The U.S. and China got chippy on the ball field today, when Chinese pitchers drilled six U.S. batter, including Indians power prospect Matt LaPorta in the head. Just prior to the LaPorta bean ball, the U.S.'s Nate Schierholtz dropped his shoulder and absolutely trucked China's catcher on a play at the plate.
You can read up on it, here.
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SI's blog is hosting conversation about Bela Karolyi's work with NBC. The dude is extremely entertaining and I have no problem with the enthusiasm. But if he's going to sit on the set of a "news" broadcast and critique the performances of all gymnasts while openly rooting for the American team, there needs to be a more clear definition of his role for the viewers.
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The Washington Nationals failed to sign their first round draft pick by last weekend's deadline, meaning RHP Aaron Crow will go back into the draft in 2009. GM Jim Bowden blames Crow's agents, Crow's agents blame Bowden's unwillingness to give their client the money he wanted. Looks like both parties lose now. ESPN baseball writer Keith Law puts it all on Bowden, saying Crow's high asking price was well known prior to the draft and he should have either been willing to meet it, or pick a different player.
My only concern is this: The Nationals need young talent. Ross Detwiler and Josh Smoker, last year's first round "can't miss picks" have thus far missed. When D.C. built the stadium for the team, ownership said they'd spend money on talent. Thus far, they haven't spent it on free agents (not that they should have, but they haven't) and now they didn't pony up to meet Crow's last-minute price of $4.4 million (down from $9 million). It's a bad PR trend for a team that could stand to generate some goodwill from season ticket holders looking for a reason to renew after a disastrous 2007 season.
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