Putting Yankees Fans in Their Place

There are now three things you can count on every single year: Death, taxes, and annoyingly overconfident Yankee fans.

The latest example comes on the heels of the Bombers four-game massacre of the suddenly fallible Boston Red Sox this weekend. Now, the Yankees have a six-and-a-half game lead on their nemesis, and their fans are already ordering 2009 Yankees World Series DVD's, and anointing the Sox's season over.

I'll give the Pinstripes one thing: The AL East race is over. But that's it.

And upon further review, we've seen this movie starring the 2009 Yankees several times before between 2001-2007. You can concoct the witty title, but I'll give you the synopsis: Team with the best record and the best offense folds due to shaky pitching in the postseason.

The Yankees have the best record in the American League at 69-42. Just like they did in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2006. Combined playoff record those years: 17-19, one World Series appearance, no titles.

The Yankees lead the AL in runs scored. They also crossed the plate with the most frequency in 2002, 2005, and 2006. For their offensive proficiency, the Yanks were rewarded with ALDS losses each of those years.

On the pitching front? Middle of the pack, as usual. The Yanks are 8th in the AL in ERA, behind every possible playoff team except for the Angels. Sound familiar? The last four Yankee playoff disappointments, their pitching staff ranked 8th, 7th, 9th, and 6th.

This year's pitching staff once again follows the formula: The greatest closer of all-time(Mo Rivera), a competent set-up guy(Phil Hughes), but a lack of dominance in the rotation. C.C. Sabathia may be getting paid like an ace, but he's followed up better seasons than this one with deplorable postseason results(career 7.92 ERA in the playoffs). Does A.J. Burnett(10-5, 3.68 ERA, 1.37 WHIP) distinguish himself from prior No. 2's(Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Kevin Brown, this decade's version of Clemens and Pettite) that haven't excelled in the playoffs? Can you trust Joba Chamberlain(8-2 yes but 1.452 WHIP) in a big spot yet?

Conversely, the Red Sox boast Josh Beckett, one of the best postseason pitchers in recent history(7-2, 2.90 ERA, 0.94 WHIP) headlining their rotation. Their No. 2 pitcher, Jon Lester, is arguably having a better campaign than anyone in the Yanks rotation. OK, the back of their rotation kind of blows. But how many playoff series boil down to the 3rd and 4th starters? I'd be comfortable trotting out Beckett/Lester 5 times in a 7-game series, or 4 times in a short series.

The Sox's bullpen deploys just as many weapons as the Yanks. The vast differences lie in the lineups. But there have been much worse offenses(see 06 Cardinals), than the Sox's Martinez/Youkilis/Pedroia/Green/Lowell/Bay/Ellsbury/Drew/Ortiz starting nine.

And as someone once coined about 100 years ago, "Pitching and defense wins championships." A robust offense only gets you to title contention. Arms get you hoisting the trophy.

I'm not convinced the Yankees have those arms. And 2002 to 2007 supports my case pretty well.

I'm Getting Fed Up With the Roid........Reaction

When players like Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa were first embroiled in the steroid controversy, I shared some of your outrage. I felt like it was unfair for a "few select players" to cheat their way to the top.

But by 2005-2006, when it became abundantly clear that a "few select players" to cheat became "hundreds", my outrage dissipated. My blame went from the users to the ones using the users for profit, Bud Selig and the owners. And I started to justify users thinking: Why should they be put at a competitive disadvantage because their peers use? Why should they potentially lose their jobs and millions of dollars because others juice?

By 2008, the news of the Mitchell Report, and the subsequent high-profile juicers were created with yawns from me.

Now, after the NY Times report of Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz flunking confidential steroid tests in 2003 that weren't confidential, I'm now angry again. But not at Manny and Ortiz(or Manny Ortez as supposed Red Sox die-hard John Kerry once called them). I'm angry at the general public for continually being naive on the steroid issue. I'm angry at the mainstream media for driving up drivel like "Should the Red Sox 2004 and 2007 World Series be tainted?". I'm angry at baseball, for not destroying confidential tests, and thus, breaching the idea of anonymity to exploit their own phony interests in sending a message to kids and their parents.

I'm just angry that anyone still cares about steroids in baseball.

Yes, I suppose Manny and Ortiz's alleged steroid usage prolongs a bad message to America's youth(altho I think a worse message is trade masculinity for homers). And Ortiz, in particular, looks like a jackass for saying steroid users should be suspended for an entire season.

OK but where do you want to go from here? Strip the Sox of their 2004 title? That's a great idea, let's instead award the World Series to the Yankees, with A-Rod and the human raging steroid Kevin Brown. How bout the Cardinals, and manager Tony LaRussa? Yeah, he didn't know what the Bash Brothers were doing when he was the A's skipper. Or the team they beat in the NLCS, the Astros ? Now pitching.....Roger Clemens!!!

Then I guess we should keep Manny and Ortiz out of the Hall of Fame(not that the latter was likely to go). Joining a distinguished list of Barry Bonds, Clemens, Juan Gonzalez, McGwire, Rafael Palmeiro, Mike Piazza, A-Rod, Pudge Rodriguez, Gary Sheffield, Sosa, some of our generation's best players who's accomplishments are supposedly "tainted." Why don't we just make Derek Jeter and Ken Griffey Jr the only two people to get into the Hall from the steroid era? I have a better idea if that happens: Close it down. It's not a Hall of Fame without the all-time home run leader, hits leader, or a guy who wins 7 Cy Youngs.

I almost think that it'll take a Jeter or Griffey to get busted before the average Sportscenter viewer actually realizes that most people were PED users. And still could be. In the meantime, I wish everyone would either move on or move out. If you don't like the fact that most baseball players have juiced in the last 20 years, then find another sport to root for that you think is clean. For the rest of us, let's enjoy tomorrow's trade deadline. Whether it involves PED users or not.

What to Do With Vick? I Have No Idea...

The last time I consistently cranked out general sports talk shows was September 2007. The hot topic at that time was Michael Vick's recently imposed 23-month prison sentence, and whether he should be allowed to ever play football again when he became a free man. My contention at the time: I have no clue, because I don't know whether he will have rehabilitated himself by July/August 2009.

Flash forward to the present. Vick no longer incarcerated. And NFL commissioner Roger Goodell today announcing that Vick has been partially reinstated in the NFL, and could be green lighted to play after Week 5.

My reaction: I still have no clue. And most of you shouldn't either.

