F- Eddy Curry

G- Chris Duhon

F- Andres Nocioni

F/G- Luol Deng

G- Jamal Crawford

That is a championship caliber team. Unfortunately, the Bulls have traded them all of way. Sure, some of them like Eddy Curry and Jamal Crawford probably had to go, but they are still very talented individuals that could have dramatically shaped the Bulls' future.

What do you think is up with Kobe switching from number 8 to number 24? Do you think there is any real reason behind it?-Tom

Yeah, I do. The reason is to sell more jerseys. The number 24 Kobe Bryant jersey will be the most popular jersey sold next year. There is no doubt about it. I don't buy that he wants to switch back to number 24 because it was his high school number.

As a Bears fan, are you worried about either the Packers or the Vikings next season? It was just announced recently that Brett Favre is coming back, and that the Pack signed Charles Woodson.-Vince

Actually, I am worried about both teams. The Packers have got me worried with the free agent signings of Ryan Pickett and Charles Woodson, assuming Pickett plays like it's a contract year and Woodson doesn't get hurt- again. The Vikings also made some big signings with Tank Williams and Steve Hutchinson, among others. Both have themselves set up pretty well for the draft, especially Minnesota. I think the Bears have done everything they can to improve this team. The signing of Ricky Manning will help (despite the off field issue that arouse after they offered him a contract). I think the Bears are a impact receiver away from the Super Bowl, and I think they will have one step up, whether it is Bradley, Berriam, or a drafted wide receiver (hopefully Chad Jackson falls to us). I'm really excited for the upcoming division race.

That is all for this week's Mailbag. If you feel your sport or team is left out, get your e-mails in. If I get it I will probably publish it (assuming it's not polo). The e-mail is sportssphereandbeyond@yahoo.com .

To Be a Star

2006-04-24T19:43:00.000-07:00

The following was writing in the heat of the moment after a series of questionable calls went against the Chicago Bulls.

In Lenny Wilkens's biography, he recalled a situation during his rookie season. Boby Cousy was dribbling around the top of the key when Lenny stepped in and picked his pocket- cleanly. When Wilkens confronted the ref, he was basically told, "Kid, you're a rookie, he's Bob Cousy, get over it."

Unfortunately, the ways of the NBA has not change at all since the 1960s, atleast in those respects.

I just got finished watching a Bulls game (this story can be applied to so many star-less teams, though). I saw some of the worst officiating- led by official Danny Crawford- I've seen in some time.

Kirk Hinrich goes in for a lay-up. Shaq body checks him while Wade slaps across his arms. No call.

In a crucial junction of the game, Andres Nocioni has the ball next to the baseline and is shoved, yes, shoved out of bounds by Antoine Walker. No call.

Dwyane Wade makes eye contact with the defender. He gets the foul call. (Actually, it was more of Kirk Hinrich running under the hoop while he was jumping to dunk on a fast break, a good foot away from any body part.)

The sad thing about this is that it is the playoffs. And it is by no means unusual.

As a fan, I'm sick of seeing the elite players getting foul calls whenever the opponent even tries to play fundamental defense on them, and then on the other side of the ball, the stars get away with reach after reach after reach. It pisses me off.

Allen Iverson is a prime example. He has been programmed by the League to expect a foul call whenever he gets tapped anymore. It's insane. Every call he complains to the ref.

The same for LeBron James (but atleast he handles conversations with refs properly). The NBA doesn't want their billion dollar man to get hurt, by no means should a defender try to play hard-nosed defense.

I still don't get how, when Shaq lowers his shoulders into defenders standing straight up, they call the defender for the foul. It's insane. Are you telling me the Stick (Tyson Chandler to the rest of you) can send the Tree (Shaq) flying ten feet without even pushing? I think not. Yet the refs feel Shaq is intitled to that treatment.

Even worse, the stars feel they can disrespect the refs when they don't get the call. That is exactly why players like Dwyane Wade and Gilbert Arenas have gotten on my nerves so much recently. Everytime they feel any breeze sweeping past them they think a foul should be called.

Slightly off topic, I just want to say to you, Wade, that pretty soon (assuming if you keep at the same pace- you were one of my favorite players, now you are dropping like Kobe after his vacation to Colorado) you will be along side Kobe and Shaq as my bottom three. Stop crying.

I beg of you (NBA), allow the refs to call the game properly. It is infuriating to see a game called two seperate ways; one for stars, one for non-stars. If it keeps costing teams games, I will keep writing about it. I'm sick of this crap (it's the real reason the NBA is worse than NCAA basketball).

If I seem a little harsh, it's because I just witnessed my team lose two games that, if called fairly, they could have potentially won.

A foul is foul no matter who gets fouled. Remember it...

... because I'll keep reminding you.

Spitting On Red Bull

2006-04-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

Some of you may recall an early article I wrote regarding the MLS's New York Red Bulls (Red Bull New York Crowned). After writing that article, I promised that I would no longer write about the MLS. I have to take that back.

In a recent game against the New York Red Bulls, an opposing player scored a goal, and, in celebration, picked up a Red Bull drink. The player opened up the drink, took a big swig, and spit out the Red Bull.

A classic celebration.

It is nice to see the other the "football" hasn't lost its touch with celebrations (not so much for the NFL). I think this celebration is on par with some of Chad Johnson's dances. A real way to take it to Red Bull for their insane sports marketing (just think if the Boston Red Sox were turned into Bud Light Boston).

Thanks to all of those people out there fighting the sports marketing (which is one of the things most annoying about sports, atleast in my book).

And -to pull a "Colbert"- I'm putting Red Bull on notice.

Fan Rant: One Lineman Takes a Stand

2006-04-23T08:03:00.000-07:00

Our loyal reader Dan is going to take the floor in this segment. This is an e-mail I was sent containing his "Fan Rant." Enjoy.

Why is it that only the skilled positions ever get any mention when people are discussing who's good at football? It seems to me that all positions require skill. But what the term means in most conversations is more like cocky RB's, WR's, and QB's or on the other side of the ball cocky LB's and CB's. How can people be so stupid? By omitting the offensive and defensive line, you're omitting half of the people on the field (slightly fewer on defense). So we're not skilled? So any 300+ lb. guy can play offensive line in the NFL?

That's a load of crap. I'd like to see, just on a play or two, the entire offensive line just lay down when the ball is snapped, and let the unskilled d linemen come in and show the cocky skilled backfield exactly how vital and powerful the lower class that works in the trenches really is.

I could go on, but I'd like to hear you're take on the whole thing.

I agree for the most part- some defensive lineman, mainly the athletic ends, get respect. And offensive tackles are the d-ends of the offensive line.

It's basically about athletic ability when they talk about skill. Since an offensive lineman isn't running a 4.4 forty, he isn't considered athetic. But, we need to remember, strength is athleticism.

On the issue of respecting the beasts in the trenches, I agree that they are unrespected. It takes an offensive lineman- mainly guards- multiple Pro Bowls until fans start to recognize them. Steve Hutchinson is probably the most widely known guard in the League, and that was due to Seattle fans treating him (along with Walter Jones) like a rockstar. Only then did ESPN do pieces about him. Overall, the vast majority of fans can't- off the top of their heads- name six guards in the League.

Just for those of you that say "you can't either, Drew", here it goes. Steve Hutchinson, Alan Faneca, Will Shields, Larry Allen, LeCharles Bentley, Logan Mankins, Shawn Andrews, Reuben Brown, Roberto Garza, Mike Wahle, Marco Rivera. Thats eleven.

Thanks to Dan for writing in. As always, if you would like to have your voice heard, the e-mail is sportssphereandbeyond@yahoo.com.

SS&B's NBA End of Year Awards

2006-04-21T16:18:00.000-07:00

The 2005-2006 NBA season came to an end on Wednesday night. It is time for Sports Sphere to dish out our early awards. I will avoid boring you with stats- I will hand out the hardware based on the games that I've seen. Here we go...

Most Improved Player
The Most Improved Player award is really only a two man race between David West and Boris Diaw, although Andres Nocioni and Chris Wilcox made very good improvements. David West has increased his productivity this season, and is one of the main reasons the Hornets' resurgence. Boris Diaw has become a great all-around player in Phoenix, and is able to play all five positions on the court. He has made huge leaps in every facet of his game, and has become a walking triple double.

When it came down to it, I had to give the SS&B Most Improved Player to Boris Diaw. He has evolved his game in so many ways.

Sophomore Slump of the Year
The criteria is a little different in this award than in others. Even if a player had a solid year, they are eligible to win this if it wasn't as good as their rookie season. The prime example of that is Emeka Okafor. He played solidly this season, but didn't expand on his Rookie of the Year campaign of 2004-2005. The nagging injuries didn't help any. J.R. Smith is up for the award for his lack of improvement, and lessened production. He could barely even get into games down the stretch- his relationship with Byron Scott didn't help him any, having been in his doghouse most of the season.

Overall, the SS&B Sophomore Slump of the Year has to go to J.R. Smith. If he changed his approach to the game, he could have been an exciting backcourt mate to run along side Chris Paul. Unfortunately, he is one of those high schoolers with a hot head.

Bonehead Move of the Year
To take home the Bonehead Move of the Year, a player has to do something extremely stupid. Players that are up for nomination are Latrell Sprewell, Sebastian Telfair, Chris "Birdman" Anderson, and the Slam Dunk Contest judges. Sprewell is stupid for walking away from that $16 million offer from Minnesota last year to sit out the year making no money. Sebastian Telfair tried walking through airport security with a gun- needless to say it didn't work. "Birdman" cost himself a ton of money for that substance abuse problem . Let's just say, if it takes you fifteen dunks to make one in a dunk contest, you shouldn't win (the judges blew it).

This year's winner is Sebastian Telfair. Everybody knows that an airport isn't the place to be carrying a gun. And then you claimed it was your girlfriend's. Wow. Sebastian Telfair, SS&B's Bonehead Move of the Year winner.

"You'd Better Donate Some of That Cash" Award
This award goes to the player that is getting paid a lot of money, and didn't earn a penny of it. Players nominated are Tyson Chandler, Samuel Dalembert, entire Knicks roster, and Rasho Nesterovic.

Notice a trend? All of the nominees are centers (even the Knicks have Eddy Curry and Jerome James) that have done nothing to earn their huge paychecks. The winner is... all of them.

Disappointing Star of the Year
There are three players up for the award. Kevin Garnett, Allen Iverson, and Stephon Marbury are all among the most disappointing "stars" in the league. With the exception of Kevin Garnett (since he's in the West) they all should have been able to led a team, single handed, into the playoffs.

That is why Allen Iverson is my Disappointment of the Year, although Stephon Marbury was a close second.

Sixth Man of the Year
The Sixth Man of the Year is a tough award to give out. It's hard trying to determine if a player has maintained eligible for the award by starting only a certain amount of games. Up for nomination are the Hornets' Speedy Claxton and the Pistons' Antonio McDyess. Both have been difference makers in their team's season, but, thinking of it in this matter, what team would feel the biggest impact if that player went down?

