And The Survey Says ……….

If like me you’re an avid sports fan and you just can’t wait for the NFL and College Football season to start. And you have about as much interest in preseason football, as perhaps you might want in seeing the numerous repeat issues , as to how Brett Favre or Michael Vick might fare , as to the upcoming season. Enough of it already ! Then what better way than to get away from that all , than just analyzing some of the sports stories that are now taking place ?

Lou’s belief that Notre Dame will make it to the BCS championship game. Keep on taking those meds Lou. I can feel your saliva all over me at present . Thanks , now does that mean I’ll end up with the swine flu ?

In college football , ESPN analyst and well respected former coach , Lou Holtz has made his own prediction as to whom he believes will be playing for the BCS national championship. No surprises there, mind you , except the fact that one his choices is that of his former college team Notre Dame . Whom, Holtz believes, will be taking on the preseason AP Top 25 number one ranked, Florida Gators in the championship. Believe me , when I say understand Lou’s decision when it comes to remaining loyal to a program , where he served them well , as their coach. But in all honesty is there really anyone out there who really believes that The Fightin’ Irish really stands a cat in hell’s chance of making it to the championship game ? It’s not as if the program has been of any relevance in collegiate football for the last decade to begin with.

Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen attends a press conference on campus as he's photographed and takes questions from members of the press as to Notre Dame's hopes for the upcoming college football season. picture appears courtesy of usatoday.com/photo/ John Zich ....................

It’s been the proverbial hype and the fact that at the continual behest of NBC that its games are televized to an ever dwindling audience. Never-mind the fact that the network itself has no real rationale in its continuing loyalty to the program. Other than the fact that its head of sports programming Dick Ebersol is a former alumni. But that would seem to explain it all ! I mean what else is there to watch on NBC at present other than the nightly Jay Leno Show , 30 Rock , The Office or Heroes ? When you’re the fourth placed network on broadcast television and you’re even behind Fox when it comes to prime time coverage . Then things have got to be really bad when you’re pinning your hopes on Notre Dame football games , in order to lure viewers and the patronage of your corporate advertisers.

As to Holtz’s reasons behind this sudden burst of enthusiasm for the Charlie Weis coached team . I can only think that Holtz, himself , hasn’t woken up and smelt the coffee. Or one can surmise that his meds are being prescribed to him by Michael Jackson’s former personal physician, Dr Conrad Murray. Over the tenure of Weis’ rein this program hasn’t improved significantly. And if people were being honest , Weis hasn’t really performed any better than his predecessor Tyrone Willingham as a coach. And that’s despite the fact that last season they won a meaningless Bowl game against the University of Hawaii . That being said , if that’s what Lou Holtz is judging this program by and the mere fact that he believes that the team’s quarterback Jimmy Clausen has finally matured into a college player. Then all bets are off !

Whilst on appearance Clausen seems a good player . His leadership skills and on-field decision making does leave a great deal to be desired. Less we forget , this team in terms of its roster isn’t one that you’d deem to be breath taking, in terms of its depth and experience. Even with the return of a number of seniors on the squad. But then again for The Fightin’ Irish boosters and alumnus out there , they live in hope. Anything short of a major Bowl appearance and one will have to question whether or not Weis’ tenure at Notre Dame has been at all worth it. The continued excuses and the fact that the university extended Weis’ contract. It either proves that university President Rev. John I. Jenkins and Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick were foolhardy or they may well have been worried that he’d bolt back to the NFL. I’ll leave it for you to be the judge of that .

Unless I’m mistaken the reason for the New York Mets’ signing of Francisco Rodriguez was to secure a closer that could get the job done. Albeit , that the team over the last couple of years has seemingly fallen apart with the regularity of Janet Jackson or Tara Reid wardrobe malfunction. Staged or not at the time it made you sit up and take note as to what was going on. And for a team that has underperformed overwhelmingly this season. I for one am sick and tired of hearing the continuous excuses from the paeans within Foxsports and ESPN as to what ails the Mets. OK, so one can attribute many of team’s woes to injuries. But isn’t there a reason why an organization has an active roster of 25 players plus its affiliates within AAA and AA ? Whereby they can draw those resources from ? But then again these are the foolhardy Mets . Where they’ve always been of the opinion that they can buy their way out of trouble.

