A lot of action, lotta action. Of course the big news is that the Blazers surprised absolutely no one by taking Ohio State center and Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year, Greg Oden. Personally I was hoping for Durant, but I'm certainly not complaining about getting Oden. He's got the ability to be a franchise center and he can make an immediate impact on both ends of the court, and by adding another young, extremely talented player with excellent character, the Blazers have set themselves up to be a serious contender in the west for alot of years.
After that, things got busy for the Blazers. The proposed Randolph trade with the Knicks still took place, bringing in Steve Francis and Channing Frye for Z-bo, Dan Dickau, and Freddie Jones. We knew the Blazers were trying to get rid of Randolph, but I think you could've done better than this. You've spent the last two years trying to bring in high-character guys like Roy and Aldridge, and then you go out and bring in a locker room liability like Steve Francis. Channing Frye could work out playing alongside Aldridge, and by getting rid of Randolph you open up the inside for Aldridge, Oden, and now Frye. I'm not sure he was worth giving up a 23 point, 10 rebound guy to get though. Hopefully Frye, the 8th overall pick in the 2005 draft and 2006 first-team All-Rookie selection, will overcome last years sophomore slump when he only averaged 9.5 points. On the plus side of this trade, the Blazers saved somewhere around $30 million in long term salaries, and you ensure Randolph doesn't introduce Oden to any of Portland back alley strip clubs.
Other first round action saw Portland purchasing the rights to Spanish guard Rudy Fernandez. I don't know much about this guy, except that it sounds like he'll have to stay at least another year in Spain to finish up his contract there.
Portland then picked up Duke forward Josh McRoberts in the second round. No surprise McRoberts slipped in the draft, after a mediocre year last year. I'm not all that excited about him, even in the second round, but maybe he'll develop into a solid player to provide rest for Aldridge and Frye.
With the 42nd pick, Portland got Vandy guard Derrick Byars and traded him to the Philadelphia 76ers for another European guy, point guard Petteri Koponen out of Finland, who might also stay in Europe another year. Don't know anything about this guy, but we're definitely building up a stash of guards.
Then the Blazers got point guard(another one?!?!) Taureen Green, the last of the loaded Florida team in this years draft. Green is a pretty solid point guard, especially this late in the draft. He has the experience of running a championship team and is a great defender and a solid scorer with some good perimeter shooting.
Finally Syracuse forward Demetris Nichols was taken at number 53 and traded to New York for a 2008 second round draft pick.
If they had done nothing but draft Oden, the Blazers would've been winners in this draft, but Paul Allen and Kevin Pritchard have never been ones to sit back and see what happens on draft day, and like last year were one of the most active teams in the draft. I'm curious as to the need of another 3 guards(with the current roster, we now have Francis, Koponen, Green, Sergio Rodriguez, and Jarrett Jack), and now over the last two years they've spent big money to get a couple European point guards in Koponen and Rodriguez. They might try to deal some of them for a veteran small forward, or if Fernandez has to stay in Spain, another shooting guard to help Brandon Roy.
My projected line up for next year looks something like this:
Point Guard: Sergio Rodriguez with Jarrett Jack and Koponen on the bench. Jarrett Jack may hang onto the starting spot, but I really liked what I saw from Rodriguez last year.
Shooting Guard: Brandon Roy with Martell Webster and possibly Rudy Fernandez on the bench
Forwards: LaMarcus Aldridge and Ime Udoka with Channing Frye, Travis Outlaw, and possibly Josh McRoberts riding pine. Channing Frye could very well earn the start here over Udoka.
Center: Greg Oden with Jamaal Magloire/Joel Przybilla providing relief.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Draft Rumors
Possible trade between the Blazers and the Knicks involving Randolph and possibly Dan Dickau in exchange for Channing Frye and Steve Francis. If this goes through, it might mean that the Blazers are going to draft Durant. If they took Oden, they wouldn't have much need for yet another center like Frye, but would still have that gaping hole at the 3 spot. But if they take Durant, they would probably be looking for some depth at center. I guess we'll know in about 5 minutes.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Walk it Off Kobayashi
Takeru "Tsunami" Kobayashi has been the premier professional eater in the world for 6 years. He currently holds world records for eating hamburgers, bratwursts, lobster rolls, cows' brains, and rice balls. He first came into the main stream in 2001 at the Nathan's Famous contest held every Fourth of July. At that event, Kobayashi ate an incredible 50 hot dogs in 12 minutes, nearly doubling the previous world record. He has won every Nathan's Famous contest since, setting a new world record again last year with a mark of 53 3/4 hot dogs.