I think the Hornets would be shaken by Speedy's injury. The SS&B Sixth Man of the Year goes to guard Speedy Claxton.

Coach of the Year
There is no doubt in my mind on this award. There is only one candidate up for nomination in my world... Scott Skiles. He is the reason that the Bulls are in the playoffs. I love his toughness when dealing with his players, and it reflects in the team's mentality. He handled the Tim Thomas situation perfectly- if he didn't want to work hard in practice, fine, go home. Scott Skiles, the SS&B Coach of the Year.

Just for some extra recognition, I was impressed with Byron Scott and Eddie Jordan.

Defensive Player of the Year
There are always several players in the running for the D-POY every season. This year is no different. My top four players are Ron Artest, Ben Wallace, Andrei Kirilenko, and Marcus Camby. All four have been difference makers on their teams.

The winner fo the SS&B Defensive Player of the Year is Andrei Kirilenko. He is a factor on every defensive play, and can block any shot or pick anybody's pocket.

SS&B's 1st Team All-Rookie
I have six players that are honestly capable of winning a spot on the team. They are Andrew Bogut, Chris Paul, Channing Frye, Charlie Villanueva, Deron Williams, and Raymond Felton. There is no doubt that Chris Paul will make the team.

Chris Paul, Hornets

Andrew Bogut, Bucks

Charlie Villanueva, Raptors

Channing Frye, Knicks

Raymond Felton, Bobcats

SS&B's 1st Team All-NBA
I will name five players to the first team, regardless of position. They represent the best the NBA has to offer. Here they are...

LeBron James, Cavaliers

Steve Nash, Suns

Kobe Bryant, Lakers

Elton Brand, Clippers

Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks

All five are among the elite NBA players, and are MVP candidates.

Rookie of the Year
I only have two players even in the same solar system as Chris Paul, the SS&B Rookie of the Year winner. Battling for second place are Andrew Bogut, Raymond Felton, and Charlie Villanueva. I liked that Bogut was consistant the entire season. Charlie V was had huge games this year, and really proved Toronto right for drafting him so high. Raymond Felton made a late push down the stretch, but it won't be enough to get him into my top three. Second place goes to Villanueva followed by Andrew Bogut.

Most Valuable Player
This is the award everbody has been waiting for. The debate is always raging, especially this year, anybody could take the trophy. My nominees are my 1st team all-NBA along with Chauncey Billups.

I will admit, the only reason I threw Billups into the discussion was to bash all of the people that have mentioned him as an honest candidate. Are you telling me that if you put a guard like Luke Ridnour on Detroit, they would be that much worse? I think not.

My MVP award goes to...

Lebron James. As you might have heard me mention before, LeBron's season was better than Oscar Robertson's triple-double season. There eras are entirely different, but when Oscar played, it wasn't unusual for a team to take 100 shots a game, meaning quite a few more rebounds to be had. LeBron James has had one of the greatest statistical seasons that I can remember. He does more than score- he provides in every catagory.

Sorry, Kobe.

There are the 2005-2006 SS&B awards. If you have some disagreements with my nominees and winners, e-mail me at sportssphereandbeyond@yahoo.com . You might just make the Mailbag.

Chemistry in the NBA

2006-04-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

Is there any sport-any league- that requires team chemistry more than basketball and the NBA?

I think not.

I was watching a Chicago Bulls/Orlando Magic game on Monday (First time I got to see an entire Orlando game since the Darko trade). There was one point, late in the fourth quarter, that I knew my Bulls were going to win...

...Orlando's Jameer Nelson was fouled hard, hits the ground, and no teammates walk over to help him up-all of them go straight to the free throw line. I knew right then that Chicago was going to get the victory.

Further evidence to Orlando's lack of chemistry was when Hedo Turkoglu missed a potential game winning free throw, and no teammates extended a supportive hand.

I just want to mention now that I am not writing to bash Orlando. This was a team that was just eliminated from the playoff hunt (a tough way to go out considering they had won 8 in a row), and I don't know how they played as a team prior to this game.

But compare Orlando's attitude to that of the Bulls. Kirk Hinrich gets drilled and hits the ground hard. Guard Chris Duhon and forward Andres Nocioni rush over to help him up. Later on it's Nocioni that is elbowed when going in for a lay-up, and walks to halfcourt when he starts grasping his ribs in pain. Luol Deng is there to help him over to the sideline. Then Kirk Hinrich misses a key free throw, and three teammates give him a five, encouraging him on the next shot.

Those are the things that make the difference in a basketball game-even in the NBA. And the Bulls went on to win in overtime.

There is a reason that the Chicago Bulls, an undermanned basketball squad, beat out more talented teams for a playoff position. It is all about how teammates mesh and feed off of each other (which is why players like Andres Nocioni and Brian Cardinal-hopefully Greg Brunner- are so valuable to teams).

Likewise, a team that lacks chemistry, obviously, struggles.

Look at the Indiana Pacers. There is no doubt that they are a team that is talented enough to be a top 3 Eastern conference team. But, like analyst and former Pacer Reggie Miller says, they lack chemistry. The same can be said for the Philadelphia Sixers. A team with a player as good as Allen Iverson and in conference as bad as the East should never miss the playoffs.

The New York Knicks are another example of a team lacking any chemistry. This team is probably, individually, among the most talented in the League. There is no doubt that a team of Stephon Marbury, Steve Francis, Eddy Curry, Jalen Rose, Channing Frye, Jamal Crawford, Quentin Richardson, and Nate Robinson is better than a lottery team. If they had any ability to mesh as a single unit, they would be contenders for the championship, but that is a huge "if."

To get off of the negatives, a team like the Phoenix Suns are a perfect example of a team that gets it right. They put together talent that is capable of existing as a single body-not five seperate units. Sure, a lot of that is a credit of Steve Nash's abilities, but players like Boris Diaw and Shawn Marion are examples of players that accept a role (something that "Starbury" and "Stevie Franchise" will never do).

To sum this all up, I want to state that I hope teams look more at talent that works together, making each other better. Sometimes, 10+10+10+10+10=9 while 5+5+5+5+5=50.

Isiah, you can keep your "10s."

The Bulls are happy being a group of "5s" (for now).

4th Edition of the Mailbag

2006-04-15T16:13:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since the last Mailbag, and I have received plenty of questions from the loyal readers. "What about the AFL?" The NBA Playoff race. It will all be covered.

And leading off the the Mailbag is...

Do you think that the Lakers will have a chance at making it to the playoffs?- Tyler

Five days have passed since this question was mailed to me, and it is now a lock that the Kobes will make the playoffs. Instead, I will give you my assessment of their playoff chances.

I will start by stating that the Kobes are lucky that the NBA Playoff system is flawed, and they don't have to play the true #2 seed- the Mavericks. Nonetheless, the Kobes have to be a terrible draw for Phoenix. The Kobes are a team that has a shot in any series they play in just because they have Kobe. Kobe will not let the Kobes lose (whether that is for good or bad is debatable). That being said, I don't think the Kobes have a chance against Phoenix. It could be interesting seeing the walking triple-doubles Lamar Odom and Boris Diaw face off, though.

Do you think the Chicago Rush's quarterback Pat D'Orazio is overrated because the rest of his team sucks?- Chris

Who is the hottest team in the AFL right now?-Chris

Sitting behind the 9-2 Dallas Desperados in the Eastern Division, do you think the 7-5 New York Dragons have a chance at an Arena Bowl Championship?-Chris

For all of us devoted Arena Football fans, please post at least one request. Oh, and get some AFL stories on here.-Chris

Chris, I posted all of your requests. I just decided that I won't reply to them. That is the only coverage I will ever give the AFL. Ever.

You are starting a NBA franchise tomorow. Your first pick for a guard would be (and is limited to) Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, or LeBron James. Who do you pick and why?-Ben

This is an easy hypothetical situation. If I were starting a franchise, I would select LeBron James. Right now, he is every bit as good as Kobe Bryant, and he will only get better. His statistical output this year is better than Oscar Robertson's triple-double over an entire season (in his era, players were averaging twenty-five rebounds a game- a little over ten was nothing! And only good enough for third on his team.). There is no doubt in my mind that LeBron James will be the greatest player in the history of the NBA- a true mix of Michael and Magic. There is no question that LeBron would be my pick (And I would draft Andres Nocioni for my 6th man).

Hypothetically, if Jimmy Rollins did indeed break Joe DiMaggio's 56 six game hit streak, who's streak would be more impressive?- Al

First off, I would like to state that I had planned to write about this debate, but as I logged on the computer I saw that the streak was snapped.

But to answer you question, I think Jimmy Rollins' streak would be more impressive. To be hot for 56 straight days is one thing, but to have to cool down for five months between games is another. There is no question in my mind that J-Roll's streak would more difficult, had he broken the record that is.

There is another thing about this record that frustrates me. Joe DiMaggio's record was set during the "Minor League" years of Major League Baseball. He was playing in an era that did not allow non-White players to participate. Just imagine today's era without Latin and Black players. The quality of baseball just drops. I am under the opinion that records set pre-1947 should be looked at in a different light. Just like we don't recognize Negro League stats, we shouldn't recognize those set in the "White" Major League Baseball (some may argue the reason was due to less people keeping stats in the Negro League). The common reference is, "Would Babe Ruth have hit so many home runs if he had to face Satchel Paige?". Ruth himself said probably not.

I was just watching ESPN. I saw that contract talks between the Bears and linebacker Lance Briggs broke off. As a Bears' fan, what's your take? I've been hearing that he wants Urlacher-type money.-Mason

I just saw that as well. I think the Bears have got to pay this kid. He has been to the Pro Bowl once, and was named as an alternate another time. He is only in his third year in the League. Sure, he isn't as talented as Brian Urlacher, but reliability has to be worth something. We can count on Lance Briggs game in and game out to lace 'em up. This defense has to go stay intact to stay in contention. The only thing keeping Chicago from a Super Bowl is the quarterback and tight end. And they have done everything they can possibly do to sure up the quarterback position (Grossman, Greise, and Orton).

What are your predictions for the baseball season for the teams around the Midwest? (Cardinals, Twins, Cubs, White Sox, etc)-Bryson

Well, the season is already underway, and I was a little late getting this question up. For the Cardinals, you can always expect them to be in contention for the NL Central. If I were to place my money on one team, it would probably be St. Louis.

The Cubs, on the other hand, really have me exicited. As a Cubs' fan, I love the new additions... speed and youth. It is nice to be able to watch a game and think, "Wow, we actually have a guy on first base right now that could swipe a base." Juan Pierre has me excited, along with the youngsters Matt Murton and Ronny Cedeno. They just add to much to the game, whether it's not having to see K-Patt, Neifi Perez, or Todd Hollandsworth play everyday or the enthusiasm they bring to the table. I'm excited to see where this season takes us.

