The Sporting Globe

Opening Day arrives, Pirates in First Place

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Castillo) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Since it is Opening Day and optimism is in the air from Pittsburgh to Wrigleyville, today's three hot topics will be more like the three things to think about during the upcoming season.

Upton's Smokin': Arizona's 22-year-old outfielder Justin Upton(above) is fresh off a big payday, and on the fringe of becoming a flat out stud after a season where he hit .300 with 26 homers. Look for Upton to become a serious MVP candidate by hitting more than 30 homers and eclipsing the century mark in RBI, all while making his brother, B.J., look like old news.

A Few Good Teams: While the NL has clear cut division favorites in the Phillies and Cardinals, the AL will be hotly contested all year, with each division having three very legitimate division contenders. The Rangers, White Sox and Rays are serious, but dark horse candidates in their divisions, and even the O's have improved, leaving the Blue Jays at the bottom of the East, with Kevin Gregg set to provide the fireworks in Toronto.

Zito & Cain: The most influential and crucial components in the Giants' rotation might not include the ace, and 2-time Cy Young winner, Tim Lincecum. Should Matt Cain turn in another stellar year, and if Barry Zito can live up to a fraction of the expectation placed on him in 2007, these two could combine for 30 wins and be a big part of the reason why the Giants are postseason bound.

Photo: zimbio

Chelsea Tops Weekend, with McNabb and Butler

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Castillo) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 01:00:00 +0000

Blues Rise at Easter: Didier Drogba and Joe Cole scored for Chelsea, who soared to the top of the Premier League with a giant, yet controversial 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, on Saturday. Sir Alex Ferguson followed the game with his patented, red faced complaint of the officiating after the game, citing Drogba's offside goal and remaining ironically oblivious to the handball goal scored by United's Fabricio Macheda.

Eagles send McNabb Flying: According to reports on Easter, the Philadelphia Eagles have sent quarterback Donovan McNabb to the division rival Washington Redskins for a duo of draft picks. The word is that the new 'Skin will kick off his tenure in D.C. by throwing a party to celebrate not being sucked into the Black Hole of Football, Oakland.

Butler serves up date with Destiny: Both the minnow and the big fish won their Final Four matches Saturday, setting up a dramatic and improbable Championship game between Butler and Duke. Lost amongst all of the comparisons of Hoosiers and Butler, is head coach Brad Stevens' uncanny resemblance to Jimmy Chitwood himself.

Photo: zimbio

Lakers & United are Doomed, Hope Rises in Capital

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Castillo) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:00:00 +0000

Lakers sink:The defending NBC Champion Lakers capped off a once promising 5-game roadie with a 17 point drubbing at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks last night, finishing the trip with just two wins. Kobe Bryant tore into the team afterward, after concern that he was traveling with the Clippers by mistake.

United fall: English giants Manchester United confirmed that forward Wayne Rooney did not suffer any broken bones during Tuesday's match in Munich, but did reveal that the striker had minor ligament damage in his ankle. Across Manchester, Carlos Tevez was seen with a smile when he heard the news.

Hope for Nationals: Officials have confirmed that US President Barack Obama will throw out the first pitch on Opening Day in Washington D.C. for the hometown Nationals. The ballclub reportedly extended their invitation to the Chief last week, after applying for health care assistance to aid with the signings of Stephen Strasburg, Matt Capps and Jason Marquis.

Photo: zimbio

Hot Wings, Ladies & Bucks

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Castillo) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:37:00 +0000

Soaring Back: The once hapless and injury-ridden Detroit Red Wings are soon to melt the ice with their play, as the 11-time Stanley Cup Champions ended March with 6 straight wins, and are 12-2-1 since the Olympic Break. Meanwhile, back in Toronto, the league office is rejoicing after panicking over dreaded Wingless playoff television ratings.

UConn Do it: The Lady Huskies won their 76th straight game last night by 40 points over Florida State, booking yet another Final Four trip, and putting them a couple games back of the Toronto Raptors for the last playoff spot in the NBA.

Bucking Old Habits: In the 17 years of the Pirates long string of losing seasons, they have traditionally placed their pitchers in the nine spot, but this year is different however, as the Buckos plan on slotting Zach Duke & Co. in the 8-hole. According to Pirates brass, the move is to ensure a winning season in Miley Cyrus's lifetime.

Photo: zimbio

Green for Izzo, Beer for Germans and More Hockey for Canadians?

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Castillo) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:11:00 +0000

Ducking Around: Numerous reports have surfaced that the Oregon Ducks are prepared to offer current and dedicated Michigan State boss, Tom Izzo, the richest deal in college hoops, to take the post in Eugene. It better be the richest deal ever, if you're asking someone to go from a squad of perennial Final Four candidates, to a school of Nike sponsored convicts.

Take that, Glazer: Bayern Munich dramatically beat Manchester United 2-1 in Tuesday's first leg of the Champions League Quartfinals, as Ivica Olic stole the ball away from United defenders to score the winner in the 90th minute. As a result of the historic win, Oktoberfest has unofficially begun in Munich, six months early.

Coyote Ugly: While the Phoenix Coyotes are howling into the playoffs, the NHL is scrambling to sell the team to any takers, while denying that a deal is in place to move the team to Winnipeg, Manitoba. This could be due to Gary Bettman's refusal to admit defeat, considering he was a key voice in moving the Winnipeg Jets to Phoenix in 1996.

Photo: zimbio

The Return of the Globe

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Castillo) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:05:00 +0000

It's been a while, but it's time for a revitalization. What should you look for this go around? A new format. One that's grittier, edgier, wittier and all about the brief.

Splendid 7 College Rankings: Week 2

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Castillo) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:44:00 +0000

A week into the college football season, we've seen classic games, close calls, key injuries, and a terrific start by a freshman quarterback.

1. Florida (1-0) def. Charleston Southern; vs. Troy, Sept. 12
The first of Florida's two super cupcakes before they face Tennessee, went as expected, as the Gators crushed Charleston Southern 62-3. Nothing gained and nothing lost from Week 1 for Urban Meyer's boys.

2. Texas ( 1-0) def. Lousiana-Monroe; at Wyoming, Sept. 12
Much like Florida's opener, Texas showed the ability to focus through a soft opener, and now much prepare for a rare trip to Wyoming. While they should breeze through the Cowboys, the trip to the Equality State should be interesting, if only to see how many Texas fans they can fit into stands.

3. USC (1-0) def. San Jose State; at Ohio State, Sept 12
Matt Barkley and the rest of USC offense struggled through a terrible first quarter, but the vanilla play calling of Jeremy Bates, and the dominance of the running game saved the day as Barkley rebounded to shine in a 56-3 romp of the lowly San Jose State Spartans. Going into this week's big game in Columbus, you have to like USC's chances to run the ball against the Buckeyes, a la Navy.

4. Alabama (1-0) def. Virginia Tech; vs. FIU, Sept. 12
Last Bama crushed Clemson to open the season in Atlanta, this year they clawed through an epic matchup with the Hokies of VaTech. With the running of Mark Ingram, Alabama's offense looks poised to build on the successes of last year, and Greg McElroy looks like a veteran throwing to Julio Jones. Watch out, SEC.

5. Ole Miss (1-0) def. Memphis, vs. Southeastern Louisiana, Sept. 12
Just like Florida and Texas, Ole Miss did their business and performed like they expected against an inferior opponent. Jevan Snead wasn't perfect, but with SE-LA coming into Oxford, the Rebs have plenty of time to fix their mistakes.