Very few people have been able to consistently compete with the 29 year-old Japanese phenom, but American Joey Chestnut is one of them. After winning the Rookie of the Year award in 2005, Joey "Jaws" Chestnut finished second at last years world championships, just behind Kobayashi with 52 hot dogs. While Chestnut has been spectacular, with records of his own in Pork Ribs, Waffles, Chicken Wings, and Asparagus, he has yet to be able to beat Kobayashi at the main event.
That was all set to change this year, after Joey Chestnut shattered Kobayashi's world record on June 2 at the Southwest Regional Hotdog Eating Championship by stuffing 59 1/2 hotdogs and buns down his throat. The stage was set for an upset. For the last six years, we've been outdone by a skinny 160 lb Japanese man. Now it was America vs. Japan all over again, and Chestnut was going to bring the crown back home. After all, this is what Americans do, we eat obscene amounts of food.
Now, however, it looks like the title bout will be short by one person. It was reported this week that Kobayashi has suffered a serious jaw injury while training for the World Championships. The Tsunami has been allegedly diagnosed with jaw arthritis and can barely open his jaw. On his blog, Takeru said "I was continuing my training and bearing with the pain but finally I destroyed my jaw." Even with the injury, Kobayashi has said he still hopes to compete in the July 4 event.
Some people with less integrity than I might insinuate that Kobayashi is feigning the injury out of fear of being defeated by Joey Chestnut, or perhaps that this is merely a publicity stunt to garner support among the spectators. I would never sink to that level, but it is awfully convenient.
If Kobayashi does not compete, Joey Chestnut will be the overwhelming favorite, but will have to face the competition of another accomplished eater: Sonya "The Black Widow" Thomas. Sonya, at 39 years old and a surprisingly petite 105 pounds, currently holds 23 world records, including boiled eggs, oysters, crab cakes, and meatballs. Sonya also holds the female record at Nathan's with a mark of 37 hot dogs.
Very few people have been able to consistently compete with the 29 year-old Japanese phenom, but American Joey Chestnut is one of them. After winning the Rookie of the Year award in 2005, Joey "Jaws" Chestnut finished second at last years world championships, just behind Kobayashi with 52 hot dogs. While Chestnut has been spectacular, with records of his own in Pork Ribs, Waffles, Chicken Wings, and Asparagus, he has yet to be able to beat Kobayashi at the main event.
That was all set to change this year, after Joey Chestnut shattered Kobayashi's world record on June 2 at the Southwest Regional Hotdog Eating Championship by stuffing 59 1/2 hotdogs and buns down his throat. The stage was set for an upset. For the last six years, we've been outdone by a skinny 160 lb Japanese man. Now it was America vs. Japan all over again, and Chestnut was going to bring the crown back home. After all, this is what Americans do, we eat obscene amounts of food.
Now, however, it looks like the title bout will be short by one person. It was reported this week that Kobayashi has suffered a serious jaw injury while training for the World Championships. The Tsunami has been allegedly diagnosed with jaw arthritis and can barely open his jaw. On his blog, Takeru said "I was continuing my training and bearing with the pain but finally I destroyed my jaw." Even with the injury, Kobayashi has said he still hopes to compete in the July 4 event.
Some people with less integrity than I might insinuate that Kobayashi is feigning the injury out of fear of being defeated by Joey Chestnut, or perhaps that this is merely a publicity stunt to garner support among the spectators. I would never sink to that level, but it is awfully convenient.
If Kobayashi does not compete, Joey Chestnut will be the overwhelming favorite, but will have to face the competition of another accomplished eater: Sonya "The Black Widow" Thomas. Sonya, at 39 years old and a surprisingly petite 105 pounds, currently holds 23 world records, including boiled eggs, oysters, crab cakes, and meatballs. Sonya also holds the female record at Nathan's with a mark of 37 hot dogs.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Oden vs. Durant
I've changed my mind again. Originally I wanted Durant because he would fill a bigger need for the Blazers. Then after the Orlando pre-draft workouts, and Oden's absolutely god-like numbers I began leaning towards the big guy. Now I'm back to wanting Durant.
Sure, Durant couldn't even bench 185 lbs one time, but when you look at it, I don't see it as a very big deal. Durant is only 19. I doubt he ever lifted much(if at all) in high school, and probably not in college either since he was only there one year and was too busy playing basketball. The person that can naturally bench 185 lbs without lifting is a rare person indeed. Additionally, Durant is 6'9"...and has a 7'5" wingspan! Try lifting 185 lbs that far, the guy is a frickin condor! In both high school and college, he was far and away the most athletic player and the most talented player. His strength has never been an issue, you don't finish in the top 5 in points AND rebounds as a freshman if you're not a strong basketball player. Both his parents and Durant, as well as his coaches, talk about the insane amounts of time he spent on the courts. Not just for a few years, but for as long as he's been playing basketball. While other players were lifting weights to get stronger and faster, Durant was becoming an absolute ridiculous talented baller. If Durant puts even half of that work ethic into his NBA career, where much of his off-season will be spent lifting and working out, that strength will come, and come very quickly.