Also in the NL Central, I'll throw in Milwaukee. I can't call it a sleeper pick since the season is already underway, but they have a shot at the NL Central title. I can't wait to see Prince Fielder, Ricky Weeks, and J.J. Hardy play on Sunday Night Baseball. Those guys will be something special in the years to come. I'm a little worried about the pitching rotation. It seems that Ben Sheets has the curse of the Wood (as in Kerry) in that he gets hurt a lot. It should be an interesting year for the Brew Crew.

Now to the White Sox, my only prediction is this; Comcast Sports Net and WGN will still (unfortunately) have the Hawk and D.J. has the White Sox announcers. I can not think of anything more annoying than the "Put it on the board, YES!" chant for a Sox homer compared to the "It's a soft fly ball, over the fence." for the opposition. They are "homer" homers.

When talking about the Twins, is there anybody you can mention outside the triangle of Johan Santana, Torii Huner, and Joe Mauer? Justin Morneau-maybe- but I doubt it. I'm just really excited to see the 22 year old Joe Mauer this season. There may not be a better catcher in the Major Leagues by the end of the season. I'm not trying to make an overstatement, either.

Who angers you more; Knicks or Sixers management?-Phil

Without a doubt, I hate Sixers management the most. They are the reason that Tyson Chandler is getting paid ten million dollars this season for just being a shot blocker and rebounder. If they hadn't given Samuel Dalembert that huge contract, Chandler wouldn't have tried getting a huge contract either.

On the other hand, I love Isiah Thomas. I would like to personally say thanks to him for taking "Walking Heart Attack"(Curry) and "Shoot Now, Look At Basket Later"(Crawford) off out hands. Heck, you even threw in an unprotected first round draft pick. Isiah Thomas for Prime Minister... of France (since we all know what he does to any organization).

That is all for this edition of the Mailbag. If you would like to be part of next week's Mailbag, e-mail me at sportssphereandbeyond@yahoo.com. Remember, your voice will be heard.

As always, I would like to remind my readers to visit Hall Yes.com to petition for Joe Jackson's reinstatement.

...& Beyond!

2006-04-14T13:26:00.000-07:00

I was watching MSNBC'S Scarborough Country last night, and listened in on a debate regarding South Park's latest episode. As usual, these media elitists were appalled. And who did they have on their show to debate the issue?

Two reverends.

Great reporting, MSNBC. Way to attack both sides of the issue. Fair coverage at its finest. Thank you, Scarborough Country.

The South Park episodes under scrutiny are two in a two part series called "Cartoon Wars." The episodes centered around Cartman and Kyle. Cartman was working to get the FOX Netiwork to pull an episode of "Family Guy" depicting the Muslim prophet Mohammed. Kyle was fighting to get the episode to air, stating it was the writers' right to air their work.

Eventually, Kyle was able to talk the FOX executive into airing the episdoe. The scene showed the "Family Guy" episode in which Mohammed was depicted. Instead of seeing Mohammed, Comedy Central aired a message saying, "Comedy Central has refused to broadcast an image of Mohammed on their network."

What had all of the Scarborough Country anchors angry was what immediately followed.

The following scence showed Jesus, President Bush, and several other people "defecating" on the United States flag and each other.

One reverend said, "Comedy Central thinks less of Jesus Christ than the prophet Mohammed."

Another stated, "...defecating on the president, the president that is deeply beloved in the United States should never be allowed." Since I won't mention this comment later, I will just say that it is a stretch to call him "beloved."

They all went on to say, "South Park isn't even that funny." I just wanted to throw this in because, for those of you that watched the episode, will remember Cartman says, "Family Guy isn't even that funny."

But to top it all of, the host (Joe Scarborough had the night off, it was some other guy) said, "I watched Wednesday's episode so I would know what I'm talking about," and, "The FCC need to stop these people from doing this to our religions."

Before I get into debating this topic, I will always remind my loyal readers that I am a South Park backer through and through. To me, bashing South Park is like saying something about my mom (almost).

Atleast I can trust the media to "watch" the episode in which they debate on a segment of their television show. Notice, I said "watch"- they only watched the second of the two part series. Where was the first? But atleast we should be able to trust the host, since he "knows what he's talking about."

Ha! The way I see it is that I don't talk about the effects of the FDR administration had on the course of American history claiming, "I know what I'm talking about." Nor should you, Scarborough Country, claim that after watching one episode of South Park, you know what your talking about. You really dropped the bomb on that statement.

But you don't let up. You claim that the FCC should take the show off the air. To that, I have one thing to say...

..."Turn the channel." I'm sure you have the control.

And, to the reverend that make the statement about Comedy Central's take on Jesus and Mohammed. You're right. Comedy Central did make the decision to censor Mohammed. The only thing is, I didn't know it was against Christian beliefs to show a depiction of Jesus.

The arguement that can be made about Comedy Central's decision is that they say they refuse to broadcast an image of Mohammed on their network, yet, in season five, depictions of Mohammed were aired. Something about that situation sounds a bit strange to me.

In defense of Comedy Central's decision to air Jesus desecrating on the flag, while not airing the Mohammed picture, I tend to thing it has to do more with viewers reactions. For those that take South Park at face value, they would be appalled by the airing of Mohammed. Muslims especially. I tend to think that, for the most part, Muslims are more pationate about their God (for better or for worse) than the majority of Christians are.

I tend to think that most Christians that saw the ending of South Park might have thought, "Wow, that is sick. Only in America are people allowed to air this kind of thing." (I know that most my friends didn't think twice about that ending.)

But the statement that "only in America are people allowed to air this kind of thing" is exactly what "Cartoon Wars" was about. Little Kyle told you as much. Next time you watch this episode, pay attention to what Kyle is saying... just open your ears (directed at people like those on Scarborough Country). You would have heard a nine year old saying, "Aerica is about the 1st Amendment. It makes America what it is." For those of you at MSNBC, the freedom of expression gives South Park the right to depict Jesus how they want... it also have you the right to say, "That Duke stripper deserrved to get raped,"- a right that you took full advantage of (although, technically, your opinion might not work since you were potentially calling for physical harm to the woman).

And only in Amierca will you see a country's largest religious and political figures "defecating" on that country's flag.

This is why South Park viewers are a different bunch. We are able to watch the television show and get a totally different idea out of the episode. We go beyond the surface. For those of you at Scarborough Country, to give you an example, you don't read Animal Farm, and relate the story to actual animals. The same can be said for South Park.

Don't watch the episode in an angry mood thinking Trey Parker and Matt Stone hate America and Jesus. The ending is supposed to show their love for this country, the country that gives them the right to express themselves in any manner that they like.

In the same token, don't watch thinking that everything is being written for shock value (I'm not dumb enough to say that shock value has nothing to do with it). If you do wath the show thinking it's all about pissing people off, you will ignore the actual message they are trying to express.

I say to you, Scarborough Country, "grow a pair." Listen to the actual message instead of forming you opinion before the show even airs.

Taking a line from Scarface, "I like men that have balls."

That explains why I love South Park.

SS&B's "Pimp Slap of the Week"

2006-04-12T15:33:00.000-07:00

SS&B has decided to make an award recognizing the one person in sports that most needs a "Pimp Slap." What is the criteria, you ask?

The person must do something so utterly dumb, it just just makes you shake your head and say, "Wow."

Nothing more.

And this week's (well, actually, part of the last two) nominees are...

Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers- Favre is nominated for his, "What are they going to do, cut me?" quote. That was a selfish thing so say, and I think his reputation is going to be damaged... atleast in my eyes. This has nothing to do with delaying his retirement announcements.

"Rape Victim" in the Duke Scandal- This person was nominated by a friend. He said that she deserves this award for lying about the situation (atleast according to the latest reports). If she did lie, she cost a team their season, a coach his job, and Duke a bit of their reputation.

Shaquille O'Neal, Miami Heat- He once again calls out the officials. This time, it was after he fouled out. It might just be me, but I'm sick of Shaquille O'Neal's attitude. He can't admit that he was the one to make the mistake. Same thing happened with that Andrew Bynum case... and the Andres Nocioni dirty foul (with I wrote about here.)

Merrill Hodge, ESPN- I have officially seen what makes up stupidity... Merrill Hodge The ever-so-intelligent Merrill Hodge, on air Tuesday, said that Matt Leinart has the talent of a mid to late first round draft pick. That is a "wow" and "shake my head comment". But will it be the winner...

...no!

The winner of the first ever "Pimp Slap of the Week" is Brett Favre! Favre is a the winner for his undevoted selfishness.

If you would like to nominate anybody for next week's "Pimp Slap" award, e-mail me at sportssphereandbeyond@yahoo.com. You can also send in some Mailbag questions.

Thanks to Alex Lines for supplying the idea of the "Pimp Slap of the Week".

Spot for Brunner in the NBA?

2006-04-09T06:10:00.000-07:00

I've spent the last four days racing to DraftExpress.com to get information on the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. The sole reason: Greg Brunner. Not only is he my favorite basketball player in the history of history, but the majority of my readers feel the same way. I have been asked numerous times about his NBA prospects, so I will share my opinion with you.

Iowa's Greg Brunner will play in the NBA.

I think it is more a matter of when than if. No matter what, I see him getting atleast a ten day contract with some NBA team down the line. It is yet to be seen whether that will be this upcoming season or after time spent in Europe or the NBDL.

Brunner had a very good Portsmouth Invitational. He averaged 13 points, 9.66 boards, 2 assists, 1.33 blocks, 1 steal, and shot 51.7%. Brunner proved, once again, that even on another level of basketball, he is still a walking double-double.

The scouts have been impressed with many facets of his game. Scouts on DraftExpress raved about his incredible basketball IQ. Even when he isn't getting the rebound, he is helping his team get the ball back with his incredible box outs (as he always has even at Iowa, which is why that 0 rebound game is misleading). Brunner featured very good post moves, and can spin out of almost any defense- or he could just bull his way through you with his Hulk-like strength. He was able to extend the defense with his smooth mid-range game. The thing that makes Greg Brunner so impressive is his all out motor- he never stops working, offensively or defensively.

That is what has NBA and European scouts so impressed. His work ethic will always give him a shot at the NBA. Teams will pay for an energy guy (See Brian Cardinal), and there is no better player that fits that mold than Greg Brunner- and he can go out and haul in fifteen rebounds on any night.

With Brunner there also comes to negatives- to scouts. The only thing that really has any chance of holding him back is his size- it's the only thing keeping him from being a draft pick. If Greg was 6-10, I think he would be a lottery pick. Unfortunately, he is 6-6 or 6-7, depending on the source (I'm saying 6-7).

The other question mark is athleticizm. This knock on his game drives me crazy. He doesn't have a first step. He doesn't have much of a vertical. Watch some basketball. You will see that, whether or not he has a good first step, he still beats people off the dribble and gets to the paint. If by vertical you mean he doesn't dunk, then yes, you're right, he doesn't dunk like a Tyrus Thomas.

But then again, ask the people who he alley-ooped on in Portsmouth.

