Just how close was White Sox GM Kenny Williams to trading starter Mark Buehrle before the two parties agreed to a four-year deal worth $56 million? In an interview with Comcast Sports Net, Williams admitted that he had “two or three legitimate offers” on the table. If Buehrle had passed on the Sox’ final offer, a trade was a phone call away. But the two sides were able to agree on a deal that will keep Buehrle on the South Side for at least another year or two. It is a good faith gesture, a move that clearly showed that Williams wasn’t about to sell out the team -- at least not yet.
Sometimes the best deal is the one you don’t make.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Friday, July 06, 2007
Venus Returns to Victorious Form
Age and injury have taken their toll on Venus and Serena Williams over the past few years. So it was really nice to see Venus advancing to the Wimbledon finals today. She'll face a relative unknown, Marion Bartoli of France who upset top-ranked Justine Henin.
Win or lose tomorrow, Venus's success at Wimbledon and her sister Serena's victory at the Australian Open last January signals a return to form to the dynamic tennis duo. Injuries have kept them out of the tennis spotlight the past few years and in their absence, no American woman has really stepped forward to compete with the likes of Henin and Sharapova on the international level.
Watching Venus today, I have to believe that many tennis fans actually missed seeing her and Serena at the Grand Slam competitions, and in fact, how much this sport needs them. Current top players like Henin and Sharapova are more refined and polite, while Venus and Serena can be brash and controversial. But love them or hate them, they bring a lot of life to the sport.
Win or lose tomorrow, Venus's success at Wimbledon and her sister Serena's victory at the Australian Open last January signals a return to form to the dynamic tennis duo. Injuries have kept them out of the tennis spotlight the past few years and in their absence, no American woman has really stepped forward to compete with the likes of Henin and Sharapova on the international level.
Watching Venus today, I have to believe that many tennis fans actually missed seeing her and Serena at the Grand Slam competitions, and in fact, how much this sport needs them. Current top players like Henin and Sharapova are more refined and polite, while Venus and Serena can be brash and controversial. But love them or hate them, they bring a lot of life to the sport.
The Weiner's Circle
While I was in bed with the flu on the 4th of July, American Joey Chestnut gobbled up a record 66 hot dogs in 12 minutes in the annual hot dog eating contest at Coney Island. Chestnut beat out six-time champion Takeru Kabayashi by consuming one dog every 10.9 seconds.
There are five things I find astounding about this event:
1) That anyone could inhale that many hot dogs in such a short time without barfing.
2) That ESPN finds the event worthy of live national TV coverage
3) That people will actually watch this stuff, either in person or on TV
4) That this competition has been an annual event since 1916
5) That I'm wasting perfectly good Web space writing about this crap on my blog.
Seriously, this event has generated more media attention than it's worth. So enough already!
There are five things I find astounding about this event:
1) That anyone could inhale that many hot dogs in such a short time without barfing.
2) That ESPN finds the event worthy of live national TV coverage
3) That people will actually watch this stuff, either in person or on TV
4) That this competition has been an annual event since 1916
5) That I'm wasting perfectly good Web space writing about this crap on my blog.
Seriously, this event has generated more media attention than it's worth. So enough already!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
The Big Hurt Joins Baseball’s “500 Club”
Congratulations to Frank “the Big Hurt” Thomas, who smashed his 500th career home run today against the Minnesota Twins, becoming only the 21st player in MLB history to reach that milestone, the Chicago Tribune reports. While the Toronto slugger rounded the bases, the Metrodome crowd gave Big Frank a standing ovation.
Thomas, who spent 16 seasons with the Chicago White Sox before playing for the Oakland A’s last season and the Toronto Blue Jays this year, has been an outspoken opponent against doping in baseball. You can be sure that this milestone wasn’t tainted with performance-enhancing drugs.
Thomas, who spent 16 seasons with the Chicago White Sox before playing for the Oakland A’s last season and the Toronto Blue Jays this year, has been an outspoken opponent against doping in baseball. You can be sure that this milestone wasn’t tainted with performance-enhancing drugs.
Who’s Your Favorite Sports Star?
If you’re like most sports fans, Tiger Woods and Serena Williams top your list of favorite sports stars, according to Harris Interactive’s annual survey.
Tiger Woods claimed the top spot for the second consecutive year. Yankees short stop Derek Jeter, Michael Jordan, Packer quarterback Brett Favre and Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James round out the top 5 among the men’s athletes. Barry Bonds, Shaquille O’Neal, and Jeff Gordon dropped out of the top 10 list. Conspicuously absent is the world’s number one tennis player, Roger Federer.
On the women’s list, Williams was followed by Danica Patrick, Venus Williams, soccer mama Mia Hamm and Maria Sharapova to round out the top 5. New to the list was boxer Layla Ali, perhaps on name recognition alone based on her performance on “Dancing with the Stars.” Figure skater Sacha Cohen dropped out of the ladies’ top 10 list.
Perhaps it’s time for the pollsters to eliminate the names of athletes who are not currently active in their respective sport. Jordan was a great player but to still be named among the favorite men’s sports stars when he has not played b-ball in nearly a decade seems unfair to other athletes who are making a huge name for themselves, such as Federer and swimming sensation Michael Phelps. Ditto for the women’s list. We have probably seen the last of Anna Kournakova and Michelle Kwan, and Mia Hamm. It may be time to add a few new faces, such as skater Kimmie Meissner, number one women’s golfer Lorena Ochoa, or Candace Parker of the Tennessee Volunteers.
Tiger Woods claimed the top spot for the second consecutive year. Yankees short stop Derek Jeter, Michael Jordan, Packer quarterback Brett Favre and Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James round out the top 5 among the men’s athletes. Barry Bonds, Shaquille O’Neal, and Jeff Gordon dropped out of the top 10 list. Conspicuously absent is the world’s number one tennis player, Roger Federer.
On the women’s list, Williams was followed by Danica Patrick, Venus Williams, soccer mama Mia Hamm and Maria Sharapova to round out the top 5. New to the list was boxer Layla Ali, perhaps on name recognition alone based on her performance on “Dancing with the Stars.” Figure skater Sacha Cohen dropped out of the ladies’ top 10 list.
Perhaps it’s time for the pollsters to eliminate the names of athletes who are not currently active in their respective sport. Jordan was a great player but to still be named among the favorite men’s sports stars when he has not played b-ball in nearly a decade seems unfair to other athletes who are making a huge name for themselves, such as Federer and swimming sensation Michael Phelps. Ditto for the women’s list. We have probably seen the last of Anna Kournakova and Michelle Kwan, and Mia Hamm. It may be time to add a few new faces, such as skater Kimmie Meissner, number one women’s golfer Lorena Ochoa, or Candace Parker of the Tennessee Volunteers.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Buehrle, Sox Close to Extension
It’s amazing what a two-game winning streak will do. After being swept by the Cubs this past weekend and losing 22 of their last 27 games, the Sox were rumored to be oh-this-close to trading starter Mark Buehrle to the Boston Red Sox on Sunday. But Kenny Williams and Buehrle may have had a change of heart while in Tampa Bay this week while the team faces the Devil Rays. The two sides seem to be more willing to get together to agree on a contract extension which could be finalized as early as the end of this week, according to today’s Chicago Sun-Times. Of course, the Times is also the same newspaper that broke the news that Buehrle may be traded to Boston, so who knows what we should believe?
If the extension does happen, that opens the door for other possible trades, most likely starter Jose Contreras whom the New York Mets are interested in.
Keeping Buehrle would be a smart move. If you are going to rebuild a team, you do so around the key guys on the team. The Sox already have first baseman Paul Konerko locked in for several years and will rebuild their offense around him. Buehrle, who came up through the Sox system, is the leader on the Sox pitching staff. If the Sox deal him, I don’t see anyone else among the Sox pitchers who can step into that leadership role. It may be easier to deal Contreras or Javier Vazquez, even though the Sox may not get as much in return. Also, Buehrle is a popular player among his teammates and fans. If the Sox trade him, Kenny Williams would be making a huge PR mistake and could risk losing a lot of fans.
If the extension does happen, that opens the door for other possible trades, most likely starter Jose Contreras whom the New York Mets are interested in.
Keeping Buehrle would be a smart move. If you are going to rebuild a team, you do so around the key guys on the team. The Sox already have first baseman Paul Konerko locked in for several years and will rebuild their offense around him. Buehrle, who came up through the Sox system, is the leader on the Sox pitching staff. If the Sox deal him, I don’t see anyone else among the Sox pitchers who can step into that leadership role. It may be easier to deal Contreras or Javier Vazquez, even though the Sox may not get as much in return. Also, Buehrle is a popular player among his teammates and fans. If the Sox trade him, Kenny Williams would be making a huge PR mistake and could risk losing a lot of fans.
Bears Release Tank Johnson
Chicago Bears’ released defensive tackle Tank Johnson on Monday following his arrest in Arizona last week for speeding and suspicion of drunk driving. The arrest proved to be the final straw for the Bears who have given the beleaguered Johnson the benefit of the doubt since he started having off-field problems and run-ins with the law two years ago.
* In 2005, Johnson was arrested and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge for possession of a handgun.
* Last December when police raided his suburban Chicago home, they found six unregistered guns, which was a violation of his 2005 arrest.
* In March, he served 60 days in jail for violating his probation on the weapons charge.
* Earlier this month, the NFL suspended Johnson eight games for the upcoming season for violating its personal conduct policy.
When Johnson was released from jail in May, he claimed he had turned a corner in his personal life and was going to do everything he could to be a model NFL player and citizen. “We are upset and embarrassed by Tank’s actions last week,” Bears’ GM Jerry Angelo said in a statement released by the team. “He compromised the credibility of our organization. We made it clear to him that he had no room for error.”
Some athletes never learn.
* In 2005, Johnson was arrested and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge for possession of a handgun.
* Last December when police raided his suburban Chicago home, they found six unregistered guns, which was a violation of his 2005 arrest.
* In March, he served 60 days in jail for violating his probation on the weapons charge.
* Earlier this month, the NFL suspended Johnson eight games for the upcoming season for violating its personal conduct policy.
When Johnson was released from jail in May, he claimed he had turned a corner in his personal life and was going to do everything he could to be a model NFL player and citizen. “We are upset and embarrassed by Tank’s actions last week,” Bears’ GM Jerry Angelo said in a statement released by the team. “He compromised the credibility of our organization. We made it clear to him that he had no room for error.”
Some athletes never learn.
The New Kid on the Golf Course
When the opening round of the women’s U.S. Open begins Thursday at Pine Needles Lodge and Country Club in Southern Pines, N.C., there will be a new face on the course, belonging to 12-year-old American Alexis Thompson, who will become the youngest qualifier to ever compete in the tournament. Thompson shot rounds of 72 and 71 in a sectional tournament in Heathrow, Fla., a few weeks ago in order to qualify for the event.
Most pre-teens might be intimidated by the prospect of playing on the same course as Annika Sorenstam and world number one Lorena Ochoa, but Thompson is taking her success in stride. “It’s great that I made it and I’m having an awesome experience already, but I’m just out here to play golf,” she told Reuters. “If I make the cut, it’s going to be really awesome and if I don’t it’s all right,” she adds.
It’s refreshing to hear some humility and modesty in a young player. Wish some of it would rub off on Michelle Wie.
Most pre-teens might be intimidated by the prospect of playing on the same course as Annika Sorenstam and world number one Lorena Ochoa, but Thompson is taking her success in stride. “It’s great that I made it and I’m having an awesome experience already, but I’m just out here to play golf,” she told Reuters. “If I make the cut, it’s going to be really awesome and if I don’t it’s all right,” she adds.
It’s refreshing to hear some humility and modesty in a young player. Wish some of it would rub off on Michelle Wie.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Sammy Slams Number 600
The sports world is filled with ironies. Wednesday night saw one more as Sammy Sosa hit his 600th career home run against his former team, the Chicago Cubs, in Texas Rangers' 7-3 victory. He is only the fifth player in MLB history to reach that milestone and the first Latino player to do so.
We'll probably never know for sure how many (if any) of Sammy Sosa's homers were a result of taking performance-enhancing drugs. But you can't ignore the fact that he is one of the sport's most charismatic players. Give him credit for reinventing his career this season with Texas after a year away from the game.
We'll probably never know for sure how many (if any) of Sammy Sosa's homers were a result of taking performance-enhancing drugs. But you can't ignore the fact that he is one of the sport's most charismatic players. Give him credit for reinventing his career this season with Texas after a year away from the game.
PGA Tour May Adopt Drug Policy
Of all the sports that could possibly need a drug policy, golf would be at the bottom of the list. But Tim Finchem, PGA Tour Commissioner said that the tour may institute a drug policy, including testing, by the end of this year, according to the New York Times. The Tour is in the process of creating a list of banned subsances that will be covered under the policy and it will implement a program to discuss with players testing procedures, penalties and health risks. Several players, including Tiger Woods, approve the idea of a drug policy for the PGA Tour. Last November, the LPGA announced it would begin testing for drugs in 2008.
Yeah, I can see doping becoming a big problem in golf. What can the PGA Tour possibly test for? Vitamins? Alcohol? Viagra?
Yeah, I can see doping becoming a big problem in golf. What can the PGA Tour possibly test for? Vitamins? Alcohol? Viagra?
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Cubs’ Barrett Traded to San Diego
Michael Barrett isn’t having a very good summer. The Cubs’ catcher got into a fight with teammate Carlos Zambrano a few weeks ago in the dugout at Wrigley Field, resulting in a black eye, a fat lip (with stitches) and a fine from Cubs’ management. Several days later he had a heated conversation with another pitcher, Rich Hill. His playing time has been reduced in recent weeks, surely a sign that Barrett is either a) hurting or b) not playing well or c) about to be traded. The correct answer is c. Today, Barrett was traded to the San Diego Padres for catcher Rob Bowen and a minor league player. When things start to go wrong for a player, sometimes the best thing to do is to give him a change of scenery.
With everything that has happened in recent weeks with Barrett, it is obvious that the Cubs management lost faith in their starting catcher. And perhaps the pitchers lost faith in him too. Once a catcher loses the trust of his teammates, the only other place for him to go is out.
Actually, Barrett came out of this pretty well. He’s going to a first-place team with one of the best pitching staffs in the National League. The chances of Barrett heading to the postseason are better with the Padres than they are with the Cubs.
I’m sure Sox fans will be disappointed too. It means there won’t be a rematch of the Barrett-A.J. Pierzinski slugfest when the Cubs face the White Sox this weekend.