And I know that Oden jumped higher, and ran faster at the Orlando camp, but again, it was never a weakness on the court. Durant is such a talented ball handler, he is able to get open when he needs too, and he can protect the rim and pull down rebounds without a problem. In addition to his scoring and rebounds, Durant also averaged almost 2 blocks a game and nearly 2 steals a game as well. In the NBA, he will be forced to improve in these areas, but Durant has shown that he is willing to work to improve, and he is only going to get better...and that is a scary thought. After Durant's workout in Portland last week, Blazer's GM Kevin Pritchard said it was the best workout he'd ever seen.
Oden isn't perfect either though. At least two red flags came up in his medical physical. His wrist, which by all accounts is probably a non-issue and seems to be healing just fine, and a bulging disc in his back. Again, doctors say it's not to be worried about, and it won't need surgery, but these both definitely fall into at least the neutral column.
The main thing that switched my preference ever so slightly back towards Durant, is the desire factor. Oden wanted to be a dentist(that's right, a frickin dentist!!), who because of his size and natural talent decided to play basketball. And while staying home and watching movies(one of Oden's declared hobbies) certaintly isn't a bad thing(especially for an NBA player on a team that until recently was known as the JailBlazers), you don't sense that unbridaled passion for the game in Oden. How many times did you see Oden get excited playing at Ohio State last year? The most emotion the guy ever showed was a little bit of heavy breathing towards the end of a game.
Durant, on the other hand, has never wanted to be anything BUT an NBA player. His hobbies seem to be playing basketball, playing basketball, and practicing basketball. This guy has the fire, all he wants to do is play basketball and win basketball games. He wants to win, and he wants to be the guy to win it. To use a term that gets thrown around alot, the guy is an assassin.
After being awarded the NCAA Player of the Year award after Texas was eliminated from March Madness, Durant said "This is a great honor, but I'd rather be in the final four." He AVERAGED a double-double(25.8 points/11.1 rebounds) on the year, and set a Big 12 record for 30 point games. He put up a 37-23 performance against Texas Tech and a 25 point HALF against Kansas, and in every close game, it was Durant who wanted, and usually, got the ball. And he did all this with a coach that looked perfectly inept at designing plays for Durant and getting him the ball. Durant has absolutely no ceiling. He could be the next Kobe, Lebron, or Wade. He could even be the next Jordan. Or he might be the first Durant, a one-of-a-kind talent unlike anything that's ever been seen.
And finally, lets not forget 1984. The Blazers decided to take a big guy, Sam Bowie, over the smaller, more talented guard. We will never know what Bowie could have been, since he was plagued by injuries and didn't last long, but everybody knows the other guy. A skinny kid from North Carolina who went on to have a pretty good career with the Chicago Bulls: Michael Jordan.
Sure, Durant couldn't even bench 185 lbs one time, but when you look at it, I don't see it as a very big deal. Durant is only 19. I doubt he ever lifted much(if at all) in high school, and probably not in college either since he was only there one year and was too busy playing basketball. The person that can naturally bench 185 lbs without lifting is a rare person indeed. Additionally, Durant is 6'9"...and has a 7'5" wingspan! Try lifting 185 lbs that far, the guy is a frickin condor! In both high school and college, he was far and away the most athletic player and the most talented player. His strength has never been an issue, you don't finish in the top 5 in points AND rebounds as a freshman if you're not a strong basketball player. Both his parents and Durant, as well as his coaches, talk about the insane amounts of time he spent on the courts. Not just for a few years, but for as long as he's been playing basketball. While other players were lifting weights to get stronger and faster, Durant was becoming an absolute ridiculous talented baller. If Durant puts even half of that work ethic into his NBA career, where much of his off-season will be spent lifting and working out, that strength will come, and come very quickly.
And I know that Oden jumped higher, and ran faster at the Orlando camp, but again, it was never a weakness on the court. Durant is such a talented ball handler, he is able to get open when he needs too, and he can protect the rim and pull down rebounds without a problem. In addition to his scoring and rebounds, Durant also averaged almost 2 blocks a game and nearly 2 steals a game as well. In the NBA, he will be forced to improve in these areas, but Durant has shown that he is willing to work to improve, and he is only going to get better...and that is a scary thought. After Durant's workout in Portland last week, Blazer's GM Kevin Pritchard said it was the best workout he'd ever seen.
