Early end to the week, as I'm heading to Texas for a wedding. But plenty of stuff to leave you with.
• Olympics open tonight (this morning really) in Beijing. Will the delegations wear masks during the ceremony (my bet is no), will there be protests (my bet is yes but not during the ceremonies, and NBC is guaranteed to talk about them for 15 minutes or so) and will China's flag be the highest when the athletes carry them into the stadium (definitely, given that it will be carried by Yao Ming.
• Yankees avoided trouble last night. They lost Joba, lost Pudge and lost the first two games in Texas against the Rangers. Had they been swept or even lost 3 of 4 heading into Anaheim (with Giese and Kennedy set to pitch) it probably would have killed their hopes for a playoff berth. Good thing Mike Mussina stepped up big last night.
• Since I likely won't be able to update until Monday, keep an eye on Jim Furyk, +1 through round 1 of the PGA Championship. Not a great start, but as mentioned a while back, I still like him to pull through.
No time for spellcheck, so hopefully this willl be error free (at 4:30 a.m.? Not bloody likely.)
8.07.2008
Favre Lands With Jets
How fitting that on the day that professional reporters were tracking flight traffic to discern if Brett Favre had left Green Bay, the quarterback is traded to the New York Jets. At least the media coverage should die down in the media capital of the world ... oh ...
The Olympics begin tomorrow, but the soccer tournament has already begun with the U.S. women losing to Norway 2-0 and the men beating Japan 1-0. The women should still be able to make the medal round, but their prospects look a lot worse once they get there after a pasting like Wednesday's. Losing Abby Wambach in the team's tune-up win over Brazil was a brutal stroke of bad luck.
According to this story, the pollution in Beijing's bad air has actually gone indoors , w
ith a haze collecting on the ceiling of the aquatic center.
ith a haze collecting on the ceiling of the aquatic center. And since the Games have yet to award their first medal, that means that Afghanistan is atop the medal count! This could be the feel good story of the Olympics.
Sports Illustrated released its complete college football rankings. Georgia comes in at No. 1, though both East Carolina and Northwestern sit ahead of perennially over ranked Notre Dame. This thing must be broken.
8.06.2008
Wednesday Items
Sorry for the missed update on Tuesday, but just didn't have time to put it up.
The Favre Saga, still, is the big story of the day. The main rumor is that he'll be traded to Tampa Bay by the end of the day. Please just let this end.
The big story of my day on Monday was when F.C. Barcelona kicked us off our softball field in order to practice in Central Park. The team is in town to play the New York Red Bulls of MLS, well, fame is the wrong word, but they're part of Major League Soccer. Pretty cool to see Thierry Henry warming up in the park a few feet away. Dude's got his own Gillette commercial, in the States, so you know he's legit. Goals like these help too.
Funniest anecdote came when some kids started giddily sprinting toward the team and one of them, wrapped in an F.C. Barcelona flag, yells to his cohorts, "Guys! Don't Make a Scene!" Good call, flag boy, keep it subtle.
Manny Being Mangled? Okay, so it's Manny Parra and not Ramirez, but whatever. The Brewers' Prince Fielder took issue with Tuesday's starting pitcher and shoved him repeatedly in the dugout before teammates separated the two. Actually, that's a little inaccurate. They stopped the rather gargantuan Fielder from throwing Parra repeatedly into the bench, while Parra flopped like a shell-shocked doll.
This is the sort of reaction I was looking for after the Brewers getting swept at home by the Cubs. This isn't necessarily the beginning of the end for Milwaukee, this doesn't mean the clubhouse is going to explode in frustration or hold grudges (it's a guy thing). In fact, this could light a fire and get the team moving forward again. This is another turning point for their season, let's see where the Brewers go now.
Some final thoughts:
• Francisco Rodriguez is takes himself completely out of fielding position with his follow through. Why don't more people bunt against him?
• What exactly was that thing the Clay Buchholz was wearing around his neck on Monday and how much did it cost at the Denny's salad bar? (On review: Guess it's not made of foliage, but it sure looked that way on TV.)
• David Cone admitted on Monday while broadcasting the Yankees-Rangers game on YES that when he pitched he had some "sticky stuff" on his person, crediting notorious ball doctor Gaylord Perry for the tips. Does this affect anyone's perception of David Cone? Should it?
• Interviewed Garrett Dutton, better known as G. Love, for "Press Pass" this week. A snippet that didn't make the final piece:
Hume: You've always been known for your distinctive style. Who are some other artists you think are breaking ground with their sound these days?
Dutton: I really like Jack White. I have a lot of respect for him. We both have a lot of traditional blues in our recordings and live show and really appreciate it. I think he's a pretty visionary guy. I think Jack Johnson is also a visionary and groundbreaking musician. Even though, on the outside, it seems like he's not doing anything very hard, as a musician he's able to make a stadium full of people sing everyone of his words. Not too many people of our generation have been able to do that. Dave Matthews, maybe? But I think people go to sing along at a Jack Johnson show. I think hip-hop is where a lot of pretty groundbreaking production stuff is going on. And I guess Radiohead is pretty groundbreaking but I've never really listened to them.
I'm not going to joke around, my manager wanted to release Lemonade as a free digital release like a year before they did that and I definitely saw the power in it. But the reason it was so groundbreaking was because they're going to sell a million copies, whereas if we did that we only would have sold like 150,000 copies, so it wouldn't have been in Time Magazine, you know?
• I know I haven't written about much TV of late, but let's face it, when your girlfriend is reduced to watching Project Runway reruns, the pickings are pretty slim. When the fall arrives, I'll have more. And no, I'm not afraid to start with Gossip Girl.
The Favre Saga, still, is the big story of the day. The main rumor is that he'll be traded to Tampa Bay by the end of the day. Please just let this end.
The big story of my day on Monday was when F.C. Barcelona kicked us off our softball field in order to practice in Central Park. The team is in town to play the New York Red Bulls of MLS, well, fame is the wrong word, but they're part of Major League Soccer. Pretty cool to see Thierry Henry warming up in the park a few feet away. Dude's got his own Gillette commercial, in the States, so you know he's legit. Goals like these help too.
Funniest anecdote came when some kids started giddily sprinting toward the team and one of them, wrapped in an F.C. Barcelona flag, yells to his cohorts, "Guys! Don't Make a Scene!" Good call, flag boy, keep it subtle.
Manny Being Mangled? Okay, so it's Manny Parra and not Ramirez, but whatever. The Brewers' Prince Fielder took issue with Tuesday's starting pitcher and shoved him repeatedly in the dugout before teammates separated the two. Actually, that's a little inaccurate. They stopped the rather gargantuan Fielder from throwing Parra repeatedly into the bench, while Parra flopped like a shell-shocked doll.
This is the sort of reaction I was looking for after the Brewers getting swept at home by the Cubs. This isn't necessarily the beginning of the end for Milwaukee, this doesn't mean the clubhouse is going to explode in frustration or hold grudges (it's a guy thing). In fact, this could light a fire and get the team moving forward again. This is another turning point for their season, let's see where the Brewers go now.
Some final thoughts:
• Francisco Rodriguez is takes himself completely out of fielding position with his follow through. Why don't more people bunt against him?
• What exactly was that thing the Clay Buchholz was wearing around his neck on Monday and how much did it cost at the Denny's salad bar? (On review: Guess it's not made of foliage, but it sure looked that way on TV.)
• David Cone admitted on Monday while broadcasting the Yankees-Rangers game on YES that when he pitched he had some "sticky stuff" on his person, crediting notorious ball doctor Gaylord Perry for the tips. Does this affect anyone's perception of David Cone? Should it?