With everything that has happened in recent weeks with Barrett, it is obvious that the Cubs management lost faith in their starting catcher. And perhaps the pitchers lost faith in him too. Once a catcher loses the trust of his teammates, the only other place for him to go is out.
Actually, Barrett came out of this pretty well. He’s going to a first-place team with one of the best pitching staffs in the National League. The chances of Barrett heading to the postseason are better with the Padres than they are with the Cubs.
I’m sure Sox fans will be disappointed too. It means there won’t be a rematch of the Barrett-A.J. Pierzinski slugfest when the Cubs face the White Sox this weekend.
Broadcast Boot Camp
Have you ever watched a football telecast with a former player doing commentary or analysis for the first time? They twitch nervously on screen while words come stammering out of their mouths like volcanic lava. Most former players making the transition to the broadcast booth have little or no broadcast training. For some former players, it can be more intimidating to face a little red light on top of a TV camera than it is facing a 300-lb. linebacker on the football field.
The NFL has introduced a new program that might change that, reports the New York Times. Known as broadcast boot camp, the program is an intensive three-day off-season seminar in which current and former players go through a series of training sessions led by top executives, producers and on-air personalities on how to analyze films and work more comfortably in front of the TV camera. The program is one of several that the league and the players’ union have introduced to help players transition into life after football.
Former Eagles’ QB Ron Jaworski, now with ESPN, said in the Times article, that he wished there was a broadcast boot camp when he retired from football. “The things these guys are going to learn in three days, I learned in three years,” he said.
It’s a great idea and long overdue, not just for the NFL but also for other major sports. Most athletes love the idea of doing broadcast work but don’t have the proper training to succeed. Some do it anyway without any training, and the result is awful. If more sports leagues provided this kind of training, more athletes would be better prepared to provide lively, insightful and entertaining analysis of sports events that would be worth watching.
The NFL has introduced a new program that might change that, reports the New York Times. Known as broadcast boot camp, the program is an intensive three-day off-season seminar in which current and former players go through a series of training sessions led by top executives, producers and on-air personalities on how to analyze films and work more comfortably in front of the TV camera. The program is one of several that the league and the players’ union have introduced to help players transition into life after football.
Former Eagles’ QB Ron Jaworski, now with ESPN, said in the Times article, that he wished there was a broadcast boot camp when he retired from football. “The things these guys are going to learn in three days, I learned in three years,” he said.
It’s a great idea and long overdue, not just for the NFL but also for other major sports. Most athletes love the idea of doing broadcast work but don’t have the proper training to succeed. Some do it anyway without any training, and the result is awful. If more sports leagues provided this kind of training, more athletes would be better prepared to provide lively, insightful and entertaining analysis of sports events that would be worth watching.
Captain Konerko Says “Don’t Give Up on Us Yet”
White Sox fans, myself included, are beginning to lose hope, if not patience, as the team continues its downward slide. In a private meeting with GM Kenny Williams and manager Ozzie Guillen on Monday, first baseman and team captain Paul Konerko asked for more time for the team to come out of its slump before making any trades. Konerko said he felt that once Scott Podsednik and Darrin Erstad returned to the team from the DL, hopefully sometime within the next two weeks, the team could pull together for a strong stretch run. I know a lot of fans won’t be too thrilled with the decision from the Sox camp, but then again, there might be some wisdom in what they’re doing.
As recent MLB history shows, a resurgence isn’t out of the question. Last year, the Minnesota Twins were 12 games out of first place in late June, and won the AL Central by one game over the Tigers on the last day of the regular season. In 2005, the Cleveland Indians closed to within 1 ½ games behind the White Sox after falling behind by 15 games in late July. Granted, there are a lot of ifs, ands or buts involved. The Sox need to begin playing better – soon, and the other teams in the AL Central would have to play mediocre baseball a good part of the way. But if the Sox can hold the fort for a week or so, I believe it’s possible that fans’ – and Kenny Williams’— patience will eventually pay off in a big way.
As recent MLB history shows, a resurgence isn’t out of the question. Last year, the Minnesota Twins were 12 games out of first place in late June, and won the AL Central by one game over the Tigers on the last day of the regular season. In 2005, the Cleveland Indians closed to within 1 ½ games behind the White Sox after falling behind by 15 games in late July. Granted, there are a lot of ifs, ands or buts involved. The Sox need to begin playing better – soon, and the other teams in the AL Central would have to play mediocre baseball a good part of the way. But if the Sox can hold the fort for a week or so, I believe it’s possible that fans’ – and Kenny Williams’— patience will eventually pay off in a big way.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Beard Bares It All for Playboy
I’m baffled by the reaction that Olympic swimmer Amanda Beard has received to her decision to bare it all for the July issue of Playboy magazine. Among them are Sun-Times columnist Carol Slezak who called Beard’s posing “selfish” and former swimming champion John Nabor who said on ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” that it would hurt Beard’s career. Other critics suggest that her appearance in the buff discredits women athletes and hurts her image as a role model to young female swimmers.
Beard defended her position on ESPN and in Playboy saying this was “a business decision” and a “lifetime opportunity.” Beard has appeared in three Olympics and won seven medals, two of them gold. She has already accomplished more in her swimming career than most people will do in their entire lives. If she makes the U.S. Olympic team for the 2008 Beijing Games, Beard will be 26 and likely will make her final appearance on the Olympic scene. She is, as she says, taking advantage of a business opportunity and preparing herself for a career after swimming.
Why do people care so much if women, especially female athletes, pose nude for Playboy? If Beard, or any other female athlete, has the body and the guts to pose in the nude, more power to them. Why should the rest of us criticize their choice?
A Playboy cover won’t take away any of Beard’s Olympic medals nor will it hurt her career, as some critics believe. I’m willing to bet that 10 or 15 years from now, most people won’t even remember the Playboy feature.
Beard defended her position on ESPN and in Playboy saying this was “a business decision” and a “lifetime opportunity.” Beard has appeared in three Olympics and won seven medals, two of them gold. She has already accomplished more in her swimming career than most people will do in their entire lives. If she makes the U.S. Olympic team for the 2008 Beijing Games, Beard will be 26 and likely will make her final appearance on the Olympic scene. She is, as she says, taking advantage of a business opportunity and preparing herself for a career after swimming.
Why do people care so much if women, especially female athletes, pose nude for Playboy? If Beard, or any other female athlete, has the body and the guts to pose in the nude, more power to them. Why should the rest of us criticize their choice?
A Playboy cover won’t take away any of Beard’s Olympic medals nor will it hurt her career, as some critics believe. I’m willing to bet that 10 or 15 years from now, most people won’t even remember the Playboy feature.
Bulls’ Trade for Kobe Just a Pipe Dream
Ever since Kobe Bryant wrote on his Web site (kb24.com) several weeks ago that he wanted to be traded from the Lakers, analysts have been speculating about whether a trade would actually take place. Bryant named the Chicago Bulls as one of three NBA teams that he would like to play for, but I think a trade by the Bulls for Bryant is highly unlikely.
Since taking over as Bulls’ GM several years ago, John Paxson has rebuilt this team on good sportsmanship and unselfish play. He and coach Scott Skiles have weeded out deadbeat players and brought in players who play hard and with heart. Good character is just as important as talent. There are no superstars on the Bulls; Ben Wallace is about as close to one as you’ll find. The trio of Luol Deng, Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich are emerging superstars in their own right. The Bulls already have good team chemistry, and they have earned a reputation in the NBA as being an unselfish team. Bryant, on the other hand, isn’t exactly known for his generosity on the court. Paxson and Skiles are looking to improve for the immediate future, and Bryant would certainly provide some of the inside scoring that the Bulls desperately need. But Bryant’s character may not fit in with the Bulls’ team philosophy, which is why this trade is just a pipe dream.
Since taking over as Bulls’ GM several years ago, John Paxson has rebuilt this team on good sportsmanship and unselfish play. He and coach Scott Skiles have weeded out deadbeat players and brought in players who play hard and with heart. Good character is just as important as talent. There are no superstars on the Bulls; Ben Wallace is about as close to one as you’ll find. The trio of Luol Deng, Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich are emerging superstars in their own right. The Bulls already have good team chemistry, and they have earned a reputation in the NBA as being an unselfish team. Bryant, on the other hand, isn’t exactly known for his generosity on the court. Paxson and Skiles are looking to improve for the immediate future, and Bryant would certainly provide some of the inside scoring that the Bulls desperately need. But Bryant’s character may not fit in with the Bulls’ team philosophy, which is why this trade is just a pipe dream.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
The Sad Misadventures of the 2007 White Sox
An article earlier this week on Fox Sports Web site suggested that Ozzie Guillen's job may be in jeopardy because of the White Sox's dismal performance so far this season. In case you've been vacationing on planet Mars in recent weeks, all the Sox relievers, with the exception of Bobbie Jenks, tanked at the same time in mid May and saw their collective ERA balloon to nearly 9.00. The Sox offense has had its share of problems too. They are last in the American League in runs scored and batting average, which has baffled many baseball analysts. No one expected a team with Paul Konerko, Jim Thome, Jermaine Dye and Joe Crede to have such cold bats. Injuries to Darrin Ersted, Scott Podsednik, Pablo Azuna and Joe Crede have hurt the team, especially at the top of the lineup. It's difficult to generate any kind of momentum when nearly half of your roster is filled with Triple A players. I'm not quite sure what will turn things around for the White Sox this season. They're lucky to be only 10 games out at this point.
After witnessing the lifeless White Sox lose 16 of their last 19 games I am beginning to wonder if and when the Sox will hold their White Flag sale. While Guillen says no at this point, things can change in a big hurry, especially if they don't start winning any time soon. Expect to see Mark Buerhle and Jermaine Dye gone by the All-Star Break. (I can feel my heart breaking already.)
After witnessing the lifeless White Sox lose 16 of their last 19 games I am beginning to wonder if and when the Sox will hold their White Flag sale. While Guillen says no at this point, things can change in a big hurry, especially if they don't start winning any time soon. Expect to see Mark Buerhle and Jermaine Dye gone by the All-Star Break. (I can feel my heart breaking already.)
What Dynasty?
Since the San Antonio Spurs swept the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals to clinch their fourth title in nine years, basketball experts and analysts have been debating whether the Spurs are a dynasty.
Close, but not quite.
The truth is the dynasty discussion is more media hype than reality. The NBA Finals ended sooner rather than later, so the media need to stretch it out as long as possible. So the debate continues.
Sure, winning four titles in nine years is impressive, but it only shows that the Spurs are a very good team. None of their titles came in consecutive seasons, and they haven't dominated their division or conference the way previous dynasties, such as the the Celtics, Lakers and Bulls, did. The Spurs were one of several strong teams to come out of the Western Conference. The Utah Jazz and Dallas Maverickswere also quite capable of winning the national title. It also helps to come from a major market with higher profile players. When the Spurs can dominate the league and win consecutive titles, then maybe I'll put them in the same league as the Celtics and Lakers. But they have a ways to go to get there.
Close, but not quite.
The truth is the dynasty discussion is more media hype than reality. The NBA Finals ended sooner rather than later, so the media need to stretch it out as long as possible. So the debate continues.
Sure, winning four titles in nine years is impressive, but it only shows that the Spurs are a very good team. None of their titles came in consecutive seasons, and they haven't dominated their division or conference the way previous dynasties, such as the the Celtics, Lakers and Bulls, did. The Spurs were one of several strong teams to come out of the Western Conference. The Utah Jazz and Dallas Maverickswere also quite capable of winning the national title. It also helps to come from a major market with higher profile players. When the Spurs can dominate the league and win consecutive titles, then maybe I'll put them in the same league as the Celtics and Lakers. But they have a ways to go to get there.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Time for Wie to Grow Up
Teenage golfer Michelle Wie is beginning to show her age. Or should I say, lack of maturity.
Last week, the 17-year-old Wie pulled out of a tournament in North Carolina, complaining of a wrist injury. Two days later, fellow golfers noticed she was practicing at Bulle Rock Golf Course in Maryland, where the LPGA Championship began on Thursday. That prompted former number one and tournament host Annika Sorenstam to criticize the teenager for showing “a lack of respect and class” in dealing with her injury. What makes matters more intriguing is that Wie pulled out when she was 14 over par, two bogeys shy of an 88. As a non-member of the LPGA, if she had reached that score, Wie would have been barred from competing on the tour for the remainder of the year. Wie denied the scoring issue, sticking to her injured wrist story. “I think it was very insulting because I tried my best,” she told reporters.
Wie has made a name for herself more by trying to compete on the men’s tour rather than finetuning her golf skills and competing with the ladies. To date, she has not won a single tournament, although she tied for fifth at last year’s LPGA Championship. However, she has earned more than $20 million in 2006 just in endorsements and appearances. Sounds like another Anna Kournakova minus the modeling contracts.
If Wie wants to play with the Big Boys and Girls, it’s time she started to act like a Big Girl herself.
Last week, the 17-year-old Wie pulled out of a tournament in North Carolina, complaining of a wrist injury. Two days later, fellow golfers noticed she was practicing at Bulle Rock Golf Course in Maryland, where the LPGA Championship began on Thursday. That prompted former number one and tournament host Annika Sorenstam to criticize the teenager for showing “a lack of respect and class” in dealing with her injury. What makes matters more intriguing is that Wie pulled out when she was 14 over par, two bogeys shy of an 88. As a non-member of the LPGA, if she had reached that score, Wie would have been barred from competing on the tour for the remainder of the year. Wie denied the scoring issue, sticking to her injured wrist story. “I think it was very insulting because I tried my best,” she told reporters.
Wie has made a name for herself more by trying to compete on the men’s tour rather than finetuning her golf skills and competing with the ladies. To date, she has not won a single tournament, although she tied for fifth at last year’s LPGA Championship. However, she has earned more than $20 million in 2006 just in endorsements and appearances. Sounds like another Anna Kournakova minus the modeling contracts.
If Wie wants to play with the Big Boys and Girls, it’s time she started to act like a Big Girl herself.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
NHL Champs Are a Bunch of Quacks
The Anaheim Ducks clinched the NHL Stanley Cup last night, defeating the Ottawa Senators 6-2 and winning the series 4-1. I don't know about you, but I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that the new NHL champions are a bunch of ducks.
Quackers, anyone?
Quackers, anyone?
Are Athletes Fair Game for the Media?