Oden isn't perfect either though. At least two red flags came up in his medical physical. His wrist, which by all accounts is probably a non-issue and seems to be healing just fine, and a bulging disc in his back. Again, doctors say it's not to be worried about, and it won't need surgery, but these both definitely fall into at least the neutral column.
The main thing that switched my preference ever so slightly back towards Durant, is the desire factor. Oden wanted to be a dentist(that's right, a frickin dentist!!), who because of his size and natural talent decided to play basketball. And while staying home and watching movies(one of Oden's declared hobbies) certaintly isn't a bad thing(especially for an NBA player on a team that until recently was known as the JailBlazers), you don't sense that unbridaled passion for the game in Oden. How many times did you see Oden get excited playing at Ohio State last year? The most emotion the guy ever showed was a little bit of heavy breathing towards the end of a game.
Durant, on the other hand, has never wanted to be anything BUT an NBA player. His hobbies seem to be playing basketball, playing basketball, and practicing basketball. This guy has the fire, all he wants to do is play basketball and win basketball games. He wants to win, and he wants to be the guy to win it. To use a term that gets thrown around alot, the guy is an assassin.
After being awarded the NCAA Player of the Year award after Texas was eliminated from March Madness, Durant said "This is a great honor, but I'd rather be in the final four." He AVERAGED a double-double(25.8 points/11.1 rebounds) on the year, and set a Big 12 record for 30 point games. He put up a 37-23 performance against Texas Tech and a 25 point HALF against Kansas, and in every close game, it was Durant who wanted, and usually, got the ball. And he did all this with a coach that looked perfectly inept at designing plays for Durant and getting him the ball. Durant has absolutely no ceiling. He could be the next Kobe, Lebron, or Wade. He could even be the next Jordan. Or he might be the first Durant, a one-of-a-kind talent unlike anything that's ever been seen.
And finally, lets not forget 1984. The Blazers decided to take a big guy, Sam Bowie, over the smaller, more talented guard. We will never know what Bowie could have been, since he was plagued by injuries and didn't last long, but everybody knows the other guy. A skinny kid from North Carolina who went on to have a pretty good career with the Chicago Bulls: Michael Jordan.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Penguins Roster News
Last week the Penguins strengthened their roster, resigning two veterans and drafting another young offensive phenom. Gary Roberts and Mark Recchi, the Penguins two oldest players at 41 and 39 respectively, both signed one-year deals with Penguins. Both players needed to be signed before July 1 or they would have become unrestricted free agents. Recchi played in every Penguin's game last year, racking up 68 points, including his 500th career goal and 800th career assist. Roberts was a newcomer, playing in only 19 games with Pittsburgh after being acquired at the trade deadline last year, but provided a much needed physical presence on the young Penguins team. There was talk after the season of one or both veterans being traded or retiring.
On Friday, the Penguins also selected center Angelo Esposito with the 20th pick in the NHL draft. Esposito, who played the last two years with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Quebec Remparts, was ranked No. 8 among centers and defensemen by NHL Central Scouting, but was at one point ranked No. 1 among North American skaters. Esposito had an amazing rookie season in 2006, scoring 98 points and was considered one of the top picks. His productivity fell back a bit this year, although he still had 79 points in 60 games, and even though his draft status fell, he's still a steal at #20. If he plays to his potential, the Penguins will be even more potent on offense next year.
On Friday, the Penguins also selected center Angelo Esposito with the 20th pick in the NHL draft. Esposito, who played the last two years with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Quebec Remparts, was ranked No. 8 among centers and defensemen by NHL Central Scouting, but was at one point ranked No. 1 among North American skaters. Esposito had an amazing rookie season in 2006, scoring 98 points and was considered one of the top picks. His productivity fell back a bit this year, although he still had 79 points in 60 games, and even though his draft status fell, he's still a steal at #20. If he plays to his potential, the Penguins will be even more potent on offense next year.
SWEEP!!