There are all of his weaknesses. Two. I sure hope that a player as good in nearly every facet of the game isn't kept out of the League because of two weaknesses when he has a bag full of strengths (Heck, players now-a-days get drafted even if all they have is size).

If you would like to read what the real scouts have to say about Greg Brunner, go to the best site for that information, DraftExpress.com. Here's the links to the three articles with Brunner in it, Game 1, Game 2, and Game 3. You'll have to scroll down to find the section on Brunner.

Now is the time for my own opinion on Brunner's basketball future. I don't think he will get drafted, as much as it kills me. But, I'm sure that he will get an invite to the NBA summer league and team training camps for a shot to catch on (As a coach, I would be unable to turn away a player like the Greg Brunner). I do think he will be added to a NBA roster.

But, if he doesn't make a NBA roster after that, I expect him to go to Europe for a year. I know there is the entire thing about the D-League in the States, but the money is in Europe (not to mention level of competition). I think he would prove, once again, that he is a very good player at every level.

Finally, I think he will take the Darius Songaila route to the NBA through Europe (if he didn't make a team the first time through). I don't see him in Europe for more than one season.

When he gets to the NBA, which I feel positive that it will happen, I think he will be a mix of several players: the energy of Andres Nocioni, the rebounding of Reggie Evans, the post moves all his own, the mid-range shot of Malik Allen (who has a good shot)...

... and the hair of Michael Jordan.

UPDATE (April 11): DraftExpress has finished their Portsmouth recap. Brunner was named to the 3rd team.

The Top Five in 2006

2006-04-07T17:59:00.000-07:00

The 2006 NFL Draft is almost three weeks away. A loyal reader has asked SS&B to make some draft predictions. We will do just that.

1. Houston Texans
The Houston Texans need an offensive lineman. D'Brickashaw Ferguson is one of the best offensive lineman prospects in several years. But, Ferguson cannot possibly be drafted over USC's Reggie Bush. He ran a 4.33 40-yard sprint at his workout. Bush offers great receiving skills. He is a complete offensive threat. The only knock on Reggie Bush is that it is questionable whether he is an everydown back. Luckily for the Texans, that is not a worry since they have Domanick Davis to split carries. Reggie Bush will be a threat at running back, receiver, and return man for Houston.
Profile: Reggie Bush
Pick: Reggie Bush, RB from USC

2. New Orleans Saints
Early on, it seemed that Matt Leinart would be a lock at this pick. That was before the Saints signed Drew Brees. The Saints will focus their attention on a defensive player. North Carolina State's Mario Williams is a great defensive end. Williams is a freak athelete, and he has received comparisons to Julius Peppers. He was clocked in at 4.66 in his 40. However, there are several question marks with this pick. The Saints have two very good ends right now in Charles Grant and Will Smith. There has been questions about Williams' motor. Overall, Mario Williams is the pick at number 2.
Profile: Mario Williams
Pick: Mario Williams, DE from NC State

3. Tennessee Titans
Within the last week on Mike & Mike in the Morning, NFL reporters have been saying that Matt Leinart is not a lock at this pick. There have been rumors that Vince Young is the favorite of the Titans' brass. I'm under the impression that it is just a smoke screen, and that the Titans will undoubtedly selected USC'S Matt Leinart. Leinart would have been last year's top pick had he chosen to leave for the NFL. Matt Leinart is a winner, and would be a great selection for the Titans at number 3.
Profile: Matt Leinart
Pick: Matt Leinart, QB from USC

4. New York Jets
This is a pick that has been up in the air for a long time. If the rumor about Young to the Titans is true, I expect the Jets to get a steal with Leinart at four. Since I believe Leinart will be off the board at 4, I think the best pick for the Jets would be D'Brickashaw Ferguson. Ferguson is extremely athletic and mobile for a offensive tackle. He is considered a rare offensive lineman that would solidify the Jets' line for years to come. Profile: D'Brickashaw Ferguson
Pick: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT from Virginia

5. Green Bay Packers
I'm hoping that the Packers actually make the right move here. They need to pick up a great defensive player. A.J. Hawk fits the bill. Hawk has a great football IQ. He is instinctive around the ball, and he is always making big plays. The Packers will be excited about his work ethic. I have no doubt that A.J. Hawk will be a fan favorite in Green Bay for years.
Profile: A.J. Hawk
Pick: A.J. Hawk, OLB from Ohio State

There are my top five selections for the 2006 NFL Draft. I don't have any real suprises, but I'm sure there will be several later on in the day. Stay tuned to SS&B for my entire first round selections. I will have that posted by April 15th. In the meantime, send any questions you have to sportssphereandbeyond@yahoo.com .

Hall Yes!

2006-04-05T16:09:00.000-07:00

It is often noted that Pete Rose deserves Hall of Fame consideration. For every one hundred times I hear somebody say Pete Rose should be in the Hall, I might hear somebody mention "Shoeless" Joe Jackson's worthiness.

I know Joe Jackson should be in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

If you have read my previous article, the Stained Sox of 1919, you will have some background information on the Black Sox scandal. Joe Jackson accepted money for throwing the World Series...

and then went on to hit .375 with the only home run of the World Series. It seems to me that maybe some more players should have tried throwing the Series. Plus, fellow conspirator Buck Weaver hit .324. Those stats bring up the question, "Did Jackson really participate in the scandal?"

I say no, he didn't. That doesn't mean much, since he would have been punished for not turning in the players before it was carried out (I doubt that anybody would have believed him if he tried to turn it in. At that time the popular belief was that a World Series game could never be thrown. It would just take too much organization!) At most, I think he deserved two year suspension.

Not an entire lifetime sentence.

Throw in that Commissioner Landis performed a fairly weak investigation, one that went in the exact opposite direction of the court's decision, "Shoeless" deserves in even more. The lifetime ban should never been placed on Jackson, but, Landis was a control freak. He wanted to make a point out of Joe. Remember, baseball isn't a Court of Law.

Instead of constantly protesting his suspension like one Pete Rose. Joe lived peacefully in South Carolina until his death in 1951 of a heart attack. A sad end to a sad story.

But wait! With his death comes the end to his lifetime suspension, meaning he should be eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, none of the commissioners have had the courage to overturn the ruling. Legendary Ted Williams led the two charges to get Joe in the Hall, both to no avail.

Baseball and Bud Selig, please do the right thing and reinstate Joe Jackson. And, loyal readers, go to HallYes.com. Sign their petition to get Jackson in the Hall. Every signature helps, especially since Bud will do anything to be loved again.

Make the Hall a real baseball museum. It is missing one of the greatest hitters in its storied history. He is more famous than Babe Ruth in the South, especially South Carolina.

Help make the Hall of Fame shoeless!

The Stained Sox of 1919

2006-04-02T16:12:00.000-07:00

The following is to be used as background information on tomorrow's article regarding the legacy of "Shoeless" Joe Jackson.

The 1919 World Series is remembered for negative reasons. Members of the American League champion Chicago White Sox decided to throw the World Series. The eight players involved in fixing the 1919 World Series left a permanent stain on the face of Major League Baseball.

Members of the Chicago White Sox were famous for being vastly underpaid by their owner, Charles Comiskey. Unknown to the players, Comiskey was having difficulties paying off loans for the construction of Comiskey Park, his new baseball stadium (Bock). Comiskey is believed to have forced his managers to bench star players when they were approaching performance bonuses. Comiskey was a hated figure to most players on the White Sox team.

The White Sox squad were favorites of gamblers. The underpaid players were eager to make extra money by tanking regular season games. It was common knowledge that White Sox first baseman Charles "Chick" Gandil had been involved in fixing regular season games.

It was only time until gamblers decided to fix the most important games of the year, World Series games. Gambler Arnold Rothstein is considered the mastermind behind the 1919 World Series plot. Rothstein received help from fellow gambler Joseph "Sport" Sullivan. They enlisted the services of former boxing champion Abe Attell to contact the Chicago White Sox players.

A key player in the plot was Chick Gandil("Meet the Black Sox"). He had previously associated himself with shady gamblers. Abe Attell made his first move by contacting Gandil with the plan of Rothstein and Sullivan. Gandil was asked to round up more players to throw the World Series.

Gandil was able to acquire the help of seven teammates by the time a meeting with gamblers was scheduled. Just four days before the World Series was set to start, the gamblers and players met in a hotel room. Both parties agreed on a sum of $100,000 to be payed to the players, which was then split between them based upon their roles in the Series. The gamblers also discussed the details of their plans during the meeting. Players were forced to decide whether they were sure they wanted to be involved. Only one player backed out.

Buck Weaver decided he was not going to participate in the plan. Weaver was a promising third baseman with Hall of Fame potential. His downfall came when he pledged to the conspirators that he would not discuss their plans to anyone.

The seven players who made the decision to participate were headlined by Hall of Fame caliber outfielder "Shoeless" Joe Jackson. He was a premier player with a .356 lifetime batting average, the third best of all-time. Disagreements still rage about Jackson’s level of participation in the plot. Supporters believe he just took the money while others think he truly tried to lose the games.

Ace pitcher Eddie Cicotte was considered one of the best pitchers in the league. The 1919 season saw him win 29 games with a 1.53 earned run average. His loyalty to the gamblers was obvious, and he admitted his involvement in the scandal.

The rest of the crew was pitcher Claude "Lefty" Williams, first baseman Chick Gandil, shortstop Charles "Swede" Risberg, center fielder Oscar "Happy" Felsch, and utility player Fred McMullin. Risberg was very close with Gandil, and they were overheard discussing their plan by McMullin. McMullin was allowed to join in the plot after some mild bargaining.
The White Sox team was a divided bunch even prior to the 1919 World Series. The eight players involved in fixing the World Series had always been considered the bad bunch of the team. They felt the team favored players like Eddie Collins and Ray Schalk, both of whom are Hall of Famers who were not involved in the fix. Harry Leibold played in all eight games without any knowledge of the fix. Dickie Kerr was a starting pitcher who had no knowledge of the plot.

The 1919 World Series featured the Cincinnati Reds against the Chicago White Sox. Eddie Cicotte was the starting pitcher in game one. He hit Reds’ lead of hitter Morrie Rath with the second pitch of the game. Unbeknownst to regular spectators, it was a signal to Rothstein and Sullivan that the fix was on. Cicotte gave up a four run fifth inning. The Reds went on to take game one by a nine to one score.

Game two was pitched by Lefty Williams. Williams, who was known for his accuracy, walked three hitters in the fourth inning alone. He walked a total of six hitters during the game, and the White Sox lost four to two. After the game, catcher Ray Schalk approached Williams. Schalk had heard rumors about the fix, and Williams’s performance that night had convinced him that they were true. Schalk was ready to fight Williams but was held back by fellow teammates(Bock).

Game three featured Dickie Kerr pitching for the White Sox. Kerry threw a three hitter to lead Chicago to a three to zero win. First baseman Chick Gandil hit a double that drove in two runs. The Series was two to one in favor of the Reds.