It used to be that sports writers could keep an athlete’s personal affairs out of the public domain, but that may be changing, writes Teddy Greenstein, who covers the sports media for the Chicago Tribune. With the New York Daily News story last week that Yankee superstar Alex Rodriguez was seen with a blonde woman who was not his wife, and another story that his wife had left their Manhattan apartment with two suitcases, the New York media may have crossed over into territory normally reserved for the Hollywood paparazzi. All this media attention begs the question: Have athletes become fair game for the media where once before they were spared reporters’ scrutiny of their private lives?
During the Sunday Night Baseball telecast on ESPN this past weekend, analyst Joe Morgan said that most ball players aren’t looking for the spotlight outside of baseball the way that Hollywood celebs seek publicity. To some celebs, even negative publicity can be positive. But for ball players, says Morgan, they’re not used to it, nor do they actively seek it out. In A-Rod’s case, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong woman in the wrong city – and the NY media took advantage and splashed the story across their front pages.
I’m inclined to believe that the A-Rod headline is a rare situation, a result of a combination of circumstances that probably would produce different results if it occurred anywhere else. But because of who A-Rod is, the fact he plays for the Yankees, lives in New York City, and isn’t exactly a fan or media favorite there, the story became bigger than life. Put this same story in another market, with the exception of maybe LA., with an athlete who isn’t as talented, wealthy, or well-known, and chances are, it doesn’t even get mentioned in the local gossip column.
A-Rod in Chicago
During the Sunday Night Baseball telecast on ESPN this past weekend, analyst Joe Morgan said that most ball players aren’t looking for the spotlight outside of baseball the way that Hollywood celebs seek publicity. To some celebs, even negative publicity can be positive. But for ball players, says Morgan, they’re not used to it, nor do they actively seek it out. In A-Rod’s case, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong woman in the wrong city – and the NY media took advantage and splashed the story across their front pages.
I’m inclined to believe that the A-Rod headline is a rare situation, a result of a combination of circumstances that probably would produce different results if it occurred anywhere else. But because of who A-Rod is, the fact he plays for the Yankees, lives in New York City, and isn’t exactly a fan or media favorite there, the story became bigger than life. Put this same story in another market, with the exception of maybe LA., with an athlete who isn’t as talented, wealthy, or well-known, and chances are, it doesn’t even get mentioned in the local gossip column.
A-Rod in Chicago
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Piniella Takes the Heat for Players
MLB may have suspended Cubs' skipper Lou Piniella for an undisclosed amount of time after his tirade during Saturday's game against the Atlanta Braves, but in hindsight, Lou's on-field outburst may have been a semi-intentional ploy to take the pressure off his players. The ploy may have succeeded on two fronts. First, it helped the team refocus their efforts on winning on the field, which the Cubs did in fine fashion today by a score of 10-1.
Second, Piniella took the focus away from Carlos Zambrano and Michael Barrett, who fought in the dugout and in the clubhouse during Friday's game. Funny thing happened since his tirade. The media stopped talking about the fight that broke out in front of 40,000+ fans Friday because Lou Piniella gave them something else to talk about. As any good manager will do, he took the pressure off his players and put it on himself. If Sweet Lou doesn't do something, you can bet the media would still be writing and talking ad nauseum about Friday's fight.
Second, Piniella took the focus away from Carlos Zambrano and Michael Barrett, who fought in the dugout and in the clubhouse during Friday's game. Funny thing happened since his tirade. The media stopped talking about the fight that broke out in front of 40,000+ fans Friday because Lou Piniella gave them something else to talk about. As any good manager will do, he took the pressure off his players and put it on himself. If Sweet Lou doesn't do something, you can bet the media would still be writing and talking ad nauseum about Friday's fight.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Spying on the Enemy
Just how nasty was Ted Saskin, the former executive director of the NHLPA who was fired several weeks ago? An article in this week’s Sports Business Journal recounts a report that details allegations of an electronic spying program at the NHLPA that targeted 45 players and was nicknamed “Big Brother.” The spying program also extended to Saskin monitoring e-mails to see which individual players voted in the secret ballot to ratify the NHL labor deal. According to anonymous sources close to the report who were interviewed for the story, Saskin read personal e-mails of staff members for more than a year, stopped briefly when the Hewlett-Packard corporate surveillance scandal broke, then resumed when he learned that several players, led by former Blackhawk Chris Chelios, wanted to authorize an investigation into his hiring.
How desperate and insecure must a man be to use these tactics to protect his job? And how is it possible that he and his business director Ken Kim were able to access players’ personal e-mails, not just on NHLPA.com, but other e-mail accounts as well? Maybe guilt was a factor. It seems to me that anyone who is suspected of acquiring a job by dishonest means is going to be looking over his shoulder. In other words, what goes around comes around.
How desperate and insecure must a man be to use these tactics to protect his job? And how is it possible that he and his business director Ken Kim were able to access players’ personal e-mails, not just on NHLPA.com, but other e-mail accounts as well? Maybe guilt was a factor. It seems to me that anyone who is suspected of acquiring a job by dishonest means is going to be looking over his shoulder. In other words, what goes around comes around.
Does The World Need Another Football League?
A group of investors, including Dallas Mavericks’ owner Mark Cuban, is considering the formation of a new football league to begin playing as early as next summer, according to Reuters and the New York Times. Wall Street investor Bill Hambrecht came up with the plan along with Cuban and Google Inc. exec Tim Armstrong. The United Football League would consist of eight teams located in markets that currently do not have teams, such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Mexico City. Games would be played on Friday nights, so they would not conflict with NFL games. The new league would compete with the NFL for players drafted below the second round in the NFL draft. Free agents and players who were cut from their NFL teams would make up the remainder of the roster.
“We think there is more demand for pro football than supply,” Cuban was qhoted in the Times. That may be true, but new leagues have formed in the past with little success. I doubt the UFL will get past one or two seasons, if they’re lucky. Besides, what’s wrong with the NFL that we have now? If fans need a football fix when the NFL season ends, they can tune in to the CFL (Canadian football), the AFL league, which plays its games through the spring, and several women’s leagues — the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL), National Women’s Football Association (NWFA) and the Women’s Professional Football League (WPFL). Okay, so maybe the women’s leagues aren’t exactly in the same, well, league, as the NFL, CFL and AFL, they’re still football. In any case, there seems to be enough football leagues already. Does the world really need another one?
“We think there is more demand for pro football than supply,” Cuban was qhoted in the Times. That may be true, but new leagues have formed in the past with little success. I doubt the UFL will get past one or two seasons, if they’re lucky. Besides, what’s wrong with the NFL that we have now? If fans need a football fix when the NFL season ends, they can tune in to the CFL (Canadian football), the AFL league, which plays its games through the spring, and several women’s leagues — the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL), National Women’s Football Association (NWFA) and the Women’s Professional Football League (WPFL). Okay, so maybe the women’s leagues aren’t exactly in the same, well, league, as the NFL, CFL and AFL, they’re still football. In any case, there seems to be enough football leagues already. Does the world really need another one?
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Roddick Makes Early Exit at French Open
Some athletes have the worst luck. No matter how good they are overall, they can be spooked by a certain competition, foe or locale.
American Andy Roddick may be one such athlete who can’t seem to find his rhythm at the French Open, which began over the weekend. For the second consecutive year and the fourth time in his career, Roddick was eliminated in the first round at Roland Garros, courtesy of Igor Andreev, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. Roddick is ranked third in the world while Andreev is number 125. According to the New York Times, the match was highlighted by Roddick’s temper tantrum, in which he shook his fist, bounced his racket off the red clay court, and shouted to the rain-soaked clouds above him “Andy, just give yourself a chance on some of these points!”
Roland Garros is also a bit of a mystery for the world’s number one, Roger Federer, who has yet to win the French Open. It is the only Grand Slam title that the Swiss champion has yet to win. That could change this year, but it will mean getting past two-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal of Spain, who excels on the clay court. Federer finally beat Nadal on clay during the Hamburg Masters 10 days ago
American Andy Roddick may be one such athlete who can’t seem to find his rhythm at the French Open, which began over the weekend. For the second consecutive year and the fourth time in his career, Roddick was eliminated in the first round at Roland Garros, courtesy of Igor Andreev, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. Roddick is ranked third in the world while Andreev is number 125. According to the New York Times, the match was highlighted by Roddick’s temper tantrum, in which he shook his fist, bounced his racket off the red clay court, and shouted to the rain-soaked clouds above him “Andy, just give yourself a chance on some of these points!”
Roland Garros is also a bit of a mystery for the world’s number one, Roger Federer, who has yet to win the French Open. It is the only Grand Slam title that the Swiss champion has yet to win. That could change this year, but it will mean getting past two-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal of Spain, who excels on the clay court. Federer finally beat Nadal on clay during the Hamburg Masters 10 days ago
Friday, May 25, 2007
The Race Is On for Indy Women
For the first time in the Indy 500’s 96-year history, three women will be among the 33 drivers racing this Sunday. That alone may make this year’s race worth watching, even for non-fans like myself. But if you ask any one of the three female drivers, they’ll tell you the same thing: while the attention is nice, they just want to win.
Danica Patrick is the most recognizable name of the bunch, having started her first Indy race in 2005. But she has yet to win a race in 34 starts in the IndyCar Series.
Sarah Fisher has raced in five Indy 500s but has never finished higher than 21st. At age 35, Venezuelan Milka Duno is making her first start at Indy this weekend. The three ladies follow in the footsteps of Janet Guthrie, who was the first woman to race at Indy in 1977, and Lyn St. James, who raced the course seven times and last participated in 2000.
Most of their male counterparts don’t seem to mind that these ladies are entering the male-dominated world of auto racing. Two-time Indy 500 champion Helio Castroneves, told the New York Times that he doesn’t care who’s racing in front of him. “If it’s in front of me, I need to pass it.”
Sam Hornish, Jr., the defending champion who used to race go-karts with Patrick and Fisher when they were all kids, thinks the women are good for the sport and have proven, at least to him, that they belong. “They got here because they’ve got talent,” he told the New York Times. “I don’t care how good looking you are, or what sex you are. The only way you stay in racing is if you have talent.”
Danica Patrick is the most recognizable name of the bunch, having started her first Indy race in 2005. But she has yet to win a race in 34 starts in the IndyCar Series.
Sarah Fisher has raced in five Indy 500s but has never finished higher than 21st. At age 35, Venezuelan Milka Duno is making her first start at Indy this weekend. The three ladies follow in the footsteps of Janet Guthrie, who was the first woman to race at Indy in 1977, and Lyn St. James, who raced the course seven times and last participated in 2000.
Most of their male counterparts don’t seem to mind that these ladies are entering the male-dominated world of auto racing. Two-time Indy 500 champion Helio Castroneves, told the New York Times that he doesn’t care who’s racing in front of him. “If it’s in front of me, I need to pass it.”
Sam Hornish, Jr., the defending champion who used to race go-karts with Patrick and Fisher when they were all kids, thinks the women are good for the sport and have proven, at least to him, that they belong. “They got here because they’ve got talent,” he told the New York Times. “I don’t care how good looking you are, or what sex you are. The only way you stay in racing is if you have talent.”
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Ohno! Another Victory for Apolo
So Apolo Anton Ohno won Dancing with the Stars Tuesday night with his dance partner Julianne Hough. What's next for the Olympic short-track speed skater? Ice dancing?
Preakness Outdraws NHL Playoffs
While I was watching the Cubs-Sox interleague match up on Fox Saturday afternoon, another battle was brewing on NBC. According to the Hollywood Reporter, hockey fans who had tuned in to watch the NHL playoff game between the Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators were left high and dry at the end of regulation and the score tied. At that point, NBC switched to its scheduled Preakness Stakes telecast while the overtime period of the hockey game was carried on the sports cable network Versus, which is not carried in all markets. NBC told the entertainment publication that its contract with the Preakness superseded that of the NHL, and NHL officials also knew that there was a risk that this situation could arise. While hockey fans are crying foul, the reality is, the Preakness Stakes is one of the most watched horseracing events next to the Kentucky Derby. NBC’s ratings for pre-race coverage of the Preakness more than doubled the last half hour of the playoff hockey game.
More evidence of just how far hockey has fallen in terms of national coverage and respect. It all reflects poorly on the league and management. The NHL is in disarray, and until it can get its act together, it will remain near the bottom of TV ratings.
More evidence of just how far hockey has fallen in terms of national coverage and respect. It all reflects poorly on the league and management. The NHL is in disarray, and until it can get its act together, it will remain near the bottom of TV ratings.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Reinstatement of Baseball as an Olympic Sport in Doubt
According to an article on MLB.com last week, the International Olympic Committee has made it clear to MLB that if baseball is to be reinstated as an Olympic sport, MLB players will have to participate in the Summer Games. MLB president and CEO Bob DuPuy says that Commissioner Bud Selig would like to see baseball return to the Summer Games, but it presents logistical issues for the league. While the Games are taking place in late July or August, divisional races are heating up. At this point, the league has two options. Either shut down the season for two weeks while players participate in the Games for their respective countries, just as the NHL did for the 2006 Winter Games, or allow just a few of the top players to participate while the regular season continues on.
I see problems with both scenarios. If you shut down league play for two weeks in August, teams in the divisional races could lose momentum, and it’s difficult to regain it when the teams resume play. And if you do shut down the season for two weeks, do you make up the games at the end of the season, thus extending the season well into October? The season is already long enough. On the other hand, if only the top players participate, they risk getting injured, which especially hurts those teams that are in the playoff hunt. I understand Selig’s reluctance to commit players to the Olympics. Unless MLB can come up with an alternative plan, it may be wise to say “Thanks, but no thanks.”
I see problems with both scenarios. If you shut down league play for two weeks in August, teams in the divisional races could lose momentum, and it’s difficult to regain it when the teams resume play. And if you do shut down the season for two weeks, do you make up the games at the end of the season, thus extending the season well into October? The season is already long enough. On the other hand, if only the top players participate, they risk getting injured, which especially hurts those teams that are in the playoff hunt. I understand Selig’s reluctance to commit players to the Olympics. Unless MLB can come up with an alternative plan, it may be wise to say “Thanks, but no thanks.”
Guilty as Sin
If I had any doubts about Floyd Landis' claims to innocence in doping allegations, they were quickly confirmed with the damning testimony of two witnesses during Landis’ doping hearing which started last week in Malibu, Calif. Last Friday, former triple Tour de France champion Greg LeMond revealed he had been abused as a child and Landis’ manager had used that information to prevent him from testifying. LeMond said he confided the abuse to Landis last summer with the hope that sharing the story would convince Landis to come clean about his doping. According to Landis in a Reuters’ news story, Landis replied that coming clean “would destroy a lot of friends and hurt a lot of people.”