• Interviewed Garrett Dutton, better known as G. Love, for "Press Pass" this week. A snippet that didn't make the final piece:
Hume: You've always been known for your distinctive style. Who are some other artists you think are breaking ground with their sound these days?
Dutton: I really like Jack White. I have a lot of respect for him. We both have a lot of traditional blues in our recordings and live show and really appreciate it. I think he's a pretty visionary guy. I think Jack Johnson is also a visionary and groundbreaking musician. Even though, on the outside, it seems like he's not doing anything very hard, as a musician he's able to make a stadium full of people sing everyone of his words. Not too many people of our generation have been able to do that. Dave Matthews, maybe? But I think people go to sing along at a Jack Johnson show. I think hip-hop is where a lot of pretty groundbreaking production stuff is going on. And I guess Radiohead is pretty groundbreaking but I've never really listened to them.
I'm not going to joke around, my manager wanted to release Lemonade as a free digital release like a year before they did that and I definitely saw the power in it. But the reason it was so groundbreaking was because they're going to sell a million copies, whereas if we did that we only would have sold like 150,000 copies, so it wouldn't have been in Time Magazine, you know?
• I know I haven't written about much TV of late, but let's face it, when your girlfriend is reduced to watching Project Runway reruns, the pickings are pretty slim. When the fall arrives, I'll have more. And no, I'm not afraid to start with Gossip Girl.
8.04.2008
Who Made Manny?
Having spent less than a week with the Los Angeles Dodgers enigmatic left fielder Manny Ramirez now says he would like to end his career with the team. I wonder how long that sentiment will last.
Ramirez has been playing major league baseball for almost 15 years now and, even in this era of intense media scrutiny, we know surprisingly little about what makes this guy tick. Our only explanation for his absurd conduct is to turn our palms skyward, shrug our shoulders and repeat the cliche "That's just Manny being Manny."
He pouts. He doesn't hustle. He laughs off errors. He uses (likely) phony injuries as leverage. He shoves down senior citizens. And he's still loved by fans. How does this happen?
My question to you all, Who Made Manny? Is this the inevitable evolution of a spoiled athlete used to getting his way, content with the millions he knows he has made and will make, who treats the game he plays as just that, a game.
Is he a creation of the Red Sox front office? Did they repeatedly allow Manny to get away with these ridiculous antics. Did they choose to turn a blind eye to incidents, knowing they needed his bat in the middle of the lineup to contend for a World Series title, and thereby encourage his childish behavior?
Or is it the fans' undying love of him that fosters this behavior? And why do they love him? Is it the bat? Is it the smile? How is this guy given a free pass, when Kenny Rogers (shoving camera men) and others would be crucified for throwing an elderly clubhouse attendant to the ground? Really, does the smile make it all okay? If he scowled like Barry Bonds, would he be equally loathed?
He doesn't hustle, he's a lousy fielder, his minor injuries flare up when he faces hard-throwing right-handed pitchers, he laughs of errors, he hits 500 home runs, he is a World Series MVP, he beats up old men, he was essentially voted off the team by his teammates and yet fans continue to love the guy. How in the world does this happen? How does Manny come to be?
Now, even if Aaron Rodgers beats out Favre, there will be claims that the Packers' front office was desirous for Favre to go away and Rodgers was destined to win all along. The next few days at Packers' camp are going to be insane.
I know it's the summer and the NFL is short on news, but let's step back and think about what kind of undue attention this story has gotten. Favre had a great year last year, but Drew Brees threw for more yards and Derek Anderson had more TDs. Meanwhile, Peyton Manning is coming off surgery and Tom Brady is coming off a record-setting career year and a stinging loss in a Super Bowl that was supposed to serve as the Pats' coronation as the best team ever.
• Remember when Albert Pujols was supposed to have a terrible year because of all those injuries in the spring? Looks like that prognosis was a little off.
• Speaking of Pujols, Brad Lidge, the man whose psyche Pujols demolished with a monster home run in the 2005 NL Championship Series, has yet to blow a save in 2008.
• Good reporting by ESPN on the USA basketball team's previous opposition to China's human rights abuses and their current position that they're just there to play basketball. For the record, I have no problem with the stance. I also have no problem if an athlete does decide to speak out. For a detailed explanation on my position, see "speech, free."
Ramirez has been playing major league baseball for almost 15 years now and, even in this era of intense media scrutiny, we know surprisingly little about what makes this guy tick. Our only explanation for his absurd conduct is to turn our palms skyward, shrug our shoulders and repeat the cliche "That's just Manny being Manny."
He pouts. He doesn't hustle. He laughs off errors. He uses (likely) phony injuries as leverage. He shoves down senior citizens. And he's still loved by fans. How does this happen?
My question to you all, Who Made Manny? Is this the inevitable evolution of a spoiled athlete used to getting his way, content with the millions he knows he has made and will make, who treats the game he plays as just that, a game.
Is he a creation of the Red Sox front office? Did they repeatedly allow Manny to get away with these ridiculous antics. Did they choose to turn a blind eye to incidents, knowing they needed his bat in the middle of the lineup to contend for a World Series title, and thereby encourage his childish behavior?
Or is it the fans' undying love of him that fosters this behavior? And why do they love him? Is it the bat? Is it the smile? How is this guy given a free pass, when Kenny Rogers (shoving camera men) and others would be crucified for throwing an elderly clubhouse attendant to the ground? Really, does the smile make it all okay? If he scowled like Barry Bonds, would he be equally loathed?
He doesn't hustle, he's a lousy fielder, his minor injuries flare up when he faces hard-throwing right-handed pitchers, he laughs of errors, he hits 500 home runs, he is a World Series MVP, he beats up old men, he was essentially voted off the team by his teammates and yet fans continue to love the guy. How in the world does this happen? How does Manny come to be?
***
Brett Favre is back with the Pack and the quarterback competition begins tomorrow in Green Bay. This is probably how it should have been decided all along in an ideal world. But the ideal world doesn't include a media maelstrom following every breath Favre draws.Now, even if Aaron Rodgers beats out Favre, there will be claims that the Packers' front office was desirous for Favre to go away and Rodgers was destined to win all along. The next few days at Packers' camp are going to be insane.
I know it's the summer and the NFL is short on news, but let's step back and think about what kind of undue attention this story has gotten. Favre had a great year last year, but Drew Brees threw for more yards and Derek Anderson had more TDs. Meanwhile, Peyton Manning is coming off surgery and Tom Brady is coming off a record-setting career year and a stinging loss in a Super Bowl that was supposed to serve as the Pats' coronation as the best team ever.
• Remember when Albert Pujols was supposed to have a terrible year because of all those injuries in the spring? Looks like that prognosis was a little off.
• Speaking of Pujols, Brad Lidge, the man whose psyche Pujols demolished with a monster home run in the 2005 NL Championship Series, has yet to blow a save in 2008.
• Good reporting by ESPN on the USA basketball team's previous opposition to China's human rights abuses and their current position that they're just there to play basketball. For the record, I have no problem with the stance. I also have no problem if an athlete does decide to speak out. For a detailed explanation on my position, see "speech, free."
8.01.2008
Friday Findings: To watch for this weekend
Not much new news that wasn't available last night, so here's what I'm going to be watching for today and this weekend.
• Will Brett Favre accept the Packers' blood money to stay retired.
• How will Manny respond as a Dodger. Will he play harder? And will hustle nazi Larry Bowa get on his case if he doesn't run out ground balls?