Let's step back and examine for a second. What Vick did was absolutely despicable, and deserved severe punishment. You can lament about 23 months(18 served) not being enough, but to me, compounding losing your freedom with relinquishing 130 million dollars, filing for bankruptcy, and forever being known first and foremost as the "dog killer" is quite a severe punishment. Don't get me wrong, I don't feel remorse for him in the slightest, but it is stiff.

That being said, while seeing your life turned upside down would cause a reasonable person to undergo a conscience metamorphosis, it doesn't guarantee that someone has "paid their debt to society." Just look at thousands of prisoners who serve time, have no life upon release, and then commit another crime. So while I would hope that Michael Vick is a changed man, I have no way of knowing that just based upon his release from jail.

However, I do believe that most offenders deserve an opportunity to do what they love if they have rehabilitated themselves. And that goes beyond giving them a second chance. Society shunning someone in Michael Vick's position could trigger them back into crime. And who's to say that if Vick became a successful NFL'er, he won't use his celebrity platform to speak against the unethical treatment of animals? It's all possible.

So where am I on the Michael Vick debate? The only place where I feel I can logically be: Supporting the decision of Roger Goodell. You can talk about sponsors/public pressure swaying him to suspend Vick for an additional 4 games, but there was no obligation for the NFL commissioner to ever re-instate Vick. By doing so, he believes Vick has/will rehabilitate himself. And that puts him in a better position to make the call than me or you, because he has more information on the alleged transformation of Vick than 99 percent of us.

I understand that my position of "let's defer to the commissioner" can be construed as more "soft" than most of my fellow media members. But for someone who believes in rehabilitation when warranted, there's no other choice.

One final note on Vick: No thanks to Denny Green, but I've now come around to the idea that the Dolphins would be interested in a non-guaranteed deal with Vick if Stephen Ross doesn't block it for PR reasons, which he may. And yes, unlike Denny Green, I'm aware of the Fins QB and Wildcat situation. But like Belly and unlike most others, Bill Parcells constructs rosters based on "the best 53", and not on position. So Michael Vick's place on the Fins could be anyplace from steering a 2nd wildcat package, to a slot receiver, to an extra defensive back, to a special teams demon. From a football standpoint, it's makes sense to bring Vick to Fins camp and decide whether he is one of the top 53 players on the roster.

Riley and the Miami Wade's-My Thoughts

In list format, because there are plenty of layers on the future of Dwyane Wade with the Miami Heat:

And yes, I am on Twitter. Feel free to follow.

1. Unless I'm missing something, Dwyane Wade has NEVER said he is leaving the Miami Heat in 2010 unless the team gets a significant upgrade. All he has said is he won't sign a long-term extension this offseason unless he feels the Heat is moving towards scaling the championship mountain. There's a big difference with the two, because now if absolutely necessary, Pat Riley has more than one off-season to construct a title team. It's a tricky spot to be playing chicken and the egg when neither side is relenting. But can you really blame Wade for playing the waiting game with a non-championship contending team? After all, none of the prize free agents seem ready to re-sign, other than maybe Steve Nash.

2. It's 100 percent naive to say that Wade is 100 percent staying no matter what happens(more on that below). But if I'm taking him at his word, then the Heat are still the favorites to retain his services. And that doesn't change, even if he tests free agency waters in 2010. Nearly every interview(and don't ask me for origin specifics cause there are too many to keep track of) contains some form of "I love it here" and "this is where I want to be." So again, all things equal, Dwyane Wade insists he wants to stay. How does that turn into he's likely to leave?

3. That doesn't mean he's selling his Pinecrest home to foot the bill for new properties. As candid as he's been, there are many things we don't know. How do we know he wouldn't turn down the opportunity for an extra 30 million dollars?(Other NBAers have, including Shaq). How do we know he couldn't garner that and more in endorsements by flocking to New York, or even going home and playing in the shadow of Jordan? And let's not forget about his personal trials and tribulations. Getting sued by your restaurant partners, and what appears to be dueling lawsuits with his ex-wife, yeah not fun. And if the off-the-court drama explodes, then could he be looking for a fresh start elsewhere? I elude to this because Heat fans assume Dwyane Wade is truly happy here and has it all, but do we know that for certain?

4. I still think there's a hidden message in all of this: Wade wants Riley to commit being here past 2010. If Riley packs up his office, the chances of Wade packing his bags elsewhere increase exponentially in my opinion. And knowing that Riles is arguably the most impatient person in sports(mostly a good thing), it's possible that D-Wade is worried that staying in idle and preaching patience is code for I'm turning the keys over to someone else when my contract expires next year.

5. So what do I do if I'm in the office overlooking South Beach and Biscayne Boulevard? Call up Ernie Grundfeld and see if he'd be interested in consummating a Michael Beasley-Mark Blount for Caron Butler deal. It makes sense for both sides. Caron gives Wade an instant sidekick, not to mention a good buddy that can only help persuade him to stay, and makes them better. Not top 3 better, but certainly the inside track at the 4 seed. Plus, he's only making 10.7 million in 10-11, so the Heat could still theoretically sign a max guy(if they opt out of James Jones and Daequan and don't resign Udonis) in 2010. From the Wizards perspective, they save 6.5 million in 2010 and could sign a 14-15 million a year player, plus get a 20-year old playing at home that arguably has more upside than Caron.

I like Michael Beasley, and think he's an enormously gifted offensive player, but I'm not sure how much Wade enjoys playing with him, and if he's gonna progress much further than being a big time scorer that dominates the ball and is lost on defense. And that type of player to me should be expendable if you are getting a star(like Bosh) or a surefire No. 2 All-Star caliber player(Caron). By not making this deal, you are saying that Michael Beasley will be better than a guy who has improved every year and will give you at least 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1.5 steals, and can capably defend. Isn't that a lot to ask?

6. Whether he stays or goes, I will go on record saying I don't think Michael Beasley ever starts a game for the Heat at small forward. It will hamper his play on both ends, big time. He's already got miles to go just defending PF's, now you are going to ask him to learn how to defend LeBron James, Paul Pierce, or guys that are much quicker and athletic? And much of his offensive success derives from beating slower PF's off the dribble-not as easy to do against small forwards. No chance he should play the three-and Wade and Zo agree with me.

7. Finally, I'm not condemning the Heat for being interested in Allen Iverson, but isn't he a more talented Ricky Davis as this stage? And how did that work out?

Trade Johan? No Way....

Not sure if I've expressed these thoughts on 'ze blog, but if I were Omar Minaya(and sometimes I thank my lucky stars I'm not, although he's a lot better looking than I am), my blueprint for my beloved Mets was simple: Blow the Bleeping thing Up! Other than 4 or 5 players, dangle everyone else for either prospects, or younger major-league talent. In other words, rebuild to an extent where the Mets toil around .500 this year, but have a good enough team to seriously contend for the next decade afterwards, rather than masquerade as the NL's best team on paper April-August, and then remind everyone in September that you really aren't that good.