Early today, a little-known cyclist named Joseph Papp explained how he and other cyclists applied a testosterone gel on their bodies to recover more quickly during competitions. According to Papp, “it’s something you can use in small quantities that doesn’t trip any of the scanning…Immediately after the race, you would rub it [the gel] on your chest or your abdomen because within 30 minutes you would experience an increase in your testosterone level. And within four hours you would be back to your normal base line level.” Papp is currently serving a two-year ban from cycling for testing positive during a race last year.
Regardless of what happens during the rest of the hearing, and regardless if the French lab screwed up the testing of Landis’ samples as Landis claims, the testimonies of LeMond and Papp convince me that Landis is guilty of doping. This entire hearing was never about the testing process. It was all about getting Landis off the hook. If the arbitrators have any brains at all, they will waste no time in delivering a two-year suspension and stripping away his Tour de France title. I am hoping that cycling officials will learn something from this case that MLB has not – don’t let one of your “stars” off the hook.
Early today, a little-known cyclist named Joseph Papp explained how he and other cyclists applied a testosterone gel on their bodies to recover more quickly during competitions. According to Papp, “it’s something you can use in small quantities that doesn’t trip any of the scanning…Immediately after the race, you would rub it [the gel] on your chest or your abdomen because within 30 minutes you would experience an increase in your testosterone level. And within four hours you would be back to your normal base line level.” Papp is currently serving a two-year ban from cycling for testing positive during a race last year.
Regardless of what happens during the rest of the hearing, and regardless if the French lab screwed up the testing of Landis’ samples as Landis claims, the testimonies of LeMond and Papp convince me that Landis is guilty of doping. This entire hearing was never about the testing process. It was all about getting Landis off the hook. If the arbitrators have any brains at all, they will waste no time in delivering a two-year suspension and stripping away his Tour de France title. I am hoping that cycling officials will learn something from this case that MLB has not – don’t let one of your “stars” off the hook.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Chicago’s Olympic Logo is a No-Go
Chicago’s Olympic Committee has made another faux pas, this time involving its Olympic logo. It seems the logo design uses Olympic-related imagery, such as the torch and flame, which is a big no-no according to the IOC, reports the Chicago Tribune. The Committee now must come up with a new design. In the meantime, the city isn’t sure what it will do with all the Olympic signs and merchandise spread throughout the city.
Last fall I wondered if the Chicago Committee had gotten way ahead of itself by introducing the logo so early in the bidding process. Generally the logo unveiling is reserved for the city that has been named as the host city for the Olympic Games, not a city that is bidding on it. That suggests that Chicago’s logo should have been introduced to the public in late 2009 at the earliest and only in the event that it had been chosen as the host city for the 2016 Games. It seems rather presumptuous of Chicago’s Olympic Committee to introduce any kind of logo design three years before the host city is officially announced. In its haste, the Chicago Committee obviously did not do its homework by checking out USOC and IOC rules beforehand. That’s sloppy planning and not a good start for Chicago’s Olympic Committee.
Last fall I wondered if the Chicago Committee had gotten way ahead of itself by introducing the logo so early in the bidding process. Generally the logo unveiling is reserved for the city that has been named as the host city for the Olympic Games, not a city that is bidding on it. That suggests that Chicago’s logo should have been introduced to the public in late 2009 at the earliest and only in the event that it had been chosen as the host city for the 2016 Games. It seems rather presumptuous of Chicago’s Olympic Committee to introduce any kind of logo design three years before the host city is officially announced. In its haste, the Chicago Committee obviously did not do its homework by checking out USOC and IOC rules beforehand. That’s sloppy planning and not a good start for Chicago’s Olympic Committee.
Rivalry May Kindle Sox Bats
The White Sox are a very lucky team. With a 19-17 record going into today’s action, the Sox find themselves only four games out of first place behind the Detroit Tigers in the middle of May. Most of their games have been played on the road, and two home games have been postponed due to inclement weather. Their starters have been nothing short of terrific and have kept them in the division race. Their hitting, well, that’s another story. The team is ranked last in the American League with a batting average of .200. With Paul Konerko, Jermaine Dye and Joe Crede in the lineup, you know the Sox will start hitting one of these days. But when? What will it take to wake up their snoozing bats?
The solution to the White Sox ice-cold hitting may be just around the corner. Round one of the cross-town rivalry between the Sox and the Cubs takes place this weekend at Wrigley Field. If recent memory serves me, the Sox always seem to rise to the occasion when these two teams meet. This weekend’s series against the Cubs could be just the thing to get Sox bats swinging
The solution to the White Sox ice-cold hitting may be just around the corner. Round one of the cross-town rivalry between the Sox and the Cubs takes place this weekend at Wrigley Field. If recent memory serves me, the Sox always seem to rise to the occasion when these two teams meet. This weekend’s series against the Cubs could be just the thing to get Sox bats swinging
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Saskin Fired; Who’s Next For NHLPA?
While the NHL playoffs are picking up steam on the ice, the NHLPA made headlines last week off the ice when its player reps voted unanimously to fire Ted Saskin. The executive director was ousted after an attorney’s report revealed Saskin may have snooped through players’ e-mails. No interim director has been named, which makes you wonder who is running the asylum.
But seriously, whoever is hired as the new NHLPA director will have his (or her) hands full trying to rebuild a more amicable and trusting relationship between the players and owners. He’ll have to be a good listener, a tough negotiator, an astute business person, and a tactful and patient diplomat. Know anyone like that? The NHLPA may be interested in talking to them.
But seriously, whoever is hired as the new NHLPA director will have his (or her) hands full trying to rebuild a more amicable and trusting relationship between the players and owners. He’ll have to be a good listener, a tough negotiator, an astute business person, and a tactful and patient diplomat. Know anyone like that? The NHLPA may be interested in talking to them.
It’s Miller’s Time
Former World Cup Ski Champion and world-renowned boozer Bode Miller quit the U.S. Ski team last week after a meeting with team officials, a team representative told Reuters. For the last few seasons, Miller has been increasingly critical of the team’s restrictions, including one that required Miller to stay in hotels with his teammates rather than in his mobile home. But the 30-year-old skier may pay a hefty price for his freedom. Without support from the U.S. ski team, Miller will have to pay for his own training and racing expenses. No word yet on how he plans to do that. Hopefully, it won’t have anything to do with all-night drinking.
Coaching Changes for Federer, Hewitt
With the French Open set to begin in less than two weeks, world number one Roger Federer announced on his Web site that he split with his part-time coach Tony Roche, citing communication problems. The decision follows several weeks of poor play by the Swiss champion who has participated in four tournaments without winning a title.
For the time being, Federer says he plans to go it alone at the French Open and Wimbledon. “I’m not going to take a coach because I know what it takes to win,” he said. “I don’t want anyone interfering with my preparation.”
In the meantime, Roche may soon land himself another coaching job, this time with former world number one and fellow Australian Lleyton Hewitt, according to Hewitt’s manager, David Drysdale in a Reuters’ article. Hewitt has been without a coach since Roger Rasheed quit in January before the Australian Open. He has struggled with his form this season and is recovering from a back injury. Hewitt, who was the world number one for 80 weeks from 2001 to 2003 has not won a grand slam title in five years and is currently ranked 22nd.
For the time being, Federer says he plans to go it alone at the French Open and Wimbledon. “I’m not going to take a coach because I know what it takes to win,” he said. “I don’t want anyone interfering with my preparation.”
In the meantime, Roche may soon land himself another coaching job, this time with former world number one and fellow Australian Lleyton Hewitt, according to Hewitt’s manager, David Drysdale in a Reuters’ article. Hewitt has been without a coach since Roger Rasheed quit in January before the Australian Open. He has struggled with his form this season and is recovering from a back injury. Hewitt, who was the world number one for 80 weeks from 2001 to 2003 has not won a grand slam title in five years and is currently ranked 22nd.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Bulls Overmatched by Pistons
So the Chicago Bulls lost again to the Detroit Pistons Thursday night at the United Center and are now poised to be eliminated when the two teams square off in Game 4 Sunday. I don’t think there’s a single fan in Chicago who expected this team to play as poorly as they have in this series — two blowout losses to Detroit by 26 and 21 points respectively and a loss last night after blowing a 19-point lead early in the third quarter.
It seemed the Pistons were toying with the Bulls during the first half last night before flipping a switch on their zone defense halfway through the third quarter. In a blink of an eye, the Pistons closed to a one-point deficit at the end of the quarter. The Bulls have no answer for Detroit’s zone defense, and obviously, the Pistons see some weakness in the Bulls that they are easily exploiting. At this point, a series loss is inevitable and disappointing considering how well the Bulls played against the Miami Heat in the first round.
In a post two weeks ago, I suggested that the Bulls might have put forth more energy into defeating the Heat and may not have much left for the Pistons. Apparently I was right because the Bulls just have been overmatched by the Pistons in just about every phase of the game. Just as last year’s brief playoff run gave the Bulls the incentive to beat the Miami Heat this year, this series against Detroit may be the very thing the Bulls need to push themselves further next season.
It seemed the Pistons were toying with the Bulls during the first half last night before flipping a switch on their zone defense halfway through the third quarter. In a blink of an eye, the Pistons closed to a one-point deficit at the end of the quarter. The Bulls have no answer for Detroit’s zone defense, and obviously, the Pistons see some weakness in the Bulls that they are easily exploiting. At this point, a series loss is inevitable and disappointing considering how well the Bulls played against the Miami Heat in the first round.
In a post two weeks ago, I suggested that the Bulls might have put forth more energy into defeating the Heat and may not have much left for the Pistons. Apparently I was right because the Bulls just have been overmatched by the Pistons in just about every phase of the game. Just as last year’s brief playoff run gave the Bulls the incentive to beat the Miami Heat this year, this series against Detroit may be the very thing the Bulls need to push themselves further next season.
Is Televised MLB Draft Worth Watching?
ESPN recently announced that it will be televising the baseball entry draft on ESPN2 on Thursday, June 7th beginning at 2 p.m. The NFL and NBA have had live draft coverage on ESPN for years with much success. But can MLB match that success? Are baseball fans willing to sit around for four hours watching each team make their first-round selections?
According to ESPN SportsNation poll, nearly 80 percent of fans said they would not watch the MLB draft. It seems to me that fans have better things to do with their time than to watch the draft live — like watch an actual game.
According to ESPN SportsNation poll, nearly 80 percent of fans said they would not watch the MLB draft. It seems to me that fans have better things to do with their time than to watch the draft live — like watch an actual game.
Is Schilling’s Apology Necessary?
Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling got himself into hot water Tuesday when he criticized Barry Bonds during his weekly spot on WEEI-850 AM in Boston. During the interview, Schilling said that Bonds “didn’t deserve to break Hank Aaron’s home run record,” among other things. In fact, it makes you wonder how many other MLB players and coaches share Schilling’s feelings.
Certainly his comments made a lot of people uncomfortable, including Red Sox manager Terry Francona who discussed the matter privately with his ace before Tuesday’s game.
Schilling apologized to Bonds through his blog, 38pitches.com, saying “The question I was asked and the answer I gave yesterday affected a lot more people than he [Bonds] and I.” He also indicated that he would not apologize to the Giants’ slugger directly.
It seems a shame that Schilling has to apologize at all. The opinions he expressed during the radio show are probably no worse than what fans have been thinking all along: that Bonds is a cheat. And Bonds isn’t exactly the type of guy who gets hung up on what anyone else thinks of him. People are entitled to their opinions, just as Schilling has a right to his. Since when do people have to apologize for being honest?
Certainly his comments made a lot of people uncomfortable, including Red Sox manager Terry Francona who discussed the matter privately with his ace before Tuesday’s game.
Schilling apologized to Bonds through his blog, 38pitches.com, saying “The question I was asked and the answer I gave yesterday affected a lot more people than he [Bonds] and I.” He also indicated that he would not apologize to the Giants’ slugger directly.
It seems a shame that Schilling has to apologize at all. The opinions he expressed during the radio show are probably no worse than what fans have been thinking all along: that Bonds is a cheat. And Bonds isn’t exactly the type of guy who gets hung up on what anyone else thinks of him. People are entitled to their opinions, just as Schilling has a right to his. Since when do people have to apologize for being honest?
NFL Considering 17- Game Schedule
The NFL says it is considering adding one more week to its already lengthy regular-season schedule, bringing the total number of games to 17, according to the Associated Press. The extra game, which would replace a preseason game, would be played outside the United States either in England, Germany, Mexico or Canada. Every team will play one game abroad without affecting its regular home/away schedule.
While one game is already set for the 2007 season — Miami vs. the New York Giants at London’s Wembley Stadium -- the new schedule won’t go into effect until 2009 or 2010. The scheduling logistics could be affected in one of three ways:
1) Open the season on Labor Day weekend, which for some reason, the league has avoided in recent years.
2) Push the Superbowl to the second week of February.
3) Keep the Superbowl in its regular place in the schedule but eliminate the week between the conference title games and the Superbowl.
Interesting concept. The NFL has been considering international expansion for several years, but I worry that the season is already too long. On the other hand, it makes sense to eliminate one of the preseason games though. By the fourth preseason game, the players are anxious to start playing games for real and the coaches have a good idea which players will be on their squads. I say start the games Labor Day weekend and take advantage of the warmer weather.
While one game is already set for the 2007 season — Miami vs. the New York Giants at London’s Wembley Stadium -- the new schedule won’t go into effect until 2009 or 2010. The scheduling logistics could be affected in one of three ways:
1) Open the season on Labor Day weekend, which for some reason, the league has avoided in recent years.
2) Push the Superbowl to the second week of February.
3) Keep the Superbowl in its regular place in the schedule but eliminate the week between the conference title games and the Superbowl.
Interesting concept. The NFL has been considering international expansion for several years, but I worry that the season is already too long. On the other hand, it makes sense to eliminate one of the preseason games though. By the fourth preseason game, the players are anxious to start playing games for real and the coaches have a good idea which players will be on their squads. I say start the games Labor Day weekend and take advantage of the warmer weather.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
MLB “Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer”
Once again, Major League Baseball and its 30 clubs are teaming up with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to raise funds and public awareness to fight breast cancer. The initiative begins this Sunday, May 13 (Mother’s Day) and continues through May 19, and incorporates several activities on and off the field for fans and players alike.