The local Beavers have done it again. In the first CWS Finals rematch since 1972 & 1973, the Oregon State Beavers beat the North Carolina Tarheels 9-3 to win the 2007 College World Series. The Beav's became the first team to win back-to-back champs since LSU did it 10 years ago. After a rough stretch of conference games in May, OSU dropped below .500 in conference play and almost didn't make the 64 team tournament. Once in the tourney however, the Beav's made the most of it, finishing their season with 10 straight wins. OSU dominated at the finals in Omaha, trailing for only 1 inning in their 5 games played after UNC scored in the first yesterday. The lead didn't last long for the Tarheels as the Beavers put up 3 in the second behind shortstop Darwin Barney's 2 run homer. OSU never looked back, stifling every rally UNC started and limiting them to just 2 more runs.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Copperhouse Rivalry continues
Pittsburgh won the first of a three games in a rare Copperhouse Series in Seattle. The game last night marked the first time since the 2006 Super Bowl that a teams from Pittsburgh and Seattle matched up, and the Bucs picked up a win behind a 7 inning outing from Tom Gorzelanny and managed to hang on despite missing closers Matt Capps and Salomon Torres from the bullpen. Torres is still on the DL after tweaking his shoulder, and last night Capps served the first game of a 3-game suspension for drilling Prince Fielder with a pitch earlier in the month.
With starter Ian Snell still out of commission after burning his finger while cleaning the stove, Paul Maholm will move up in the rotation and start the second game tonight.
With starter Ian Snell still out of commission after burning his finger while cleaning the stove, Paul Maholm will move up in the rotation and start the second game tonight.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Some people never learn
Adam "Pacman/Make it Rain" Jones is at it again. "Pacman" is currently on a year-long suspension from the NFL for his role in an altercation in a Las Vegas strip club, where his group and several other people got into a fight that ended with three people being shot, leaving a bar employee paralyzed and two other people wounded.
So you might think that the Tennessee Titans cornerback, knowing his career was on the line, and having already lost this years salary of a cool $1.3 million, might try to avoid situations like the one in Vegas. Maybe try to avoid gunfights at strip clubs. You'd be wrong. Police are seeking "Pacman" for questioning after a fight at an Atlanta strip club involving members of his entourage escalated into a shooting early Monday morning. Police have said that they are only seeking "Pacman" as a witness and do not believe he was involved in the shooting.
One bystander, not involved in the dispute, was injured by debris during the shooting and was treated by paramedics.
So you might think that the Tennessee Titans cornerback, knowing his career was on the line, and having already lost this years salary of a cool $1.3 million, might try to avoid situations like the one in Vegas. Maybe try to avoid gunfights at strip clubs. You'd be wrong. Police are seeking "Pacman" for questioning after a fight at an Atlanta strip club involving members of his entourage escalated into a shooting early Monday morning. Police have said that they are only seeking "Pacman" as a witness and do not believe he was involved in the shooting.
One bystander, not involved in the dispute, was injured by debris during the shooting and was treated by paramedics.
Friday, June 15, 2007
More Bling for Crosby, Malkin
Having already been named NHL Player of the Year by The Sporting News, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby added another trophy to his case as he took home the Hart Trophy for the NHL MVP. With 91 first place votes, the voting wasn't even close, as the 19 year old Crosby became the youngest NHL MVP since Wayne Gretzky. Crosby also received the Pearson Award, an MVP award that is voted on by the player's union.
Also being honored last night was Evgeni Malkin, who took home the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie. Earlier this year, Malkin also won The Sporting News Rookie of the Year award.
Also being honored last night was Evgeni Malkin, who took home the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie. Earlier this year, Malkin also won The Sporting News Rookie of the Year award.
Photo from TSN.ca
Monday, June 11, 2007
Bonds Hits Another
It's beginning to look inevitable that, barring a serious injury, Barry Bonds will break Hank Aarons record for career home runs this season. Against the Blue Jays last night, Bonds hit his 13th dinger of the year, number 747 of his career. Leaving him just 9 home runs from breaking Hammerin' Hank's record. Although he's been in a bit of slump as of late, Bonds is still tied for 7th in the NL for home runs this year, 5th in the NL for slugging percentage, and he's leading everyone in the majors in walks and on-base percentage.
Whether you want Bonds to break the record or not, he's having a pretty impressive season considering he'll turn 43 in July. And no matter how cynical you may be, I don't think anyone can believe he's using steroids this year. Not with all the spotlights on him. There's nothing MLB and Congress wouldn't do right now to nail Bonds' balls to the wall on steroids charges instead of digging through his trash trying to get him on tax evasion and perjury. He's probably peeing in more cups right now than Lance Armstrong was when he was kicking the shit out of the rest of the world pedaling through the mountains of France.