To see the Mets operate when it comes to making many of their personnel decisions. In many respects it’s like viewing a sailor on leave making a deal with a hooker for her services. No matter how steep the price may well be , just as long as he gets laid. Never-mind the fact that the hooker mightn’t be all that experienced to begin with. That’s been the where-with all and mindset of the club’s GM Omar Minaya .

As to their fortunes this year , let’s just say that with a record of (57-68) in the NL East . Their season is effectively over-all that they’re now playing for , is self respect and pride. Not that any of that has been exhibited with by the team to begin with. They’ve bitched and moaned as to their problems and that’s just the players and front office. Never-mind that their fans have been their usual contemptuous selves. Who’d have thought of any New York fan to begin with ? Rarely has a team promised so much each season but continually comes up short with an ever increasing consistency. But then again these are the New York Mets that we’re talking about ! Mediocrity seems to the norm for a franchise that can but look on , as to the success of their crosstown rivals the New York Yankees .

Pitching problems apart this team can’t manufacture runs if their lives depended upon it. And nowhere has this been more indicative than when it comes to their ace Johan Santana . Countless times this season the player has kept his team in games. Only for them to fall apart offensively because of their anemic play . And defensively, this team leaves a hell of a lot to be desired. Little leaguers could teach several members on this team how to play this game while being fundamentally sound at the same time still relish a zeal for playing baseball. Instead it’s like watching a bunch of overpaid primadonnas play at the part of being a professional baseball player.

And if at present , if there’s anything that is indicative as to how out of sorts and the idiocy that’s now taking place within the Mets’ organization. It is that of the case of the team’s former closer Billy Wagner . The player, having resumed his career after having been on the disabled list. He was placed on waivers by the team and an interest was shown in the player by the Boston Red Sox . That notwithstanding , the player is seeking assurances from the his suitors that they’ll guarantee him being a closer on the team. Unless I’m mistaken the Red Sox already have a closer in Johnathan Papelbon . Who if anything , is more than Wagner’s equal and is far more reliable. And whilst I understand that Wagner has a no trade and buyout clause within his contract. He’s hardly in a position to be dictating to either party , as to where he ought to ultimately end up playing . But such is the idiocy of the sport of baseball , where the players seemingly have the real power-management and the game’s hierarchy are held hostage to their demands , much of the time.

Mets' closer Billy Wagner poses for the team's official pictures prior to the start of the '09 season at the team's training facility in Port St Lucie in Florida . picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Doug Benc .......................

Now come full circle and if things couldn’t get much worse for the Mets. They’ve now lost Santana for the season, due to a lingering elbow injury. That being said if the player should be in need of having to undergo surgery. It’s best that he’s shut down now and the team tend to the problem.

Courtesy of Yahoo and AP Sports :

Mets trade reliever Billy Wagner

By Jimmy Golen , AP Sports Writer .

Boston-(AP) Billy Wagner is on his way to the Boston Red Sox.

After a few days of back-and-forth talks about Wagners’ future , the New York Mets traded the left-handed reliever to the Red Sox for two players to be named.

The AL wild card leaders had claimed Wagner on waivers. He’ll join a strong bullpen that features All-Star closer Johnathan Papelbon .

_______________________________________________________
In order to read the Yahoo AP article in its entirety just click on the text headlined link shown.
_______________________________________________________

The travails of the Mets are never-ending. But many of their problems have come from the sheer ineptitude shown by their front office staff and the moronic coaching led by Jerry Manuel and his staff. And seemingly the Wilpon family, as owners of the team, have shown faith in not only Manuel but also Minaya. As they’ve stated that the two will be back for next season. In the case Mets you can’t win but for losing and then some !

Mets' ace Johan Santana on the mound against the New York Mets at Citi Field in Flushing , New York. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Jim McIsaac ................

Courtesy of AP Sports :

Mets’ Santana to have elbow surgery, out for year

By Ben Walker , AP Baseball Writer .

New York-(AP) Johan Santana needs surgery for bone chips in his left elbow and the star pitcher is out for the season, the latest blow for a New York Mets’ team battered by injuries.

The team said their 30-year-old ace is expected to be ready for spring training next year. The two-time Cy Young winner was examined Tuesday by Mets’ medical director Dr David Altchek in New York.