Some of the highlights:
Fans can make monetary donations by logging onto www.komen.org/mlb at five different levels: Single ($25), Double ($50), Triple ($75), Home run ($100) and Grand Slam ($250). MLB Charities will also commit an additional $50,000 donation.
More than 200 players will use a pink bats during their games on Mother’s Day, more than twice the number of players who participated last year. The pink bats will be autographed and auctioned on MLB.com at a later date, with proceeds going to the Komen organization.
During the games, players will also wear pink wristbands and ribbons on their uniforms. Pink ribbon logos will be displayed on the base pads.
A special Komen for the Cure public service announcement will run on the scoreboards and on the PA systems at all the ball parks.
For more information, visit www.komen.org/mlb.
Some of the highlights:
Fans can make monetary donations by logging onto www.komen.org/mlb at five different levels: Single ($25), Double ($50), Triple ($75), Home run ($100) and Grand Slam ($250). MLB Charities will also commit an additional $50,000 donation.
More than 200 players will use a pink bats during their games on Mother’s Day, more than twice the number of players who participated last year. The pink bats will be autographed and auctioned on MLB.com at a later date, with proceeds going to the Komen organization.
During the games, players will also wear pink wristbands and ribbons on their uniforms. Pink ribbon logos will be displayed on the base pads.
A special Komen for the Cure public service announcement will run on the scoreboards and on the PA systems at all the ball parks.
For more information, visit www.komen.org/mlb.
The Pressure Is On for Patrick
After making a splash at the Indianapolis 500 two years ago when she became the first woman to lead the race and wound up finishing fourth, racer Danica Patrick is feeling some pressure to win more races, according to an Associated Press story. Since 2005, Patrick has never finished better than fourth despite winning three poles during her rookie season. She is currently eighth in IRL points this season and had her best finish of seventh at the Kansas Speedway a few weeks ago.
No one expects more of Danica Patrick than Patrick herself. Often we are our own worst critics. It must be difficult to try to live up to the initial hype as well as perform up to the level you know you’re capable of. Add being an attractive woman in the public eye, and the scrutiny must be downright harsh sometimes. But Patrick is not making any excuses. She knows what she is up against as she prepares for the Indy 500 later this month.
No one expects more of Danica Patrick than Patrick herself. Often we are our own worst critics. It must be difficult to try to live up to the initial hype as well as perform up to the level you know you’re capable of. Add being an attractive woman in the public eye, and the scrutiny must be downright harsh sometimes. But Patrick is not making any excuses. She knows what she is up against as she prepares for the Indy 500 later this month.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Few Fans Support Bonds’ HR Chase
I guess I’m not the only one who isn’t too excited about Barry Bonds’ quest to break Hank Aaron’s homerun record. It seems more than half of baseball fans don’t really care either.
In a poll by ABC News and ESPN, only 37 percent of baseball fans said they hoped Bonds does break the record, while 52 percent hope he fails while 11 percent had no opinion. Three-quarters said they think the Giants’ slugger knowingly took performance-enhancing drugs, which he has repeatedly denied. Of those who think he took steroids, two-thirds said that made him a cheater. Yet despite all these negative opinions, six out of 10 believe he should be elected to the Hall of Fame. Bonds has 744 home runs lifetime, 11 shy of Aaron’s record.
In a poll by ABC News and ESPN, only 37 percent of baseball fans said they hoped Bonds does break the record, while 52 percent hope he fails while 11 percent had no opinion. Three-quarters said they think the Giants’ slugger knowingly took performance-enhancing drugs, which he has repeatedly denied. Of those who think he took steroids, two-thirds said that made him a cheater. Yet despite all these negative opinions, six out of 10 believe he should be elected to the Hall of Fame. Bonds has 744 home runs lifetime, 11 shy of Aaron’s record.
The Rocket Rejoins the Bronx Bombers
Future Hall of Famer Roger Clemens announced he is returning to his former team, the New York Yankees, for the remainder of this season. The 44-year-old ace made the announcement to a crowd of more than 52,000 fans at Yankee Stadium Sunday during the seventh inning stretch. After spending a few weeks training and getting into pitching shape, Clemens is expected to join the team sometime in early June. He will earn $28 million, or $4.5 million per month through the rest of this season.
The acquisition of Clemens is a huge shot in the arm for the Yankees, who clearly were desperate for starting pitching. Whether or not that boost lasts through the season and helps manager Joe Torre keep his job remains to be seen. It’s not good news for the AL Central either where many figured one of the four top teams -- the Tigers, Twins, Indians and White Sox – could win the Wild Card. That may not be the case anymore. If both the Yankees and Red Sox make the playoffs, the AL Central – arguably the best division in baseball -- would only have one team going the playoffs. And that means a more intense fight to the finish.
The acquisition of Clemens is a huge shot in the arm for the Yankees, who clearly were desperate for starting pitching. Whether or not that boost lasts through the season and helps manager Joe Torre keep his job remains to be seen. It’s not good news for the AL Central either where many figured one of the four top teams -- the Tigers, Twins, Indians and White Sox – could win the Wild Card. That may not be the case anymore. If both the Yankees and Red Sox make the playoffs, the AL Central – arguably the best division in baseball -- would only have one team going the playoffs. And that means a more intense fight to the finish.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
NBC Deal Promises Fresh Start for Figure Skating
I was thrilled to learn that the U.S. Figure Skating Association signed a three-year deal with NBC to broadcast the national championships and Skate America competition beginning October 2007, with much of the finals broadcast live during primetime. In a Woman’s Eye post several months ago, I wrote that the USFSA would be better off working out a deal with another network or forgoing a deal altogether rather than renew their arrangement with ABC/ESPN. In recent years, TV viewership for the sport had declined and ABC was clearly lacking any kind of commitment or motivation to promote the sport on its network. ESPN serves a predominantly male audience while figure skating’s largely female fan base was ignored. Programming also suffered as the network resorted to fluff stories and overhyped dramas to appeal to viewers. Even long-time announcers Dick Button and Peggy Fleming seemed old and tired at times. It was clear that it was time for a change.
Figure skating is a natural fit for NBC. The three-year deal will conclude with the 2010 national championships and will serve as a promotional lead-in for NBC’s coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. The network’s cable outlet, USA Network, its local affiliates and online resources open up bigger and better promotional opportunities for the sport.
The deal is a testing ground for both parties. NBC can help figure skating rebuild its fan base, and the sport can help the network refine its programming capabilities of Olympic sports in preparation for its coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
The only remaining question is who will be in the broadcast booth. I can see Dick Button doing occasional commentary for the broadcasts, but frankly, I think his days in the broadcast booth are over. A fresh opportunity like this deserves fresh faces, and the team of Paul Wylie and Suzie Wynn would be a great asset to NBC. They have done a terrific job as the secondary broadcast team on ESPN, covering the Four Continents and the Grand Prix events. They’re professional, unbiased and knowledgeable, and they refrain from “cheerleading” the skaters the way some of their colleagues at ABC/ESPN are guilty of doing.
ABC has been the broadcast home to figure skating for 43 years and still has rights to the international events, such as the World Championships, through 2008. After so long on one network, many fans may have a hard time adjusting to NBC as the new network for figure skating. But in this case, the change was not only good, it was necessary.
Figure skating is a natural fit for NBC. The three-year deal will conclude with the 2010 national championships and will serve as a promotional lead-in for NBC’s coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. The network’s cable outlet, USA Network, its local affiliates and online resources open up bigger and better promotional opportunities for the sport.
The deal is a testing ground for both parties. NBC can help figure skating rebuild its fan base, and the sport can help the network refine its programming capabilities of Olympic sports in preparation for its coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
The only remaining question is who will be in the broadcast booth. I can see Dick Button doing occasional commentary for the broadcasts, but frankly, I think his days in the broadcast booth are over. A fresh opportunity like this deserves fresh faces, and the team of Paul Wylie and Suzie Wynn would be a great asset to NBC. They have done a terrific job as the secondary broadcast team on ESPN, covering the Four Continents and the Grand Prix events. They’re professional, unbiased and knowledgeable, and they refrain from “cheerleading” the skaters the way some of their colleagues at ABC/ESPN are guilty of doing.
ABC has been the broadcast home to figure skating for 43 years and still has rights to the international events, such as the World Championships, through 2008. After so long on one network, many fans may have a hard time adjusting to NBC as the new network for figure skating. But in this case, the change was not only good, it was necessary.
Moral of Josh Hancock’s Story: Don’t Drink and Drive
File this story under “What was he thinking?”
The Medical Examiner determined that Cardinals’ pitcher Josh Hancock was drunk with an alcohol level twice Missouri’s legal limit, according to the Associated Press. Cell phone records also showed that he was talking on his cell phone at the time of the collision. Authorities also say Hancock was driving 68 mph in a 55 mph zone and was not wearing a seat belt. Marijuana was found in the SUV he was driving, but it is still unknown if any was in his bloodstream and toxicology results will not be known for several days. Witnesses told police that Hancock was at a local restaurant from about 8:30 p.m. until midnight last Saturday. A news report earlier this week mentioned that the hostess offered to call a cab for him, but he declined. With so many errors in judgment, it’s no wonder Hancock didn’t survive. One wonders if he had a secret death wish.
The Medical Examiner determined that Cardinals’ pitcher Josh Hancock was drunk with an alcohol level twice Missouri’s legal limit, according to the Associated Press. Cell phone records also showed that he was talking on his cell phone at the time of the collision. Authorities also say Hancock was driving 68 mph in a 55 mph zone and was not wearing a seat belt. Marijuana was found in the SUV he was driving, but it is still unknown if any was in his bloodstream and toxicology results will not be known for several days. Witnesses told police that Hancock was at a local restaurant from about 8:30 p.m. until midnight last Saturday. A news report earlier this week mentioned that the hostess offered to call a cab for him, but he declined. With so many errors in judgment, it’s no wonder Hancock didn’t survive. One wonders if he had a secret death wish.
Surprise! Derby Horses Tested for Drugs
It's interesting to see how the alleged doping scandals in baseball and track and field are affecting other sports that you wouldn't think would be affected, such as horse racing. For the first time in the 133-year history of the Kentucky Derby, all 20 horses were given surprise pre-race tests for performance-enhancing drugs on Thursday, according to the Associated Press. The decision to test the horses was made to ensure that the state’s medication rules were being followed, not because there was any suspicion of wrongdoing, said Mark York of the Kentucky Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet in the article. Certain blood-doping agents such as EPO (erythropoietin) and darbepoietin are illegal because they increase the number of oxygen-carrying red-blood cells and boost a horse’s endurance. In some cases, these drugs can kill the animals. A positive test could result in disqualification. Test results will not be revealed until after Saturday’s race.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Bias in the NBA?
An academic study by a University of Pennsylvania professor and a grad student from Cornell University suggests that racial bias exists on the basketball court as well as in our society. According to the New York Times, the two researchers reviewed 13 seasons worth of NBA games, from 1991 through 2004, and concluded that white referees called fouls against black players more often than they did against white players.
Interesting conclusion considering there are more black players in the league than white players.
The Times also reports that the NBA did its own study in March and concluded that there is no racial bias. Three independent experts reviewed the results of both studies and concluded that the academic study was more sound.
While I do think the Bulls’ Kirk Hinrich gets a lot of nit-picky fouls called against him, I don’t think it’s a racial issue. I think that has more to do with the referees keeping control of the game,
Really, all this academic research is silly. If players commit a foul, it’s because they violated a rule, not because they're black or white. Fans too are more concerned about which player is getting into foul trouble and how that might affect the outcome of the game. Racial bias has nothing to do with it.
Interesting conclusion considering there are more black players in the league than white players.
The Times also reports that the NBA did its own study in March and concluded that there is no racial bias. Three independent experts reviewed the results of both studies and concluded that the academic study was more sound.
While I do think the Bulls’ Kirk Hinrich gets a lot of nit-picky fouls called against him, I don’t think it’s a racial issue. I think that has more to do with the referees keeping control of the game,
Really, all this academic research is silly. If players commit a foul, it’s because they violated a rule, not because they're black or white. Fans too are more concerned about which player is getting into foul trouble and how that might affect the outcome of the game. Racial bias has nothing to do with it.
Kenyan Marathon Champion Seeks Compensation
Robert Cheruiyot, the Kenyan athlete who won the Chicago marathon last fall, plans to seek compensation for a nasty spill he took just as he crossed the finish line at the end of the race. The champion runner was taken to a nearby hospital after he hit his head on the pavement, and was released the next day with no serious injury. But he told Reuters that he has been suffering from headaches ever since. Race officials attribute the accident to slippery pavement from a painted logo on the street.
The 28-year-old Cheruiyot plans to participate in the 2007 Chicago Marathon to defend his title next October. “I will run because they want me back, being the title holder, but I will pursue the matter to its logical conclusion,” he told Reuters.
The 28-year-old Cheruiyot plans to participate in the 2007 Chicago Marathon to defend his title next October. “I will run because they want me back, being the title holder, but I will pursue the matter to its logical conclusion,” he told Reuters.
Monday, April 30, 2007
“No Chance” for Mercy for Reporter
Even before Sunday night’s game between the Cubs and Cardinals was postponed due to the death of Cardinals’ pitcher Josh Hancock, the series had gotten off to a rocky start as early as Friday morning. A St. Louis Post-Dispatch article poked fun at the Cubs’ history of futility and declared that they had “no chance” of ever winning the World Series. Cardinals’ manager Tony LaRussa took exception to the article and refused to answer any questions from the Post-Dispatch reporters during a press briefing later that afternoon. During the war of words that followed, the P-D writer denied any wrongdoing, and instead, put all the blame on his editor. “I don’t assign the stories,” he said. “I’m only doing my job.”
First of all, slamming any team, even if it is meant to be light-hearted fun, is poor judgment. Both the writer and his editor should take responsibility for that. But what bothered me more was the reporter’s snotty and arrogant attitude during the press briefing. I have some words of advice for this guy: As long as your byline appears in the column, you are responsible for everything you write. Wiping your hands clean and putting all the blame on your boss or editor is irresponsible.
Sports reporting is a tough job. So just do what your mom told you to: play nice.
First of all, slamming any team, even if it is meant to be light-hearted fun, is poor judgment. Both the writer and his editor should take responsibility for that. But what bothered me more was the reporter’s snotty and arrogant attitude during the press briefing. I have some words of advice for this guy: As long as your byline appears in the column, you are responsible for everything you write. Wiping your hands clean and putting all the blame on your boss or editor is irresponsible.
Sports reporting is a tough job. So just do what your mom told you to: play nice.