Well, 77 games and 39 losses later, others are coming around to this idea. Except they are taking it one ill-conceived step further. They are endorsing a potential move of the great Johan Santana...

For our response, let's bring on Andres Cantor: NO NO NO NO NO NO NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Yes, I've seen Santana get his ass ripped off in 3 of his past five starts(26 hits, 19 ER in 16 innings). Yes, I'm aware that he has 5 years and a gazillion dollars left on his deal. But I'm also aware that the greatness of Johan Santana often doesn't come into focus until after the All-Star Break.

The raw data can be viewed here:

Career Totals
1st Half: 60-40, 3.46 ERA, 1.16 WHIP
2nd Half: 58-17, 2.70 ERA, 1.05 WHIP

Johan's Cy Young Season of 2004
1st Half: 7-6, 3.78 ERA, 1.07 WHIP
2nd Half: 13-0, 1.21 ERA, 0.75 WHIP

Johan's 2nd Cy Young Season of 2006
1st Half: 9-5, 2.95 ERA, 1.00 WHIP
2nd Half: 10-1, 2.54 ERA, 0.99 WHIP

Johan's 1st Season as a Met
1st Half: 8-7, 2.84 ERA, 1.19 WHIP
2nd Half: 8-0, 2.17 ERA, 1.09 WHIP

So, in other words, I fully expect that Johan's mortal 9-6, 3.34 ERA numbers will look more like 18-9, 2.80 ERA by the end of the season. And that he will still be considered one of the top 3 pitchers in the game, and will continue to pitch at such a level throughout most of his contract.

It makes no sense for the Mets to deal him because there's virtually no shot they will get someone with Johan Santana potential in return. The key to making a rebuilding deal is you hope the player/players you get in return can eventually supplant the player you traded away. It's certainly possible the Mets can land another Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, or even David Wright in a deal. There's virtually no shot of grabbing another Johan Santana though.

Dolphins Two-Step

Cause we got to preserve the Texas theme, ya know?

1. Can we stop lumping Chad Pennington's SoBeFit shoot with Mark Sanchez's GQ feature? Sanchez posing in GQ was a dumb idea because a. He's in New York, b. He's a rookie and hasn't accomplished crap, and c. GQ is certain to attract national headlines. Pennington is not playing in New York anymore, a 9-year veteran coming off his career best season, and taking his shirt off for a local, upstart fitness magazine. Nothing to see here....unless you like Pennington's pecs...can't offer too much wisdom on that front.

2. Dennis Green says on Sirius that he expects Michael Vick to end up with the Fins because "Bill Parcells has that creativeness that says that no matter what it takes, he’s going to find a way to get Michael Vick." Sure, the Tuna, like his successor, is willing to role the dice on players with checkered pasts and love to think outside the box. But somehow, I'm guessing Denny Green forgot about the Fins second-round pick when making that declaration.

Bosh the Texan Goes Home?

So Yao Ming's plexiglass foot is injured again? How does that affect the Miami Heat?

Maybe not in a positive manner, at least in terms of advancing their roster for the 2009-2010 season.

There's already been some chatter about the Rockets making a play for a big man, either as insurance or a replacement for Yao. I have to imagine right on the top of Daryl Morey's list: Native Texan Chris Bosh.

Such a manuever makes all the sense in the world for Houston, and could even benefit them more if Yao's healthy for at least part of the season. That way, Bosh slides back to his more natural power forward spot, and the Rockets have twin towers that can potentially exterminate Gasol-Bynum.

Plus, Houston has the contracts to do it, namely Tracy McGrady's 23-million dollar albatross. I think the Rockets would have to also throw in Luis Scola(a perfect fit in Toronto's system), and take back Marcus Banks's crapburger deal to make it happen. And yes while the T-Mac experience came to a very unsatisfactory ending north of the border, that was 2000. Nine years should be enough time to patch up wounds. Plus, T-Mac gives the Raps star power for a year, and cap flexibility after that.

If such a deal is consummated, the silver lining for the Heat is that Bosh probably wouldn't be extended until Yao's future becomes less cryptic. And that could mean either Bosh hits free agency in 2010, or maybe Yao catapults himself at the top of the list.

But with Yao's latest ailment, and the news that the Colangelo's aren't exactly enamored with Michael Beasley, the chances of wearing Chris Bosh wearing Heat colors in 2009-2010 are looking more remote to me.

LeBron is Still the King

I've been trying to stay away from the ESPN-led Who's better: LeBron or Kobe argument. One, because I'm sick and tired of it. And two, because it's not entirely accurate.

But with Orlando seemingly about to dismiss Cleveland from the playoffs, and the tarnishing of LeBron's reputation in certain circles, it's time to separate fact from fiction.

Before the year started, my BOW(Best in World) list went like this:

1. LeBron
2. Kobe
3. Spot up for grabs. A healthy Dwyane Wade gets the first crack to claim the spot, but Chris Paul and an aging Tim Duncan should still be included in the conversation.

Certain things have changed. Not only is Dwyane Wade easily in the top 3, but he has vaulted himself ahead of Kobe Bryant for No. 2. You can label me a homer all you want, but to me, Dwyane Wade is equal or better to Kobe in virtually every single category. He's more explosive. He's better at getting to the line. He's a better distributor, and a better ball handler. Defensively, they are about even now. I will say both are even as a scorer, but Wade led the league this year. I can argue that Wade's jump shot has become as lethal as Kobe's, or at worst, near Kobe's level. And Kobe only has more clutch moments, because he has a longer resume. I defy anyone to name a major spot where Wade has faltered in the clutch.

So now to the King. From an offensive standpoint, anyone who blames LeBron James for the Cavs' 3-1 deficit is just lost. He's averaging 42.3 points, over seven assists, over seven rebounds and shooting 51 percent from the floor! Against one of the best defensive teams in the league. OK, there have been some missed free throws and turnovers down the stretch, but seriously, he's kept the same assists/rebound numbers, and averaging 12 more points per game.

That said, here's where I deduct a couple points from the "LeBron will exceed Michael Jordan as the greatest ever argument."

Defense.

The Cavs aren't losing this series because Mo Williams is firing up blanks. They are losing this series because the No. 1 defensive team in the NBA has allowed over 104 points per game in the Eastern Conference Finals. And as the guy who finished 2nd in the league in Defensive Player of the Year, LeBron has to shoulder some of the blame, sorry. Individually, he's kept Turkoglu in check outside of Game 2, and Rashard Lewis has cooled down the last 2 games(16 ppg) with LeBron getting the assignment more often. But King James is the central figure in the Cavs defense, and he'd be the first to tell you that he's not getting it done on that end.