Mets’ general manager Omar Minaya said Santana was evaluated around the All Star break, adding the injury worsened in recent weeks, especially after his last start. The GM said “nothing was there” during the previous checkup.

________________________________________________________
In order to read this AP article in its entirety then just click on the headlined text shown within .
________________________________________________________

If It’s Not About The Money Then What Is It In The World Of Sports ?

If It’s Not About Money Then What Is It In The World Of Sports

Well unless we’ve all missed something when it comes to the business of sports. It’s clearly about the finances before one can go out and assemble the talent on the field of play. I’ve read the pieces of many contributors and all that they tend to opine about are the statistics and not much else.

Granted, there’s a need to assess statistics but at the end of the day before one can start to opine on the greatness of a sports franchise. One clearly needs to take a look at the structure and in particular the organizational setup in terms of the finances. The biggest misnomer there is in sports is the fact that it’s about the talent and then statistics. Before any of that can come into being , there has to be a template in terms of the financial setup of an organization. And that too, of the ownership and the subordinates in terms of the executives. If those aren’t in place then it’s hard to see how the groundwork of an organization can come into being.A case in point , is the veracity being placed with regard to statistics and the game of baseball.

The biggest fallacy I’ve read is in a piece that was recently written , wherein the writer was trying to make an argument as to the astuteness when it came to the effectiveness of Toronto Blue Jays‘ GM J P Ricciardi . The basis of the writer’s argument was around the idiocy of Ricciardi’s assembling of talent within the organization. The fact of the matter is that while the talent was there. The team has never proven to be competitive over the tenure of Ricciardi’s rein. The franchise owned by the Rogers family, has been one complete joke over the last decade. Furthermore, over the last decade the team as we know it, has done more to disassemble the franchise instead of trying to main a competitive stride or edge. They’ve not won a World Series since their back to back wins in the early nineties. Since then, it’s been nothing but sheer ineptitude. But the writer would have you believe that the franchise was on the rise. He’d be better off trying to sell ice to the Eskimos for all the sense he was actually trying to make and then some !

I’ve always maintained that a sound structural setup will guarantee success but even more so if the finances and executive talent is in place. The Toronto Blue Jays for their part seems to have moved away from that in terms of its executive setup. More so, the ownership has never been known to spend money on the talent needed to guarantee success. We always hear in baseball that the team is building for the future in terms of its roster. And that in two or three years they’ll be ready to challenge for success. Well as of late, that hasn’t really happened within the game of baseball. Parity as it allegedly is, in for all sense and purpose still about the haves and have nots. We all know who the financial powerhouses are within the game and they’ve been the dominant franchises within the game over the the last decade. The rare exception to the rule may well have been the Florida Marlins . They’ve won two World Series over the last decade. Operating, on a shoe string budget, they’ve managed to succeed where others have failed. But the biggest fallacy within the game, is to believe that these teams are operating on a level playing field. Nothing could be further from the truth. And even with the tax-sharing revenue scheme in place. The game still remains with its imbalances.

There may well be only a handful of teams within the game baseball that actually make an operating profit in the true sense of the word , without the assistance of the hierarchy of the game providing the small and mid-tier market teams with an assist. The game’s hierarchy and its owners refuse to address the issue of a salary cap. And at the same as they continue to see many of their corporate sponsors slowly decline to further involve themselves in the game. And Players’ Union seems all too indifferent to the plight that the game now finds itself in. But what is even more of a concern is that now you’ve got a handful of agents who are now driving the spiraling market in terms of salaries not only for impending free agents but also for new draft picks. Signing bonuses ,are escalating out of control.

And whilst we’re at it, can someone explain to me why it is that a complete ass such as Bud Selig feels that he can dictate the terms under which a franchise can operate and go about facilitating a new stadium ? He’s at present trying to pressurize the Tampa Bay Rays franchise by stating that they’re in need of a new baseball facility. Bearing in mind, that the franchise itself has one of the lowest payrolls in all of baseball and a fan-base that’s no more than 15,000 at best. And even in-spite of its recent success , it still struggles to fill its home venue. Selig’s edict, is that if the franchise is to stage an All Star game. Then it’ll have to avail itself with a new state of the art stadium. Furthermore, if it’s to take place, it more likely than not will have to be at the taxpayers’ expense. When, if there was ever the view that Selig has no concept as to what it takes to run a business. Then his custodianship of the game has bordered on sheer ineptitude. Within the state of Florida ,there’s an employment rate bordering on the national average of 9.5% and his mandate is that the Rays ought to be building a stadium.