Sky’s Jackson Arrested in Israel
Chicago Sky player Deanna Jackson spent the winter playing basketball for the Israeli league. She’ll have to extend her visit just a little longer while she appears in court on assault charges later this week, according to the Associated Press.
The 27-year-old Jackson was arrested after punching an opposing player in a parking lot following the league’s championship game, and she won’t be able to leave the country until at least this Thursday when she has a date in court. That will mean she will miss the Sky’s preseason opener this Wednesday, but that’s just for starters. Jackson had her passport confiscated by Israeli authorities, and she was suspended indefinitely by the Chicago Sky. Jackson also faces a lawsuit filed by the other player, Ina Gourevitch, whose nose was broken in the attack and is seeking $20,000 in damages.
Now that’s one very expensive trip.
The 27-year-old Jackson was arrested after punching an opposing player in a parking lot following the league’s championship game, and she won’t be able to leave the country until at least this Thursday when she has a date in court. That will mean she will miss the Sky’s preseason opener this Wednesday, but that’s just for starters. Jackson had her passport confiscated by Israeli authorities, and she was suspended indefinitely by the Chicago Sky. Jackson also faces a lawsuit filed by the other player, Ina Gourevitch, whose nose was broken in the attack and is seeking $20,000 in damages.
Now that’s one very expensive trip.
MLB Steroids Scandal Heats Up
Major League Baseball’s steroids storyline may be about to explode.
Kirk Radomski, a 37-year-old former employee of the New York Mets, pleaded guilty in federal court last Friday to charges he distributed performance-enhancing drugs to dozens of MLB players between 1995 and 2005, according to MLB.com. He will be sentenced in September, but could face up to 25 years in prison and fines of $500,000. “During my past employment in Major League Baseball, I developed contacts with Major League Baseball players throughout the country to whom I subsequently distributed anabolic steroids and athletic performance-enhancing drugs,” Radomski said in his plea agreement.
While Radomski did not provide names in his plea agreement, he has agreed to cooperate with federal investigators. That spells bad news for MLB. Because Radomski was never a player and is no longer associated with any of the teams, you can bet he will have few reservations about sharing his little black book of names. When he does, you can bet this entire drug scandal will be blown wide open.
Kirk Radomski, a 37-year-old former employee of the New York Mets, pleaded guilty in federal court last Friday to charges he distributed performance-enhancing drugs to dozens of MLB players between 1995 and 2005, according to MLB.com. He will be sentenced in September, but could face up to 25 years in prison and fines of $500,000. “During my past employment in Major League Baseball, I developed contacts with Major League Baseball players throughout the country to whom I subsequently distributed anabolic steroids and athletic performance-enhancing drugs,” Radomski said in his plea agreement.
While Radomski did not provide names in his plea agreement, he has agreed to cooperate with federal investigators. That spells bad news for MLB. Because Radomski was never a player and is no longer associated with any of the teams, you can bet he will have few reservations about sharing his little black book of names. When he does, you can bet this entire drug scandal will be blown wide open.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Hancock Death Postpones Cubs-Cardinals Game
It was not a good day for world champions. Not only were the defending NBA champion Heat eliminated from the playoffs, the 2006 World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals had their own tragedy to deal with.
Middle reliever Josh Hancock was killed in a car accident early Sunday morning when his Ford Explorer crashed into a tow truck that had stopped on the side of the road to assist another driver. Sunday’s night game between the Cardinals and Cubs at Busch Stadium was postponed while the Cardinals team deals with the tragedy.
Five years ago, a Cubs-Cardinals game was also postponed when Cardinals’ pitcher Darryl Kyle was found dead in his hotel room here in Chicago. It seems odd that these tragedies would link these two teams, not once, but twice. Add the Sammy Sosa-Mark McGuire homerun chase in 1998, and I begin to wonder if there is some karmic lesson to be learned.
Middle reliever Josh Hancock was killed in a car accident early Sunday morning when his Ford Explorer crashed into a tow truck that had stopped on the side of the road to assist another driver. Sunday’s night game between the Cardinals and Cubs at Busch Stadium was postponed while the Cardinals team deals with the tragedy.
Five years ago, a Cubs-Cardinals game was also postponed when Cardinals’ pitcher Darryl Kyle was found dead in his hotel room here in Chicago. It seems odd that these tragedies would link these two teams, not once, but twice. Add the Sammy Sosa-Mark McGuire homerun chase in 1998, and I begin to wonder if there is some karmic lesson to be learned.
No More Baby Bulls
It’s been a long time since I felt so much excitement about the Bulls in the postseason, about nine years in fact. While the Bulls have made the postseason the last two years, they did not make it out of the first round. Today, they took a big step forward by sweeping the defending champion Miami Heat during the first round of the NBA playoffs.
Today’s 92-79 victory was not their best outing in the series. The Bulls shot only 34 percent from the field, but shot well from the free throw line in the fourth quarter, had only five turnovers and dominated defensively down the stretch to earn a meeting with the Detroit Pistons.
Watching today’s game, I could see a hunger and confidence in this Bulls’ team that I did not see last year in the playoffs. They are a more complete team, with a good, healthy balance of experience and youth. This team played with a chip on its shoulder, challenging the Heat to keep pace with them.
But did they leave everything they had on the basketball court in this series? Will they have anything left for the next series? Will they be prepared to battle the more powerful and experienced Pistons team, which won the NBA title two years ago?
The Bulls passed an important test today. The next test will begin next weekend in Detroit.
Today’s 92-79 victory was not their best outing in the series. The Bulls shot only 34 percent from the field, but shot well from the free throw line in the fourth quarter, had only five turnovers and dominated defensively down the stretch to earn a meeting with the Detroit Pistons.
Watching today’s game, I could see a hunger and confidence in this Bulls’ team that I did not see last year in the playoffs. They are a more complete team, with a good, healthy balance of experience and youth. This team played with a chip on its shoulder, challenging the Heat to keep pace with them.
But did they leave everything they had on the basketball court in this series? Will they have anything left for the next series? Will they be prepared to battle the more powerful and experienced Pistons team, which won the NBA title two years ago?
The Bulls passed an important test today. The next test will begin next weekend in Detroit.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Prior's Surgery Should Have Been Done Sooner
Were you too terribly surprised by the news that the Cubs' Mark Prior would miss the entire 2007 season after having shoulder surgery? I wasn't. Now the big question is, will he ever play baseball again? Certainly, I believe his career with the Cubs is over. Will any other team want to take the chance on a player who has tons of talent but is so injury-prone that he has become more a liability than an asset?
The question I have is -- why wasn't this surgery done sooner? With the exception of an occasional start here and there, Prior has essentially missed the last three seasons, and he has landed on the DL at least once every season since he came up in 2002. I don't know if the decision to forgo surgery so long was Prior's decision or Cubs' management. But I wonder if the Cubs and their fans would be seeing a healthy Mark Prior on the mound this season if he had the surgery sooner.
This is just another example of how the Cubs, their trainers, or team doctors have mismanaged the health of their players. They've also done a fine job with Kerry Wood. As I wrote several weeks ago when the regular season began, it may be time to bid Prior and Wood farewell.
The question I have is -- why wasn't this surgery done sooner? With the exception of an occasional start here and there, Prior has essentially missed the last three seasons, and he has landed on the DL at least once every season since he came up in 2002. I don't know if the decision to forgo surgery so long was Prior's decision or Cubs' management. But I wonder if the Cubs and their fans would be seeing a healthy Mark Prior on the mound this season if he had the surgery sooner.
This is just another example of how the Cubs, their trainers, or team doctors have mismanaged the health of their players. They've also done a fine job with Kerry Wood. As I wrote several weeks ago when the regular season began, it may be time to bid Prior and Wood farewell.
ESPN Target of Poison-Pen Letters
I guess someone doesn’t like the way ESPN covers college cheerleading competitions and professional female athletes. In dozens of letters sent to the network and its affiliates, the writer complained that the network’s use of camera angles exploited cheerleaders, WNBA and WTA Tour players “for their own personal entertainment,” according to one letter obtained by the Associated Press. Some of the letters also contained a potentially harmful insecticide. The FBI believes the author has some knowledge of college athletics, cheerleading or TV production. The agency is offering a $5,000 reward for any information about the case.
Monday, April 23, 2007
IOC Nixes Boxing Championships in Chicago
The 2007 world boxing championships may not take place in Chicago afterall, according to Chicagosports.com. As I reported several days ago, the international boxing federation (AIBA) stripped the event from Moscow due to organization issues and gave the event to USA Boxing, which had to find a host city. Chicago was considered an ideal choice since it had just been named the U.S. bid city for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. But the idea of hosting the boxing championships has yet to earn the approval of the IOC, which believes that it could violate the rules in how bid cities can promote themselves. Chicago could be perceived internationally as having an early advantage in the Olympic bidding process.
5 Keys to Beat the Heat
With one victory safely tucked away in the best-of-seven series against the Miami Heat, the Bulls have a chance to really show the NBA reigning champions that they mean business with a win Tuesday night in Game 2 at the United Center. The Bulls have several factors in their favor this year that they did not have last year when they faced the Heat in the first round in the NBA playoffs. Here are my five keys to the Bulls’ playoff success.
1) Home court advantage. In a strange playoff setup, the Bulls have home court in this opening series because they have a better record than the Heat, even though the Bulls are the fifth seed. The Bulls have one of the best home records in the NBA this season and they can really put that advantage to good use in this series.
2) Youth and experience. The Bulls have a good blend of experience and youth. After having faced the Heat last season, they know what they need to do to beat them this year, and this time, they have more experienced players like Ben Wallace to help them. The Bulls are beginning to understand what it takes to win in the postseason. They’re gaining experience with each playoff game they play.
3) Dwayne Wade's injury. Wade is still not 100 percent and still appears to favor his injured shoulder. The Heat cannot depend on Wade to carry them this time around as they did last year.
4) Ben Wallace. Wallace provides the inside dominance that was lacking on the Bulls teams of years past. He also brings a wealth of playoff experience which should rub off on the younger Bulls.
5) Luol Deng. The talented Bulls’ forward was injured last season and missed the playoffs. While most fans look to Kirk Hinrich or Ben Gordon as the go-to guys down the stretch, the guy that could really make a difference is Luol Deng, who is clearly the most consistent player the team has. I expect to see him make his presence felt on the court at some point in this series.
1) Home court advantage. In a strange playoff setup, the Bulls have home court in this opening series because they have a better record than the Heat, even though the Bulls are the fifth seed. The Bulls have one of the best home records in the NBA this season and they can really put that advantage to good use in this series.
2) Youth and experience. The Bulls have a good blend of experience and youth. After having faced the Heat last season, they know what they need to do to beat them this year, and this time, they have more experienced players like Ben Wallace to help them. The Bulls are beginning to understand what it takes to win in the postseason. They’re gaining experience with each playoff game they play.
3) Dwayne Wade's injury. Wade is still not 100 percent and still appears to favor his injured shoulder. The Heat cannot depend on Wade to carry them this time around as they did last year.
4) Ben Wallace. Wallace provides the inside dominance that was lacking on the Bulls teams of years past. He also brings a wealth of playoff experience which should rub off on the younger Bulls.
5) Luol Deng. The talented Bulls’ forward was injured last season and missed the playoffs. While most fans look to Kirk Hinrich or Ben Gordon as the go-to guys down the stretch, the guy that could really make a difference is Luol Deng, who is clearly the most consistent player the team has. I expect to see him make his presence felt on the court at some point in this series.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Pitching for a New Deal
The 25,000+ fans who braved the wind and cold at U.S. Cellular Field Wednesday night witnessed a rarity in sports -- a multiple homerun game, a grand slam and no-hitter in the same game.
Starter Mark Buehrle was brilliant in a 6-0 victory over the Texas Rangers, facing the minimum of 27 batters and striking out eight in a speedy two-hour, three-minute game. It could have been a perfect game had it not been for a fifth inning walk to Sammy Sosa, whom Buehrle promptly picked off. It the first no-hitter by a Sox starter since Wilson Alvarez did it in 1991 against the Baltimore Orioles.
The Sox brass has said that Buehrle, as well as outfielder Jermaine Dye and second baseman Tadahito Iguchi, should consider free agency when this season ends, but after Wednesday night’s performance, they may want to reconsider. In addition to Buehrle’s no-no, Dye hit a grand slam in the fifth inning after fouling off seven pitches. DH Jim Thome added two solo shots.
If I’m Kenny Williams or Jerry Reinsdorf, I have to reconsider my game plan where these Sox players are concerned. After Buehrle’s shaky performance in the second-half of last season, Williams was reluctant to commit to giving the lefty a new contract. But if Buehrle continues to pitch the way he has in his last two starts – he’s only given up one hit in his last 15 innings – the Sox may have to find the dough to offer Buehrle a new deal.
Starter Mark Buehrle was brilliant in a 6-0 victory over the Texas Rangers, facing the minimum of 27 batters and striking out eight in a speedy two-hour, three-minute game. It could have been a perfect game had it not been for a fifth inning walk to Sammy Sosa, whom Buehrle promptly picked off. It the first no-hitter by a Sox starter since Wilson Alvarez did it in 1991 against the Baltimore Orioles.
The Sox brass has said that Buehrle, as well as outfielder Jermaine Dye and second baseman Tadahito Iguchi, should consider free agency when this season ends, but after Wednesday night’s performance, they may want to reconsider. In addition to Buehrle’s no-no, Dye hit a grand slam in the fifth inning after fouling off seven pitches. DH Jim Thome added two solo shots.
If I’m Kenny Williams or Jerry Reinsdorf, I have to reconsider my game plan where these Sox players are concerned. After Buehrle’s shaky performance in the second-half of last season, Williams was reluctant to commit to giving the lefty a new contract. But if Buehrle continues to pitch the way he has in his last two starts – he’s only given up one hit in his last 15 innings – the Sox may have to find the dough to offer Buehrle a new deal.
Chicago’s Flexing Its Boxing Muscle
I’m not too keen on boxing, but believe it or not, I’m excited about the possibility that Chicago may host the 2007 World Boxing Championships next fall. It would mark the first major international competition in Chicago since being named the U.S. bid city for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the International Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) has awarded the 2007 World Boxing Championships to USA Boxing, which now must find a host city. The championships were scheduled for Moscow Sept. 15-30, but the AIBA pulled it because of uncertainty over the event’s organization. If Chicago is chosen to host the event, more than 600 athletes and 400 officials from more than 100 countries would converge on the city. The 2007 championships are also the sport’s first qualifying event for the 2008 Olympics.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the International Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) has awarded the 2007 World Boxing Championships to USA Boxing, which now must find a host city. The championships were scheduled for Moscow Sept. 15-30, but the AIBA pulled it because of uncertainty over the event’s organization. If Chicago is chosen to host the event, more than 600 athletes and 400 officials from more than 100 countries would converge on the city. The 2007 championships are also the sport’s first qualifying event for the 2008 Olympics.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
VT Gunmen’s Family Are Victims Too
Like many of you, I was truly saddened by the violence that took place on the campus of Virginia Tech Monday morning. My heart goes out to the families of the deceased and the survivors.