6. Oklahoma State (1-0) def. Georgia, vs. Houston, Sept. 12
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the Texas-OSU game will decide the winner of the Big 12 South. I really can't see anyone else being able to stop the Cowboys. Zac Robinson is the perfect quartback for Gundy's boys, and with Dez Bryant dominating an SEC defense like Georgia's, the Cowboys are more than capable of winning the Big 12.

7. BYU (1-0) def. Oklahoma, at Tulane, Sept. 12
The agruments that BYU only won due to the absense of Sam Bradford, is absurd. Anyone who watched the game could clearly see that the BYU defense dominated the line of scrimmage all game long, enabling them to rattle Bradford multiple times. BYU has always been an offensive juggernaut, so a defense capable of destroying 2008's best offense is impressive. BCS bound? Why not.

On the outside, looking in: Cal & Penn State

Photo: zimbio

John Smoltz Pulls a Brett Favre, Signs with St. Louis

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Castillo) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:18:00 +0000

Just two weeks ago, John Smoltz was the latest Hall of Fame caliber player to cling on too long to the game he loved, crashing and burning at New Yankee Stadium, and getting walloped by the Bombers for 8 runs, finishing his Red Sox career with an ERA over eight.

While the 42-year-old hasn't had a quality start all year, and peaked against the Royals over five innings, he's coming back to the NL, this time with the Cardinals. The low risk, high reward deal for the first place Cards can do little to hurt them, given the horrific August that the second place Cubs have endured.

With a decent lead in the division and hefty rotation anchored by Carpenter and Wainwright, Smoltz will try to bridge the gap to the suddenly sensational Ryan Franklin who is tied for the league lead in saves, with 30. Being a step-up man is a new business venture for the 21-year veteran, but Smoltz arguably had his best years out of the pen, when he saved 144 games for Braves from 2002-2004 with a 2.47 ERA.

Will Smoltz hit those numbers? No. Will he be somewhat formidable for the Cards? Who knows. But one thing is for sure, the guy just doesn't want to leave the game. Whether he was influenced more by Brett Favre's return on Tuesday, or the Cardinals playoff guarantee, is still up for debate.

Photo: zimbio

The Premiership Review: Round 2

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Castillo) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:35:00 +0000

Just two games into the newest edition of the Premier League, and it looks like we're all in store for one terrific season. Not only did Liverpool show that a loss to Spur wouldn't affect their season, as they trounced Stoke 4-0, but Burnley shocked the world with a 1-0 home win against defending champion Manchester United.

Chelsea continued a grwat form under Carlo Ancelotti with a 3-1 win over Sunderland, behind a trio of goals from Ballack, Lampard and Deco. So while Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal seemed determined to fight for the top of the table, that title for now rests in North London, as Tottenham are blowing away the competition after a 5-1 rout of sophmore side, Stoke City. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Portsmouth and Hull City look comfortably numb at the basement of the league.

The Big Result: Burnley 1-0 Manchester United
Behind a gutsy performance from keepter Brian Jensen, in which he saved the win with an early penalty stop from Michael Carrick, Burnley rode the momentum from their promotion to stun of the world's most famous clubs. While the sides are polar opposites in terms of everything from fan bases, venues and legacy, Burnely showed tonight that they do belong in the same league as Sir Alex's United.

With the departure of Ronaldo and Tevez, plus the absense of the defense corps, Untied was ripe for the picking on the road, but the inexperience and talent level of Burnely surely should have done them in. If United can't put away a team like Burnley, what could Spurs, Arsenal or Chelsea do to them right now. Until they get healthy at the back, it could be a rough start for the Red Devils.

If it Weren't for the Table...:
1. Arsenal
2. Tottenham
3. Chelsea
4. Liverpool
5. Manchester City
6. Manchester United

Man of the Round: Jermain Defoe, Tottenham Hotspur
Defoe's brilliant hat-trick led Spurs on their second big victory of the year, this time a 5-1 crushing of Hull City. The English striker has had a big month of August, scoring his goals against Hull after bringing back England from a 2-0 defacit to Holland all by himself last week in a World Cup Qualifier. With all the fire power that Spurs have up front and in the midfield, Defoe's form could wreck havoc with the rest of the Prem.

Lost for words: Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United on Burnley after 1-0 loss.
"They've been out of the Premier Division for 30-odd years - maybe it was their night because so many things happened in that penalty box it was just amazing we didn't get one."

The Absolute Stunner: Can't pass up Burnley here, but Tottenham's ability to stay consistent, sure it's early but still, could throw a wrench into the plans for the teams competing for the final Champions League spot. They've been underacheivers for a few years now, if they can put it together for a whole season, watch out, because guys like Huddlestone, Lennon and Modric are only going to get better.

Photo: zimbio

The Premiership Review: Round 1

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Castillo) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:04:00 +0000

The season got off to a flier this weekend in England, as a handful of clubs made it known that the storyline for 2009-2010, will be what team will round out the Big Four, and vie with United, Chelsea and Liverpool for top of the table.

With the top three clubs seemingly a step ahead of the rest, this weekend was a big opportunity for the contenders to make a move to the top and start building some momentum. Arsenal for sure wasted no time and behind captain Cesc Fabregas, obliterated Everton with a 6-0 shellacking. The win puts the target on the Gunners for the time being, and with Portsmouth awaiting them back at the Emirates on Saturday, they should stay atop the table for now.

The Big Result: Aston Villa 0 - 2 Wigan
Last season, the Villans coasted to a 6th place finish, after being the toast of the town for much of the early part of the season. This season started much like last year's ended, as Wigan rolled into Villa Park and took apart Martin O'Neill's side. With the loss of Antonio Valencia and Steve Bruce, starting the Roberto Martinez era with a win is a huge step forward for Wigan.

If it Weren't for the Table...:
1. Arsenal
2. Manchester United
3. Chelsea
4. Manchester City
5. Liverpool
6. Wigan

Man of the Round: Emmanuel Adebayor
The new front man for Manchester City wasted no time in christening his start up north, scoring in the third minute of a 2-0 victory for City over Blackburn Rovers. The goal not only was huge for Adebayor, but it started a new page in the history of the Citizens and at least for the time being, shows that City's makeover could be a legitimate contender.

Lost for words: Harry Redknapp, Tottenham Hotspur, after beating Liverpool 2-1.
"Last season we beat them, I'd just arrived and I admitted at the time I didn't quite know how we beat them, they battered us. This time, we were the better team and we deserved that win. I thought we outplayed them."

The Absolute Stunner: Remarkably, Round 1 ended without a single draw, a good sign for Arsenal, who seemed to cling to a few too many draws last season, and Didier Drogba's late winner could prove to be a good omen for Chelsea.

Photo: zimbio

Lightning Strikes Again for Bolt

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Castillo) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 21:01:00 +0000

The speedy Jamaican is at it again. Usain Bolt once again broke his own record at the 100 meters, hitting a freakish time of 9.58 seconds Sunday at the Berlin World Championships. A year to the day after setting the Olympic record with a 9.69 time amidst a celebratory strut to cap it off, Bolt didn't let up this time.