Of course, neither is Kobe. What the hell has he done defensively to ignite a Lakers team that has shown chinks in the armor the whole year? So Kobe isn't closing the gap this playoffs. Where it gets more interesting is LeBron vs. Wade. I can't argue with the sentiment that Wade has accomplished more in his career. The 2006 Heat were better than the 2007 Cavs. But while LeBron got trounced in the finals that year, Wade staged one of the most brilliant title round performances in league history.

But most accomplished doesn't mean Best in World, or else Tim Duncan still has the crown. The sheer fact is LeBron is a better player, because there are things LBJ can do that Wade can't. But it doesn't work that way vice versa. Yes, it's not fair to Wade cause he's four inches shorter and 50 pounds lighter, but it is what it is. Numbers can tell you 75 percent of the story, and your eyes the other 25 percent. And according to both the stats and the eyes, we're witnessing Best in the World facing a 3-1 deficit in the Eastern Conference Finals.

But the gap between LeBron and his best bud is smaller than the gap between LeBron and his Western Conference rival.

Shaq-Kobe Revisited

First things first, credit goes to ESPN's always excellent TrueHoop Blog and Henry Abbott for coming up with this revelation.

Watch this NBA "Where Amazing Happens" commercial of the famed Kobe-Shaq one-hand baseline alleyoop again from the 2000 Western Conference Finals.



Not the pass, or the dunk. But Shaq's complete and total stiffjob of Kobe after the play. Shaq ignores Kobe's hand, extended out for a high five, and even snubs him when Kobe grabs his forearm.

The Big Fraud. Always a real class act!

Also, great point by my buddy Evan Cohen at ESPN 760: Why would the Magic allow Shaq into the building last night? After tearing into Dwight Howard and calling Stan Van Gundy a "master of panic?" There's no chance I'd allow Shaq to gain entry to the Magic Kingdom, let alone Amway Arena.

What the Eastern Conference Finals Have Taught Me...

Besides that my prognosticating lack of skills showed up again?

That a Dwyane Wade-Chris Bosh Heat team could be a legitimate contender in the East.

Orlando still presents matchup problems in the frontline, but Bosh would make Dwight Howard play defense all over the court. And Udonis has defended Rashard Lewis well throughout his career.

Most people agree that the Celtics have one run left in them in 2009-2010. But who knows what shape Kevin Garnett will be in next year? Or if Father Time catches up to Ray Allen?

And I believe without a shadow of a doubt now that Wade-Bosh is a superior team than the LeBrons.

The Heat certainly need help elsewhere. They don't have a true perimeter stopper on defense. And they need help at the point, although D-Wade will likely run the point during most critical junctures.

But it's time for Pat Riley to work his magic again, excuse the pun. Get the extension done with Dwyane Wade in July, and then get Chris Bosh, even if it means trading Michael Beasley.

Tuesday Tidbits

-From a production standpoint, it makes all the sense in the world for the Dolphins to make an offer to Anquan Boldin. But I believe actions like firing the most powerful agent in football today are part of the reason why Bill Parcells and company aren't touching Boldin with a 10-foot pole, even at the inexpensive price of a second or third rounder.

Yes, the Fins have been inhibited for years by various regimes treating draft picks like they are items on the Wendy's 99 cent value menu, and that's probably Reason No. 1 why they are saying "No Deal."

But I do believe that Boldin relinquished any chances of donning aqua and orange with his ill-fated decision to A. Not celebrate with his team after it improbably won the NFC Championship, and B. Rehashing his trade demands during the two biggest weeks in Cardinals history, or at least since they've been in Arizona. That shows that Boldin is in no way, shape or form, a team guy, which goes against the culture Bill Parcells has implemented in South Florida. That's what he means when he talks about "character." Yes, Will Allen gets an extension amid his legal issues, but he buys into the Fins uber-team oriented culture. And I would expect Randy Starks to still retain his spot on the roster, despite his alleged dumb-ass stunt over the weekend.

But to the Tuna regime, there's no place for a guy who only sees green. And so much so that he creates distractions during Super Bowl Week and fires the best agent in football.

Other quickies:

-The Jordan Bulls in six championship seasons, had two playoff series that went the distance. The Spurs had one series(the 2005 NBA Finals) that went seven games in their four title years. Even the Shaq/Kobe Lakers lost only two playoff games over their last two title runs, outside of the infamous seven-game Sacramento West Finals in 2002.

So even if the Lakers get past Denver, and beat an inferior Orlando team in the finals, don't even think about comparing them to the great NBA teams of the past 20 years. They are closer to the 2004 Detroit Pistons and 2006 Miami Heat, highly flawed teams which still took home the hardware but were by no means, dominant forces.

-There cannot be a worse medical staff in the history of sports than the Mets. Seriously, can you put Jose Reyes on the DL before his calf snaps in 900 pieces?

-I'm pretty confident Cleveland wins in Orlando tonight. But I still think the Magic will return the favor at the Q, either in Game 5, or even Game 7.

Another Plus Towards Getting Jason Taylor

On one hand, you have tormented former hero Jim Leyritz, trying to atone for allegedly killing a drunk driver while he was also intoxicated.

And then you have Dolphins defensive lineman Randy Starks, busted for allegedly driving his truck into an officer. His truck designed to sit four, but carrying, oh only 13 people, including a woman on his lap(no word on if she stayed there the whole time).

Yes, the result of Leyritz's offense is much worse because it resulted in a death. But I'm more horrified with what Starks allegedly did. Carrying 13 people in your car, and then driving into an officer? That reeks of someone that simply doesn't give a you know what about anybody and anything other than himself.

I'm not sure if the Dolphins will take action, but if this is true, I have no problem seeing Starks be freed to find another uniform in 2009.

LeBatard and Leyritz

One of the world's greatest sportswriters, Dan LeBatard is back after a year-long sabbatical with a haunting piece on sports hero turned real life goat Jim Leyritz, who's of course, awaiting trial on charges of vehicular homicide.

Just like all of Lebitz's pieces, this column will not appease everyone. It paints Leyritz, a battered person in the public eye, with a sympathetic brush. How he lost everything financially, and professionally. How he's admitted to being over the legal limit, but has been accumulating evidence to show that the deceased victim was even more culpable(a Florida toxicology report confirmed that her BAL was .18 versus Leyritz's .14). How he used to get paid for speaking engagements, but would stay 3-4 times the required amount, just telling stories and getting to know people. And how he says the portrayal of his post-accident life is chock full of misnomers.