While most of the focus has been on how this tragedy has affected the VT students, faculty and families, the people I think about most are the gunmen’s parents. They must be devastated by the knowledge that their son was responsible for killing 32 people. Perhaps in time, they will be able to talk about this tragedy and shed some light on their son’s behavior. In the meantime, I hope people everywhere will allow the family to grieve in peace and give them time to cope with their loss. They are as much a victim as those who were killed and injured Monday morning and deserve our kindness, patience and understanding.
While most of the focus has been on how this tragedy has affected the VT students, faculty and families, the people I think about most are the gunmen’s parents. They must be devastated by the knowledge that their son was responsible for killing 32 people. Perhaps in time, they will be able to talk about this tragedy and shed some light on their son’s behavior. In the meantime, I hope people everywhere will allow the family to grieve in peace and give them time to cope with their loss. They are as much a victim as those who were killed and injured Monday morning and deserve our kindness, patience and understanding.
Homecoming Week
It was odd to see former Cubs’ pitcher Greg Maddux in a San Diego Padre uniform at Wrigley Field on Tuesday. Somehow Navy just doesn’t look as good on him as Cubbie blue did.
On the other side of town, the White Sox are hosting the Texas Rangers and Sammy Sosa. It's Sosa's first visit to Chitown since making a disgraceful exit from the Cubs at the end of the 2004 season. The crowd at U.S. Cellular Field booed Sosa each time he came to the plate. Sosa hit
his 591st career home run Tuesday night en route to a 8-1 Texas Rangers’ victory over the Sox.
This isn’t the first time the Sox have made a former player feel so welcome. Last May, Frank Thomas hit two home runs for the Oakland A’s in his first two plate appearances against John Garland.
Games 2 and 3 take place tonight and Thursday.
On the other side of town, the White Sox are hosting the Texas Rangers and Sammy Sosa. It's Sosa's first visit to Chitown since making a disgraceful exit from the Cubs at the end of the 2004 season. The crowd at U.S. Cellular Field booed Sosa each time he came to the plate. Sosa hit
his 591st career home run Tuesday night en route to a 8-1 Texas Rangers’ victory over the Sox.
This isn’t the first time the Sox have made a former player feel so welcome. Last May, Frank Thomas hit two home runs for the Oakland A’s in his first two plate appearances against John Garland.
Games 2 and 3 take place tonight and Thursday.
Running in Space
While runners were competing in the Boston Marathon Sunday, astronaut Sunita “Suni” Williams was running her own race on a treadmill 210 miles above the Earth in a space station traveling 17,500 mph. She started her race at 10 a.m. strapped in a harness to the treadmill so she wouldn’t float away while one of two laptop computers provided a live feed of the race from Boston. By the time she completed the first 9.5 miles of 26.2-mile race, the space station had already circled the Earth once. The 41-year-old astronaut qualified for the Boston race by finishing the Houston Marathon in January. In an interview with the Associated Press last week, Williams said, “Marathons are hard on the body. It’s hard on the machine [treadmill]. I hope both of us survive.”
That’s what I call dedication. Most people probably would have skipped the marathon if they knew they were going to be out of town, or in Williams’s case, out in space.
That’s what I call dedication. Most people probably would have skipped the marathon if they knew they were going to be out of town, or in Williams’s case, out in space.
“Charmed” Actress Joins MLB Blogging Team
Actors such as Bill Murray, Vince Vaughn and John Cusack are known for being huge Cub fans. Now you can add actress Alyssa Milano to the list of celebrity fans.
On her blog at MLB.com, Milano, who starred in the TV series “Charmed,” says when she was a girl she would watch Dodger games while sitting in her father’s lap. She says she never leaves a game before the final out, always participates in the “wave” and occasionally eats tofu hot dogs which, when chased by a diet coke, makes her burp for days. And she swears she is writing her blog because she really loves the game and isn’t doing it to promote her new line of MLB apparel for women. Yeah. Right.
But seriously, Milano has some interesting things to say about the Dodgers, Jackie Robinson, cold weather and all things baseball.
On her blog at MLB.com, Milano, who starred in the TV series “Charmed,” says when she was a girl she would watch Dodger games while sitting in her father’s lap. She says she never leaves a game before the final out, always participates in the “wave” and occasionally eats tofu hot dogs which, when chased by a diet coke, makes her burp for days. And she swears she is writing her blog because she really loves the game and isn’t doing it to promote her new line of MLB apparel for women. Yeah. Right.
But seriously, Milano has some interesting things to say about the Dodgers, Jackie Robinson, cold weather and all things baseball.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Robinson’s Legacy Extends Beyond the Color Barrier
It was a special day in the baseball world Sunday. Major League Baseball celebrated Jackie Robinson Day to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the day that Robinson became the first black player to play in the major leagues. Yesterday, thanks to the Reds’ Ken Griffey, Jr., who approached MLB Commissioner Bud Selig a week ago about wearing the number 42, more than 200 players, including all of the L.A. Dodger players, donned jerseys with Robinson’s number 42. Before last night’s ESPN Game of the Week between the Dodgers and San Diego Padres, the league had a touching tribute to Robinson’s memory.
What Robinson did is open a door to a sport that was previously closed to black players. Football, basketball and track and field weren’t the only games in town for black athletes. Baseball was another option. Despite the fact that there are fewer black players today than there were in 1975 when 25 percent of players were black, the door is still open. And not just for black players but for all minorities.
Since that fateful day in 1947 when Robinson took the field for the first time, the league has seen growing numbers of Hispanic players from the U.S. and around the globe. More recently, players from Japan have joined our playing field. While there are still fewer black players today, the league is also becoming more international. And I believe it all began with one door opening 60 years ago.
What Robinson did is open a door to a sport that was previously closed to black players. Football, basketball and track and field weren’t the only games in town for black athletes. Baseball was another option. Despite the fact that there are fewer black players today than there were in 1975 when 25 percent of players were black, the door is still open. And not just for black players but for all minorities.
Since that fateful day in 1947 when Robinson took the field for the first time, the league has seen growing numbers of Hispanic players from the U.S. and around the globe. More recently, players from Japan have joined our playing field. While there are still fewer black players today, the league is also becoming more international. And I believe it all began with one door opening 60 years ago.
Eyeing the Olympic Competition
Now that Chicago has been named the U.S. bid city for the 2016 Olympic Games, there’s a lot of work ahead for the Windy City. Chicago will have plenty of global competition for the privilege to host the Olympics, including Tokyo, Madrid, Prague and Rio de Janeiro. Other possibilities are Rome; St. Petersburg, Russia; Monterey, Mexico; Doha, Qatar; and Baku, Azerbaijan.
Here’s how I analyze the competition:
** With London hosting the 2012 Games, the IOC may be reluctant to choose another European city in back-to-back Games. So Madrid, Prague, Rome and St. Petersburg may be eliminated.
** With Beijing hosting the Games in 2008 and Sydney, Australia in 2000, would the IOC bring the Games back to the Asian-Pacific region (Tokyo) for a third time in five Olympiads?
** The two Middle Eastern states, Qatar and Azerbaijan, are located near the Iranian border, so security could be a concern.
** Atlanta was the last North American city to host the Games in 1996, so the Games may be due to be hosted by a North or South American city. That’s why Chicago has a solid chance to host the Games in 2016. But no South American city has every hosted the Games which is why Rio de Janeiro is considered one of the frontrunners. Monterey, Mexico, will make have a hard time competing against the heavy-hitters.
It may all come down to Chicago vs. Rio. It’ll be hard to bet against either one.
Here’s how I analyze the competition:
** With London hosting the 2012 Games, the IOC may be reluctant to choose another European city in back-to-back Games. So Madrid, Prague, Rome and St. Petersburg may be eliminated.
** With Beijing hosting the Games in 2008 and Sydney, Australia in 2000, would the IOC bring the Games back to the Asian-Pacific region (Tokyo) for a third time in five Olympiads?
** The two Middle Eastern states, Qatar and Azerbaijan, are located near the Iranian border, so security could be a concern.
** Atlanta was the last North American city to host the Games in 1996, so the Games may be due to be hosted by a North or South American city. That’s why Chicago has a solid chance to host the Games in 2016. But no South American city has every hosted the Games which is why Rio de Janeiro is considered one of the frontrunners. Monterey, Mexico, will make have a hard time competing against the heavy-hitters.
It may all come down to Chicago vs. Rio. It’ll be hard to bet against either one.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
A Bear of a Schedule
One of the few downsides to winning your division with a 13-3 record is earning a much tougher schedule the following season. By the look of the Bears’ 2007 regular schedule released today, the players and fans won’t have to wake up so early on game days. Ten of the team’s 16 games will be played in the late afternoon or evening, including a Monday night affair against the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 17. Also, for the third consecutive season, the Bears will open on the road, this time against the San Diego Chargers. In addition to playing two games against their division rivals – the Vikings, Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers – the Bears also face Philadelphia, Dallas, Kansas City, Seattle, Denver, N.Y. Giants, Washington, Oakland and New Orleans.
Cut the Mic on Imus
I don’t know if there’s anything I can say about Don Imus’ ill-advised racial and sexist comments about the Rutgers women’s basketball team that hasn’t already been said. To claim that he said what he did for comedic reasons is a bunch of B.S. I think if anything, his comments showed his true colors as a human being. I hope that when the Rutgers’ women meet with Imus, as they said they would do, they’ll use his head as a basketball.
It makes me wonder two things: 1) What kind of people would tune in to listen to this jerk? 2) How in heaven’s name did he get this gig?
Imus was suspended for two weeks for his comments. Frankly, I think that’s a bit too lenient. The shock jock has said many offensive things about people over the years (to my knowledge, he’s not on the airwaves in the Chicago market -- thankfully), and no one complained. Based on his comments, not just in this situation but over the years, it may be time to cut the mic on Imus for good.
It makes me wonder two things: 1) What kind of people would tune in to listen to this jerk? 2) How in heaven’s name did he get this gig?
Imus was suspended for two weeks for his comments. Frankly, I think that’s a bit too lenient. The shock jock has said many offensive things about people over the years (to my knowledge, he’s not on the airwaves in the Chicago market -- thankfully), and no one complained. Based on his comments, not just in this situation but over the years, it may be time to cut the mic on Imus for good.
Baseball Is Here, But Winter Still Lingers
As cold as it has been in Chicago this past week, things could be worse. I could be living in Cleveland where a spring (It is spring, isn’t it?) snowstorm forced the postponement of the Indians’ series against the Seattle Mariners last weekend. The Indians’ series against the Los Angeles Angels this week was moved to Milwaukee’s Miller Park with its retractable roof.
It’s not the first time that a baseball series has been moved to a different city for weather-related reasons. In 2004, the Florida Marlins’ series with the then Montreal Expos was moved to U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago when Hurricane Ivan threatened the Florida coastline.
If the wintry weather continues, which it might — the weekend’s forecast calls for rain and snow showers with temps in the upper 30s — it’s possible that the Indians’ series against the White Sox could also be moved to Miller Park. If so, I expect that a caravan of Sox fans will make the 90-minute trip to Milwaukee for the series.
I understand that weather is part of the game. Why not start the season in late April and end a week earlier in late September? Perhaps a shorter schedule would help the teams through these weather-related dilemmas.
It’s not the first time that a baseball series has been moved to a different city for weather-related reasons. In 2004, the Florida Marlins’ series with the then Montreal Expos was moved to U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago when Hurricane Ivan threatened the Florida coastline.
If the wintry weather continues, which it might — the weekend’s forecast calls for rain and snow showers with temps in the upper 30s — it’s possible that the Indians’ series against the White Sox could also be moved to Miller Park. If so, I expect that a caravan of Sox fans will make the 90-minute trip to Milwaukee for the series.
I understand that weather is part of the game. Why not start the season in late April and end a week earlier in late September? Perhaps a shorter schedule would help the teams through these weather-related dilemmas.
Blackhawks Win Lottery
I suppose there’s one good thing that has come out of the Blackhawks’ dismal season which ended Sunday. For the first time in franchise history, the Hawks won the draft lottery for the top NHL pick.
Unfortunately, there appears to be no big names that stand out in the draft, so it’s unclear who the Hawks would select. Of course, at this point, any fresh body will be an improvement to the team. It might be worthwhile for the Hawks to explore a possible trade to get a more experienced player or two that could help them right away. The NHL draft takes place June 22 and 23.
Unfortunately, there appears to be no big names that stand out in the draft, so it’s unclear who the Hawks would select. Of course, at this point, any fresh body will be an improvement to the team. It might be worthwhile for the Hawks to explore a possible trade to get a more experienced player or two that could help them right away. The NHL draft takes place June 22 and 23.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Sox' Danks Solid in Debut
Most pitchers would crumble under the pressure of making their major league debut while facing the American League’s best pitcher. But not John Danks. The 21-year-old lefty was solid in his debut for the White Sox at chilly U.S. Cellular Field on Sunday in a 3-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins. In six innings of work, he committed only one mistake — a three-run home run to AL MVP Justin Morneau in the fourth inning.
What impressed me most about Danks was his unflappability on the mound, even after giving up the homer to Morneau. Without a mound visit by Ozzie Guillen or pitching coach Don Cooper, he settled himself down and went on to retire the final seven hitters he faced. Danks showed he could keep pace with the Twins’ starter, Johann Santana, who was his usual dominant self, striking out nine players en route to his 10th victory in his last 11 decisions against the Sox.
Danks was a first-round draft pick of the Texas Rangers in 2003 whom the Sox acquired this past off season in a trade that sent Brendan McCarthy to the Rangers. Like many Sox fans, I was shocked by the trade, believing that McCarthy would take the place in the starting rotation vacated by Freddie Garcia, who was traded to Philadelphia. But the Sox were very high on Danks, so I was curious to see if he was worth trading away their franchise player.