Just how fast is 9.58 seconds? Well to convert it to a 40-yard-dash, he would mathematically run a 3.53 time. Given that that number doesn't show the endurance factor of a 100m sprint, but just crunching the numbers to get that time, is baffling. In comparison, the fastest 40 time ever recorded was Darrell Green's 4.02, and that was never officially verified.

At this point, you have to start to wonder, just how fast will he go? At only 22-years-old, the Kingston native has a lifetime ahead of him, and beating American rival Tyson Gay by 0.13 seconds puts Bolt surely in a league of his own. Carl Lewis set the 100m record at age 27 in 1988, and he's considered the best ever. Give Bolt five years and another chance at glory in London's 2012 Games, and there's nothing short of the sky limiting the worlds fastest man.

Lastly, what makes Bolt so great, is that he's doing it all without a taint of doping. The record was shroud in doping scandals with tracksters like Justin Gatlin and Tim Montgomery getting their records stripped, but Bolt has done it himself, you got to love that.

Photo: zimbio

Let Vick Fly Like an Eagle, Please

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Castillo) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 20:41:00 +0000

Michael Vick signed with the Eagles on Thursday, was introduced Friday, and takes the field today for the first time under Andy Reid. It's been well over two and a half years since the once megastar took a snap, and it sure has been a long journey for the guy.

While Vick has gotten everything from hate mail, to PETA picketers, to threats over the boycott of his games by disgruntled fans, I ask why. Sure, killing dogs and bankrolling a cruel sport of dog-fighting isn't anyone's idea of proper behavior, but the guy has been through enough, served his time and should not be excommunicated for life. He didn't do steroids, didn't bet on the game, nor kill or rape another human being.

He spent 18 months in prison, lost tens of millions of a once lucrative fortune, and since become one of the most hated men in America, not just the sports world. Meanwhile Donte Stallworth killed a man while driving drunk and high, yet has faded into a vat of public immunity potion, when compared to Vick.

It's time to get off Vick's back and let him go prove to us that times have changed. Has he become a better man? Andy Reid doesn't know, Tony Dungy doesn't know, and Vick probably can't even answer that truthfully. But how are we going to ever find out if he's ready to move on, if we don't give him the chance?

The angry comments and protests over Vick's signing are becoming purely insane now. It's time to move on and stop whinning. Reading this morning's Los Angeles Times proved to be the last straw on my annoyance of anti-Vick talk. Here's a letter to the editor in today's edition:

For years I've been a Packer fan, but this year will be different, as I will now root hard for two teams each week -- my Packers, and whatever team is playing the Eagles.
-Richard Turnage
Burbank, Calif.
Los Angeles Times

I don't get it. How can you really hate a man that much? Stallworth killed a man and served a few weeks in jail, what are you going to do next year when he's running routes? Going to petition for another merger?

If I was an Eagles fan, I would be doing backflips right now. Think about how fast and dynamic that offense will be. With guys like Vick, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Brian Westbrook and an All-Pro QB Donovan McNabb at the helm, their offense could almost surely be unstoppable if they can gel.

All of you on Vick's back after so long, well you can go have yourself a grilled hot dog...better make that a tofu dog.

Photo: zimbio

US Prepares for the Impossible Win in Mexico

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Castillo) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:52:00 +0000

Despite just finishing a decade long unbeaten streak on American soil to Mexico just weeks ago, it's hard to fathom that Uncle Sam's Army has never triumphed at the Mexican Cathedral of soccer, Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. A nasty combination of high altitude, near deadly smog, and about a million screaming fans form the biggest home field advantage in the world, so it's no wonder than only once has the US escaped Mexico with at least a draw.

Bob Bradley is sending the big boys down to Mexico City this time around, a far cry from the MLS-based side that lost to Mexico 5-0 in last month's Gold Cup Final. Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and phenom Jozy Altidore will lead the attack on Wednesday, while Carlos Bocanegra and newly signed A.C Milan defender Oguchi Onyewu will bolster the back.

It will be the first time since the dramatic loss to Brazil in June's Confederation Cup, that the top flight American squad will do battle, and clearly, they're the group that needs to be sent.

“We are excited about the challenge and the opportunity,” said U.S. head coach Bob Bradley, who guided the U.S. to a second-place finish in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. “Mexico is a very good team, and we are all aware of their great success playing in Mexico City. Every game in qualifying is important, and this is a chance to gain further ground in the group. Our team continually tries to raise the bar, and certainly the chance to win for the first time in Mexico is a welcome opportunity.”
USSoccer.com

While Mexico thrashed a team of unknowns in July, that game should have little, if any, carry over. The US comes into the match atop the table in the CONCACAF Qualification well on their way to punching their ticket to South Africa. Mexico on the other hand comes in struggling in the group stage, and is clinging to the 4th place playoff spot by just a point over El Salvador, while being a point behind Honduras for the automatic bid to South Africa that the third place spot ensures.

Regardless, this is still a huge game for the Americans. Sure, they showed up big in June's FIFA tournament, but the elephant in the room is the winless record south of the border. If Bradley can get the boys to put up a charismatic performance like they did against Egypt, Spain and the first half against Brazil, it will be huge. Even coming away with just a draw would go a long way in preparing for next year's World Cup, allow for some stepping forward as a soccer nation, and possibly putting a big dent in Mexico's hopes of going to South Africa.

I'd really like to see Altidore and Dempsey set the tone of the attack and go right at Mexico like did with Spain and Brazil. If they can come out early showing that they're not intimidated of the atmosphere and the hype of playing in Azteca, they could have a helluva chance. Without a doubt this is the most talented American team we've ever seen, now seems like a great time to get the win.

Photo: zimbio

Sporting Globe's Preseason College Spendid 7

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Castillo) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:40:00 +0000

It's just about that time of year, and so with the opening of summer camps around the nation, it's time to unveil the Sporting Globe's innagural College Football poll, the Splendid 7.

1. Texas (projected 13-0)
Soft schedule to start and finish, with a stretch away from Austin with Oklahoma, Missouri and Oklahoma State all in a row serving as the only test. They'll be in Pasadena should they avoid a trap at Baylor.

2. Oklahoma (projected 11-1)
They should score about 50 points per game, and if they can outscore Texas, they should win the Big XII, and head west. Bradford will be poised to add on to his Heisman legacy, and win a title to go with it.

3. Florida (projected 13-0)
Even without Harvin, the Gators are down right scary. Tebow's guts, Meyer's brain, and only four road games equals a shot at a Dynasty. Not having to face Bama or Ole Miss just adds to the probability.

4. Alabama (projected 10-2)
They say defense wins championships, if so, then Bama will definitely be in the fold. Having to replace Parker-Wilson at the helm of the offense won't be easy, but Glen Coffey and Julio Jones should add some punch. If they get by Va Tech, then Ole Miss will be the only team standing in their way.

5. Ole Miss (projected 10-2)
Behind the best QB in the SEC according to some in the Spurrier camp, the Rebels and Jevan Snead and Dexter McCluster should be out to prove that last year's performances against Florida and Texas Tech weren't flukes. Early tests at South Carolina and Vandy should set the tone for their season.

6. USC (projected 10-2)
A treacherous road schedule with games at Ohio State, Oregon, Cal, Notre Dame, and Arizona State doesn't do them any favors. Reaching the Rose Bowl will be a mighty task behind unproven guys like Aaron Corp and Matt Barkley on offense, and an unproven defense.