Eddie Cicotte pitched again in game four. He felt he had to do a better job in the game of making his mistakes look more realistic instead of obvious like the first game. Cicotte threw four straight scoreless innings until the fifth. He was the American League’s top fielding pitcher but committed two errors in the innings. He later said, "I muffed the ball on purpose." He also threw a wild throw to first base for his other error. Cincinnati went on to win two to zero to give themselves a three to one lead in the nine game series.

Joe Jackson and Lefty Williams received their payment prior to game five of the World Series. Gandil gave both of them envelopes full of $5,000 from Arnold Rothstein and Sport Sullivan. Williams was set to pitch game five. Notable events in the game included both Jackson and Felsch misreading plays in the outfield. The Reds went on to win five to zero.

They were set to receive $20,000 from the gamblers before game six. The players did not getting their money, causing them to decided to shut down the fix. The game was stared by Dickie Kerr. The White Sox won five to four when Chick Gandil drove in Buck Weaver to win the game. The Series was now four to two and Kerr had won both of the White Sox games.

The $20,000 was still not given to them by game seven. Cicotte was determined to win game seven. Cicotte was able to get his first win by the score of four to one. The group of conspirators felt the win was going to make the gamblers nervous enough to be forced into payment.
The gamblers were indeed nervous. They followed Lefty Williams on his walk back to his hotel room after dinner. They approached him with a threat that he had to ensure a loss or that he would never pitch again. The conversation left Williams frightened.

The effects of threat were evident during game eight. Williams was only able to get one out before he gave up four runs in the first inning. It was in game eight after the Reds already had the game in hand that Joe Jackson hit the 1919 World Series’s only home run. Jackson added a double and three runs batted in to his credit in the ten to five loss. The Reds ended the World Series with a five to three edge.

Oddly enough, the players involved in the fix hit better than the clean players. Joe Jackson sported a .375 batting average over the eight games of the 1919 World Series. Buck Weaver’s hit .324 to show he was playing his best. Even little used Fred McMullin went one for two in his at bats. Of the three everyday players without knowledge of the fix, only one player hit over .300. Catcher Ray Schalk hit .304 while Eddie Collins hit .226 and Harry Leibold hit for a .056 average.

The fixing of the 1919 World Series was never reported, and it was only rumored to be true. The National Commission, three men who oversaw baseball, were powerless to do anything. Along with the owners, the National Commission decided to appoint a federal judge named Kenesaw Mountain Landis the commissioner of baseball. He accepted the position under the promise that he would be given absolute power to rule baseball ("Landis Guided With Unsurpassed Power").

Landis was adamant in his commitment to clean up baseball. He was quoted saying, "Baseball is something more than a game to an American boy. Destroy his faith in its squareness and honesty and you have destroyed something more; you have planted suspicion of all things in his heart." That opinion is regarded as the reason he was to committed to cleaning up the game of baseball.

It was not until September of 1920 that information of the 1919 "Black" Sox scandal came out. Cubs second baseman Buck Herzog and two Boston Braves players testified in a separate case that Landis should pursue the rumors of the 1919 World Series (Anderson). It was the break Landis needed.

Jackson, Cicotte, Gandil, Williams, Risberg, McMullin, Felsch, and even Weaver were indicted. Charles Comiskey then suspended the players indefinitely, even Gandil though he had retired after the 1919 season (Obojski 35). Landis placed all eight players on the ineligible list.
The trial of the Black Sox was in the summer of 1921. The jury felt there was a lack of evidence, and the players were acquitted. Following the acquittal, Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis made a statement saying, "Regardless of the verdicts of the juries, no player who entertains proposals or promises to throw a game, no player who sits in conference with a bunch of crooked players and gamblers where the ways and means of throwing games are discussed and does not promptly tell the club about it, will ever play professional baseball."

The fans’s confidence in baseball’s integrity was at an all-time low after the 1919 "Black Sox" Scandal. Any player with knowledge of the scandal was suspended, and they were often threatened by fans. Although Joe Jackson denies it ever happened, it was reported that a boy at his trial said, "Said it ain’t so, Joe." It was then written that he said, "Yes, kid, I’m afraid it is."

The lifetime suspensions also caused controversy over eligibility for the Hall of Fame. Joe Jackson is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the game, but is not represented. Major League Baseball would not even let his hometown’s minor league team have the name the "Joes." Buck Weaver’s suspension is also in debate. He was suspended only for his failure to report the plan. Eddie Cicotte is also considered one of the best pitchers ineligible for the Hall of Fame. "Eddie Cicotte’s spectacular 1919 season should be mentioned as a highlight on his Hall of Fame plaque, but instead it is remembered for one of the darkest incidents in baseball history- the "Black Sox" scandal (Nemac 73)."

Although the players were the biggest part of the fix, their decision to participate was effected by gamblers and Charles Comiskey. The effects of their decisions led to dramatic changes in baseball policies, and left baseball without some of its best players. The eight players involved in fixing the 1919 World Series left a permanent stain on the face of Major League Baseball.

Works Cited
Anderson, Dave. "White Sox Cannot Rinse Out Stain of 1919." The New York Times 19 Oct. 2005: n. pag. Electric Lib. CCHS Lib. 19 Jan. 2006 http://elibrary.bigchalk.com.

Bock, Hal. "Black Sox Scandal Has Never Faded; Eight Were Banned for Throwing Series." Buffalo News [NY] 24 Oct. 2005: n. pag. Electric Lib. CCHS Lib. 13 Jan. 2006 http://elibrary.bigchalk.com.

"Landis Guided Baseball With Unsurpassed Power." The Washington Times 14 Nov. 2005: n. pag. Electric Lib. CCHS Lib. 13 Jan. 2006 http://elibrary.bigchalk.com.

"Meet the Black Sox." Hartford Courant 23 Oct. 2005: n. pag. Electric Lib. CCHS Lib. 19 Jan 2006 http://elibrary.bigchalk.com.

Nemec, David. 100 Years of Baseball. New York: Publications International, 2002.

Obojski, Robert. Greatest Moments of the Playoffs & World Series. New York: Sterling Publishing Co., 1988.

Mr. Olympic

2006-04-02T08:50:00.000-07:00

I was just reading an article about the Sonics' poor defense; correction, I read the first paragraph since it was an Insider article. It got me thinking about Luke Ridnour being selected to tryout for the Olympic team. He has no business being on that team.

Luke Ridnour is a terrible defensive player. He can't stop anybody. I can't think of a single guard in the league that couldn't beat him off the dribble. He isn't even that good offensively. ESPN's Bill Simmons suggested that Luke Ridnour was just "the tolken white guy." I tend to agree.

The only reason Luke Ridnour has the chance to make the Olympic team is because the committee wants to please the average fan. If they are just picking a player on race, atleast pick the best white guard in the league. Kirk Hinrich will be the Steve Nash of 2008. He is a good shooter, great passer, and plays hard-nosed defense. Even right now he is better than Ridnour. Hinrich will breakout when he no longer has to guard the opposition's most athletic guard; something that Ben Gordon is unable to do since he is lazy and short.

I have decided to name my own squad for the 2008 Olympics. Here they are.

Starting Five
C- Chris Bosh
PF- Dwight Howard
SF- Carmelo Anthony
SG- LeBron James
PG- Kirk Hinrich

Bench
G- Dwyane Wade
G- Michael Redd
G- Chris Paul
F- Josh Howard
F- Shane Battier
F- Rashard Lewis
C- Emeka Okafor
C- Greg Oden

There is the perfect team.

It is a team without many egos. Most of the players are willing to sacrifice personal goals for team goals. The only two players that might be unwilling to sacrifice some shot attempts are Rashard Lewis and Carmelo Anthony, but I want Carmelo taking a lot of shots since he is a 50% shooter. This is truly a team oriented squad.

We have great shooters. Hinrich, Lewis, Battier, and Redd can all hit the three ball. Chris Bosh has a great shot for the big man. No more hearing this, "The United States can't shoot, all they want to do is dunk."

This team can play some hard-nosed defense. The only suspect defenders are Rashard Lewis and Michael Redd, who are only here for that sweet shot. Shot blockers are on the court with Oden, Okafor, Bosh, Howard, and Howard. Man-to-man defense is going to be great; the guard will be able to be aggressive on the perimeter knowing all the big men have their backs.

Overall, this team will be able to compete. LeBron James and Kirk Hinrich will be great leaders by 2008. Those two players will not let this team lose. Even as important as success on the court, this team will represent the United States well. Dwight Howard and Shane Battier are the perfect U.S. representatives.

I guarantee, with my squad, we are going home with the gold.

Plus, it wouldn't hurt if Andres Nocioni gained U.S. citizenship. I have a spot reserved for you, Noc.

3rd Edition of the Mailbag

2006-04-01T17:47:00.000-08:00

It hasn't been a long time since my last Mailbag, but you guys have gotten a ton of good e-mails sent in. I think every major sport is going to be represented in this edition of the Mailbag. Enjoy.

Hey SS&B...who wins the NBA's MVP award?-Keith

Thanks, Keith, your question is simple and to the point. I have a list of five players currently on my MVP radar. Cleveland's LeBron James, Miami's Dwyane Wade, Phoenix's Steve Nash, Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant, and the darkhorse, Los Angeles Clippers' Elton Brand all have a chance to take the 2006 SS&B NBA MVP Award. Right now, here is my list.

1. LeBron James- He can become only the fourth player in NBA history to average 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists in a single season. The only others to do so were Michael Jordan, Jerry West, and Oscar Robertson. He truly is in exclusive company. We need to ask ourselves, where would the Cavs be without LeBron James? Without LeBron, Cleveland would be preparing for another Draft Lottery.

2. Dwyane Wade- Wade is playing great basketball this year. He has been the sole reason that Miami is second in the East. The Heat have been having players drop like flies, but Dwyane has carried this team. He is averaging nearly 28 points, 6 boards, and 7 assists.

3. Kobe Bryant- Kobe is having a huge year, especially with that 81 point game against Toronto. He is averaging 35 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Without Kobe Bryant, the Lakers would be lost.

4. Steve Nash- Boris Diaw needs to thank this man for allowing him to become a star in this league. Steve Nash is the single reason that Phoenix was able to have such a great year without Amare. His stats are never overwhelming, but his impact his huge. Nash is averaging nearly 20 points, 11 assists, and 4 rebounds. The only thing keeping him from the MVP this year is the following: defense.

5. Elton Brand- Elton Brand never blows a person away. He plays without the workman like mentality that I love. He is averaging over 25 points and 10 rebounds to go with 2.6 blocks per game. He is an impact player on both ends of the court. I am still hurt that my Bulls traded him for Tyson Chandler. He's an automatic double double

As far as the bud bleachers story I would like to say as a Cubs fan, how much will the Tribune take from us? First, we lose some great announcers because they tell the truth about Cubs baseball. Now they take the seats and turn them into a large billboard. What's next, putting a huge Nike swoosh on the uniforms so they can make a couple million?-Tim

Tim, thanks a lot for this e-mail. I totally blew my rant about the Tribune Company. How could I forget to mention the firing of Steve Stone and Chip Carey? Thanks for the reminder. It is really getting insane. I just heard that the Tribune Company were the ones to contact Bud Light about the deal. That makes it even worse.