For comparison’s sake, McCarthy allowed five runs, three earned, in six innings against the Angels in his first start last Wednesday. He is making his second start tonight against the Devil Rays. As the season progresses, Woman’s Eye will keep you posted on the progress of each player.
What impressed me most about Danks was his unflappability on the mound, even after giving up the homer to Morneau. Without a mound visit by Ozzie Guillen or pitching coach Don Cooper, he settled himself down and went on to retire the final seven hitters he faced. Danks showed he could keep pace with the Twins’ starter, Johann Santana, who was his usual dominant self, striking out nine players en route to his 10th victory in his last 11 decisions against the Sox.
Danks was a first-round draft pick of the Texas Rangers in 2003 whom the Sox acquired this past off season in a trade that sent Brendan McCarthy to the Rangers. Like many Sox fans, I was shocked by the trade, believing that McCarthy would take the place in the starting rotation vacated by Freddie Garcia, who was traded to Philadelphia. But the Sox were very high on Danks, so I was curious to see if he was worth trading away their franchise player.
For comparison’s sake, McCarthy allowed five runs, three earned, in six innings against the Angels in his first start last Wednesday. He is making his second start tonight against the Devil Rays. As the season progresses, Woman’s Eye will keep you posted on the progress of each player.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
What If Candace Parker Came to Play….for the Chicago Sky?
Every now and then, I like to play a game of “What if?”
This week, I’ve been asking that question a lot ever since Naperville native Candace Parker led the Tennessee Volunteers to an NCAA women’s basketball title Tuesday night. For example, what if Parker, arguably the best female collegiate basketball player in the nation, decides to turn pro after her junior year next season?
And what if the WNBA’s Chicago Sky does not improve on its 5-29 record from its inaugural season last year and is one of the teams entered into the WNBA lottery for the top rookie draft pick? And what if the Sky would be lucky enough to win the lottery draw and select Parker in the draft? Would Parker want to return to her hometown to play for the Sky, knowing she can make an immediate impact, even though it may still take a few years for the team to become more competitive? What if her very presence on the court could turn the franchise into a powerhouse team the way Michael Jordan did for the Chicago Bulls in the early 1990s? Would the Sky be willing and find the funds to pay Parker top dollar for her talents? Would she look good in the Sky’s team colors of sky blue and yellow?
Whichever team is lucky enough to select Parker in the WNBA draft will have a franchise player that is going to make a difference, not just for their team but also for the league. Wherever Parker goes, fans will follow, and the league may set attendance records just because fans everywhere will flock to the games to watch her play.
I could go on and on with my “what if?” questions. The possibilities are endless. Or as the old saying goes, “The sky’s the limit.”
This week, I’ve been asking that question a lot ever since Naperville native Candace Parker led the Tennessee Volunteers to an NCAA women’s basketball title Tuesday night. For example, what if Parker, arguably the best female collegiate basketball player in the nation, decides to turn pro after her junior year next season?
And what if the WNBA’s Chicago Sky does not improve on its 5-29 record from its inaugural season last year and is one of the teams entered into the WNBA lottery for the top rookie draft pick? And what if the Sky would be lucky enough to win the lottery draw and select Parker in the draft? Would Parker want to return to her hometown to play for the Sky, knowing she can make an immediate impact, even though it may still take a few years for the team to become more competitive? What if her very presence on the court could turn the franchise into a powerhouse team the way Michael Jordan did for the Chicago Bulls in the early 1990s? Would the Sky be willing and find the funds to pay Parker top dollar for her talents? Would she look good in the Sky’s team colors of sky blue and yellow?
Whichever team is lucky enough to select Parker in the WNBA draft will have a franchise player that is going to make a difference, not just for their team but also for the league. Wherever Parker goes, fans will follow, and the league may set attendance records just because fans everywhere will flock to the games to watch her play.
I could go on and on with my “what if?” questions. The possibilities are endless. Or as the old saying goes, “The sky’s the limit.”
The Legacy of Darryl Stingley
Darryl Stingley, the New England Patriots’ wide receiver who became a paraplegic after suffering a career-ending neck and spinal cord injury in 1978, died in a Chicago-area hospital Thursday from pneumonia and complications as a result of his injury. The Chicago native was 55 years old.
Stingley is one of those few athletes who will leave behind a legacy to his sport that has nothing to do with records, achievements, talent or his love of the game. His legacy to pro football is the rules changes the league made in the aftermath of his injury that protects players on the field. It is sad that Stingley had to suffer in order to make the game better for other players. Despite these rules changes, however, there will always be an element of risk for those who play the game. Football will always be an aggressive sport – that’s simply the nature of the game. There aren’t enough rules or pads or helmets to protect the players.
Stingley is one of those few athletes who will leave behind a legacy to his sport that has nothing to do with records, achievements, talent or his love of the game. His legacy to pro football is the rules changes the league made in the aftermath of his injury that protects players on the field. It is sad that Stingley had to suffer in order to make the game better for other players. Despite these rules changes, however, there will always be an element of risk for those who play the game. Football will always be an aggressive sport – that’s simply the nature of the game. There aren’t enough rules or pads or helmets to protect the players.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
More Trouble for U.S. Figure Skating?
As if U.S. Figure Skating doesn’t have enough to worry about with expiring TV contracts and shrinking audiences, two female skaters have filed lawsuits against their former coach for alleged sexual abuse, according to Sports Illustrated. In the lawsuits, Emilie Nussear, 24, and Collete Appel, 21, allege that their former coach, Bob Young, forced them to strip in front of him, touched their bodies and asked them sexual questions. The alleged abuse occurred between 1998 and 2004 when the girls were teenagers, but they were too scared to come forward. In most sexual abuse cases, the alleged victims are not identified by the press, but Nussear and Appel wanted to be identified to help bring awareness to their cause, according to their attorney, Gary Phelan.
Young, who was responsible for bringing Oksana Baiul and Viktor Petrenko to Connecticut for their training, was banned from coaching at USFSA events several years ago after settling a previous sexual abuse allegation with another young skater, Jessica Roos. Young continued to coach privately for a few years after his ban, however.
This is the second alleged abuse case that I’ve heard about in the last six months. Last October, former Canadian pairs champion and current coach Lloyd Eisler was suspended by Skate Canada for one year for alleged inappropriate behavior toward a 15-year-old skater that he was coaching. While Eisler cannot coach at Skate Canada events, he continues to coach in the L.A. area where he now resides.
When the Eisler story first broke, I sensed that the allegations against him were just the tip of the iceberg, and that other cases would emerge. It doesn’t surprise me at all that more skaters are coming forward with allegations of alleged abuse. Skating is a breeding ground for this kind of activity, when you think about it. Put a bunch of young trusting prepubescent girls in tights and leotards in a room, and someone, somewhere is going to take advantage of them. I expect that as more cases come forward – and I suspect there are more -- coaches, choreographers, judges, and other officials who deal regularly with young skaters will come under closer scrutiny. While Skate Canada and U.S. Figure Skating have policies in place for reporting abuse, banning a coach from national competitions isn’t enough. These organizations will need to do more to protect its talented skaters.
Young, who was responsible for bringing Oksana Baiul and Viktor Petrenko to Connecticut for their training, was banned from coaching at USFSA events several years ago after settling a previous sexual abuse allegation with another young skater, Jessica Roos. Young continued to coach privately for a few years after his ban, however.
This is the second alleged abuse case that I’ve heard about in the last six months. Last October, former Canadian pairs champion and current coach Lloyd Eisler was suspended by Skate Canada for one year for alleged inappropriate behavior toward a 15-year-old skater that he was coaching. While Eisler cannot coach at Skate Canada events, he continues to coach in the L.A. area where he now resides.
When the Eisler story first broke, I sensed that the allegations against him were just the tip of the iceberg, and that other cases would emerge. It doesn’t surprise me at all that more skaters are coming forward with allegations of alleged abuse. Skating is a breeding ground for this kind of activity, when you think about it. Put a bunch of young trusting prepubescent girls in tights and leotards in a room, and someone, somewhere is going to take advantage of them. I expect that as more cases come forward – and I suspect there are more -- coaches, choreographers, judges, and other officials who deal regularly with young skaters will come under closer scrutiny. While Skate Canada and U.S. Figure Skating have policies in place for reporting abuse, banning a coach from national competitions isn’t enough. These organizations will need to do more to protect its talented skaters.
Doping Allegations Overshadow Swimming Championships
American swimmer Michael Phelps completed an astounding week, winning seven gold medals at the FINA World championships in Melbourne, Australia and breaking five world records. He tied fellow American Mark Spitz for the most gold medals earned at an international competition. Spitz won his seven gold medals at the 1972 Olympics. Phelps surpassed Australian, Ian Thorpe, who won six gold medals in the 2001 world championships and was an international sensation at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.
Overshadowing Phelps’ accomplishments, however, is the news that a report had been leaked to a French newspaper that Thorpe is under investigation for a doping test before the swimmer was notified of the result. According to a published statement, Thorpe said he was “deeply alarmed” that the test result was made public before he was informed of it. “The press receiving this information before an athlete jeopardized the whole integrity of the testing process,” Thorpe said.
Thorpe, who retired from swimming last fall, has been an outspoken critic of the procedures used by FINA, the sport’s governing body, to catch drug cheats. He was once reprimanded by FINA for claiming that the organization was naïve in thinking that all swimmers at the Athens Olympics were drug free. Thorpe also expressed suspicion of the timing of the leak, which occurred the same week as the world championships in his home country. “I don’t think it was a coincidence that it happened here,” he said in a statement.
Doping allegations are nothing new to this sport -- I remember the East German and Soviet women being under suspicion of steroid usage in the 1980s. While I believe that Thorpe is not involved in doping – any athlete that is openly critical of the dope testing procedures isn’t likely to be involved with drugs himself, in my humble opinion – it may have a reverberating effect on other swimmers and the entire sport. After witnessing Phelps’ performance at the world championships, one wonders if there is going to be a carryover effect. In other words, if some people suspect Thorpe to be guilty of doping, would they also suspect Phelps? Will this investigation mar what has become one of the most surprising and incredible sports stories of 2007?
Overshadowing Phelps’ accomplishments, however, is the news that a report had been leaked to a French newspaper that Thorpe is under investigation for a doping test before the swimmer was notified of the result. According to a published statement, Thorpe said he was “deeply alarmed” that the test result was made public before he was informed of it. “The press receiving this information before an athlete jeopardized the whole integrity of the testing process,” Thorpe said.
Thorpe, who retired from swimming last fall, has been an outspoken critic of the procedures used by FINA, the sport’s governing body, to catch drug cheats. He was once reprimanded by FINA for claiming that the organization was naïve in thinking that all swimmers at the Athens Olympics were drug free. Thorpe also expressed suspicion of the timing of the leak, which occurred the same week as the world championships in his home country. “I don’t think it was a coincidence that it happened here,” he said in a statement.
Doping allegations are nothing new to this sport -- I remember the East German and Soviet women being under suspicion of steroid usage in the 1980s. While I believe that Thorpe is not involved in doping – any athlete that is openly critical of the dope testing procedures isn’t likely to be involved with drugs himself, in my humble opinion – it may have a reverberating effect on other swimmers and the entire sport. After witnessing Phelps’ performance at the world championships, one wonders if there is going to be a carryover effect. In other words, if some people suspect Thorpe to be guilty of doping, would they also suspect Phelps? Will this investigation mar what has become one of the most surprising and incredible sports stories of 2007?
Monday, April 02, 2007
Sox Starters a Big Question Mark For 2007
Someone needs to tell the White Sox starting pitchers that spring training is over, so they can stop giving up so many runs. Spring training 2007 was a nightmare for the Sox, who managed only 10 victories, the worst in the Cactus League. Sox starters were hit so hard so often, it made me wonder which pitching team would show up this season.
I guess I already know the answer to that question. Jose Contreras gave up eight runs in less than two innings in today’s season opening loss to the Cleveland Indians 12-5 at U.S. Cellular Field. What bothers me is that Contreras was the most consistent starter for the Sox during spring training. I don’t think anyone expected this kind of outing from him on opening day. What does that mean for the rest of the team?
I hate to say this, but if the Sox don’t solve their starting pitching problems soon, 2007 may be a very long season.
I guess I already know the answer to that question. Jose Contreras gave up eight runs in less than two innings in today’s season opening loss to the Cleveland Indians 12-5 at U.S. Cellular Field. What bothers me is that Contreras was the most consistent starter for the Sox during spring training. I don’t think anyone expected this kind of outing from him on opening day. What does that mean for the rest of the team?
I hate to say this, but if the Sox don’t solve their starting pitching problems soon, 2007 may be a very long season.
Cubs for Sale
Do you happen to have a few hundred million dollars lying around your house? The Chicago Cubs will be up for sale after the 2007 season as part of a deal between the Tribune Company and local real estate entrepreneur, Sam Zell. According to the Cubs’ Web site, Zell also has a minority ownership stake in the syndicate that owns the Chicago White Sox and has to choose between that investment or the Cubs.
At the end of the 2006 season, the Cubs were worth more than $600 million. Depending on how the Cubs’ perform this season, their value could really skyrocket. Talk about inflation!
At the end of the 2006 season, the Cubs were worth more than $600 million. Depending on how the Cubs’ perform this season, their value could really skyrocket. Talk about inflation!
Ohio State Playing For Pride
In a most unlikely scenario, Ohio State will face Florida in the NCAA men’s basketball final tonight, the same two teams that square off in the BCS football championship in January. When asked about the rematch yesterday at a press conference, both OSU coach Thad Matta and Florida coach Billy Donovan downplayed the significance of the rematch, saying they were focusing only on the game at hand, not what happened several months ago.
While that may be true for the Gators, who have enough motivation to win back-to-back national basketball titles for the first time since Duke did it in 1991 and 1992, OSU has to be thinking about payback time after Florida upset them in the BCS football title game. OSU’s football team was ranked number one going into its championship game, just as its basketball team was number one before the NCAA tournament began. You have to believe that the Buckeyes are playing for school pride, not just for a national title.
As much as I’d like to see the Buckeyes win, I’m afraid Florida will reign supreme again.
While that may be true for the Gators, who have enough motivation to win back-to-back national basketball titles for the first time since Duke did it in 1991 and 1992, OSU has to be thinking about payback time after Florida upset them in the BCS football title game. OSU’s football team was ranked number one going into its championship game, just as its basketball team was number one before the NCAA tournament began. You have to believe that the Buckeyes are playing for school pride, not just for a national title.
As much as I’d like to see the Buckeyes win, I’m afraid Florida will reign supreme again.
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