7. Oregon (projected 10-2)
Jeremiah Masoli and LaGarrette Blount lead the nation's best and fastest running attack, making for very difficult matchups via the spread offense. If Masoli can play like he did in 2008, watch out, because other than an early road test at Boise State, the Ducks get the big boys at home: USC, Cal and Arizona State.

On the outside, looking in: Ohio State & Penn State

Photo: zimbio

I Admit, I Love Me a Badass

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Castillo) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:35:00 +0000

Since I was a kid, I've always been drawn to the badass athlete. While girls tend to flock to the "badboy" boyfriend who typically turns out to be a super asshole, I think it's a fair assumption that guys have a soft spot in their heart for the "badass" ballplayer that screams "douchebag" to the opposing fan, or at least I know I do.

I'm thinking a little more Dick Butkis or Ronnie Lott than Milton Bradley or Mike Tyson. A guy who is so passionate and fiery that it overtakes them, without being so crazy that they're not lovable. Sure, Derek Jeter makes the ladies melt and gets along with all the guys, but it's too much of lovey dovey admiration for me. I want to cheer for some grit, not a role model for high class like Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton.

So what makes one a badass? A few things, but let's start with a name. If you're a running back about to plow through the line, what sounds scarier? Going to toe-to-toe with Ray Lewis or prancing up to Donnie Edwards? Osmond jokes aside, Ray Lewis takes the cake. I've talked about this at length with fellow blogger, Matt Clapp, and we've pretty much agreed that the Major League trilogy had the best badass names in all of sports movies. While I get chills at the name Carlos Liston (Major League III), Clapp gets weak at the knees for Pedro Cerrano. Put one of those names on the body of an Adam Morrison or Patrick Kane, and we got problems.

Secondly, the position matters. Other than the meanest punter I ever saw, the Chiefs' Louie Aguiar, a kicker just doesn't have the hardware to be badass. Linebackers, safeties, closers, and sluggers practically own the moniker. Ryan Theriot and Dustin Pedroia just can't be badasses, they can't.

Lastly, a badass needs the tenacity and a mean streak to make you love them, and have everyone else hate their guts, see Carlos Zambrano. He perfectly fits the role of "guy I'd like to have on my team," because I know for a fact, if he didn't wear Cubs blue, I'd hate his guts. There's just something about that snarl that makes Zambrano, Jack Parkman, and Brian Cushing(above) that makes you rosy red at the cheeks when they play for your team, and bitter like George Constanza to Lloyd Braun, if they play for the other guys.

Ah, do I love me a badass, if we only had more Nick Swishers and Francisco Rodriguezes in the world, I'd want one on my side. As long as my team doesn't get Sean Avery, I dig the signing of the "bad" one.

Photo: zimbio

The Summer of Gorge

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Castillo) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:14:00 +0000

Here I am, more than half way into the summer, and the blog has regretfully taken a backseat to life. With work and vacation, blogging has been hard to come by. So now is where I catch you all up with me, as I dig myself out of my gorge and try to get off the blogging world's PUP list.

In the nearly two months since my last post, there has been a whirl wind of sports news, events, and revelation. From the Manny-Ortiz probe, to the Jake Peavy trade, to the Mark Buehrle perfecto, this has definitely been a summer of wonder.

In what has been a season of unsung heroes (Juan Pierre, Zack Greinke, Randy Wells and Jason Marquis), it's been the big stars have stolen the show. Manny Ramirez has been a walking current even topic, and I still find it odd how much love he remains to get despite the dirt that has sprinkled his career of late. But hey, pinch-hitting grand slams and a city that loves the bad boy superstar doesn't hurt, right?

Speaking of bad boy superstars, how about Mark Buehrle, love him or hate him, his record of 45 straight batters retired is phenomenal. Too bad that his team just so happens to be the most classless team in all of sports, sans Oakland Raiders. What a surprising summer it's been.

But surprise is not always good or intriguing it is downright unfair. The summer of death hit the sporting globe numerous times during hiatus, taking our super stars like Steve McNair and Arturo Gatti, and leaving us with Mike Vick and Jeremy Mayfield.

While Vick is unemployed and looking for work, Real Madrid has been snagging world class talent left and right. Ronaldo, Kaka, and Benezema headline a summer shopping spree as this group of Galacticos tries to join Barcelona in the exclusive list of teams claiming to have the world's best midfield.

Meanwhile, the English teams look to remain powerful, and as I saw for myself last month, Chelsea looks on top form. For the second time, I got the opportunity to watch a European football match, and this one just so happened to be historic. Six years ago I witnesses a newly Beckhamless Manchester United toy with Club America in the LA Coliseum, but this time it was real, hardcore European football. For the first time, Inter Milan's gaffer Jose Mourinho faced his old boys, Chelsea. The atmosphere, and match in general put the MLS to shame, and this one didn't even count. Hands down one of the most memorable sporting events I've been to.

As the old world's football starts in the coming days, our football is a month away, and the college gridiron is as up for grabs as ever. All summer long, I've been trying to picture the polls, and I can't. Will Florida be a contending despite their losses? Will Texas and Oklahoma both be in the top 3? How about 'SC, where do they fit? Ah, I can't wait.

Anyways, football is for the fall and summer ain't over yet. Here's to everyone enjoying the rest of their summer and to one great baseball stretch run. Cheers!

Photo: photobucket

"For what its worth, its worth all the while"

noreply@blogger.com (JJ) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:21:00 +0000

This is part two of my deeper side of sports, pieces: Part one is here: http://sportingglobe.blogspot.com/2009/04/lure-of-draft-passion-is-sight-unseen.html

Many blindly devoted sports fans never hear or consider the point of sports and competition. Something drives a fan and athlete to participate in such a nostalgic way of life that sports has become. There are certain people that say something to the likes of, "Why do so many people follow sports?," and, "What is the point of it." Well in a way there is no point, but that's what makes it so great. The values from sports competition are much deeper than the average fan, and non fan can comprehend.

What we choose to devote our time to is up to each individual, whether it is sports, writing, photography, music The end result of a high school baseball game in Chicago, Illinois may not matter to anyone outside of the city limits. It is rather doubtful in any capacity that this outcome affects anyone in Asia, Europe, or even other states like California, and Alabama. So what is the point of it all some critics might say?

If sports are your passion then is not every moment completely worth it? Who is a person to question someone's passion. The thrill of competition and drive to succeed are what make sports such an amazing thing. The scope in which sports are played are also intriguing. Competitions are on a certain stage, and your performance is limited to that stage.

In non professional sports at least, what happens on the field stays on the field. How you perform does not define you as a person or impact your day to day life if kept within the scope of the game. Sports are a struggle, but not a struggle of life. The struggle in sports allows someone to escape the struggles of life to be involved with something that regardless of the result, is good. A lost game will not change a young athlete's life but it will drive them to continue competing. Losing is not a means to an end, but a means to a drive towards something greater than yourself.

For the fans watching this struggle occur daily is what keeps them drawn to their teams. Living or dying for your team lets you reach for that value that makes humanity selfless. Attending a sporting event lets you escape the grind of daily life and immerse yourself in the struggle for success in a controlled environment. Success or failure will stir your emotions, but in the reality of it all the outcome is left at the ballpark, stadium, pitch, or field as you leave. You will leave satisfied or dissatisfied if your team wins or loses, but you do not lose your passion for the competition.