And guess what? I do have sympathy for Jim Leyritz. Maybe because I met him two years ago pre-accident, and he was that fun-loving, articulate, introspective person that LeBatard paints him out to be. But in an unforgiving society, I want to be the one that believes in second chances, that believes someone can still be a good person even after committing a terrible mistake.

DUI to me is an unthinkable offense. I've lost a 17-year old cousin and a 17-year old friend over the last decade in alcohol-related accidents. But while I understand that in Leyritz's case, jail time may be required to prevent another accident from happening, the real albatross is living with the fact that you took someone else's life.

As someone who knows and likes Dan as a journalist and a person, well done, and welcome back! I understand why you took a break. But I hope you are back to stay.

1 For 1 on the Prediction Front...

Nuggets 106, Lakers 103 in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.

And immediately sticking out to me....the Hall of Fame Coach Formerly Known as Phil Jackson on the Lakers sidelines.

Over the last 30 seconds, Phillip
-Did not protest what should have been a violation by J.R. Smith cutting behind the jump circle before a jump ball between Chauncey Billups and Pau Gasol was finished. Gasol outjumped Billups of course, but the Lakers coughed it up trying to nab the ball. Had the violation been called, L.A. would have inbounded from the sidelines.
-Down by 4, he did not advance the ball from the backcourt to the frontcourt despite calling a timeout.
-On the final play, seemed to use Kobe as a decoy, and instead had Derek Fisher, of all players, flash to the wing and take the 3. Suffice to say, it came closer to Jack Nicholson than the basket.

I guess when you have nine rings, you can pull off the feat of retirement, even when it appears to the naked eye that you are at least coaching.

Quick Baseball Hits

-The Marlins have a litany of problems, but speed and defense is not near the top of my list. In fact, the bigger problem I have is Marlins braintrust thinking that they could transform a "homer or strikeout team" into the 2003 Fish overnight. That's why the deal for Emilio Bonifacio deal was so dumb. One guy doesn't change the landscape of your team. Only a complete overhaul would. Which doesn't make sense.

The reality is that Dan Uggla(who could be gone by July) will never be a good defensive second baseman, and has major holes in his swing. Jeremy Hermida and Cody Ross will always be below average outfielders, and will always strike out a lot. Chris Coughlan fits that profile right now. This is what happens when you operate a team with ZERO payroll, and rely on guys with off-the-charts talent, but could use an extra year in the minors. You bet some of that blame goes on Larry Beinfest and Michael Hill. Which is why they should not rush Cameron Maybin back, and they should scrap any notions to infuse this roster with speed and defense, and just accept it for what it is. Speed doesn't win you a championship anymore, and frankly defense doesn't either in the steroid era. Homers and power pitching does.

That's why the Marlins stink right now. Because they are 14th in the NL in OPS(an anemic 707), and the vaunted starting rotation is in reality one ace(Josh Johnson), a good middle-of the rotation arm(Chris Volstad), a supposed No. 1 getting his brains bashed in(Ricky Nolasco), an always injured starter(Anibal Sanchez) and to this point, a lefty bust(Andrew Miller). That's not getting it done.

Other tidbits:

-As a Met fan, Omar Minaya PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not trade Bobby Parnell for Mark DeRosa. Or Nick Johnson. Or Todd Helton. I said it before the year and I will say it again: The Mets are not a contender. They need to spend a year rejuvenating the farm system, even if it means temporarily getting worse. They should have shopped Delgado. David Wright's value is taking a nosedive by the second. And as much I hate to say it, Steve Phillips isn't completely off-base in suggesting dealing Carlos Beltran. He's the top player who could give you a lot of value right now.

-Let's see eight straight victories for the Yankees after a horrible start. Wasn't that the script every year under Joe Torre? So can people get off Girardi's back now?

-And why in the world would the White Sox trade for Jake Peavy? Other than Carlos Quentin, Josh Fields, and Gavin Floyd, there are no up and coming players, except three that could be off to San Diego. Congrats Kenny Williams, you will once again be the best team in a laughable AL Central, and then get promptly dismissed in the ALDS again. And then toil around in 60-winville for the next three years.

On Second Thought, the Cavs Could Be in Trouble

Guess I asked for this when I said Kris Allen beating Adam Lambert on Idol last night was as improbable as if the Magic beat the Cavaliers.

Magic 107, Cavs 106 in Game 1. In a building that Cleveland was 43-1 in games they fielded an NBA team in.

Don't ambush me for sounding overdramatic here, because when push comes to shove, I still think the Cavs win this series on the strength of having a superior all-around club.

But the Magic drew first blood, in spite of:

1. LeBron James playing one of the most remarkable playoff games I've ever seen. 49 points, 20-30 shooting, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 steals. The discussion over best player in the NBA is laughable. D-Wade and Kobe(yes in that order) are incredibly gifted players that are as competitive as anybody who's ever stepped onto the deck. But LeBron makes basketball look like a video game. He seems to be playing a different sport. Not sure we were ever praising Jordan in that manner.

And the idea that LeBron lost Cleveland the game because he went into selfish one-on-one mood is just asinine. He wasn't selfish. Selfish players don't have 8 assists. Selfish players don't set up Delonte West and Mo Williams on the two biggest shots of the game. The Cavs lost because the trio of Z, West and Mo Williams couldn't hit a shot inside of 65 feet.

2. Cleveland not only taking a 15-point advantage into the locker room, but precisely executing their game-plan of defending Dwight Howard straight up, and trying to wipe out Orlando's bombs away attack and eviscerating their pick and roll game. At least for one half. Then we learned that Rashard Lewis is a horrible matchup for Anderson Varejo, who's not used to extending himself to the three-point arc on defense. And that Mo Williams in a clutch spot, still can't guard a chair. And that Stan Van Gundy transformed himself from the Master of Panic back to a coach capable of carving out a Hall of Fame career. Moving Hedo Turkoglu to a point forward role(4-11 shooting but 14 assists) and thus making others besides LeBron guard him was a masterful stroke.

3. And while I am in the Dwight Howard is overrated camp, he's unstoppable within 5 feet from the basket. And this is surprising to say about the No. 1 defensive team in the NBA, but I don't think Cleveland has anyone who can force Dwight Howard out of that comfort zone. Z is immovable at this point. And the other three "bigs"(Varejo, Wallace, and Smith) work hard but are undersized. I think we took Kendrick Perkins defense for granted because that's the guy you need on D-12, the 6-11, 275 pound widebody defensive lineman. The Cavs are bereft of anyone even close.