Less, Selig forgets , the franchise doesn’t operate on the premise that was facilitated by the idiocy that took place in the state of New York. Wherein, Mayor Michael Bloomberg , facilitated the building of both the Yankees new stadium and that of Citi-Field through a $2.25 billion bond issue . This being the same individual who was critical of the federal government bailing out the financial and automotive industry. But then, he has the temerity to have a bond issue and then issues favorable tax benefits to both the Wilpon and Steinbrenner families. To assist them in obtaining the additional land, in order to facilitate the building of their new facilities. Somehow, not only does baseball seem to be out of touch when it comes to economic realities but so too are a number municipal, state and governmental agencies.

But that’s merely what makes this sport something of a misnomer. In terms of its unnerving base when it comes to its financial setup and lack of reality. It’s not as if the game acts with any fiscal responsibility to begin with.

One Million Years BC ……..

One Billion Years BC !

Am I mistaken but is the hierarchy of baseball as completely stupid as we’ve seen ? My biggest problem is now listening to the incoming Executive of the Players’ Union Michael Weiner trying to explain away David Ortiz’s use of supplements , which he may have used over the early part of his career.

Aaron hits 755 to surpass Babe Ruth. And though this record has since been surpassed by Barry Bonds. It still remains indelibly linked to as the mark that still has veracity. picture appears courtesy getty images/archives ...............

In all probability, we’re also now seeing a player actually accepting responsibility for his own actions. How quaint ! Is there a possibility that we’ll actually see Bud Selig actually come out and make the claim ? ‘OK I admit I knew what was going on but we had problems getting a handle on the problem from the outset’. Oh no, that ‘d be far too much to ask ! Here, we have a game that from its very inception has been clouded in controversy. Fom the days of segregation, to the era of Jackie Robinson . And then even , when former home run king, Hank Aaron, undergoing death threats upon the eve of his surpassing of Babe Ruth’s home run record.

Safe, Jackie Robinson slides into homeplate in a game played for the Brooklyn Dodgers . picture appears courtesy of mlb.com/archives/history .................. @ copyrighted material All rights reserved

Archaic, as the game appears to be on its face. In reality , how far has it come ? We’ve been told that this game is the very fabric of the American Way of Life. Well the American Way of Life appears to be redundant at present , given the economic climate at present. MLB can’t even get its own damn house in order , when it comes to its finances and the very health of its franchises. One only has to look at the fate at present of the Toronto Blue Jays, Pittsburgh Pirates , Kansas City Royals and Chicago Cubs .I’ve even read articles within the sport’s blogosphere of fans opining the great job being done by J P Ricciardi as the GM of the Blue Jays. Well if you consider, an organization merely operating on a shoe-string budget,a source of competitiveness. When your franchise bearly performs above par. Then I’d rather have you come nowhere, near a business or sport’s franchise that I’ve got under operation. Sports, is primarily a business first, with entertainment also at its core. With any success deemed from it, being merely a bye product.

To add insult to injury these are the same owners who come cap in hand to the various governments , be it at the municipal , county and state level looking for public funds to build stadiums across the country. But yet, when I hear these so called die in the wool purists of the game opine on what’s with it . Rarely, do I hear them opine on this very topic. Once again, how quaint ! Talk , is one thing, but it’s best also to at least have the facts to back up an argument.

MLB and its owners are like the members of Congress. They start to whine the moment theyfeel it necessary to do so. And furthermore, what makes their behavior all the more intolerable is that we don’t even see the kids in pre-school behave as badly as the owners or the members of Congress. But that’s merely my opinion here ! If you’ve got an opinion on the matter , I’d gladly like to hear it , or read it as a response.

The Sultan of Swat the remarkable Babe Ruth . picture appears courtesy of getty images/archives ................