Competition is what makes sports great. If a sport does not challenge an athlete, or team to better themselves, or prove themselves better than another team then it might be worthless. There is not a sport that does not challenge individuals however, which is why sports are great. Living in the moment of competition makes every minute preparing for this moment entirely worth it. The hours in the weight room, film room, or practice field are forgotten, but the muscle memory and strategic lessons are not. The great athletes are those that have the keen ability to live within the moment, and are able to play it cool enough to succeed.

These individuals can take their sport for what is worth. Success or failure on the field will not prevent them from returning home to their family, friends, and other loved ones. But making each moment in life important, and living within it is exactly why sports are so valuable. Sports are a lesson in life greater than the games themselves. If someone can learn this lesson then sports are even more valuable in a way that cannot be comprehended. Sports are even valuable if this lesson is lost in the immense complexity sports can often be because they offer the escape from reality, the controlled struggle in a comfortably environment. The ability to draw people together to escape even the most dire circumstances is also a compelling quality sports possess, such as in the 2001 World Series between the Yankees and Diamondbacks shortly after September, 11th. Just miles from ground zero, Yankee Stadium offered fans of baseball in general and escape from one of the most traumatizing single events of the last century.

There are different reasons sports are valuable, and non of which can be applied individually to people. People have their own reasons why they love a sport, different sports, or specific teams. this uniqueness is comparable to the individuality of every person on the planet. Everyone is different, so whose place is it to say if sports are valuable or not to others?

Title: Green Day- "Good Riddance"
Picture: Newsday.com

All is not fair in sports reporting

noreply@blogger.com (JJ) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 02:44:00 +0000

©SportsIllustrated.com

The sports blog world was in a frenzy yesterday when a report late in the evening surfaced of a video posted apparently showing our favorite ESPN sideline reporter, Erin Andrews, nude in her hotel room. This invasion of privacy is an outrage to all who read about it. Consider this, Erin is just another individual who is someone's daughter. If you were a father how would you feel if your little girl dealt with similar circumstances. Despite her celebrity status as an attractive media personality this situation is unfairly put upon her.

The act itself of spying through a peephole is sickening. How does one have the resources and the timing to be able to set up the perfect angle to spy on someone? The nature of this incident will likely make all other female sports reporters more nervous, and more aware of their surroundings. It is a shame that these intelligent women are forced to look over their shoulders for doing what they love to do.

Erin your intellect and compassionate performance of your duties make your beauty even more attractive. I wish you continual courage and want to let you know you have the support of fans all over the country. We wish you the best on the search for the perverted criminal.

A Couple Things Baseball GMs Should Consider

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Castillo) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:00:00 +0000

1. The Nationals have two paths to take: Manny Acta or Stephen Strasburg
For a team that is farther behind than many thought possible, the Nationals are truly a team in crisis. They can't draw fans to their brand new, state-of-the-art ballpark. Last week after a rain delay, fewer than 100 fans remained in the Beltway's crown jewel, conjuring up memories of Italian soccer games played behind closed doors.

So what's the problem that they face? Quite honestly I would say it stems from the league take over a few years ago, and one that put Bowden in charge as GM. Other than the super 2006 season of Alfonso Soriano, the Nats have failed with every transaction that they have made, manager Manny Acta included.

So 29 games under .500 in the middle of June has got to be worthy of a sacking of Acta right? I believe so. Ofcourse you cannot pin the blame completely on him, but let's face it, Acta is not the guy that is going to lead them to the promise land anyways. So why not cut him now, and see how the team reacts? As one blogger says, "Sometimes you just have to give the players a fresh outlook. Axe Acta now, Washington." That's exactly right. Whats the worst that could happen? They lose 110 instead of 105? Get it done.

Signing Stephen Strasburg is more of need right now than a manager that is neither qualified, nor truly to blame for poor players. Focus elsewhere.

2. Gerald Perry was not the cause to the Cubs hitting troubles, Piniella is more of a total problem however.
The Northsiders have struggled to hit more than ever these days, something that cost batting coach Gerald Perry his job this past weekend. Why? Since Perry took the reigns for the 2007 season, the Cubs hitting approach has changed completely. Gone are the days of Sammy Sosa and Jeremy Burnitz swinging for the fences and whiffing, under Perry the Cubs(sans Alfonso Soriano) have become a patient ballclub for the most part.

In 2006, the last year before Perry's appointment, the Cubs ranked last in OBP and walks, walking 64 fewer times than the 15th ranked Pirates. While players like Juan Pierre did not help those two stats in '06, the approach of the team as a whole was terrible. Perry changed the hitting philosophy completely, and by 2008, the Cubs led the league in both OBP and walks, walking an astounding 636 times last year.

This year is different however, as the injury-riddled Cubs have struggled without their best hitter, third baseman Aramis Ramirez. Teams have also learned to pitch to Geovany Soto and Kosuske Fukudome, and have had their way with the struggles of Soto and Milton Bradley. Players are missing chances to drive pitches, and take what pitchers give them, thus prolonging the abysmal .246 team batting average. But despite their failures so far, the team remains just 3 games out, and the problem is more of Lou Piniella's, than the scapegoat, Gerald Perry.

Piniella told shortstop Ryan Theriot to start turning on pitches, rather than doing what he does best, slap singles through the right side. The result has been detrimental to the club, and Theriot has become Willie Mays Hays. His importance to the team is to get on base, be the pesky baseruner he can be, and make up for Soriano's lack of true leadoff hitter tendencies. Lou on the other hand, can't see the issue, and until Theriot won Sunday afternoon's game with a walkoff single to right, the real Ryan Theriot had been AWOL, replaced by Lou's little slugger. Blame Lou, not Perry.

Photo: The Onion

Sitting Down with Matt Clapp of Sharapova's Thigh

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Castillo) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:54:00 +0000

This weekend I had the pleasure of interviewing successful blogger, and aspiring sportswriter, Matt Clapp, of the blog Sharapova's Thigh. It was a blast to play pepper with the internet sports fanatic, and even more enjoyable listening to what he had to say about his journey into the blogosphere.

Michael Castillo : Hey Matt, welcome to The Sporting Globe. How's the blogosphere treating you?

Matt Clapp : Thanks a lot Michael. The blogosphere is treating me exceptionally well, much better than I could've anticipated. It's like a giant brotherhood in the sports blogosphere, I've been absolutely amazed.

Michael Castillo : Your blog, Sharapova's Thigh has been around for a while now. How did you start and where did you envision yourself this far into it?

Matt Clapp : My good buddy and roommate at the time, Brad Creque, wanted to do a sports website. He kept saying stuff day after day like, "Matt, I'm serious. We talk sports half of the day. Let's get our own website started...". We actually were trying to get a sports show on public access television in Fort Collins, Colorado, which fell through.

So money was not at all even considered, but just something we enjoyed doing. We each ideally wanted to get into sportswriting or something in the sports world in the future as that's really all either of us know, so we figured we could do something to hopefully speed up that process through experience in the field, and have some fun with it at the same time.

Well I talked with another friend of mine, Natalie Plowman, and she showed me this blog she had. When she showed me her site and informed me it was free to start one of my own, I was shocked. This is how out of the loop I was. I figured to start any sort of site, we'd have to pay up front.

Without knowing how serious we could get with this, Brad and I figured, hey, let's just start a free blog and see where we can go with it. I didn't plan on getting serious with the site, just figured it was a place I could rant a little bit and possibly show off what I always considered to be worthless sports knowledge to my friends. Anyway, we finally got it started in late January 2008, I began to really enjoy it, and here we are now.