• How will the Brewers respond after being swept by the Cubs in four games in Milwaukee?
• How will the Yankees' pitching staff respond to a new catcher in Pudge Rodriguez? A lot of pitchers just get comfortable throwing to certain guys. Maybe this trade will end up unhinging some of the progress the staff has made over recent weeks.
• And in just a weird Washington headline, an alt-rock drummer got busted for growing weed in the weeds by a turtle. You have to read it to appreciate it.
Here are the links to the FCNP version of Splinters and "Press Pass."
• Will Brett Favre accept the Packers' blood money to stay retired.
• How will Manny respond as a Dodger. Will he play harder? And will hustle nazi Larry Bowa get on his case if he doesn't run out ground balls?
• How will the Brewers respond after being swept by the Cubs in four games in Milwaukee?
• How will the Yankees' pitching staff respond to a new catcher in Pudge Rodriguez? A lot of pitchers just get comfortable throwing to certain guys. Maybe this trade will end up unhinging some of the progress the staff has made over recent weeks.
• And in just a weird Washington headline, an alt-rock drummer got busted for growing weed in the weeds by a turtle. You have to read it to appreciate it.
Here are the links to the FCNP version of Splinters and "Press Pass."
7.31.2008
Manny Moved; Nats Trade for Depth
Manny Ramirez has been banished across the county by the Boston Red Sox. How bad did the Red Sox want to get rid of this guy? They dealt two prospects, and $7 million along with Manny and only got Jason Bay in return with the Pirates involved as the trade's third team.
Bay's a great ballplayer, don't get me wrong, but he's not Manny Ramirez ... more or less two prospects, $7 million and Manny Ramirez. Who wins? It's addition by subtraction for the Red Sox, but it feels like very costly subtraction. The Pirates on the other hand got four top prospects (two from the Sox, two from the Dodgers) and can now safely continue their quest for eternal mediocrity.
And it just wouldn't be a trade deadline without Trader Jim Bowden getting in on the action. The Nats sent Jhonny Nunez to the Yankees for the "Attorney General" Alberto Gonzalez, who projects to be a fine defensive shortstop in the bigs. Nunez has been sharp in a relief role with AA Harrisburg, but otherwise has a combined record of 2-8 with an ERA of 4.85 in stops at Potomac and Harrisburg. The Yanks must see something in him, just not sure what. It should be pointed out though that former Rays castoff Edwar Ramirez is one of the Yanks' top arms out of the bullpen and has a "no-hitter" through the month of July.
What the Yankees liked about Edwar when they acquired him was his high strikeout to walk ratio. Nunez's numbers in that category? 82 Ks to 21 BBs in Class A Potomac.
Updating a previous trade because I happened to be browsing minor league stats today: Washington's Emilio Bonifacio is hitting .464 in seven games with the AAA Columbus Clippers. And for all the talk that the Nats didn't get enough for Jon Rauch, Bonifacio may be the best haul any team received in return for a middle reliever ... that is, since hardly any bullpen types switched sides near the deadline.
Bay's a great ballplayer, don't get me wrong, but he's not Manny Ramirez ... more or less two prospects, $7 million and Manny Ramirez. Who wins? It's addition by subtraction for the Red Sox, but it feels like very costly subtraction. The Pirates on the other hand got four top prospects (two from the Sox, two from the Dodgers) and can now safely continue their quest for eternal mediocrity.
And it just wouldn't be a trade deadline without Trader Jim Bowden getting in on the action. The Nats sent Jhonny Nunez to the Yankees for the "Attorney General" Alberto Gonzalez, who projects to be a fine defensive shortstop in the bigs. Nunez has been sharp in a relief role with AA Harrisburg, but otherwise has a combined record of 2-8 with an ERA of 4.85 in stops at Potomac and Harrisburg. The Yanks must see something in him, just not sure what. It should be pointed out though that former Rays castoff Edwar Ramirez is one of the Yanks' top arms out of the bullpen and has a "no-hitter" through the month of July.
What the Yankees liked about Edwar when they acquired him was his high strikeout to walk ratio. Nunez's numbers in that category? 82 Ks to 21 BBs in Class A Potomac.
Updating a previous trade because I happened to be browsing minor league stats today: Washington's Emilio Bonifacio is hitting .464 in seven games with the AAA Columbus Clippers. And for all the talk that the Nats didn't get enough for Jon Rauch, Bonifacio may be the best haul any team received in return for a middle reliever ... that is, since hardly any bullpen types switched sides near the deadline.
Overdue Picking: Trades, Purdy and Judas Priest
Apologies to those that visited the site the past few days only to discover no new info. I've been busy settling into New York and a new job, but now I think we're ready to resume our schedule of regular updates.
The big news in baseball this time of year is on the trade front and there is no shortage of headlines this year. Mark Texeira to the Angels. Pudge Rodriguez to the Yankees. Manny Ramirez to the Marlins ... wait ... what???
Okay, so the last deal hasn't gone down yet, but there is a rumor the enigmatic left fielder will be dealt to the Marlins for some of their young talent like Jeremy Hermida and/or Josh Willingham. The Sox may then spin those players off to Pittsburgh for Jason Bay. If the Marlins make this trade I think they're nuts. Renting Manny (there's no way a franchise paying its entire roster $22 million coughs up $20 million for a lone player) isn't worth two valuable building blocks. If they are serious about investing in the team and finally ending their eternal rebuilding process, then it becomes a very interesting development.
With Manny in the lineup, the Fish would then sport a top of the order that looks something like this: Hanley Ramirez, Jorge Cantu, Manny Ramirez, Dan Uggla, Mike Jacobs. I can't even count up how many home runs that is.
And if that deal falls through, Manny has another proposal for the Sox ... trade me for Favre.
***
Spent Tuesday night on a concert cruise around Manhattan listening to Joe Purdy and The Beautiful Girls. Purdy, as usual, was wonderful, performing a solo acoustic set of "Goldfish," "You Can Tell Georgia," "Brooklyn I'm Calling," "I Love the Rain the Most," and a few more tunes I hadn't heard before giving way to the headliners.
Got a chance to speak with him before the show and learned it may be a little while before the next album, Last Clock on the Wall, comes out. He just moved back to Arkansas and is taking time to help his family build a boat and fence. When he's done with the manual labor, he'll deal with the record. In the meantime, listen to plenty of existing tunes at his website.
He also told a group of fans, including my girlfriend, that I was an amazing writer. When one of the best songwriters I've heard calls me a great writer, let me tell ya, it does wonders for the ego. Thanks for the compliment, Joe.
***
Spoke with KK Downing of legendary metal gods/band Judas Priest about the band's new album, Nostradamus and the perils of leather pants. You can read about the album and the tour in the Falls Church News-Press when "Press Pass" goes live on the website later today. In the meantime, you can enjoy this bit about the band's run in with PETA over their wearing leather on stage:
Mike Hume: You guys had a run in with PETA about wearing leather on stage. What's your current stance in regard to their request?
KK Downing: They'll be very pleased to know it's all synthetic. In the early days, we did actually go to people in London and have stuff made of genuine leather. We found it really didn't wear very well. It used to stink and when you washed it, it would shrink. So we found this guy, Ray Brown, in Los Angeles who told us he had this great stuff, looks like leather, feels like leather, but you can wash it and it won't shrink. So that's hopefully put that one to bed.