The summary is this: I still expect Cleveland to win this series. But it will be quite a series.

And just for the record, I expect Denver to even it up tonight at Staples. They were the more impressive team in Game 1, despite Chauncey Billups and J.R. Smith shooting 7-20. And there's no evidence the soft Laker defense can stop Carmelo.

WHAT?!!! Adam Lost?????

Perhaps I will post a longer entry on the great tragedy known as the American Idol season finale tomorrow when I’m further able to collect my thoughts(yes, some males do spend time analyzing A.I.)

But after eight seasons, I am done with the show. And I’d like to thank 100 million people worldwide for curing me from Idolitis.

Because if you all are stupid enough to pick Boring, Blasé and whiny voiced Kris Allen, over Adam Lambert, the most daring, talented, and flat-out-best singer in the history of Idol, then I don’t want to be there to experience the next ring of worldwide stupidity. I mean, seriously have you all been infected with swine flu? The person who I feel was better than Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Chris Daughtry rolled into one just got unseated by Kris Allen? What’s next, the Magic beating the Cavs tonite?

And yes I understand that 1. I’ve never brought myself to ever cast a vote, and 2. Adam is probably better off not being hamstrung by the Idol contract. But how is it worth watching what’s supposed to be a singing competition and constantly not seeing the best singer win?

American Idol has become the Harlem Globetrotters. And I stopped watching the Globetrotters a long time ago.

Derek Jeter: Still Overrated

I've long been a supporter of a committee of current and ex-players, coaches and executives being the ones to vote on the Baseball Hall of Fame. And not overly sanctimonious writers.

But perhaps I should cease that line of thinking after the Sporting News survey of the top 50 players in the game was released today. The subjects of the survey were a panel of 100 Hall of Famers, award winners, and other baseball personalities.

Albert Pujols, consensus best hitter in the game, occupies the top spot. OK. Then A-Rod, Johan Santana, Manny, and Hanley Ramirez. No problems there.

But No. 8: Derek Jeter.....I kid you not. Apparently, we know that Joe Morgan must have been interviewed 99 times for this survey.

If we are talking career accomplishments, Derek Jeter is a unquestioned first-ballot Hall of Famer. But today? El Capitan has a 771 OPS. Just like his 771 OPS last year. Everyone outside of Joe Morgan and Suzyn Waldman know that Jeter is a below-average shortstop that should be switching positions with A-Rod. And for the "intangibles" that everyone loves going to? Yeah, the same ones that allegedly empowered the Yankees to four World Series titles last decade, have resulted in zero playoff series wins since 2004.

Right now, Derek Jeter wouldn't even make my list of the top 5 shortstops in baseball(Hanley Ramirez, Jose Reyes, Jimmy Rollins, Troy Tulowitzki, J.J. Hardy). So how exactly is he the 8th best player in baseball?

See the list HERE, at your own risk.

George Brett Pissed Over More than Just Pine Tar

As you may have been able to tell, I've tried to tweak the format of this blog over the last couple of weeks. Less cynicism and more thoughtful sports issues. Less off-the-field comedic stories and videos, and more in-depth entries.

This is not to take a shot at the Deadspins and Sports By Brooks of the world. I love those blogs and read them daily. But they expound on the lighter side of sports much better than I do. So I'm reverting back to what I'm good at, and what provides more value.

That said, sometimes there are videos that need to be shared for the general public. And George Brett going postal on a reporter from the Kansas City NBC affiliate about manager Trey Hillman needs to be viewed.




Too bad Stacy London and Clinton Kelly weren't there to see those pants. Otherwise, they may have had a few choice words.

Marve to Purdue

With reports that former UM quarterback Robert Marve has finally chosen to transfer to a school-Purdue-I think it's time to once again examine the domino effect that he may have on the University of Miami.

Randy Shannon has two seasons left on his current contract. AD Kirby Hocutt continues to act cryptically towards the issue of a long-term extension for his football coach. In public, Hocutt supports his coachh with glowing praise, but there's been no talks, or even a timetable towards extension talks. Now eeople close to the situation have told me Hocutt really does love Randy Shannon. Outsiders still believe UM is playing out the string, before dumping him for say, Kirby Hocutt's former coach Jim Leavitt.

My opinion is Shannon's future at the U will be tied to his decision to pick Jacory Harris over Robert Marve.

Now to me, Harris over Marve was the right decision. I think Jacory Harris was and is the better quarterback. And more importantly, on a school still going through wholesale rebuilding, Jacory possesses the much higher ceiling. He seems like a naturally cerebral quarterback, and willing to put in the hours to improve on and off-the field.

Quite a contrast to Marve who for me, was not a pleasure to deal with at all. Very abrupt and terse with the media, thinking he was for lack of a better term hot shit. On the field, he had the propensity to continually start running anytime his first read wasn't open, rather than go through progressions. It's one thing when a freshman or first-year quarterback does that in Game 1. But falling into the same habits by Game 12? Smells of a guy letting the cockiness overshadow putting in the work needed to get better. And his off-the-field transgressions(allegedly breaking a windshield, fleeing from cops, suspended for the Emerald Bowl for missing class) upholds all of this.

Still, it's Randy Shannon's job to decide whether he needs to pick one, or try and win with both. He chose Option A. So going forward, it's very simple to me: If Jacory Harris becomes the best UM QB since Kenny D, the Canes should be able to return to at the very least, the top of the ACC standings, and maybe even the title picture by 2010/2011. If that happens, Randy Shannon is the long-term answer in Coral Gables.

But if Harris flops in the same way the more heralded Brock Berlin and Kyle Wright did, and Marve flourishes at Purdue, then Randy Shannon gets tagged as the guy who can't develop his own talent, just like his predecessor Larry Coker. And just like Larry Coker, Randy Shannon will likely be out of a job in a couple years.

Don't Pick An Upset Just to Pick An Upset....

I've strayed from making wholesale predictions on the NBA Playoffs until now. But I need to step in to feed a little reality check to those that are really prognosticating an Orlando upset over Cleveland.

I mean, seriously?? Yes I know Orlando is more talented than Detroit and Atlanta, but what part of eight straight double digit wins was not convincing to you? Even I thought the Pistons and Hawks had a chance to swipe a game.

The Magic's number top two individual defenders are Courtney Lee and Mickael Pietrus. One is a 6-5 shooting guard, the other is an undersized 3. What makes you think they can turn LeBron into a jump shooter?

And while those two guys are trying to lock up King James, who is gonna guard Mo Williams? Rafer Alston? Sure J.J. Reddick actually played like he cared against Ray Allen last round, but can he do it two rounds in a row coming off a grueling seven game set?