Baseball for all of its virtues, is bearly out of the dark ages , in reality. I mean, one only has to look at the game’s hierarchy and how the players themselves, have gone about representing the game. It no longer has any real honor and of its heroes , we still continue to question their exploits at every level. Much like the dinosaur ,of the Mesozoic era, the relevance of the game is now on tenderhook . As it tries to find a path that’s relevant.

Under Selig’s watch the game and we’ve been led to believe, it has been appropriate, with regard to its overal guardianship. But it has been compromised by the greed of the players and its owners. And the greater crime, has been the complete subterfuge that the fans have been subjected to. And we’re meant to find something, that’s pure about this game ? On what level, if the message that’s being sent …is that’s it’s OK to cheat and then lie about it ? Well I guess, that’s indeed a lesson that we ought to be passing on to our kids then ? As if it’s not enough that we subject them to enough violence on television alongside a broken education system that bearly teaches them anything that’s worthwhile ! Well that’s something to think about now isn’t it ?

The Other Shoe Dropped And It’s Not All That Big It’s Merely Perception ………….

The Other Shoe Just Dropped And It’s Not All That Big It’s Merely The Perception

The MLB All Star Game of 2008 and in particular the Home Run Derby made a hero out of Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers . His problems have been well chronicled from his chronic alcohol and drug abuse . Hamilton, for all of his virtue, as a gifted player, who can hit with power, made what he says was an error in judgement.When he was caught in a local bar with several young females and strippers. Now bear this in mind , Hamilton is said to be a happily married man with a young family.

Josh Hamilton lets loose in the 2008 Home Run Derby at the Yankee Stadium in New York. The player though did not win the tournament , excited the crowd with his repertoire of explosive hitting , scoring 28 home runs in the opening round of the competition. picture appears courtesy of getty images / Mike Segar .........................

Now it begs the question after having undergone sobriety , wherein, the Rangers assisted the player by placing him in treatment for his substance abuse problems. I can only ask of the player , what the hell was he thinking ? Did it not occur to him that by putting himself in such a position, where he’d become vulnerable, to possibly resuming his drinking and the use of drugs, it would do him irreparable damage ?

Josh Hamilton at play with some females at a bar in Arizona . pictures appears courtesty of tmz.com copyrighted material @ All rights reserved ...............

It is this sort of notoriety and idiocy shown by today’s athletes that clearly indicates to us all that they obviously feel that ,they’re above the laws of the land.

Hamilton with his wife and children riding in a parade prior to the 2008 All Star game held in New York at Yankee Stadium. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Paul McMillan .........

_________________________________________________________

Hamilton by his own admission acted stupidly and irrationally. But once again who’s really to blame here ? Clearly it’s the player and once again no amount of apologies, either to the public or his family will negate or add any veracity to his act of contrition. He seeks the public’s empathy for his action , much as in the same way that Michael Vick and Donte’ Stallworth did for their asinine acts . We’re told that we ought to be a forgiving society ? Well I say, enough is enough ! It has to stop ! These are grown individuals and not children. Are we meant to treat them as such ?

Hamilton in a cap, is seen here in full swing, taking part in the festivities at a bar in Phoenix , Arizona . picture appears courtesy of tmz.com copyrighted material @ All rights reserved ..............

And for all of the apologists out there , who seek to absolve the likes of Vick , Stallworth and now Hamilton. Can we have some common sense , as to trying to making an argument here ? It is becoming asinine to suggest that these athletes are actually learning anything at all from their mistakes ! ith each and every action they seek the public’s empathy and we’re to believe that for all sense and purpose this action won’t at all be repeated again ? I know that Roger Goodell allegedly, has Vick and Stallworth on a tight leash. No pun intended , concerning Vick ! But it’s apparent that if you’re going to act like a child instead of behaving and acting responsibly. Then screw it , then you ought to be treated like a damn infant ! Prissy athletes who over indulge and continue to act like an ass ! Is there anything else that I’ve left out ?

Hamilton at a bar in Phoenix Arizona alongside some unknown females . The player allegedly having overcome alcohol and drug abuse fell off the sobriety wagon. He's since apologized to the Rangers' organization as well to the fans and above all to his family for his misdeeds. picture appears courtesy of tmz.com copyrighted material @ All rights reserved ......................