7.26.2008
Plenty Left in Yanks' Tank
The calls for Joe Girardi as "Manager of the Year" need to start up. Taking over for the iconic and beloved Joe Torre, Girardi caught no breaks. Alex Rodriguez, Jorge Posada and Hideki Matsui all spent time on the DL, the youthful pitching corps failed to pan out as Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy imploded almost immediately. Heck, things got so desperate they signed Sidney Ponson. And yet, after two wins at Fenway, here they are 2.5 games back of first in the AL East and one game back of the Red Sox for the wild card.
Kyle Farnsworth also deserves heaps of credit for holding it together through his struggles and the heckling to throw lights out ever since Joba Chamberlain moved into the rotation.
Washington Capitals defenseman Shaone Morrisonn received about a $1 million raise through his arbitration hearing. Well deserved indeed. There's going to be some serious competition among Caps blueliners for ice time next season. Mike Green, Morrisonn and Tom Poti are locks, leaving Milan Jurcina, Jeff Schultz, John Erskine, Karl Alzner, Sami Lepisto and Brian Pothier (if he can finally shake his concussion problems) competing for three spots. Assuming Pothier doesn't make it back, which sadly seems possible, my money is on Schultz, Alzner and Jurcina.
Kyle Farnsworth also deserves heaps of credit for holding it together through his struggles and the heckling to throw lights out ever since Joba Chamberlain moved into the rotation.
***
Washington Capitals defenseman Shaone Morrisonn received about a $1 million raise through his arbitration hearing. Well deserved indeed. There's going to be some serious competition among Caps blueliners for ice time next season. Mike Green, Morrisonn and Tom Poti are locks, leaving Milan Jurcina, Jeff Schultz, John Erskine, Karl Alzner, Sami Lepisto and Brian Pothier (if he can finally shake his concussion problems) competing for three spots. Assuming Pothier doesn't make it back, which sadly seems possible, my money is on Schultz, Alzner and Jurcina.
7.25.2008
FCNP Splinters & Press Pass
The FCNP version of Picking Splinters, takes a dip into my "magic" mailbag to answer some questions about the last week's trades.
"Press Pass" sits in with the Cherry Poppin' Daddies' Steve Perry to discuss the band's first album in seven years, their upcoming tour and how it's all part of the effort to convince the world the Daddies' aren't just swingsters.
And one final sports nugget from the Jeremy Shockey intro press conference indicating that my initial reaction that the Saints just acquired a headache as large as the Tight End's talent may pan out.
"Press Pass" sits in with the Cherry Poppin' Daddies' Steve Perry to discuss the band's first album in seven years, their upcoming tour and how it's all part of the effort to convince the world the Daddies' aren't just swingsters.
And one final sports nugget from the Jeremy Shockey intro press conference indicating that my initial reaction that the Saints just acquired a headache as large as the Tight End's talent may pan out.
Bonds in Pinstripes? Giuliani Sues Devils
• The Yankees discussed acquiring Barry Bonds at a meeting of high-ranking Steinbrenners in Tampa, Fla. I still don't see it happening, but this sort of move that requires money instead of prospects, is the sort that would appeal to them. Of course, if you believe in the Bonds Conspiracy talk, you'll know it won't happen because the collusive owners won't allow it.
• The Post's Leonard Shapiro discusses the local radio changeover of Sports Talk 980 from a ClearChannel-owned Fox Sports station, to a Daniel Snyder-owned Redskinscentric, ESPN station. I am bummed about the replacement of Dan Patrick's show for the Colin Cowherd show. Listening to the infallible Cowherd is like a three-hour car ride with a know-it-all sibling. Unfortunately, like political talk shows that subscribe to the same Me-Smart-You-Idiot script, it somehow makes him highly popular. Doubtful that holds among UVA football fans though. I'll miss Patrick, who was never afraid to ask tough questions and bring on writers that were always on the ball with breaking news and insight. He wasn't afraid to jab at himself or his guests (like Reggie Miller's "full steam of head," gaffe). And his team in the production booth, Paulie, Seton, et al, were always entertaining. It's a good product, and now it's completely unavailable in Washington, D.C. (Baltimore's 105.7 FM) is the closest you'll come now.
• Rudy Giuliani's son was allegedly cut from the Duke University golf team for playing a team football game "harder than the other players liked." He's now suing the school, claiming the new golf coach manufactured reasons to kick him off the team. His reluctance to take a charge was not mentioned in the article, but is suspected by North Carolina fans.
• Chad Cordero is ticked at Nats GM Jim Bowden for spilling the beans about the non-tended contract on the radio before even discussing it with him. Cordero found out about the move from his father, whose friend heard the radio interview.
7.24.2008
Cordero Cut Loose
Jim Bowden announced in an interview with D.C. sports radio station Sportstalk 980 that the club will not tender a contract to injured closer Chad Cordero next season. Cordero is coming off surgery to repair a torn labrum and likely won't be healthy for most, if not all of next season.
Here's the Post's take as well.
Tough break for The Chief, one of the most adored players on the Nats, and just an all-around nice guy. The team could still bring him back at a reduced price (he would have been due about $5 million had they tendered him) but he'll be free to sign elsewhere at the end of the season.
It might be time to bid bon voyage to Cordero. By the time he's healthy again, a number of young arms will have auditioned for the closer's role, including current ninth-inning-man Joel Hanrahan and minor leaguer Zech Zinicola or maybe even Shairon Martis, currently a starter at AAA Columbus, but he closed the Future Stars Game for the World team. Expect to see Martis get work in some capacity when the rosters expand.
If Cordero is willing to give the Nats a huge break, he may be back, but if not I'll miss him. He was one of the first players I interviewed when the team came to D.C. and I'll never forget his excitement while describing the unique RFK Stadium phenomenon of the bouncy bleachers.
Here's the Post's take as well.
Tough break for The Chief, one of the most adored players on the Nats, and just an all-around nice guy. The team could still bring him back at a reduced price (he would have been due about $5 million had they tendered him) but he'll be free to sign elsewhere at the end of the season.
It might be time to bid bon voyage to Cordero. By the time he's healthy again, a number of young arms will have auditioned for the closer's role, including current ninth-inning-man Joel Hanrahan and minor leaguer Zech Zinicola or maybe even Shairon Martis, currently a starter at AAA Columbus, but he closed the Future Stars Game for the World team. Expect to see Martis get work in some capacity when the rosters expand.
If Cordero is willing to give the Nats a huge break, he may be back, but if not I'll miss him. He was one of the first players I interviewed when the team came to D.C. and I'll never forget his excitement while describing the unique RFK Stadium phenomenon of the bouncy bleachers.
No More LeBronzes, Fed Up and the Prettiest Sheep Pasture You'll Ever See
LeBron James guaranteed a gold medal for the U.S. Men's Basketball Team in Beijing. Obviously they're talented enough to back it up. The question is, will they be smart enough? The U.S. has previously been derailed by its stars failing to adapt to international teams' style of play. They're no longer the Dream Team, who could have beaten this current U.S. roster in its sleep. They're not talented enough to win this tournament based on talent alone. They'll have to play with their heads. If they do, they win. If they continue to be stubborn, not defend the jumper and take ill-advised, contested shots of their own, well we know how that ends already.
More briefly ...
• Tim Hudson and Chipper Jones go down in Atlanta. Pack your toothbrush Mark Texeira. He'd look great in a Nationals' jersey ... next season.
• Washington Capitals' defenseman Shaonne Morrisonn's arbitration hearing is today. He deserves to win it. Dude enabled Mike Green to rack up his ridiculous goal total by being a stopper on the blue line ... oh and he played the final games of the season with a fractured jaw, unable to eat solid foods. Guys like that deserve raises.