So if Bonds isn't using drugs now, that leaves us with the past. An overwhelming majority of Americans believe that Bonds used steroids and performance enhancing drugs at some point in the past. Although apparently that number is skewed pretty significantly across racial lines. While I agree that that the pursuit of Bonds is motivated, at least partially by race, I think it's pretty naive for anyone, white or black, to think that Bonds is 100% clean. But regardless of what the circumstantial evidence may indicate, there is no real evidence against him. Bonds has never tested positive for performance enhancing drugs, nor has he ever been caught while in possession of them. Meanwhile, more and more evidence is indicating that performance enhancing drug use in baseball in the 90's was rampant. Whether it was amphetamines and uppers(greenies) to increase hand-eye coordination or energy during a long road trip, or HGH to increase strength and durability, it seems Major League Baseball was basically a 30-team pharmacy for way too long.
Until 2002, MLB didn't even have a steroid policy, and they are still reluctant to implement HGH testing. This was well after it became apparent to most people that steroids were becoming a problem in baseball. After the 1994 strike, baseball was desperate to attract fans to the game. Fans love home runs, so MLB ignored the increasing drug use. The League and fans across the country cheered as Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa both shattered the single-season HR record, ignoring the fact that their heads were swelling up like balloons. They ignored it as Roger Clemens turned 40 and continued to absolutely dominate batters. Then a Bay Area laboratory, BALCO, was busted for developing and distributing steroids to professional athletes. During the ensuing court case, MLB decided they could no longer claim ignorance. Fans and the League pretended to be shocked that players were using drugs. Congress decided it had nothing better to do with America's tax dollars and joined the witch hunt. Suddenly the game was no longer pure. McGwire's decided he didn't want to talk about the past and Sosa forgot how to speak English. Rafael Palmeiro said he had never used steroids "Period!".
Since then, McGwire has retired and was later denied first-ballot acceptance to the Hall of Fame despite numbers that 10 years ago would have made him a shoe-in. Sosa disappeared from the spotlight for awhile(apparently to go on a diet and learn english), and is now playing again. Rafael Palmeiro was suspended for testing positive for
performance enhancing drugs. Jason Giambi has now recently admitted to, well something, and refuses to give any more details, yet no one wants an asterisk next his Comeback Player of the Year award.
For the last several years, Congress and Baseball have done everything they can to bust Bonds. Federal investigators busted Diamondback's pitcher Jason Grimsley for drugs and tried to get him to wear a wire against Bonds. A federal judge jailed the authors of Game of Shadows for refusing to name their sources of leaked grand jury testimony during the BALCO case. Meanwhile, Barry Bonds continue to plug along doing what he does best these days: hit home runs.
Regardless of whether he used drugs or not, there's on denying that Bonds is one of the greatest to play the game. Yes, he probably used steroids, but it wasn't against MLB policy when he did it. Yes, it was against the law, but should that be enough to deny Bonds his records and deny him entrance to the Hall of Fame? If you're going to take that stand, then every baseball player who ever beat his wife, or drove drunk, or took coke should be removed from the Hall of Fame as well. Is MLB willing to do that. I doubt it. Is MLB also willing to void all records and stats recorded during the "Steroid Era"? I don't think so. Even now, baseball is against testing for HGH, Whether it is this year(as seems likely), or next year, I will cheer as Barry hits #756. And as that ball disappears over the wall, I will laugh as Bud Selig and Major League Baseball squirm in their seats and wonder how to handle this. They deserve this for allowing America's Pasttime to be forever tainted and refusing to deal with the problem while it was relatively small. Instead they decided to ignore it, and for that I hope Bonds breaks the record.
Whether you want Bonds to break the record or not, he's having a pretty impressive season considering he'll turn 43 in July. And no matter how cynical you may be, I don't think anyone can believe he's using steroids this year. Not with all the spotlights on him. There's nothing MLB and Congress wouldn't do right now to nail Bonds' balls to the wall on steroids charges instead of digging through his trash trying to get him on tax evasion and perjury. He's probably peeing in more cups right now than Lance Armstrong was when he was kicking the shit out of the rest of the world pedaling through the mountains of France.
So if Bonds isn't using drugs now, that leaves us with the past. An overwhelming majority of Americans believe that Bonds used steroids and performance enhancing drugs at some point in the past. Although apparently that number is skewed pretty significantly across racial lines. While I agree that that the pursuit of Bonds is motivated, at least partially by race, I think it's pretty naive for anyone, white or black, to think that Bonds is 100% clean. But regardless of what the circumstantial evidence may indicate, there is no real evidence against him. Bonds has never tested positive for performance enhancing drugs, nor has he ever been caught while in possession of them. Meanwhile, more and more evidence is indicating that performance enhancing drug use in baseball in the 90's was rampant. Whether it was amphetamines and uppers(greenies) to increase hand-eye coordination or energy during a long road trip, or HGH to increase strength and durability, it seems Major League Baseball was basically a 30-team pharmacy for way too long.