Picks And Pans ………

Maurice Clarett , now there’s a name I’d rather not hear ! Over-hyped, enabled by all within the Ohio State’s athletics program. Having squandered, what many thought was once a promising college career. The Buckeyes’ running back felt that he was ready for the NFL as a sophomore entrant at the next level, in terms of his football career. He sought to challenge the NFL’s age eligibility entrance requirements. Having failed in that endeavor, Clarett’s ambitions spiraled downards and headed south. Next thing we knew , the former Buckeye had ran afoul of the law and he then sought to blame others for the poor choices that he’d made.

Clarett seen here making a phone call while in prison. The former Buckeye sought his early release but has since requested the state Parole Board to rescind the request. The player still feels that upon his release , he'll have something to offer the NFL as a player. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Michell Mayhew .....................

Granted , one has to be accountable for one’s actions but at the same time , I’ve a question to ask. What is it that Clarett apparently learned whilst in college ? Other than being there, on an apparent football scholarship. It’d appear that the player forsook all the privileges made available to him. Now an inmate within the state penal system in Ohio . Clarett recently tried an appeal to the state parole board in order to gain his early relase. Misguided as Clarett is , he’s still under the impression that he’s got something to offer to the NFL. From my point of view , that’s akin to Paris Hilton stating that she’d be a suitable candidate to be the next Professor Emeritus at Yale or Harvard. On both levels, Hilton and Clarett share the same sort of personas. They’re both of the opinion that they’re talented and have something to offer to the world. As to what that might be , I’d leave that up for you to decide.

Jason Bartlett (right) gets the high five from teammate Evan Longoria after the player had hit a home run in the Rays' 6-4 defeat of the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field , St Petersburg, Florida. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Chris O'Meara ....................

Last night , the Tampa Bay Rays (60-48) took the second of two games, in a two game series against the Boston Red Sox (62-44) . That being said, the Rays are still behind the 8 ball in terms of garnering a wild card berth as an entrant into the postseason. They’re now equal with the Texas Rangers percentage points’ wise and are three games behind the venerable Boston Red Sox. Their only hope now may lie in the fact that the Red Sox now face a do or die series against the AL East division leading, New York Yankees . Should the Sox then fall there, then it’s create something of a respite for the Rays as to their long term ambitions might appear , as to the remainder of the season. As good as they appear to have been playing at present . It has been their inconsistency to win back to back series regularly, that has primarily harmed their chances and that has placed them in the predicament that they now find themselves in.

Rays' DH Pat Burrell smiles as he leaves the field alongside the team's third base coach Tom Foley. Burrell had just hit a sixth inning home run off Red Sox pitcher Brad Penny . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Chris O'Meara ....................

Rays’ coach, Joe Maddon , has to have been satisfied as of late with the play of his All Stars, Carl Crawford , Evan Longoria and in particular Jason Bartlett . This trio, seemed to have epitomized what this team has been about as of late. On the pitching front , it has been Matt Garza and James Shields , that’ve borne the brunt of the work. But for the unfortunate Shields , he’s never gotten the run support needed when he’s gone and out and pitched a gem of a game for the team. The batters have let him down , all too often !

Rays' pitcher David Price delivers a pitch during the first inning of the game played against the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field in St Petersburg. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Chris O'Meara ........................

As the season now reaches the stage, where teams will now have to be at their level best. It remains to be seen whether or not the Tampa Bay Rays are able to replicate the success of last year and go one step further and perhaps win the World Series . It’s makes for an interesting prospect don’t you think ?

Vick seen here on his to court in Virginia stemming from his indictment on illegal dogfighting and illegal gambling charges. The player recently finished serving two years in a Federal penitentiary in Leavenworth Kansas. He now hopes to resume his career in the NFL. But still has to serve four game suspension as part of the re-instatement process. He also has the alternative of signing with an UFL team , rather than awaiting to play in the NFL. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Paul Taylor ..........................