• A Northern Virginia company has allegedly developed a urine-based HGH test. That would be a huge breakthrough if it proves reliable. I'm curious how the MLB Players' Union is going to dodge this one.
***
Roger Federer lost in the second round of the Rogers Cup. I think Federer is a ridiculous talent, but does anyone else think he might lack the motor to work hard to stay on top of the field like Tiger Woods does? I just think he's motivated, but he's not driven. His body language after losses sort of says, "Yeah, I'm sorta fine with that. I'm going to go have a sandwich now." I know very little about the guy, other than I wish I had his backhand, but it just doesn't feel like he's got much left in the tank.***
Sports Illustrated has a series going with their top writers selecting their favorite sports venues. Michael Bamberger tabbed The Old Course in St. Andrews as his. Right now, that's fighting with Yankee Stadium for me if I had to pick. The whole town is just amazing and had this heaven-like quality where the edges seem to blur as if it's a dream ... of course that could have just been the moisture from the rain collecting on the edges of my contacts. I took a two-part look at my Old Course experience recently for the News-Press. You can read it here. Part One: Cold Feet on the Scottish Green; Part Two: Sharing St. Andrews.More briefly ...
• Tim Hudson and Chipper Jones go down in Atlanta. Pack your toothbrush Mark Texeira. He'd look great in a Nationals' jersey ... next season.
• Washington Capitals' defenseman Shaonne Morrisonn's arbitration hearing is today. He deserves to win it. Dude enabled Mike Green to rack up his ridiculous goal total by being a stopper on the blue line ... oh and he played the final games of the season with a fractured jaw, unable to eat solid foods. Guys like that deserve raises.
• A Northern Virginia company has allegedly developed a urine-based HGH test. That would be a huge breakthrough if it proves reliable. I'm curious how the MLB Players' Union is going to dodge this one.
7.23.2008
Manny Being Pansy?
Manny Ramirez is going to miss tonight's game after taking himself out of the lineup with a sore knee. That was news to Terry Francona who had the enigmatic left fielder pegged to play. It's stories like this, combined with the demands to know his future and claims that the front office keeps deceiving him that makes me think Manny is gone next year. $20 million can go a long way towards options (Mark Texeira, Matt Holiday) that don't include a guaranteed headache.
In other news, SI's Jon Heyman says some GMs are ticked at Jim Bowden for dealing Rauch for only Bonifacio, saying it may have limited the asking prices for other clubs dealing bullpen men. Apparently the Nats were asking for top prospects Michael Bowden and Jed Lowrie from the Red Sox, but only wanted Bonifacio from from D-backs.
In other news, SI's Jon Heyman says some GMs are ticked at Jim Bowden for dealing Rauch for only Bonifacio, saying it may have limited the asking prices for other clubs dealing bullpen men. Apparently the Nats were asking for top prospects Michael Bowden and Jed Lowrie from the Red Sox, but only wanted Bonifacio from from D-backs.
Nats' Latest Move Lands 'Fastest Player in Baseball'
Chico Harlan's article for the Post today has a few more tidbits on the Nats' roster moves. Among the highlights: Emilio Bonifacio, the spoils received for Jon Rauch who deemed untouchable by the D-backs until two months ago, ran a 6.2-second 60-yard dash when he was evaluated by Nats Asst. GM Mike Rizzo. By comparison, Maurice Green holds the world record for the 60m (roughly 65 yards). That mark is 6.39 seconds. A stat like that makes it safe to label the Nats' 2009 presumed starter at second (confirmed by Jim Bowden in the article) "the fastest player in all of baseball," as Rizzo claims.
I'm softening my stance on the Guzman deal. His salary isn't ridiculous at $8 million per year, compared to other starting shortstops (Edgar Renteria is at $10 million, Julio Lugo is at $9 million and right now Guzman is better than both). He also trimmed his expectations on the length of the deal given his gross underproduction since he first signed with Washington (discussed in the article). It's not often that a player feels remorse and cuts a deal to a last-place team with no hope of contention during the life of Guzman's two-year extension.
I'm softening my stance on the Guzman deal. His salary isn't ridiculous at $8 million per year, compared to other starting shortstops (Edgar Renteria is at $10 million, Julio Lugo is at $9 million and right now Guzman is better than both). He also trimmed his expectations on the length of the deal given his gross underproduction since he first signed with Washington (discussed in the article). It's not often that a player feels remorse and cuts a deal to a last-place team with no hope of contention during the life of Guzman's two-year extension.
Opining on Madden's Man Crush
No huge news today, so I'll scrape the bottom of the barrel and briefly give my take on Brett Favre. There are no good outcomes for either Favre or the Packers because he's not going to play for a contender and he doesn't want to earn back his starting job with the Packers (which he deserves some criticism for, by the by). I think Pack GM Ted Thompson just has to start at the worst case scenario (Favre winning a Super Bowl with Minnesota or Chicago) and work backwards. I think having him in camp is the next worst outcome. You think the media is swarming now, just wait until they hand Favre a microphone every day. Getting a pair of draft picks for a one- or two-season quarterback might be the best option available. The Wisconsin State Journal is saying the Packers are gauging Favre's value with the Jets, Texans, Ravens, Dolphins, Panthers, Buccaneers, Falcons and Redskins. The Skins are out because their salary cap situation means they'd have to send one of their pivotal players back to Green Bay instead of picks and I think the team doesn't want to obstruct Jason Campbell's development anymore (see: Offensive coordinator turnover rate). I doubt the Dolphins are interested, as they have three decent options and need all the picks they can get to rebuild. Of those remaining teams, only Tampa Bay has more than $13 million in cap space to fit Favre, making them the logical choice to land him according to SI's Peter King. I tend to agree, it makes sense. But will Favre go? And Tampa plays Green Bay this year, and made the playoffs last season despite QB woes. If Favre is the missing piece in Tampa the playoffs could get more interesting than a plane full of snakes.
• I heard that Ron Artest was trying to sign with Detroit ... just didn't know it was the WNBA team. A game between Detroit and Los Angeles ended in a brawl involving two of the league's top players in rookie Candace Parker and "legend" Lisa Leslie. The latter was tossed to the floor by Detroit coach Rick Mahorn. Did the WNBA just get interesting?
• FWIW Joel Hanrahan is Washington's new closer following the Rauch trade.
• Rutgers Football Head Coach Greg Schiano can apparently 
cut out on his contract if the school's new stadium isn't completed by 2009. C'mon. It's New Jersey, do you really think the unions (and James Gandolfini) are going to let that stadium go unfinished and watch the program slip back into mediocrity? Fugetaboutit!
• Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Childress, he of the pristine 'fro that would make Wilt Chamberlain blush, apparently signed for $20 million to play in Greece. That's allegedly less money than the Hawks offered ($36 million), which means it's worth $16 million to get off of the Atlanta Hawks. More coming on the trend of pro talent heading to Europe later.
• ACC officials announced that Nationals Park will host a bowl game this winter that will feature (if bowl eligible) Navy and ... wait for it ... the NINTH-best team in the ACC. For the last three seasons, you couldn't pay me to watch the BEST team in the ACC. Here's a short list of what I'd rather do than watch this game: Listen to "Little Women" on audio cassette, watch a WNBA game that doesn't involve Mixed Martial Arts action and die on a plane full of snakes. However, if the teams are bowl eligible, that means one of them will have the best winning percentage of any home team to play on the field this year.