Michael Castillo : Did you ever imagine the vast network of bloggers?

Matt Clapp : I'd frequently read Deadspin and Kissing Suzy Kolber for example prior to this, but I had no idea about all of the talented and remarkable blogs out there until I started one of my own and looked for ways to improve it.

I've been influenced greatly by so many sports blogs, as well as received an incredible amount of assistance from many of these people. We wouldn't be anywhere close to where we're at without the help of the people at Hugging Harold Reynolds, NESW Sports, MoonDog Sports, The World Of Isaac, Zoner Sports, Hip 2 Da Game and Gunaxin just to name a few. I've learned so much from all of them.

I really had no idea there were this many talented people out there in the blogging world until I got into it myself.

Michael Castillo: Where did you get the name Sharapova's Thigh?

Matt Clapp : Brad and I didn't really know what exactly we wanted this site to be. I mean we knew it was going to contain sports articles, but we figured to get anybody at all to read it, we'd need something else to the blog.

We're both guys in our 20 somethings, both enjoy the bar life probably a bit more than we should, etc. And we like to think we have a pretty good sense of humor. So we decided to try to get a name that could show what our site was going to be about, and show our personality in it as well. Literally the first name we blurted out... I said, "Sharapova.... we could do something with Sharapova. Guys love her, she's an awesome tennis player. Sharapova's Thigh?"

Brad looked at me and said, "What? What the (expletive)?", and we each couldn't stop laughing for about 15 minutes straight. I was telling him, we can't actually call the site this can we? What does it even mean? To this day neither of us even know, it's just a stupid idea that I yelled out for no reason. We decided to go with it though.

Even though a lot of people love the name, I regret it a little bit. I feel it sort of takes away from our credibility and it's difficult for some people to take us seriously when we're trying to be. It's also embarrassing to explain to elders and females.

Michael Castillo : While I love the name, I don't think it takes from your creditability, because your sports material is spot on. So far, what aspect of sports writing as made the most impact on your blog? Is there a specific story or concept that allows you to shine when you post about sports?

Matt Clapp : To the first part, thanks. That's nice to hear. And to the second, baseball for us without question. Pretty much every writer on the site knows a lot about baseball, and we've tried to show that off a little bit with our "Where They Stand", "Around The Bigs", "Random Retro Baseball Player", and most recently, "Fiscal Responsibility" pieces.

I feel we can cover about anything in regards to baseball, basketball, and football, but as a whole we definitely do the best with our baseball coverage.

Michael Castillo : With the mixture of your sports and entertainment content, what steps have you gone toward to keep the sports theme ever-present in your own blogosphere?

Matt Clapp : Great question. It's definitely a struggle. There's all sorts of things we've done, or tried to do at least. Social networking has been huge for us in doing that. We've been very active on on sites such as Ballhype, Yardbarker, Sportsviews, and Rootzoo to get our sports posts out there and build relationships with other sports bloggers out there.

I also can't emphasize enough how important Twitter has been in that regard. A lot of people complain about how they only get a few hits maybe for something they post on Twitter, to me that's not what it's about.

Michael Castillo : How has Twitter revolutionized your blogging experience?

Matt Clapp : Well it's been an easy way to show that I'm a huge sports fan, and I've been able to interact with hundreds of other sports bloggers in the process. I feel I've made a lot of friends doing that, and definitely gained some legitimate fans which is important to me.

The traffic's great and all obviously, but to me it's important to get some people that really appreciate what we're doing, and actually reading the sports posts we spend hours writing. I think it also helps our reputation quite a bit.

Michael Castillo : Where do you go from here? A year and a half into blogging, what is left to do? Any new things on the horizion we can look forward to?

Matt Clapp : If I had a clear answer for that, I'd feel -much- better about things. There's a ton left to do though. One major positive that I like about our site, is that I feel we can cover about any topic out there. Additionally, I think you're going to see the site mature a little bit, or so that's my plan.

If you go back and look in the archives of our first few months of the blog, you'll notice a lot more immaturity, much more foul language, and pretty much a blog that was suitable for only people ages 18+. We're not going to lose the babes or anything, it's a part of the site's identity whether I really like that or not anymore. However, I do think it's going to be a much more professional site with quality sports analysis that will allow more people to feel comfortable visiting the site.

One thing I'm really excited about is a new website I've started with another Sharapova's Thigh writer, Justin Agla, called "The Friendly Blogfines". We're each diehard Cubs fans, like I know you are. Justin and discussed doing a site for awhile, and finally went through with it in the last few weeks.
On Sharapova's Thigh, I like to keep it a general sports blog without any specific team affiliations since we have double-digit contributors, and it might confuse some readers.

We wanted to have a place to write about our beloved Cubs, and with a different tone than you'd usually see us write on Sharapova's Thigh. We report and analyze Cubs news, do live game blogs, etc. We're not very biased and just like talking baseball, so we encourage fans of all teams to check it out. You won't see any bikinis or much bad language over there either. So yeah, if people can't take our writing seriously on the Thigh, hopefully they can here at least. It's us writing about what we are truly passionate about over anything else, and in a professional manner.

Michael Castillo : It's been a pleasure having you here at The Sporting Globe with an Original Interview. Thank you, Matt.

Matt Clapp : Thanks so much for having me, Michael. I'm a huge fan of The Globe. I think you guys have superb sports analysis and can go far, so keep at it.

LA and Boston: Championship Cities of the Decade

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Castillo) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:35:00 +0000

With just one crown left of the traditional "big four" sports, the 2009 World Series, left to be won in the decade, the time has come to debate which city dominated the sports world this decade.

There have been 38 championships, here's how it all breaks down:

Los Angeles-Anaheim 6 (Lakers 4, Angels 1, Ducks 1)
Boston 6 (Patriots 3, Red Sox 2, Celtics 1)
New York- New Jersey 4 (Devils 2, Yankees 1, Giants 1)
San Antonio 3 (Spurs)
Detroit 3 (Red Wings 2, Pistoms 1)
Pittsburgh 3 (Steelers 2, Penguins 1)
Miami 2 (Marlins, Heat)
St. Louis 2 (Rams, Cardinals)
Tampa Bay 2 (Buccaneers, Lightning)
Arizona 1 (Diamondbacks)
Baltimore 1 (Ravens)
Charlotte-Raleigh 1 (Hurricanes)
Chicago 1 (White Sox)
Denver 1 (Avalanche)
Indianapolis 1 (Colts)
Philadelphia 1 (Phillies)

At the top, Boston and LA, just like old times. As seen in the 2008 NBA Finals, the Lakers and Celtics are back on top of the world restoring not only the greatest rivalry in basketball, but one of the biggest amongst America's cities. Bean Town, Hollywood, and New York have always butted heads a the trio of Sports havens, so it is fitting that those three metro areas can pride themselves with a ridiculous 16 titles in the decade.

With Boston having the Patriots, it makes you wonder what it would be like if Los Angeles had an NFL team. Would they eclipse Boston with yet another? While that is a question that will never be answered, we can look towards college football as an equalizer. Since Boston has the Pats, if we count USC as a franchise --some of you may argue that they get paid more than the Detroit Loins-- then you can bring the Los Angeles total up to 8.

Should this count? That's up for debate, but it certainly makes things interesting as Los Angeles avoided getting shut out this decade like they did in the '90s.