As Michael Vick looks to make his comeback within the NFL . Already having been re-instated , he’s still now under suspension , courtesy of the NFL’s commissioner , Roger Goodell . There may well be, one or two teams around the league intrigued to see what the player may well have to offer to a franchise , by way of his play. That being said , two years away from the game , all of the rust and then returning back to a physical regimen won’t shake off the lethargy that the player’ll no doubt posssess. But it appears that the NFC South’s Carolina Panthers as well as the Green Bay Packers are indeed keen to see what Vick might be able to do for their respective franchises. Albeit, that the John Fox coached Panthers, still has Jake Delhomme doing the signal calling for the team. What we have come to realize, is that despite the enigma that Vick is said to be as a player. When he’s on the field of play , there is something that’s electrifying about him. He may well be one of a handful of players , who when they’re in a game , can seemingly make the impossible happen, that can change the complete course and outcome of a game.

As to the Packers , one now must wonder what may well be going across the mind of Aaron Rodgers ? Will be he pull a Jay Cutler on Mike McCarthy ? And clearly one would’ve thought after the team’s distastrous handling of the Brett Favre saga. This’d be the last thing that they would want landing on their plate, within the midst of the Packer faithful. I guess that they’d better call in former White House Press Secretaries to Presidents’ George W Bush and Bill Clinton , in Dee Dee Myers and Ari Fleischer . At least those two , know how to handle any blowback that might and any type of turmoil that’s liable to take place . They’re very well versed in dealing with the media. Which is more than can be said of McCarthy and the Packers’ hierarchy.

However, the unfortunate thing for most fans of the NFL , is the mere fact that we’ve never seen Vick produce that sort of a performance at the professional ranks , much less at the college level. Granted , his career has been built around his exceptional physical abilities and athleticism. But when was the last time you actually saw or even remember Vick playing and leading a team with a great deal of authority ? You may well need to have the memory of an elephant to in-fact go back that far. In reality, it has been few and far between for the player. And in terms of his performances on the field as a professional.

Vick seen here playing for the Atlanta Falcons looks to evade the Eagles' defensive player Sean Considine in a game played at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia in December of 2006. picture appears courtesy of getty images / Jim McIsaac .........................

Now should Vick return to the NFL , it may or may well not be at his desired option of being a quarterback. One way or another however, his return will be welcomed by some . But in other circles, it’ll be looked upon as just another self indulgent star being granted another oppportunity after seemingly being unable to be cognisant of what’s right from what is indeed wrong . Nevermind, the fact that as an adult he was unable to admit to his actions when first asked. We may well be asked to be a forgiving society and in particular of those we believe to be deserving of a second chance. But are we actually able to really forgive someone who from the very onset made a choice on all accounts , he knew to be wrong ?

Weekend Sports Update ……

Well here I am in the beautiful city of Miami, on business for the next couple of days, at the expense of the firm that I work for. In conjunction with the associates of the Miami and Orlando offices. We’re working on a proposal for a Latin American client of the firm. If all goes well it’ll mean several million dollars in terms of fees and commissions that’ll be forthcoming to the firm . On the other hand if things don’t work out we’ll still be paid but it won’t on the scale that many of the firm’s senior partners had envisaged. But that’s another story , for another day.

Woods raises the Buick Open trophy signaling his victory of the the event held at Warwick Hills G&CC in Grand Blanc , Michigan. This was Woods' 69th official PGA Tour victory placing him third alltime on the PGA victory tour list. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Chris Graythern ...................

Well on the sport’s front, Tiger Woods won his 69th professional PGA tournament. And basically it was merely another stroll in the park for the world’s number one golfer. The main challenge for Woods wasn’t how much he’d win by but whether or not his game was really where he wants it to be. With only the PGA Championship left on the calendar as the sole remaining Grand Slam event. Woods must view this as an event that needs his utmost attention . If he’s to resurrect what by his own lofty standards can be viewed as something of a disappointment by his own lofty standards.

For Woods at this stage of his career it’s not merely about winning events on the PGA Tour. It’s more to do with rewriting the history books and surpassing Jack Nicklaus’ total of eighteen Grand Slam major victories. Whilst Woods may well now be viewed as the best to have ever played the game. In many purists’ eyes the veracity of that argument can’t be made until he chases down to the reverential total and surpasses that milestone. If things had gone right for Woods in the two opening Grand Slam events, The Masters and the US Open . Then, we may well have been talking about Woods being on the threshold of winning his seventeenth major Grand Slam tournament. As it is, questions lingered as to his missing the cut at The Open. But one as they might say could account for that as merely ……”Tiger being Tiger “?