7.22.2008
Nats Make Their Moves
The Washington Nationals just dealt closer Jon Rauch (4-2, 17 saves, 2.98 ERA) to the Arizona Diamondbacks for 2B prospect Emilio Bonifacio. Baseball America rated Bonifacio as the D-Backs No. 6 prospect.
According to the Nats' official release, Bonifacio (.302 (111-for-367) with 18 doubles, five triples, one home run, 29 RBI and 17 stolen bases in 85 games with Tucson of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League this year) is one of the fastest players in the minors and projects as a future lead-off hitter. Shouldn't be too hard for him to meet that expectation on the Nats, where the only requirement is to have two functional legs. A pulse is optional, as proven by current leadoff man Willie Harris (.221 avg. through the All-Star break).
Next they made sure Bonifacio, who I'm sure will be the Nats' 2009 Opening Day starter at second, had a double play partner, giving SS Cristian Guzman a two-year contract extension.
A few thoughts:
• I was afraid GM Jim Bowden would try to hold up the bank for Rauch like he did with both he AND Chad Cordero last trade deadline. A top prospect at a position where the Nats had no long-term options is a nice haul.
• Is Arizona the new Cincinnati? Bowden used to love dealing for players on his old team (Austin Kearns, Willy Mo Pena, Jose Guillen, Ryan Wagner, etc., etc., etc.). Now it's Asst. GM Mike Rizzo, the former Director of Scouting with the Diamondbacks, grabbing from his old team. Washington previously acquired Matt Chico and minor leaguer Garret Mock from Arizona for Livan Hernandez.
• Financial terms haven't been reported yet, but my gut reaction is that I don't like the Guzman deal. Last time he was in a contract year he batted .274 with 10 SBs and 84 runs scored. Next year he drops to .219. Next year he's injured. This year (another contract year) he's had a career year (.310, 56 R thus far), but I'm hesitant about what next year holds.
His name was on the trade market, with teams like the Dodgers interested. He could have brought a nice piece in return. Now he's under contract and (depending on the terms) unlikely to move. Feels a lot like the deals the Nats gave to Ronnie Belliard and Dmitri Young last July. Those contracts haven't panned out at all.
UPDATE: MLB.com writer Bill Ladson reports the Guzman deal is two-years at $8 million per. The Nats must really think he can replicate this year's success for that kind of money.
According to the Nats' official release, Bonifacio (.302 (111-for-367) with 18 doubles, five triples, one home run, 29 RBI and 17 stolen bases in 85 games with Tucson of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League this year) is one of the fastest players in the minors and projects as a future lead-off hitter. Shouldn't be too hard for him to meet that expectation on the Nats, where the only requirement is to have two functional legs. A pulse is optional, as proven by current leadoff man Willie Harris (.221 avg. through the All-Star break).
Next they made sure Bonifacio, who I'm sure will be the Nats' 2009 Opening Day starter at second, had a double play partner, giving SS Cristian Guzman a two-year contract extension.
A few thoughts:
• I was afraid GM Jim Bowden would try to hold up the bank for Rauch like he did with both he AND Chad Cordero last trade deadline. A top prospect at a position where the Nats had no long-term options is a nice haul.
• Is Arizona the new Cincinnati? Bowden used to love dealing for players on his old team (Austin Kearns, Willy Mo Pena, Jose Guillen, Ryan Wagner, etc., etc., etc.). Now it's Asst. GM Mike Rizzo, the former Director of Scouting with the Diamondbacks, grabbing from his old team. Washington previously acquired Matt Chico and minor leaguer Garret Mock from Arizona for Livan Hernandez.
• Financial terms haven't been reported yet, but my gut reaction is that I don't like the Guzman deal. Last time he was in a contract year he batted .274 with 10 SBs and 84 runs scored. Next year he drops to .219. Next year he's injured. This year (another contract year) he's had a career year (.310, 56 R thus far), but I'm hesitant about what next year holds.
His name was on the trade market, with teams like the Dodgers interested. He could have brought a nice piece in return. Now he's under contract and (depending on the terms) unlikely to move. Feels a lot like the deals the Nats gave to Ronnie Belliard and Dmitri Young last July. Those contracts haven't panned out at all.
UPDATE: MLB.com writer Bill Ladson reports the Guzman deal is two-years at $8 million per. The Nats must really think he can replicate this year's success for that kind of money.
Trade Shockwaves, Masking the Problem in Beijing and a Press Pass Tease
The NFL trade winds kept whippin' Monday, sending disgruntled NY Giants Tight End Jeremy Shockey to New Orleans for a 2nd and 5th round draft choice. That Shockey was heading out the door, to New Orleans at that, was far from a surprise. SI's Peter King, among many others, were predicting this deal since before the NFL Draft. What is shocking was that everyone suddenly thinks Shockey is going to be a perfect fit in the New Orleans offense.
Shockey is unhappy playing for the Super Bowl Champions, a lover of the nightlife scene, injury prone and was a complete spoiled jerk to his teammates and the Giants front office — he blew up on Giants GM Jerry Reese recently — but now that he's traded, all the sudden he's a Saint? Look people, it's just a team nickname, it's still the same Jeremy Shockey. Yes, he's talented, but a change in scenery won't automatically mean a change in attitude or make him less brittle. At least New Orleans doesn't have much of a nightlife scene ... oh ... wait.
There's trouble (more of it) brewing in the air in Beijing where athletes are being given "top secret" filtration masks to protect them from the awful atmospheric conditions in China (also known as one of the two countries that prevented the U.S. from signing the Kyoto Protocols). U.S. athletes apparently are hesitant because they feel it may slight their hosts, others are holding back because they think it makes them look goofy. Besides, nothing says "cool" like the black lung.
The air quality in China is heinous. But, the IOC President Jacques Rogge is doing what the IOC does best, turning a blind eye to potential problems. The decision to use the masks will be up to the individual country's delegations — and they could even be used during competitions if a particular sport's governing body decides to employ them — but Rogge, well, he just doesn't see the point.
"I recommend athletes not to wear masks because our experts say they are not efficient," Mr. Rogge said. "They can do whatever they want, but I'm telling them it's totally useless."
Atta-boy, Jacques. That's the way to reassure them. Use a line that feels like it was spoken by the arch-villain in Captain Planet.
"Nothing will save you from the plethora of lung ailments you're bound to contract while pursuing dreams of glory you've harbored since childhood. Muwahahaha! Now I must retire to nap on my bed of money and spotted-owl feathers."
Human rights abuse, free speech restrictions, ridiculously poor health conditions ... why exactly are the games in Beijing again?
On the music front, Press Pass sits down with Steve Perry, the frontman for the Cherry Poppin' Daddies this week and discusses their perception problem. Ever since "Swingers" hit theaters and "Zoot Suit Riot" hit it big, they've been seen as a swing band. Not true. Perry has bristled at the label ever since.
When I spoke with him, I wanted to pin him down. How exactly does he define the far-ranging music of the Daddies? "Body music," Perry says. Interesting way of putting it. More to come on Thursday when the full article can be read in the News-Press.
Further tweezing ...
• The DesMoines Register is reporting there may have been a conspiracy by the University Iowa to keep under wraps an alleged sexual assault by two football players. I don't see this one blowing quite as big as Duke Lacrosse — conspiracies are hard to prove, that's why their "conspiracies" and not "plans" — but if you read the story, one thing is clear: If this is not a cover-up (and it does smell a little like one), the recommended process for reporting sexual assaults at the University of Iowa is absurd and needs to be fixed. These structures are supposed to exist to reassure students (and victims) that the appropriate actions are being taken to ensure their future safety. Instead, Iowa's system just muddies the waters by involving endless administrative bureaucratic bodies, leading to no accountability and no action. Why the heck is the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity involved? In fact, their involvement is standard procedure in cases like this. Again ... why?