As for cities and metros that have been shut out, lets look at the Bay Area and Atlanta. San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland have a combined six pro franchises, yet they struggled mightily, with only one team making a championship appearance, the 2002 San Francisco Giants. Atlanta on the other hand, hasn't even gotten that far.

Looking into the next decade, Pittsburgh looks like the new Boston. With Crosby winning his first Cup, and Big Ben wrapping up his second, the trend looks pretty for the Steel City. Too bad the Pirates can't be relegated to the Pacific Coast League to beef up their trophy cabinet.

Photo: Bodoglife.com

What is it about College Baseball?

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Castillo) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 02:00:00 +0000

Crisp, flat bills. High, striped socks. A springtime spectrum of colorful bats, and youthful public address announcers. That's what I think about when college baseball comes to mind.

From my days watching games at Dedeaux Field in the 90s, to currently watching the NCAA tournament on the ESPN family of networks, I've devised many questions and formed many mental notes about the game. Surely, it is America's pastime, but slightly different from your grandma's Mickey Mantle days.

1. Why do all college baseball players look alike?
Whether it's Hofstra, Nebraska, or Fullerton, for some reason every college ballplayer looks like a mirror image of the rest. Their dusty, and tattered pants hang at the knee, and their faces are covered in eye black like ancient native warriors.

Why is this? Few players in the major leagues are dressed in such a way, and yet college nearly parallels the lower rungs of minor ball.

2. Why do big colleges rule in the East, but smaller funded schools reign supreme in the West?
Miami, Florida State, Texas and LSU all are big time programs in every sport they field. UC Irvine, Cal State Fullerton, and Long Beach State however, are full of Orange County kids that all want to stay home for college. They lack the 80,000 seat football stadium, and the big time hoops matchup on Tuesday nights, but these are the schools that put out the Evan Longorias of the world. How? Why?

Why is it that USC, UCLA, and Cal Berkeley are not loaded with the crop of talent that they are in every other sport? What makes the smaller schools more attractive to the typical high school kid? And why are the big name coaches going to these schools?

USC legend Mike Gillespie left the school to go coach at UC Irvine, a baseball program that is still in its infancy, and he's been a big part of their rise to prominence. What makes the Anteaters more appealing than USC? I don't get it.

3. Why is it that teams score so many runs?
In a regional game last week, Florida State pulled a Gator move on Ohio State, beating the nutty Bucks 37-6. It was 31-0 in the fifth inning, and they still kept hitting home run after home run. Yes, they use metal bats, and what have you, but does that really explain for 37 runs?

While that many runs are not commonplace, seeing a team reach the 10 or even 15 run plateau is nearly routine. LSU used to pride itself on "Guerrilla Ball," a style of play that based a team's offense almost solely on the long ball. Is pitching really that bad, that swinging for the fences can win you games? Too bad LSU couldn't offer a scholarship to Alfonso Soriano.

4. Why can't professionals care about the game as much as college players?
For all nine innings (or 26 innings if you root for Texas or Boston College), college players wrap around the perimeter of the dugout, a la managers in spring training, as the fence is just a suggestion. They spit seeds like the pros, but they have more passion than Papelbon and Valverde combined.

Gone are the days of sitting on tubs of seeds and balls, college players stand nearly all game long and clap and cheer like their life depends on it. (Soriano, A-Rod, Manny and company, please take note).

5. Lastly, who gave press credentials to Phil Nevin?
Phil Nevin, known for his no-trade clause, several injury rehabs, and the ability to hit a ball a mile, somehow has landed himself on ESPNU. I've been stuck twice with the man, and I must say that I'm baffled at his appointment as an analyst.

Not only is his bias towards Cal State Fullerton worse than Peter Gammons and the Red Sox, but his voice irritates my ears of its awkward timbre, while his expertise is rather minimal. Please, let me enjoy the Super Regionals without Phil Nevin. Please.

What is it about College Baseball that is so maddening? This game is crazy, odd, and yet awesome at the same time. Too bad it's only out-shining the Stanley Cup Finals. Kobe Bryant, Randy Johnson and Roger Federer have taken the spotlight from baseball that is still played with fire and determination.

Photo: Comcast

Bryce Harper: The Next Ken Griffey Jr? Not Quite

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Castillo) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 02:59:00 +0000

The newest edition of Sports Illustrated arrived in mailboxes across the country today, and I could not be more excited to read Tom Verducci's take on the hyped up Bryce Harper. Harper, the 16-year-old baseball phenom has been said to attract scouts in almost a fantasy-like manner.

According to Verducci's article, Harper tops out at 96 on the gun when he pitches, and has clubbed tape-measure home runs down city blocks in high school games. Given the credibility and baseball mind that Verducci has under his belt, I went into the article with hope. Not the hope that I envision my favorite team sandbagging to draft him, but the hope that maybe, just maybe he will be the face that baseball needs.

Not since Ken Griffey Jr., whom Verducci compares Harper to, has baseball had that "LeBron James" type of player. Sure, David Wright and Evan Longoria have proven to be marketable youngsters that have come up quickly, but Junior is in the Tiger and Jordan category of divine skill, and worshippablity. Given the dark cloud that Manny Ramirez and Alex Rodriguez have put on the game of late, baseball could sure use a hero. Hero as in a clean Josh Hamilton(the Josh we love, but minus the troubled past, and younger).

So here you go America, he's Bryce Harper. He's got everything, right? A quick swing, laser arm, and good looks will get you far in this country. And believe me, I was getting as aroused as scouts must get when they see, as I read. I loved the tenacity that he plays with, the determination and hustle.

Then, the Messiah spoke.

"I love showing up the older guys."

"I love how people talk crap," Harper says. "I hear it all the time. Overrated. You suck. I'll just do something to shut them up, like, I'll show you. It's like in regular pregame work. I like to show off my arm. Just so it's like, There you go."

My thoughts and admiration for the next Mickey Mantle went down the drain. Yes, I know he's a 16-year-old punk that has yet to be stopped, and yet to learn how it is to hear the word, "no", but his cockiness sickens me.

His mouth roars pretty loud for a guy that has probably never faced a pitcher that can hit 96, nor a base runner with the speed of Jose Reyes or Felix Pie for that matter. I know he's confident, but he talks a big game for high schooler.

Verducci wrote of his anger, tongue-in-cheek or not, when a television program said that pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg as the next LeBron James.

"What??" Harper exclaimed with playful exasperation. "Hey, they stole that from me!"

Joking or not, that arrogance makes me want to puke. This game needs more Derrek Lees, Sean Caseys, and Griffeys, not Milton Bradleys and Prince Fielders.

Junior got to where he is, "the greatest player of our generation", through not only the most beautiful swing we've ever seen, a knack for hitting home runs, and a great arm and glove, but a humble approach that was based on his respect for the game, deriving through his mentor, his father. He could flip his hat backwards, strut to first on a home run, and yet not be cocky. That's what we need. That's what Selig needs.

I really hope that Bryce Harper can grow up in the couple of pre-MLB years that he has, because I don't want to dub the next legend as a douchebag too soon.

Photo: Baseball Analysts

Next Batch of Mannys: Juicers Yet to Be Caught

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Castillo) — Wed, 13 May 2009 01:36:00 +0000

Just less than two years ago, three men were on top of the proverbial world in the AL East. Roger Clemens announced a greedy comeback during the stretch in the Bronx, Alex Rodriguez was having his career year, and Manny Ramirez was winning his second World Series title in four years.