And let's look at how the Cavs match up versus Orlando. We know that as dominant as Dwight Howard can be, the Magic offense functions best with their pick and roll game, and letting D-12 get points off dunks and putbacks. Easier said than done versus the No. 1 rated defense in the league. Plus, the Cavs have the numerous bodies(Z, Joe Smith, Wallace, Sideshow) that the Celtics didn't have to throw at the big guy. I don't see Hedo Turkoglu having a great series versus LeBron. And Cleveland can afford to throw Mo Williams on Orlando's revolving No. 2 guard, and put Delonte West on Nelson.

Bottom line, I'll stick with my Cleveland probably drops a game in this series. Which means it could easily be another sweep. But I'll be surprised if Mike Bianchi is covering games at this time next week.

Now to a series that will have drama, the Lakers-Nuggets West title. Why? Because, with the giant turd that Andrew Bynum has been this playoffs(5.6 pts, 3.8 rbs), Lamar Odom's back acting up, and Phil Jackson taking an I don't care pill, are the Lakers really much more superior than Denver? Phillip is just asking for Mr. Big Shot to go nuts against the Artist formerly known as Derek Fisher. The Nuggets have several options(Dahntay Jones, Kenyon Martin, some Chauncey) to throw at Kobe.

But then there is my favorite part of the NBA: The officiating! Take my word, it will be ridiculously one-sided. Like as bad as the Sacramento series one-sided. You can drum up all the LeBron-Carmelo matchup carries intrigue all you want, but I'm not buying it. And I don't think David Stern is either.

The Lakers problems are more legitimate than just disinterest. The Nuggets should give them a hell of a series. But I don't think they can overcome four games on the road, and potentially playing 8 on 5 at times. Lakers in 7.

Stephon Marbury Still Thinks He's a Starter

Seriously.

After the Celtics got walloped by the Magic 101-82 last night, Marbury on his future plans:

"I got to wait and see. I'm not going to make any hasty decisions. But I loved playing here. Being a sixth man coming off the bench is not a bad thing. I know I'm a starter so it really doesn't matter as long as I'm on the court."

And I thought he was starting to get it......

Mushnick Drops an A-Bomb on Sterling

He thinks he's high. He thinks he's gone too far. He wants him GOOOONE!

Now that Mike and the Mad Dog aren't around(not together at least) for NY Post media critic Phil Mushnick to kick around, he has set his new target on Yankees play-by-play broadcaster John Sterling, calling for his firing barring any major improvement.

Sterling is an acquired taste. Either you like his schtick or you don't. As a play-by-play broadcaster, I don't do schtick because I'm not good at it, and I prefer to describe the action in front of me. But I don't condemn it, if someone can pull it off. And as much as Sterling can often represent the snobby "The Yankees are better than you" attitude, he's able to pull off his own style.

That said, if he's making up things Mushnick documents such as purposely calling a ground-rule double a homer, then yeah we have a problem. But if you are going to get on Sterling for being late to describe a wild play at the plate- seriously, get some alcohol in your life.

After all, I have heard much worse than John Sterling in terms of play-by-play broadcasting. I will leave it at that.

Not to Go All Political But...

Something about the news that Steelers LB James Harrison is refusing to accompany his teammates to their visit to the White House just irks me. And no, it's not that I'm a Democrat and approved of Nick Saban's elected skipping in 2006.

At least that was work related, or so Saban says, which probably means it wasn't. But Harrison's rational:
"If you want to see the Pittsburgh Steelers, invite us when we don't win the Super Bowl. So as far as I'm concerned he would have invited Arizona if they had won."

Wow James, I'm sorry that in the middle of the worst economic recession since the Great Depression, the war in Iraq, even overcooked health crisis es, that Mr. Obama couldn't fit a mano y mano with James Harrison on his busy schedule.

Maybe the reason is just that you are a flat-out punk, James?

UPDATE: Somehow, I have a hunch that the Dan Rooney being an Obama appointed ambassador to Ireland thing will play a part in Harrison going anyways, whether he likes it or not.

I Hate to Give The Big Cactus Credit But....

"OBEY YOUR MASTER.....MASTER
MASTER OF PANIC PULLING STRINGS."
-Modified Metallica as sung by Shaq today

I'm unabashedly rooting for the Celtics this series. I root for the Boston teams second. But it's painful to see another Stan Van Gundy coached collapse. It's painful to see another big man tear into SVG, even though I have no problem with anything Dwight Howard said.

And it's painful to give any sort of credit for Shaquille O'Neal. By the way, how the bleep does Shaq get NBA All-Third Team? I didn't know being the anchor of a defense that allows 140 points a game, and getting a coach(Terry Porter) canned is the criteria for being named one of the NBA's top 15 players. The NBA where amazing happens!

OK back to Stan.

Off the court, Stan Van Gundy sounds like a coach who gets it. Who understands how to motivate. Who understands how to use personnel(even tho he thought Jameer Nelson was too short for the Heat to draft). Who knows how to teach defense. Who was well schooled by Pat Riley.

But here's one thing about coaches that I've learned from being around them the last couple years. They are sado-masochists. They spend a lot of time gameplanning in fear of the worst possible situation coming true. Take the NBA question of whether to foul a team down by 3 in the final seconds of the game. I would foul 100 times out of 100. But most coaches don't foul 99 out of 100 times because they fear "What happens if we don't foul right and the shooter just jacks up a 3?"

And Stan Van Gundy is the ABSOLUTE WORST at this type of coaching. Last night, he didn't get Dwight Howard more than 10 shots, because he's scared that the Celtics will foul him on every post touch. Just like Shaq didn't touch the ball in the last 2 minutes of Heat-Pistons in Game 7 of the 2005 Eastern Conference Finals, thus the Heat cough up a six-point lead. Just like not having Dwyane Wade in the game during the Heat's final 2004 playoff possession, because he wasn't a good 3-point shooter at the time.

There were other strategical blunders too. Like actually having D-12 in the contest down by 3 knowing the Celtics are going to foul him. And then panicking by having him intentionally miss the 2nd free throw. And why would J.J. Reddick be on Ray Allen late in a tight game, with defensive stopper Mikael Pietrus on the bench?

I think SVG knows how to coach, and can be a great NBA coach for a long time. But I truly have doubts whether he knows how to trust his players, and put his own fears aside. If he doesn't do that, then he will be known as the "Master of Panic."

JT is Back

After five hours of absorbing the news that Jason Taylor signed a 1-year, up to 1.5 million dollar deal with the Fins, it's STILL HARD for me to put my thoughts together, not just on the move, but how it came together.