I'm sure you have heard about the Duke Men's LaCrosse team. I was wondering what your take on the entire situation is. I think this is just another example of Duke showing its real colors, especially after they allowed Shelden Williams come to school after being accused in his own gang rape accusations. Though I do think they have done the proper thing by suspending the season until further information is gained. Take the floor....-Chad

This entire situation with the Duke LaCrosse team makes me sick. I've heard people actually say the stripper deserved it. I don't know anybody short of the Devil that deserves to be gang raped. It makes it even worse that racism could be a part of it. I was reading an ESPN.com article that stated that the company only sends out black strippers on request, leading to the possibility of this being premeditated. That same article is reporting that racial slurs were the norm at the house. Atleast Duke took the authority to cancel the entire season.

It is valid point about Shelden Williams. I read about that on a Duke hating website. Apparently, he, along with several other basketball stars at his high school in Oklahoma, were on a road trip in Ohio when they raped a teenager in a motel. The charges were dropped after the girl didn't want to testify in court. I tend to believe the girl in that instance, especially since Shelden Williams was an unknown basketball player at the time. I have started to question Duke as an institute now.

Should Major League Baseball be investigating Barry Bonds and the steroid era?- Jim

Yes. Here is why:

73*.
70*.
66*.
65*.
64*.
63*.
61.

Roger Maris, MLB's record holder for the single season home run mark.

Is Brett Favre hurting the Packers by waiting so long to make his decision?-Travis

Yes, Brett Favre is. This is making for too much uncertainty. He needs to make his decision now. I'm sick of him waiting around for selfish reasons. He should have gone out today, and said he was going to come back or that he was retiring. Aaron Rodgers has to be going crazy about this.

Is the A.P. dead wrong or is J.J. Redick really the best player in college basketball?-Kent

Taking a page out of Stephen A.'s book, quite frankly, no. He is average at best on defense. The only thing he adds to a team is his shooting ability. Give me Brandon Roy anyday. He can score, rebound, pass, and play great defense. Brandon Roy is the best player in college basketball.

Too bad the national media still won't consider him the best player in Washington.

That raps it up for the 3rd Edition of the Mailbag. Remember, get all of those e-mail questions in. I look forward to answering your questions in the next Mailbag.

The address is sportssphereandbeyond@yahoo.com .

Where's (Insert Name of Notable Collegiate Athlete Here)?

2006-03-31T20:23:00.000-08:00

I, once again, am disappointed in the All-American selections; most notably the Honorable Mentions.

Where's Hassan Adams?

Where's Curtis Stinson?

Where's Greg Brunner?

Where's Alando Tucker?

Where's Sean Singletary?

Where's, if you are going to include so many mid major players, Steve Burtt?

Where's James Augustine?

Do these sports writers even watch college basketball anymore? You can't tell me, after I scoured through the list searching for Greg Brunner, that they actually spent more than five minutes filling in their selections. There is no way that they would leave some of those players off if they did.

In case you haven't gotten a look at the selections, here they are.

First Team
Adam Morrison-Gonzaga
J.J. Redick-Duke
Randy Foye-Villanova
Shelden Williams-Duke
Brandon Roy-Washington

Second Team
Dee Brown-Illinois
Rodney Carney-Memphis
Rudy Gay- Connectict
P.J. Tucker-Texas
Leon Powe-California

Third Team
Craig Smith-Boston College
Glen Davis-LSU
Tyler Hansbrough-North Carolina
Nick Fazekas-Nevada
Allen Ray-Villanova

Honorable Mentions
Aaron Afflalo, Maurice Ager, LaMarcus Aldridge, Jose Juan Barea (Northeastern), J.P Batista, Jahsha Bluntt (Delaware St.), Ronnie Brewer, Keydren Clark (St. Peter's), Mardy Collins, Paul Davis, Terrance Dials, Quicny Douby, Jordan Farmar, Mike Gansey, Daniel Gibson, Caleb Green (Oral Roberts), DeAndre Haynes (Kent St.), Brandon Heath, Jeff Horner, Ibrahim Jaaber (Penn), Jarrious Jackson, Marco Killingsworth, Carl Krauser, Jack Leasure (Coastal Carolina), Charles Lee, Chris Lofton, Christian Maraker, Gerry McNamera, J. Robert Merritt (Samford), Paul Miller, Paul Millsap (Lousiana Tech), Elton Nesbitt (Georgia Southern), Joakim Noah, Kevin Pittsnogle, Chris Quinn, Brion Rush (Grambling St.), Blake Schilb(Loyola of Chicago), Steven Smith (La Salle), Tim Smith (East Tenn. St.), Ronald Steele, Rodney Stackey (Eastern Washington), Chad Timberlake (Farleigh Dickinson), Darius Washington, Marcus Williams, Jamar Wilson (Albany, NY), Anthony Winchester (Western Kentucky), and Ricky Woods (Southeastern Louisiana).

You cannot possibly tell me that, just for example, Greg Brunner wouldn't dominate smaller conferences. How can Paul Miller, the Valley's Player of the Year, make it as an Honorable Mention when he averaged less rebounds and less points than Brunner in a lesser conference (I know that the MVC played better than the Big Ten in the tournament, but you won't find me saying that the Big Ten is the lesser of the two)? The same goes for Alando Tucker and James Augustine.

Tell me how a player that plays for a Coastal, not directional, but Coastal state school makes it over proven talent like Hassan Adams. It should never happen. The only small conference player, and I'm not considering the Valley small conference, that deserves an Honorable Mention ranking is Keydren Clark. He has been a big time scorer for St. Peter's for the past three seasons.

How does Jarrious Jackson of Texas Tech make it over Iowa State's Curtis Stinson? Stinson averaged more points, more rebounds, and more assists. I am dumbfounded.

I think national writers need to pay attention to the All-Conference teams. They can take the opinions of the people who watch the players the entire season, and use them in their balloting. That can rid us of 2nd and 3rd team players (Marco Killingsworth, Paul Davis, Maurice Ager, and Jeff Horner) getting selected over lesser-known 1st teamers (Brunner, Augustine, and Tucker).

I say this to the national media; swallow your pride, and accept some second opinions. Right now, you are doing a fairly terrible job.

As for me, I will stick to the following rule:

I will never vote for a player from a Coastal school. Period.

Bud Light Bleachers

2006-03-31T15:26:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Bud Light Bleachers.

The legendary bleacher seats of Wrigley Field have been transformed into a corporate gimmick. It once seemed that Wrigley Field would be free of advertisements, but the Tribune Company won't settle until they bleed as much money as they can out of Wrigley.

Last year, they reconstructed the backstop to fit a sign advertising numerous businesses. This year, they decide to designate the bleacher seats the "Bug Light Bleachers". What's next, the "I-HOP Ivy"? The "ShopKo Scoreboard"?

The sad thing about the extra money the Cubs will make off these deals is that almost none of it will go towards building a better team. The Tribune Company knows that they don't even have to field a competitive team for attendance to be strong. Business might go down if the Cubs actually thought about winning. Cubs fans are loyal to a fault.

Please, Tribune Company, sell the Cubs. I'm sick of seeing you guys taking advantage of Wrigley Field and Cubs fans.

Maybe you can take some time out of destroying Wrigley's history and actually build a decent franchise for us.

Then again, there's always next year.

With another year comes another gimmick.

Final Four Predictions

2006-03-30T16:17:00.000-08:00

The Final Four has been set for several days, and it is time for me to weigh in. Hopefully, these selections will be more accurate than my bracket breakdown series (which are available in the archives). Here are my selections.

Final Four

George Mason vs. Florida
Unfortunately, I think the Cinderella run has ended. It's time for George Mason to run out of the ballroom and lose that slipper. Florida is too talented for the Patriots. I think the difference in this game is the Gator mindset. Unlike Connecticut, the talented big men of Florida are aggressive. They will want the ball in the paint. I don't see the undersized bigs of George Mason being able to stop the tall and athletic posts of Florida. Florida has the backcourt advantage as well. I do think the Patriots have a chance at the win, especially since they are the underdog at everyone is rooting for. I hope I'm wrong, but I think the Gators will win it.
Winner: Florida

LSU vs. UCLA
I thinkt this has the potential to be a very good game. It's a battle of contrasting styles, with UCLA being a perimeter oriented team while LSU likes to feed the post. Glen Davis and Tyrus Thomas will be a huge match-up problem for the Bruins. I think UCLA's Jordan Farmar and Aaron Afflalo will be outplayed by Davis and Thomas, especially since the Tiger guards are very good on defense.
Winner: LSU

National Champhionship Game

LSU vs. Florida
This is a match-up I am already looking forward to. I want to see Joakim Noah and Al Horford battle it out with Glen Davis and Tyrus Thomas. I think that Glen Davis creates an unique match-up problem since he is the only one in this group that can really muscle it up. The rest are fairly weak, so I think the Tigers will be able to take advantage of Davis on the block. Joakim Noah needs to keep playing like a lottery pick, but this game will be decided in the roll players. Brewer and Green will be keys for Florida, and, in that respect, I think Florida has an advantage. The Gator guards are more talented, although they are young. This game will come down to the last moments, but I am giving the edge to LSU.
Winner: LSU

My pick to win the 2006 Men's National Championship are the LSU Tigers. I think they have the all-around game that will get them the win.

There is only one thing I really know about this tournament.

I hope my predictions are wrong.

Go George Mason.

No Fun League

2006-03-29T15:26:00.000-08:00

Once again, the National Football League has become the No Fun League. They have limited touchdown celebrations.

The only celebrations allowed are spins, dunks, Lambeau Leaps, spikes, dances, and simple celebrations.

There goes some of the most creative celebrations in the NFL. As a fan, I like to see a player do something that has never been done before. I loved Steve Smith rowing the canoe. Chad Johnson's golf rendition was marvelous. Touchdown celebrations are part of the game.

I understanded the NFL keeping players from using props like the Sharpie and cell phones, but come on, it's not even like Johnson and Smith were using anything that isn't on the field. I would understand if this was 7th grade football, but this is the NFL. It is all about entertainment.

I would just hope be could go back in the day when dances were allowed, but the person that performed just had to worry about getting crushed by the opponent.

Where is "White Shoes"?

2nd Edition of the Mailbag

2006-03-27T18:10:00.000-08:00

Big things have happened in the sphere of sports since my last mailbag. I received some pretty good questions from my loyal readers. Unfortunately, there are a few to many about problem wide receivers for my liking (there is only one question, still too many).

What do you think of the Panthers move of picking up Keyshawn Johnson?-Keith

I'm a fan of this move by the Panthers. I think that Keyshawn Johnson will be able to open up the field for Steve Smith. Teams will be unable to lock in on stopping Smith with Keyshawn Johnson going across the middle. Carolina was successful the last time they teamed Steve Smith up with a major possession receiver. I think this was a good signing by the Panthers.