• Sports Illustrated's John Heyman is again reporting that Washington Nationals' GM Jim Bowden's seat is getting warmer. The trades he's made haven't hurt the Nationals — I saw Terrmel Sledge, Brad Wilkerson and Gary Majewski on my milk carton this morning — but they haven't helped. Austin Kearns (.221 avg.), Felipe Lopez (.242) and Willy Mo Pena (.205, 2 HR) were Bowden's boys. Looks like their lack of success is going to bring him down with them. And those money skimming rumors concerning Dominican signees can't be helping either.
• Musical revelation of the day: Tristan Prettyman, a soulful singer-songwriter from San Diego (she had me at the alliteration), is opening for future Press Pass featuree G. Love & Special Sauce. Listened to her duet with the band on Love's MySpace page, which led to her own site. Wow. This girl's got something special. Listen for yourself.
Shockey is unhappy playing for the Super Bowl Champions, a lover of the nightlife scene, injury prone and was a complete spoiled jerk to his teammates and the Giants front office — he blew up on Giants GM Jerry Reese recently — but now that he's traded, all the sudden he's a Saint? Look people, it's just a team nickname, it's still the same Jeremy Shockey. Yes, he's talented, but a change in scenery won't automatically mean a change in attitude or make him less brittle. At least New Orleans doesn't have much of a nightlife scene ... oh ... wait.
***
There's trouble (more of it) brewing in the air in Beijing where athletes are being given "top secret" filtration masks to protect them from the awful atmospheric conditions in China (also known as one of the two countries that prevented the U.S. from signing the Kyoto Protocols). U.S. athletes apparently are hesitant because they feel it may slight their hosts, others are holding back because they think it makes them look goofy. Besides, nothing says "cool" like the black lung.
The air quality in China is heinous. But, the IOC President Jacques Rogge is doing what the IOC does best, turning a blind eye to potential problems. The decision to use the masks will be up to the individual country's delegations — and they could even be used during competitions if a particular sport's governing body decides to employ them — but Rogge, well, he just doesn't see the point.
"I recommend athletes not to wear masks because our experts say they are not efficient," Mr. Rogge said. "They can do whatever they want, but I'm telling them it's totally useless."
Atta-boy, Jacques. That's the way to reassure them. Use a line that feels like it was spoken by the arch-villain in Captain Planet.
"Nothing will save you from the plethora of lung ailments you're bound to contract while pursuing dreams of glory you've harbored since childhood. Muwahahaha! Now I must retire to nap on my bed of money and spotted-owl feathers."
Human rights abuse, free speech restrictions, ridiculously poor health conditions ... why exactly are the games in Beijing again?
***
On the music front, Press Pass sits down with Steve Perry, the frontman for the Cherry Poppin' Daddies this week and discusses their perception problem. Ever since "Swingers" hit theaters and "Zoot Suit Riot" hit it big, they've been seen as a swing band. Not true. Perry has bristled at the label ever since.
When I spoke with him, I wanted to pin him down. How exactly does he define the far-ranging music of the Daddies? "Body music," Perry says. Interesting way of putting it. More to come on Thursday when the full article can be read in the News-Press.
Further tweezing ...
• The DesMoines Register is reporting there may have been a conspiracy by the University Iowa to keep under wraps an alleged sexual assault by two football players. I don't see this one blowing quite as big as Duke Lacrosse — conspiracies are hard to prove, that's why their "conspiracies" and not "plans" — but if you read the story, one thing is clear: If this is not a cover-up (and it does smell a little like one), the recommended process for reporting sexual assaults at the University of Iowa is absurd and needs to be fixed. These structures are supposed to exist to reassure students (and victims) that the appropriate actions are being taken to ensure their future safety. Instead, Iowa's system just muddies the waters by involving endless administrative bureaucratic bodies, leading to no accountability and no action. Why the heck is the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity involved? In fact, their involvement is standard procedure in cases like this. Again ... why?
• Sports Illustrated's John Heyman is again reporting that Washington Nationals' GM Jim Bowden's seat is getting warmer. The trades he's made haven't hurt the Nationals — I saw Terrmel Sledge, Brad Wilkerson and Gary Majewski on my milk carton this morning — but they haven't helped. Austin Kearns (.221 avg.), Felipe Lopez (.242) and Willy Mo Pena (.205, 2 HR) were Bowden's boys. Looks like their lack of success is going to bring him down with them. And those money skimming rumors concerning Dominican signees can't be helping either.
• Musical revelation of the day: Tristan Prettyman, a soulful singer-songwriter from San Diego (she had me at the alliteration), is opening for future Press Pass featuree G. Love & Special Sauce. Listened to her duet with the band on Love's MySpace page, which led to her own site. Wow. This girl's got something special. Listen for yourself.
7.21.2008
Leno to Leave NBC June 2009
NBC just announced that Jay Leno will officially step down from NBC's "Tonight Show" in June of next year, set to be replaced by Conan O'Brien. At the same time, Jimmy Fallon will officially take over Conan's old slot.
You can read the official release here.
I'll be interested to see how Conan's edgy skits (a la Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and the Masturbating Bear) fare in the earlier time slot and how Fallon does as a host. I've never been much of a Fallon fan even on SNL. I'll wait until next spring to form a final opinion though.
You can read the official release here.
I'll be interested to see how Conan's edgy skits (a la Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and the Masturbating Bear) fare in the earlier time slot and how Fallon does as a host. I've never been much of a Fallon fan even on SNL. I'll wait until next spring to form a final opinion though.
Sun-Up Splinters: More Wildness in the Winds, Dancing D-Ends and (of course) Dark Knight
Padraig Harrington joined a super select group of golfers that includes the likes of Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer and Bobby Jones as a repeat champion of the British Open.
Hard to do anything but credit Greg Norman, the leader through three rounds, for a fantastic tournament. I know the tourney organizers had Dr. Heimlich on stand-by, given Norman's propensity to choke down the stretch, but you really can't fault the guy for a Top 5 finish in a major at the age of 53. Well done, Greggy.
The first major without Tiger Woods was a resounding success, but I wouldn't say the sport is just "fine" without him as John Feinstein's Monday column in the Post suggests. A lot of pieces fell right to provide great stories at the Open, but someone from the senior tour is not likely going to contend at the PGA. And what about the non-major tournaments that drew vast crowds simply because Tiger was in the field? The AT&T at Congressional this year was a ghost-town of talent after Tiger's injury. The tour will go on, sure, but "fine" is not a word I'd use to describe its status during Tiger's absence.
Here's what I took away from the Open Championship: Harrington is a gamer, fighting through a wrist injury that almost forced him to withdraw before the start. Norman is a helluva golfer. Period. Ian Poulter, who has previously worn sequined pants during tournaments is looking like he could become the guy everyone loves to hate. The ever-flamboyant Pink Pantster earlier claimed that it was just a matter of time until he and Tiger sat atop the rankings. He later retracted the statement, saying he aspired to be No. 2 behind Tiger ... that should work out well, considering the No. 2 finish on Sunday was his best ever in a Major (his previous best was ninth at the 2006 PGA) and he's yet to win a PGA tour event. He's got talent, but right now he just feels like some sort of gimmicky glam-rock golfer.