Until 2002, MLB didn't even have a steroid policy, and they are still reluctant to implement HGH testing. This was well after it became apparent to most people that steroids were becoming a problem in baseball. After the 1994 strike, baseball was desperate to attract fans to the game. Fans love home runs, so MLB ignored the increasing drug use. The League and fans across the country cheered as Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa both shattered the single-season HR record, ignoring the fact that their heads were swelling up like balloons. They ignored it as Roger Clemens turned 40 and continued to absolutely dominate batters. Then a Bay Area laboratory, BALCO, was busted for developing and distributing steroids to professional athletes. During the ensuing court case, MLB decided they could no longer claim ignorance. Fans and the League pretended to be shocked that players were using drugs. Congress decided it had nothing better to do with America's tax dollars and joined the witch hunt. Suddenly the game was no longer pure. McGwire's decided he didn't want to talk about the past and Sosa forgot how to speak English. Rafael Palmeiro said he had never used steroids "Period!".
Since then, McGwire has retired and was later denied first-ballot acceptance to the Hall of Fame despite numbers that 10 years ago would have made him a shoe-in. Sosa disappeared from the spotlight for awhile(apparently to go on a diet and learn english), and is now playing again. Rafael Palmeiro was suspended for testing positive for
performance enhancing drugs. Jason Giambi has now recently admitted to, well something, and refuses to give any more details, yet no one wants an asterisk next his Comeback Player of the Year award.
For the last several years, Congress and Baseball have done everything they can to bust Bonds. Federal investigators busted Diamondback's pitcher Jason Grimsley for drugs and tried to get him to wear a wire against Bonds. A federal judge jailed the authors of Game of Shadows for refusing to name their sources of leaked grand jury testimony during the BALCO case. Meanwhile, Barry Bonds continue to plug along doing what he does best these days: hit home runs.
"To hit the ball, the guy makes it look easy, but it ain't. I don't know how you can have that swing, consistently. I don't know how steroids can do that," David Ortiz told the Boston Herald. "There are supposed to be guys using steroids in the game, and there's nobody close to Barry Bonds. What's that mean? He was using the best [stuff]? Know what I'm saying?"
Regardless of whether he used drugs or not, there's on denying that Bonds is one of the greatest to play the game. Yes, he probably used steroids, but it wasn't against MLB policy when he did it. Yes, it was against the law, but should that be enough to deny Bonds his records and deny him entrance to the Hall of Fame? If you're going to take that stand, then every baseball player who ever beat his wife, or drove drunk, or took coke should be removed from the Hall of Fame as well. Is MLB willing to do that. I doubt it. Is MLB also willing to void all records and stats recorded during the "Steroid Era"? I don't think so. Even now, baseball is against testing for HGH, Whether it is this year(as seems likely), or next year, I will cheer as Barry hits #756. And as that ball disappears over the wall, I will laugh as Bud Selig and Major League Baseball squirm in their seats and wonder how to handle this. They deserve this for allowing America's Pasttime to be forever tainted and refusing to deal with the problem while it was relatively small. Instead they decided to ignore it, and for that I hope Bonds breaks the record.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Bradyfan83
Best known for his stirring tribute to Tom Brady seen below, Youtube's Bradyfan83 also has several other NFL tribute songs. With titles like "You Made it Rain" about Pacman Jones and "Cash For My Soul" (Peyton Manning), Bradyfan83 isn't afraid to give credit to players other than Mr. Bundchen with his tributes.
The original "Brady"
"That Brady is a Chump"
A pre-dogfighting tribute to Vick, "Ron Mexico"
The original "Brady"
"That Brady is a Chump"
A pre-dogfighting tribute to Vick, "Ron Mexico"
Friday, June 8, 2007
Now That's a Novel Idea
Mark Kreigel over Foxsports.com has written an excellent article about the need for amnesty for former steroid users in Major League Baseball.
For the fans, steroids have become a pretty tired issue, and this is one of the rare articles of late that doesn't fall back on arguing about the Bond's case.
The time has come for Commissioner Bud Selig to grant amnesty to the ballplayers who used performance enhancing drugs prior to the establishment of the Major League testing policy.
The home run records are tainted. They will remain tainted, asterisk or not, as there is no mathematical formula to factor out the influence of deca durabolin, stanozolol, or any of the BALCO balms. The crime has been committed. And it wasn't just the players who got away with it, but the industry itself. There's plenty of blame to be shared among the players, the owners, the media, the union and, of course, the commissioner who didn't want to know anything until it was too late.