Each one suddenly fell out of favor with fans, media, and most importantly for them, the sportswriters, as one by one, their names were linked with Performance Enhancing Drugs. So after Manny's sudden 50-game suspension, I started wondering, who is next? I thought about it for a few days, and I've drawn up some of my own rationale for each guy, and this is entirely speculation and theory. Here's what I came up with. What should be done? Hit them with Jack Bauer to find the truth? Or wait for tainted urine?

Ryan Ludwick

Statistical Evidence: While Ludwick was Johnny on the spot for the Cards last year, clubbing 37 HR and knocking in 113 runs, it was his first full season in the bigs after playing 120 games in 2007. In 2005 Ludwick hit a dismal .191 for the Toledo Mudhens as a 26 year old. 2006 saw his average climb to .266(roughly his career minor league average), and it climbed to .340 when he earned his call up in 2007.

Rationale: After spending so many years in the minors, and getting the smallest of chances in the bigs, it is completely likely that Ludwick dialed up some sort of substance to help him stick in the majors. Rick Ankiel was a teammate in Memphis and St. Louis, and we all know he was using. So it's possible right?

David Ortiz

Statistical Evidence: His numbers have fallen off a cliff. Yes, I know it's only mid-May, but even last year, Ortiz was not the Big Papi that Fenway Pawk fell in love with. His slugging was it's lowest since his days as a Twin, and his OBP was his lowest since 2003. Yes, his years are getting to him, but Ortiz is only 33, the same age at A-Rod. Coming into play Tuesday night, Ortiz was batting just .224 without a blast.

Rationale: Not only has Ortiz's numbers trailed off of late, but his body has always been, well "Big." Whether or not he is Glen Davis big, or Barry Bonds big, is uncertain.

Jason Isringhausen

Statistical Evidence: From his days as an Oakland A, through 2007, Isringhausen was as consistent as a pitcher could be. 2008 was a bad year for the pitcher, but he battled injuries, and therefore statistical evidence is practically not existent in "Izzy's" case.

Rationale: This is purely me being skeptical of his body size and muscle mass. Unlike most pitchers, Izzy is built, and his wide neck is possible to be enhanced. Yes, I'm making a stretch with Izzy, but I would not be surprised in the least if he was pinned for using.

B.J. Ryan

Statistical Evidence: Ryan was a mediocre pitcher until he came into his own in 2003 and 2004, posting an astounding 2.28 ERA in 87 innings in the latter season. That was followed by 2005 and 2006, seasons that saw 74 saves and ERAs of 2.43 and 1.37. Last year Ryan was healthy after missing most of 2007, and he returned with a slightly lower K-ratio, and his highest WHIP since 2003.

Rationale: Again, Ryan's evidence is not as convincing as Ludwick or the next slugger on the list, but look at B.J. Ryan physically. The guy is built big time, and he has that Mark McGwire neck.

Luis Gonzalez
Statistical evidence: Gonzo's batting average in 1998 was a mediocre .267, but the year after the home run chase, 1999, saw his average climb to .336. As for homers, his career high tally of 57 in 2001 is almost double his second highest that came in 2000. His gradual climb in the years proceeding would put him at 30-37 homers in 2001, but 57? That's shady.

Rationale: Just like Barry Bonds, the lure of the Sosa/McGwire chase has got to be the motive if he did it. Although his body didn't balloon like Bonds or Canseco, he had to be on something. Right?

***

While I've named nothing but players so far, how about I bring up a manager for thought: Tony LaRussa. TLR has not only won titles, but he has coached some of the biggest names in juicing like Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire and Rick Ankiel. Coincidence?

Photo: The Situationist

Is this the Most Unexpected Year in Yankee History?

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Castillo) — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:13:00 +0000

It's only a little over a month into the baseball campaign, yet the Bronx Bombers have faced one of the toughest years in recent memory. Not only have their troubles been on the field, but they've endured difficulties in the stands, and the dark cloud of juicy A-Rod rumors.

With the signings of Teixeira, Sabathia, and Burnett, and the opening of the much touted Yankee Stadium II, 2009 seemed looked magical, but the downturn of fate began in February with the bombshell that Alex Rodriguez had been doping.

A-Rod has been a constant fixture in the headlines, especially now with the release of Selena Roberts' book, titled after the superstar. He's been noted for his self-love, potential use of hair plugs, and still has yet to take the field for the Yankees. Recently, the now clueless Joe Girardi even claimed the story of A-Rod as a success story. How is that possible? He's brought nothing but bad headlines since 2004, and I am fully confident calling him a failure in New York.

The A-Rod cloud has surrounded the team heavily in 2009, but it doesn't stop there.

The season started in April, and the opening of New Yankee Stadium brought near embarrassment to the organization. While the stadium is magnificent in aesthetics, it appears as if several logistics were overlooked by the Yanks' brass.

The Bronx Palace has turned into Coors Field 2.0+, with home runs flying out of park like Josh Hamilton made fashionable and marketable last July. Routine fly balls have launched into the seats time after time, and the lone bright star about bandbox for the Bombers was a piece of nostalgia from the old digs in the form of Jeffery Maier.

So why is the ballpark playing differently if the dimensions are the same? That's simple, the new place is not aligned like the old park. Since the New Yankee Stadium is at a different angle, the wind plays different. Now the wind blows straight out to the short porch in left, hurting the new acquisitions in the rotation.

While the ballpark has been filled in the bleachers, providing a full transition for the Bleacher Creatures, the high rollers in the "sucky" box seats have been rather empty.

We're seeing the first signs of a collossal embarrassment for the NY Yankees. We've discussed this ad nauseum last season and this off-season: the out-pricing of the "average" fan while chasing the ultra-rich/corporate "attendees". I call them attendees as they are generally not fans like you and I, but rather using the game as a lure for future business/favors. Yankee Stadium, for all its $1.5 billion glory, is circling towards a caste system that threatens to treat its most loyal fans the worst. In what other industry would an organization seek to price out its best customers and treat them like second class citizens? It's All About the Money, Stupid

The extreme prices that the Yankees have placed on the box seats is not a trend that their limited to, as the Mets are struggling too. However, it is not an excuse to provide large gaps of blue seats behind the plate and dugouts, while filling every other seat in the House the George Built.

Seriously, how can the Yankees invest so much money into that ballpark, and overlook the factor of wind and the economy. Then again, it's not too surprising as the Yankees feel that they're in their own universe, to loosely quote the Steinbrenners.

To add to the misery is the trouble of an ace gone bad, Taiwanese star Chein-Ming Wang and his astronomical ERA of 34.50. Not only has Wang been beaten hard, getting jerked around by the Indians among others, but even the Yankee faithful themselves are turning on him.

I'm not so sure I think that anymore. There's no two ways about it. Wang sucks right now. I can't believe how bad he sucks right now. I'm not even sure he'll be able to bounce back from this. He's God awful.
Baseball & the Boogie Down

Although Sabathia, Burnett and Joba provide support for the slump of Wang, his struggles have not even been against the Red Sox, who took the first five games against the Bombers.

Yes, it's early, really early. But losing five in a row to a division rival that is as good as the Sawx? It's trouble for the Yankees. Their answer? Kicking out Red Sox fans.

Photo: zimbio