Things I'm looking for as the season heads to the final major and the FedEx Cup: Jim Furyk has been very sharp lately and is my early pick to win the PGA and the FedEx. Paging Phil Mickelson, consistency is looking for you at the front desk. Willowy British amateur Chris Wood (tied for fifth at the Open) is officially on the radar ... I just hope someone gives the poor kid a sandwich so he doesn't waste away before he turns pro.
The Washington Redskins traded for Jason Taylor after losing two of their DEs to season-ending injuries. While sad, come December, those injuries may be the best thing that could have happened. The Skins needed to address their D-line, have for years, and now they finally have an impact player to apply some pressure. Unlike last season, opposing QBs won't have time to calculate the next digit of Pi before carving up the Skins' secondary.
Saw Dark Knight (along with roughly half the world) on Friday. Briefly: Ledger was great. Script ran a little long. The themes were amazing. All in all, it showed super hero movies aren't required to fit the vapid Michael Bay/Jerry Bruckheimer mold. Along with Spider-Man 2, this is probably the best hero movie I've seen. Once again, great work from the Nolan Brothers.
A few more slivers ...
• Kerry Wood looks like he's heading to the DL. In other news, the sun will set again tonight.
• Peter Gammons reported Sunday that the Nationals were fielding calls on closer Jon Rauch, but were asking for more than what the Brewers gave up to land CC Sabathia. I can't believe unreasonable requests like that make other teams more willing to deal with you.
• Saturday was Mullet Night at U.S. Cellular Field, home of the Chicago White Sox. This isn't the only hair-brained scheme of late. The Yankees held a mustache give-away to support Jason Giambi's All-Star candidacy. Less appealing was a past promotion by the Potomac Nationals to give an award to the fan with the most back hair. ::Shiver::
• ESPN.com has a story on a 14-year-old mixed martial arts "prodigy." Apparently kids as young as 7 are getting in on the action. Forget the ethics of this for a second, this thing seems like it's only a few serious injuries away from an age-restriction. Interesting read.
• Friday Night Lights and The Wire are snubbed again by the Emmys. FNL's second season was a little more "O.C." than I'd like, but the first season remains one of my favorites for any show (along with Lost, House, Six Feet Under and HBO mini-series Band of Brothers). Do yourself a favor and check it out.
Hard to do anything but credit Greg Norman, the leader through three rounds, for a fantastic tournament. I know the tourney organizers had Dr. Heimlich on stand-by, given Norman's propensity to choke down the stretch, but you really can't fault the guy for a Top 5 finish in a major at the age of 53. Well done, Greggy.
The first major without Tiger Woods was a resounding success, but I wouldn't say the sport is just "fine" without him as John Feinstein's Monday column in the Post suggests. A lot of pieces fell right to provide great stories at the Open, but someone from the senior tour is not likely going to contend at the PGA. And what about the non-major tournaments that drew vast crowds simply because Tiger was in the field? The AT&T at Congressional this year was a ghost-town of talent after Tiger's injury. The tour will go on, sure, but "fine" is not a word I'd use to describe its status during Tiger's absence.
Here's what I took away from the Open Championship: Harrington is a gamer, fighting through a wrist injury that almost forced him to withdraw before the start. Norman is a helluva golfer. Period. Ian Poulter, who has previously worn sequined pants during tournaments is looking like he could become the guy everyone loves to hate. The ever-flamboyant Pink Pantster earlier claimed that it was just a matter of time until he and Tiger sat atop the rankings. He later retracted the statement, saying he aspired to be No. 2 behind Tiger ... that should work out well, considering the No. 2 finish on Sunday was his best ever in a Major (his previous best was ninth at the 2006 PGA) and he's yet to win a PGA tour event. He's got talent, but right now he just feels like some sort of gimmicky glam-rock golfer.
Things I'm looking for as the season heads to the final major and the FedEx Cup: Jim Furyk has been very sharp lately and is my early pick to win the PGA and the FedEx. Paging Phil Mickelson, consistency is looking for you at the front desk. Willowy British amateur Chris Wood (tied for fifth at the Open) is officially on the radar ... I just hope someone gives the poor kid a sandwich so he doesn't waste away before he turns pro.
The Washington Redskins traded for Jason Taylor after losing two of their DEs to season-ending injuries. While sad, come December, those injuries may be the best thing that could have happened. The Skins needed to address their D-line, have for years, and now they finally have an impact player to apply some pressure. Unlike last season, opposing QBs won't have time to calculate the next digit of Pi before carving up the Skins' secondary.
Saw Dark Knight (along with roughly half the world) on Friday. Briefly: Ledger was great. Script ran a little long. The themes were amazing. All in all, it showed super hero movies aren't required to fit the vapid Michael Bay/Jerry Bruckheimer mold. Along with Spider-Man 2, this is probably the best hero movie I've seen. Once again, great work from the Nolan Brothers.
A few more slivers ...
• Kerry Wood looks like he's heading to the DL. In other news, the sun will set again tonight.
• Peter Gammons reported Sunday that the Nationals were fielding calls on closer Jon Rauch, but were asking for more than what the Brewers gave up to land CC Sabathia. I can't believe unreasonable requests like that make other teams more willing to deal with you.
• Saturday was Mullet Night at U.S. Cellular Field, home of the Chicago White Sox. This isn't the only hair-brained scheme of late. The Yankees held a mustache give-away to support Jason Giambi's All-Star candidacy. Less appealing was a past promotion by the Potomac Nationals to give an award to the fan with the most back hair. ::Shiver::
• ESPN.com has a story on a 14-year-old mixed martial arts "prodigy." Apparently kids as young as 7 are getting in on the action. Forget the ethics of this for a second, this thing seems like it's only a few serious injuries away from an age-restriction. Interesting read.
• Friday Night Lights and The Wire are snubbed again by the Emmys. FNL's second season was a little more "O.C." than I'd like, but the first season remains one of my favorites for any show (along with Lost, House, Six Feet Under and HBO mini-series Band of Brothers). Do yourself a favor and check it out.
7.18.2008
FCNP Splinters 7.18.08
Billy Packer is on his way out after years of work as a top college basketball analyst at CBS. The ever-critical Packer was a divisive figure. On one hand, he was loved for his insightful analysis. On the other, he was a joyless badger who hated Cinderella and suffered from a Don Imus-like case of foot-in-mouth disease, famously labeling Georgetown's Allen Iverson a "Tough little monkey."
In short, you either loved him or you hated him and that's why the reaction from sports pundits has been so polarized. The Washington Post's Mike Wilbon praised Packer's career, while Sporting News columnist and blogger Dan Shanoff (and just about everyone I know) practically did the Balki Bartokomous Dance of Joy when information leaked that he was leaving.
In this week's FCNP column, I go searching for a middle ground and attempt to put my finger on what it is we want from our sports commentators (who take about as much criticism as Captain Nucular at 1600 Penn. Ave.). Feel free to chime in below on what it is you want, though try to go beyond Erin Andrews and the reference numbers of items in the Victoria Secret catalog.
In short, you either loved him or you hated him and that's why the reaction from sports pundits has been so polarized. The Washington Post's Mike Wilbon praised Packer's career, while Sporting News columnist and blogger Dan Shanoff (and just about everyone I know) practically did the Balki Bartokomous Dance of Joy when information leaked that he was leaving.
In this week's FCNP column, I go searching for a middle ground and attempt to put my finger on what it is we want from our sports commentators (who take about as much criticism as Captain Nucular at 1600 Penn. Ave.). Feel free to chime in below on what it is you want, though try to go beyond Erin Andrews and the reference numbers of items in the Victoria Secret catalog.
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