For the fans, steroids have become a pretty tired issue, and this is one of the rare articles of late that doesn't fall back on arguing about the Bond's case.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Freak of Nature
Get ready for some mind-blowing Oden vs Durant numbers from the Orlando NBA predraft camp.
First of all, the bench press. The NBA rates players on how many times they can bench 185 lbs. While Greg Oden didn't attempt the bench press in order to avoid re-injuring his recovering right wrist, Kevin Durant was unable to put up even ONE REP! Durant was the only player at the camp unable to put up one rep.
Next up, the 3/4 court sprint. Oregon's Aaron Brooks, one of the fastest college players last year finished in 3.2 seconds. Greg Oden finished in 3.27 seconds. Not bad for a guy who towers over Brooks by a full 12" and has a 100 lbs on him. As for Durant: He finished in 3.45 seconds. Oden was also the fastest among all centers that competed, while Durant was last among small forwards.
In the standing vertical leap, Oden jumped 32" while Durant, weighing more than 40 lbs less, got up only 26". Again, Oden was the best among centers, while Durant was again dead last among small forwards.
In the lane agility drill, consisting of running through cones while alternating between running backward, sideways, and forwards, Oden finished in 11.67 seconds. Durant finished in 12.33 seconds. Oden finished second among centers, .02 seconds behind Daryl Watkins of Syracuse. In keeping with the pattern, Durant was second to last, beating out Quinton Hosley of Fresno State.
In addition to the speed and agility numbers, Oden, standing almost 7' and weighing in at nearly 260 lbs, came in at less than 8% body fat! For a 19 year old of that size, that is absolutely astounding. It also means that in the NBA, he will likely be able to carry another 20-30 lbs on his frame, adding to his already intimidating inside presence.
For anyone interested, you can download the full stats file from Jason Quick's Behind The Beat blog on The Oregonian website.
First of all, the bench press. The NBA rates players on how many times they can bench 185 lbs. While Greg Oden didn't attempt the bench press in order to avoid re-injuring his recovering right wrist, Kevin Durant was unable to put up even ONE REP! Durant was the only player at the camp unable to put up one rep.
Next up, the 3/4 court sprint. Oregon's Aaron Brooks, one of the fastest college players last year finished in 3.2 seconds. Greg Oden finished in 3.27 seconds. Not bad for a guy who towers over Brooks by a full 12" and has a 100 lbs on him. As for Durant: He finished in 3.45 seconds. Oden was also the fastest among all centers that competed, while Durant was last among small forwards.
In the standing vertical leap, Oden jumped 32" while Durant, weighing more than 40 lbs less, got up only 26". Again, Oden was the best among centers, while Durant was again dead last among small forwards.
In the lane agility drill, consisting of running through cones while alternating between running backward, sideways, and forwards, Oden finished in 11.67 seconds. Durant finished in 12.33 seconds. Oden finished second among centers, .02 seconds behind Daryl Watkins of Syracuse. In keeping with the pattern, Durant was second to last, beating out Quinton Hosley of Fresno State.
In addition to the speed and agility numbers, Oden, standing almost 7' and weighing in at nearly 260 lbs, came in at less than 8% body fat! For a 19 year old of that size, that is absolutely astounding. It also means that in the NBA, he will likely be able to carry another 20-30 lbs on his frame, adding to his already intimidating inside presence.
For anyone interested, you can download the full stats file from Jason Quick's Behind The Beat blog on The Oregonian website.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Poor Paris Hilton
The day after the slightly worried looking heiress unexpectedly showed up to the MTV Movie Awards only to be thoroughly bashed on by host Sarah Silverman, Ms. Hilton checked herself into an LA County jail to begin serving her sentence for probation violation. Paris will be staying in "special needs" section of the jail that is used to keep high-profile inmates separate from the general population. She will apparently not have a cellmate to sexually abuse keep her company in her 12x8 cell. And with only 1 hour a day allowed out of her cell, and no cellphones allowed, Paris will likely suffer from severe connectile dysfunction. Perhaps she can keep herself busy by beefing up to protect herself in the showers.
Of course the people I'm really worried about are the paparazzi. With Paris in jail and Lindsey in rehab, it could be a tough couple weeks for the tabloids. We can only hope that Britney can get some panty-less partying done without the other two.
In honor of Paris' incarceration, a couple youtube prison catfights for everybody's enjoyment.
Prison Catfight
Of course the people I'm really worried about are the paparazzi. With Paris in jail and Lindsey in rehab, it could be a tough couple weeks for the tabloids. We can only hope that Britney can get some panty-less partying done without the other two.
In honor of Paris' incarceration, a couple youtube prison catfights for everybody's enjoyment.
Prison Catfight
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