I would like to know where you think George Mason making it to the Final Four fits into the all time greatest moments in the NCAA Tournament. I think it is one of the most if not the most amazing Cinderella story ever.-Bryson

This is a tough question. You are going to make my have to do some real research. I think the miracle behind George Mason is the road they had to take to get here. They beat a Michigan State team that was coming off a Final Four bid featuring three potential first round draft picks. They beat a young but talented North Carolina team coming off a very good ACC Tournament run. Beating a very good Wichita State team was tough. Connecticut is loaded with multiple first round picks, including some lottery selections. That was huge. Here is my official top five.

1. 2006 George Mason- It's the entire run, Baby!
2. 1985 Villanova- They were an eighth seed (although they underachieved during the regular season). It took a near perfect shooting night (70%) to beat the Patrick Ewing led Georgetown Hoyas.
3. 1996 Princeton- These Ivy Leaguers are supposed to beat UCLA in the classroom, not on the court. Princeton kept the game close against the defending champhions, and what about that beautiful back door cut to win it? (See "Follow the Ivy Leaguers".)
4. 2005 Bucknell- Kansas isn't supposed to go down like this. This was a senior oriented team with the likes of Wayne Simien and Aaron Miles, but they still lost to Chris McNaughton and the Bison.
5. 1982 Chaminade- I know this game was played in December. I also know that Chaminde is an NAIA team that should never have been able to match-up with 7-4 Ralph Sampson. This game was just an excuse for Virginia to take a vacation to Hawaii, yet the school with an enrollment of 800 pulled the upset.

I am interested what your take is on this year’s spring training. Who do you think the most impressive team so far? Who has been the best player of spring training?-Bryson

Bryson, another question that requires some research, your killin' me man, your killin' me. I've been impressed with Florida. I still can't believe that this team has the highest winning percentage at 17-6. That does not mean that I think the will finish outside of last place in the National League East, though. Ryan Howard has been a monster this spring. He is tearing it up with ten homers and a .343 batting average. I'm just waiting for him to explode this season.

A little off the topic of the question, but since I just said I'm expecting a huge season out of Howard, I would like to let my opinion on the Thome-Rowand trade known. This was a great trade for the Phillies. They got rid of a huge contract and an over-the-hill first baseman for an up-and-coming outfielder. Not only is Aaron Rowand going to help them drastically, it gives Ryan Howard the confidence of being an everyday firstbaseman. I don't know what Kenny Williams was thinking when he was offered this deal.

That is the end of today's Mailbag. I am eager to get some more questions from you loyal readers. It would be nice to be able to reply to the e-mails of a couple different readers. As always, I can be reached at sportssphereandbeyond@yahoo.com . You are likely to make the Mailbag if you take the time to write a good question.

George Mason Keeps On Dancing

2006-03-26T14:19:00.000-08:00

Cinderella is still dancing... right on into the Final Four.

Eleventh seed George Mason knocked off number one seed Connecticut by a score of 86-84 in overtime.

Jai Lewis and company came back from a twelve point deficit at one point to win the game. Lewis finished with twenty-two points and six rebounds. Will Thomas was a difference maker for George Mason, finishing with seventeen points and ten rebounds. The pair were keys in neutralizing the Connecticut post players.

The Patriots were hampered with foul trouble down the stretch, which would have hurt their chances as they only go seven deep. Conditioning was huge for George Mason, as their last substitution was with over ten minutes left in the second half.

Patriot forward Will Thomas played Connecticut forward Rudy Gay seven times in high school as both are from Baltimore. Thomas was 7-0 against Gay.

He made it 8-0, today.

The ultra-talented Connecticut Huskies once again underachieved. This team, that goes ten deep, had the talent to win the championship. They did not live up to their potential at all this tournament. This is supposed to be one of the best teams in the country, but trailed sixteen seed Albany by twelve at one point in the game.

Nobody epitomizes failure more than Connecticut back-up guard Rashad Anderson, who went 2-8 from the field today (or, 2-8 from the three point line, as he took NO two pointers). Anderson used to be a starter. He should be a star by now, but, instead, is riding the bench.

There is nothing wrong with a player failing to reach his potential, but when that player is as cocky as Rashad Anderson, there is. Prior to the game against George Mason, Anderson felt the need to guarantee a victory for Connecticut. He included that he was 9-1 when he guaranteed wins.

Rashad, next time you guarantee a win, step up your player. 25% shooting isn't cutting it, nor is your zero rebounds, zero steals, or one assist. In my book, he has no right saying Connecticut will walk right over George Mason, even if he is 9-1 when doing so(speaking of which, who guarantees a win ten, now ELEVEN times?).

Congratulations on a great win by George Mason. You guys played flawlessly. Offensively, the Patriots were patient.

There is only one thing left to say.

"Hey, Rashad, two...

...as in 9-2."

Who's Number One?

2006-03-26T11:10:00.000-08:00

The college baskeball season is winding down, and the last push by players to show their abilities to NBA teams is coming to an end. This year's Draft class is going to be without the usual high school players, but there are plenty of superb college players to take their stop. Who is set to be the number one pick?

Adam Morrison has edged J.J. Redick in the scoring race, but does he have the potential to become a top pick? Many compare him to Larry Bird, whether that is justified is yet to be determined. Morrison has good size at 6-8, but his athletic ability is always in question. He has great natural instincts, and is a great scorer. Draft Express considers him a top five pick, and compares his abilities, at best, to a short Dirk Nowitzki, but also see the potential for him becoming a aged Glenn Robinson.

According to Draft Express, Tyrus Thomas is currently is their top NBA prospect. The LSU product has made a huge run during the NCAA Tournament, and has uncanny atheltic abilitiy. Thomas is a great defender, and possesses intimidating shot blocking abilitiy (ask J.J. Redick). Tyrus Thomas lack posts moves. His strength is weak. He could eventually become a younger version of Stromile Swift. Draft Express includes that he has an personality comparable to Ben Wallace.

LaMarcus Aldridge is one of my favorite players in this draft. He is long and athletic, but is also a skilled post player. He is a very good defender, although not on the level of a Tyrus Thomas. This kid has the height NBA teams love at 6-11. He does need to bulk up for the NBA, but I see him becoming a Chris Bosh type player. Draft Express compares him to Jermaine O'Neal.

Joakim Noah of Florida has probably helped his draft stock the most out of all the big men in this draft. He has shown the skills needed to become a quality NBA post player. He is a scorer, rebounder, and a very good passer. Defensively, he can block shots with the best of them. Like LaMarcus Aldridge, Noah could really help himself by gaining some weight. He is potentially a top five pick as well.

There are several other players that will feature well in this draft. Connecticut has a foursome of Rudy Gay, Marcus Williams, Josh Boone, and Hilton Armstrong. Duke's J.J. Redick and Shelden Williams figure to be lottery picks in the upcoming draft. One of the NCAA's most complete players, Brandon Roy, is potentially the top guard off the board. Of all of the players in college basketball, Bradley's Patrick O'Bryant made the biggest jump in their stock. The 7-0 center was barely known coming into the tournament, but has elevated himself into the mid-1st round level.

Temple's Mardy Collins, Arkansas's Ronnie Brewer, Memphis's Rodney Carney, Kentucky's Rajon Rondo, Villanova's Randy Foye, Rutgers's Quincy Douby, and Michigan State's Paul Davis all figure to be selected near the top twenty.

As is every year, foreign players will be at the top of many teams' lists. Andrea Bargnani is figured to be draft in the top five, while Tiago Splitter is believed to be top ten worthy.

SS&B's entire draft breakdown will be featured when the NBA Draft gets close. If you want to see some current mock drafts, here's where to go.

If you would like to e-mail some feedback, our address is sportssphereandbeyond@yahoo.com .

Sweet 16 Studs & Duds

2006-03-25T08:24:00.000-08:00

The round of sixteen has finished, and it is time to name the Studs & Duds. You won't be suprised to see that we have some big named Duds.

Stud: Tyrus Thomas, LSU
Thomas took over the Duke-LSU game to give the Tigers the win. He was everywhere down the stretch, including a key block on Duke's Greg Paulus. He totaled 9 points, 13 rebounds, and was credited with 5 blocks (although he altered many more). A great game by the freshman.

Dud: J.J. Redick, Duke
It is widely known that J.J. Redick had a terrible Sweet 16 game. He went 3-18, tallied 4 turnovers, and 2 rebounds. He was a major let down for the Blue Devils. If he had even an average scoring game, Duke would have bridged the eight point gap.

Stud: Villanova/Boston College Game
This was one of those great games. When I was watching there was just a feeling that 'Nova was going to score on that last possession. It was ironic that Will Sheridan, the lone, unknown post in the 'Nova lineup, would be the one that they went to. It was a great game, but a tough loss to swallow for Boston College senior Craig Smith. 60-59.

Dud: Memphis/ Bradley Game
This had to be one of the most selfish games in recent memory. The two teams combined for 11 assists. That is right, 11. For comparison, Texas and West Virginia combined for 38. UConn's Marcus Williams had 8 by himself. And two teams could only muster 11.

Stud: Randy Foye, Villanova
Foye was the single reason that Villanova beat Boston College. He had 29 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals on way to the 60-59 overtime victory. He had very little help from his teammates, as you will see...

Dud: Allen Ray, Villanova
Allen Ray could have been a major reason for a potential 'Nova loss, that is, if Randy Foye didn't bail him out. His 9 points aren't terrible, but, since he did it on 3-15 shooting, it is. He did add 3 rebounds, but absolutely nothing else.

Stud: LaMarcus Aldridge, Texas
LaMarcus Aldridge was a huge factor in the Longhorns' win over West Virginia. Aldridge put up 26 points on 11-15 shooting. He dominated the glass, pulling down 13 rebounds. LaMarcus had a big time game. If he continue this play, I'm hoping my Bulls can draft him with the pick they got from New York.

Dud: Brad Buckman/Daniel Gibson, Texas
The two combined for 7 points. They went 2-11 from the floor. Not a great game from the two. They each pitched in 8 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists, but, considering it was two of them, it wasn't that good. Luckily for them, LaMarcus Aldridge and P.J. Tucker had huge games, but, they still need a buzzerbeater by Kenton Paulino to get the win.

Stud: Marcus Williams, Connecticut
The Connecticut point guard had a big game. He scored 26 points in the 98-92 win over Washington. Williams's dished out 8 assists, and he pulled in 4 rebounds. Another all-around performance by Marcus Williams.

Dud: Sean Ogirri, Wichita State
Sean Ogirri is one of the main reasons that Wichita State even made it to the Sweet 16. He averaged 17.5 points the previous two games of the NCAA Tournament. In the Shockers' loss to George Mason, Ogirri had 8 points on 1-8 shooting. The Shockers lost by 8.

Those are your Sweet 16 Studs & Duds. If you would like to e-mail us your opinion on some of the players on the list, or even those that were left off, the address is sportssphereandbeyond@yahoo.com .