So thankfully my good buddy Evan Cohen summed it up best on his ESPN 760 show today: "I don't think there's ever been a move rumored for months that I'm this shocked actually happened."

I couldn't agree more. I never thought 99 would end up in aqua and orange again.

Sure, I could buy that all things equal, JT would choose a return to the Dolphins. It's his home, it's his family, and it's where he built his legacy. But just like most other superstars, I thought he would also adhere to his wishes when asking for a trade last year. I figured an opportunity to win a championship with New England would be too good to pass up. An opportunity to conclude his career as a "Belichick guy." An opportunity to morph himself from a on-the bubble Hall of Famer to a first-ballot Cantoner.

And I truly did not think that Bill Parcells and the Fins wanted JT back. Sure, they need another outside pass rusher, and didn't snare one in the draft. But beyond the rift and any sort of lingering feelings, the Tuna(or the Big Kahuna as someone on my former station called him today) is all about bringing in his guys and eliminating distractions. His well documented number one no-no is no celebrity player. Just ask kicker Jay Feely, fired for amongst other things, talking to the media too much. Jason Taylor automatically becomes the face of the DOlphins franchise. Even if Cameron Wake plays 75 percent of the snaps at his position. And this team cut one of it's four core veteran leaders(as named by Tony Sparano a bunch of times last year) Vonnie Holliday, to pave the way for more snaps for younger players like Merling and Langford. Now, they are bringing in a 34 going on 35-year old player to depending on whether he plays more DL or OLB in the 3-4, take away snaps from potentially three younger players?

Listen, as a Dolfan, I'm all for bringing in Jason Taylor, even if I think he could be at this stage of his career, a situational pass rusher and nothing else. At the very least, he bolstered their depth and at most, he and Joey Porter could be a lethal sack duo, in addition to the frontline(It's also possible they could trade Porter now too.) The players want him back. He's reportedly been a self-participant in the Dolphins off-season program, getting the regime from Sparano. He'll make the younger guys better. He'll help sell tickets and jerseys. It will be great to see JT end his career here, and passing up an extra 7 mil to play for the organization and fan base he loves is a nice feel-good story.

And for Patriot haters, it leaves them without a replacement for Mike Vrabel. Especially since my roommate, as plugged in with Belichickville as anyone, says Julius Peppers is not an option anymore.

But there's still a lot of questions that I would love to get answers to:

-Did Parcells really have interest all along and he was pulling a major smokescreen to try and screw around with the Patriots?

-Is this only a keep him away from New England and get him on the cheap move?

-Did Stephen Ross ask for this to happen?

-And will Parcells call him "Jason Taylor", "JT", or "The Player?

The Rocket Throwing Junk

So as we all know by now, the pervasive juicing that has gone on and still goes on in sports does not bother me one bit. But that doesn't preclude me from ripping and/or laughing at an athlete for the way he tries to maneuver out of quicksand.

Case in point Roger Clemens. 16 months ago, after appearing 82 times in the Mitchell Report, Clemens decides to play the role of Mr. Defiant. He's gonna be the one to look right into the eyes of his accusers and punch them in the face. Well, not literally, but by proclaiming his innocence and throwing everyone from Brian McNamee to his wife under the bus not just on a million different media outlets, but testifying in front of Congress. OK, admirable strategy except 1. Nothing that came out of his mouth was remotely believable, and 2. He looks like a raging buffoon doing it.

So, then Mr. Defiant does what every other juicer does, run and hide. Only to come back today on ESPN's Mike and Mike show to defend himself from the release of American Icon: The Fall of Roger Clemens and the Rise of Steroids in America's Pastime. And the quotes come straight from the handbook of how to defend yourself from steroid allegations:

"The allegations are hurtful to me and my family." CHECK

"Everything in the book is false." CHECK

And of course, "I'm trying to move on." CHECK

What I love is how Mr. Defiant now thinks he can suddenly go to not wanting to talk about his past, when the original defense strategy was "I'm gonna take the steroid accusers head-on." Or how I'm supposed to believe that 100 percent of a book written by 4 NY Daily News writers whose JOB is to tell the truth and report accurate information, is a lie. Especially when it comes from someone who has zero responsibility to be truthful.

Sometimes you just have to wonder how these PR people actually have jobs, especially in an enviroment where people are begging for work. I mean, who thinks that Sammy Sosa can restore his reputation by pretending not to speak English? Who thinks A-Rod is going to score points by plastering his lips to a mirror? And note to Roger Clemens and his peeps, it's not a good idea to go all Hulk on your accusers, when it turns out you are likely just crafting one lie after another. And then can't go back on it, because otherwise he gets arrested for perjury.

Tuesday Recommended Reading

First off, sorry for the inactivity Monday. I was wrapped up with other things. It's gonna happen from time to time when I'm not getting paid to write/update/edit the blog. Don't mean to sound defiant, but it is what it is.

That being said, let's start off Tuesday's readings with this article about the Marlins bullpen which technically appeared in the Miami Herald but is really more of a PR piece. I'm not going to name names but the print media covering the Marlins is on the whole, the softest coverage I've ever seen. Except with Joe Girardi of course, because he didn't supply off the record information. But what irks me here is this statement: "The Mets spent 35 million more on the bullpen than the Marlins spent on their team." Actually the number is 8.5 million dollars. Sure, K-Rod's contract is 37 mil, but that's over THREE YEARS. His 2009 salary figure is 8.5 million dollars. And they didn't spend anything on J.J. Putz and Sean Green, they traded for them.

Last I checked, a reporter is supposed to write ACCURATE INFORMATION to his/her readers.

Pahokee HS's President won't allow Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin or his staff on campus until he apologizes for one of the 1,000 foot in mouth statements he's made since presiding over Rocky Top. Hope the same ban is extended towards Nick Saban.

Always need a little daily dose of Kobe-bashing. It's good for the soul.

Late Monday Recommended Reading

In the midst of Glen "Big Baby Davis" hitting his game-winner in Orlando, and then going KG afterwards, he trucked an unassuming 12-year old kid sitting along the sideline. And now the father wants an apology. Of course, he also calls the Celtic forward a "raging animal" in an e-mail, which could be construed as racism. But never mind that. The dad is already a better defender than J.J. Reddick.

Video: Uncensored Phil Jackson

Following Game 4 of the Lakers getting a rocket shoved up their ass.....I only curse because it's the theme of the video.



If Phil Jackson lets his assistants/Kobe run the huddle half the time to think about smart-ass press conference comments, keep it going Phillip!