Redick Finished

2006-03-24T17:22:00.000-08:00

Last night, Duke lost to LSU in the Sweet Sixteen.

J.J. Redick's career was complete. To all of us Duke haters, it was a great way for him to go out.

With several seconds left and the game in hand, Coach K decided to take Redick out to get some applause from the fans.

Plus, J.J. cried.

There is no way Duke haters like myself could script a better ending, short of an injury, that is.

On the bench.

In tears.

Two words: Near perfection.

But the perfection did come, in the form of a 3-18 shooting night. One of the best shooters in college history ends his career on a 16% shooting night.

Final word: Perfection.

There is no doubt that J.J. Redick had a great career at Duke, but he has never been a winner. In an ESPN.com article earlier in the year, they mentioned that Coach K even told J.J. that he doesn't deserve a NCAA Championship. Redick proved it even more by never scoring more then twenty points in a game past the Sweet Sixteen.

He averaged twenty-six this season.

Although he was lackluster in the tournament, that did not define his career. What did was the hype placed on him by Dick Vitale. We didn't hate him for his play, but instead because we were constantly being told that, "This kid's awesome, Baby, he's a real PTP'er, Prime Time Performer!" That was the problem, even more then being a Blue Devil.

It's the day after Redick's career ended, and, I would like to think, there is only one question left unanswered for next year.

Who are we going to love to hate?

Huggins To Kansas State

2006-03-23T14:30:00.000-08:00

Kansas State announced that they have hired basketball coach Bob Huggins. The deal is thought to be a five year contract.

This is a good move for both parties. Kansas State has had one twenty win season in the last sixteen years, while, in the same span, Huggins has had fourteen. Kansas State will be turned around by the end of Huggins's contract.

This team could be transformed into a winning team even next year with the aid of Bob Huggins. The Wildcats are returning their top four scorers, including Cartier Martin, who averaged eighteen points last season. Kansas State finished this season 15-10.

There are also reports that some of the top players in the 2007 recruiting class are interested in following Huggins. O.J. Mayo, the top player in that class, along with high school teammate Bill Walker, have said they would like to player for Coach Huggins. If those players decide to follow Huggins to Kansas State, it is a possibility that Kansas State is transformed into the top ten program like both parties hope.

Overall, this hire is great for the credibility of Kansas State basketball. The Wildcats have finally been placed back on the made after the Mitch Richmond led teams of the '80s. Huggins will be able to develop this program into a real contender.

The only question mark is whether Huggins will sacrifice academics this time around.

Nats Mistake

2006-03-21T14:00:00.000-08:00

Over the offseason, the Washington Nationals traded leftfielder Brad Wilkerson and several minor players to the Texas Rangers for second baseman Alfonso Soriano. The Nats hoped that Soriano would move to leftfield.

It is now March 21st, and Alfonso Soriano is still refusing to make the move to the outfield despite his poor defensive play at secondbase.

In most cases, I would tell the player to quit complaining and move to the outfield. He is making enough money that he should just do what the team says.

But this situation is of different circumstances. The Nationals traded for Soriano knowing full well that he would refuse to move to leftfield. What made the Nationals think he would leave secondbase for them after the Rangers were unsuccessful at it, I have no idea.

The men really at fault in this situation are the Washington Nationals management. They need not look further than their own roster to find a solid leftfielder, one that they traded to put themselves in this mess.

This should teach all teams a lesson. If you trade for a player in hopes that he changes positions for you, make sure you sit down with him before the deal is finalized to keep yourself out of this sitation.

Owens to Dallas

2006-03-20T17:57:00.000-08:00

We received an e-mail from a reader yesterday. SS&B decided that he made some very good points, several that I agree with, so we will be posting his comments.

I know you haven't written a story about T.O., but I figured I could write about the poll.

I think this is a great move for Dallas. I mean, they just had Keyshawn, who had some issues and now they are bringing in Terrell Owens, who is the king of all issues. I think that Bill Parcells can tame the wild beast, but on the flip side of it, he could just start up even more conflict and fighting than the "Donovan Episode" that TO raised.

I just hope its ends up well for Terrell, so people can start recognizing him more as a player than they do, because in my opinon, he is the best wide receiver in the NFL (when he shows up to play), but no one sees him that way.

Besides, who wouldn't want to see him dancing in the star at midfield when he scores his TDs and the crowd cheers for him while it seems like yesterday they were booing him. Thats what I want to see. -Keith

We would like to thank Keith for his e-mail. Great point about Terrell Owens dancing on the star, and receiving cheers. I, too, am optimistic that Bill Parcells will control T.O. to maintain great play from him the entire season.

If you would like to be featured on SS&B, send your comments to sportssphereandbeyond@yahoo.com .

...& Beyond!

2006-03-20T17:01:00.000-08:00

S&B started up ten days ago, but, we have yet to take you beyond the sphere of sports. Now we will change that by delving inside the world of entertainment. At issue is the battle of South Park versus Scientology.

The issue stems from Comedy Central pulling a re-run of an episode making fun of Tom Cruise and Scientology. Rumors circulated that Comedy Central received pressure from their flagship studio, who also owns the rights to Mission Impossible III. The star of MI:III is Tom Cruise, and it has been said that he let it be known that he might be unwilling to promote the movie if the episode was allowed to re-air.

The battle between South Park and Scientology received its first casualty last week. Isaac Hayes, who plays a school cook named Chef, announced he was leaving South Park due to the criticism of Scientology. Hayes is a Scientologist.

Taking a page from Family Guy, "what really grinds my gears" about this issue is that Scientologists feel they are specifically targeted for ridicule. Lest us forget that South Park is the show that brought us an entire episode making fun of Mormons. Or that calls a main character "a F-ing Jew" atleast once an episode. Or that called out Catholic priests and the Vatican for their handling of the sexual abuse allegations. This isn't a show for people that get offended easily.

I have to say that the expectations of decency are too high for South Park.
Let it be known now that South Park is one of my favorite shows on television.

This show tried setting a record for swearing the most times in a single episode. This show featured a mentally retarded kid juicing up to win the Special Olympics. This show made fun of Hurricane Katrina with its Beaverton episode. Not exactly the Brady Bunch.

Scientologists don't have a right to be so angry about this. Nearly every major religion, including all of Christianity, has been bashed in one way or another by South Park. They should feel like a real religion now that South Park did an episode about them, but Tom Cruise's Hollywood buddies are still kind of angry about Team America: World Police.

As for the result of this battle, Trey and Matt have the following to say to all of you Scientologists.

So, Scientology, you may have won THIS battle, but the million-year war for earth has just begun.

Trey Parker and Matt Stone, servants of the dark lord Xenu.

The Real Shaq?

2006-03-20T15:31:00.000-08:00

This weekend, Shaquille O'Neal acted like the immature seven-foot child that he is. It raises the question, who is the real Shaq?

On Saturday, in a game against the Chicago Bulls, Shaquille O'Neal made the dirtiest play in the game since Kobe Bryant tried his hand at head-hunting. Shaq, who was a step slow on his help defense, decided that instead of making a play on the ball, he would tear off the dead of Andres Nocioni. O'Neal received a $5,000 penalty for the play.

Earlier in the season while playing his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, he was beat on a post move by first year player Andrew Bynum. Shaq decided to act like an eighteen year old instead of the NBA veteran that he is, and took a cheap shot at the rookie.

Shaquille O'Neal cannot fathom that anybody can show him up on a single play. He is a three hundred bound baby. Period.

His personality might just have been the real cause of the forced break-up of the Laker Dynasty.

He can't handle the fact that Kobe Bryant's star was eclipsing his own. Instead of allowing Kobe to become a focal point, Shaq felt it necessary to continually bash him.

But surely any NBA veteran would do the same.

Tell that to David Robinson.

O'Neal could have acted like Robinson. He no longer needed personal glory to solidify his career. He could have taken a secondary role to Kobe's, like Robinson did for Tim Duncan.

Championships would have been within their realm.

He chose not to.

Shaq's behavior brings up a valid question: Why would any team trade quite possibly the most dominate force in NBA history in his prime?

The Orlando Magic did just that. There had to be something beneath the surface. Shaquille O'Neal had to have been causing problems within the organization.

And if he did, and after the Laker situation, wouldn't that put him in a class with T.O. of self-centered teammates?

Both franchises had a steep fall off without Shaq. Both went from annually contending for championships to struggling to make the playoffs.

It could be bcause of the real Shaq's cocky, "draw attention to the Big Aristotle", mentality.

For his recent behavior has validated the theory that is wasn't Kobe's fault for the destruction of the Laker Dynasty.

Seahawks Out Maneuvered

2006-03-19T16:07:00.000-08:00

You probably have heard the news that the Minnesota Vikings placed an offer to transition player Steve Hutchinson, a key to the Seattle offensive line.

Until recently, it had been under-reported that the Vikings placed a clause in the contract that the Seahawks would be forced to match if they wanted to retain Hutchinson. The clause states that if Hutchinson is no longer the highest paid offensive lineman on the team after the first season, the rest of his contract will be guaranteed.

This is no problem for the Vikings. But for the Seahawks, Steve Hutchinson would only be the second highest paid lineman on the team, behind tackle Walter Jones. The entire seven year, forty-nine million dollar contract would be guaranteed.

This was a brilliant tactic by the Vikings in their attempt to scare the Seahawks away from Hutchinson. It is likely that Seattle won't match the offer if they have to guarantee the entire contract.

Seattle took their appeal to an arbiter, claiming that they are not held to the provision. The arbiter is expected to make a ruling on Monday.

Teams are afraid of guaranteed contracts in the NFL. The Vikings made a creative move, and, if the provision is deemed within NFL rules, more teams need to place this clause in the offers to transition players.

Monday's Update: A way around the clause.

Who is Mr. Clutch?

2006-03-17T12:42:00.000-08:00

82games.com has been keeping track of some interesting stats over the last two seasons. Among them: Game Winning Shot Opportunity.

The criteria for a Game Winning Shot Opportunity is for the shot to be taken with less than 24 seconds left in the game, and the team with the ball must be tied,down by one, or down by two points. They disregarded situations when a team is down by three to prevent situations when a team would just take the gimme two points.

The results might surprise some of you, especially people in Nike marketing. The leader in GWSO is...not Kobe Bryant, who has taken the most shots to fit the criteria but has made the 3rd lowest percentage. Kobe is 6-25 (the most attempts in the league) for a .240 GWSO%. In the time frame for a game winning shot, Kobe Bryant has no assists in 25 possessions.

The player most likely to make a game winning shot is none other then Carmelo Anthony, who is tied with Steve Francis and Allen Iverson for the most game winning shots (8), but as made .571% of his Game Winning Shot Opportunities, the highest in the league. Anthony is 8-14 when the game is on the line over the last two seasons.

So, Mr. Bryant, to reply to your commercial, I do not hate you because you are clutch, since the stats prove you are everything except clutch.

I guess it has to be some other reason.