Woods’ win of the Buick Open , was one of ease, for the golfer by his own irreprissible standards. His three stroke victory never really saw him placed under any great challenges that weren’t as such of his own making. It was merely Tiger against himself after the first round of the tournament , held at Warwick Hills GC, in Grand Blanc , Michigan. And with his 69th official tour victory that now places him third alltime on the list of victors on the PGA Tour. The alltime victor’s list is head by the 82 victories of Sam Snead . When it’s all said and done, Woods may even surpass Snead’s total . As it is , it’s felt that he’s now in the prime of his career , even after just over a decade on the PGA Tour.

Filly , Rachel Alexander on her way to victory in The Preakness held at Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore , Maryland. The equine won the race going away from Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. picture appears courtesy of afp/ Ricardo Cortez .........................

Well this year’s Triple Crown was once again much ado about nothing. There was heightened excitement when it was felt that Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird was thought of as a logical favorite to triumph in all of three of the premiere equine events ran as part of the Triple Crown. Well it wasn’t to be for the victor the victor in the Kentucky Derby . This race, alongside that of The Preakness and The Belmont Stakes make up the triumvirate of most prestigious races held on the North American thoroughbred racing circuit. Inasmuch, as I like the content of thoroughbred racing here in the United States , I believe that the quality of racing isn’t on par with that of its European counterparts. Especially within the United Kingdom and France , of all places. Whilst the purses here are larger , the overall quality and prowess of the jockeys are somewhat less than satisfactory.

Rachel Alexander (6) ridden by Calvin Borel , sits behind Munnings (4) and Papa Clem (3) at the start of the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park, Oceanport , New Jersey. The filly went on to win the race with ease by a margin of 6 lengths over her closest rival. picture appears ap/photo/ Bill Kostroun ...........

But it’d be foolish, to think that the racing here isn’t of a top notch level. And while much has been made of the heroics of Mine That Bird this equine season. If anything it has been the exploits of Preaknesss winner, the filly , Rachel Alexander , that has had the press and the fans of thoroughbred racing aghast, with her abilties. And for jockey , Calvin Borel , it too, has been a monumental season. As he’s had the privilege of having ridden both horses to victory in two of the three legs of the Triple Crown.

Racehel Alexander ridden by Calvin Borel strolls to victory in the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park, Oceanport , New Jersey. picture appears courtesy of equi photos/ap/ Ryan Bishop ........................

The filly , herself, is unbeaten in all of her six races and has amassed well over $1,500,000 in prize money for her owners. But the intriguing thing has been to witness her take on the boys and beat them at their own game. Having been the first female to do so in a Triple Crown event with her emphatic victory in The Preakness by some 6 1/2 lengths over Kentucky Derby winner , Mine That Bird.

This weekend Rachel Alexander went out and once again prevailed in a Grade One event ,winning the $1.25million Haskell Invitiational at Monmouth Park, Oceanport, New Jersey. And to once again to emphasize how good this 3 year old filly really is. To say the ease with which she triumphed once again at Oceanside wouldn’t do her enough justice. Suffice to say that her victory over these colts was just another example that in the world of thoroughbred racing it certainly isn’t necessarily a man’s world. She completely annihilated her competition with her turn of speed, striding away from some top class equine talent.

Next up for the filly , may well be another race against the boys in Travers Stakes. And there’s no telling how emphatic she might be on her next outing. The one thing that you can be sure of is that she’ll have her full show of support from all of her fans out there. Especially if she shows the kind of form that has now become the norm for her.

McCutchen of the Pirates rounds third base after hitting a three run home run against the Washington Nationals. McCutchen would have a career day hitting three home runs and driving in six runs against the NL East team. In picture also is Nationals' third baseman Ryan Zimmerman . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo Gene J Puskar ..............................

Say what you will, one either clamors for the game of baseball, or they don’t . Given what transparency that there’s now said to be within the game. I , for one can’t say that as of late I’ve been overly excited with the direction that the game is now said to be going in. And at the same time I don’t even feel that the hierarchy can be entrusted to safeguard the best interests of the game . Much less , deal with the steroid issue in the appropriate manner. In watching the actions of the players, the owners and that of MLB , it’s like watching children at play deficating on themselves and then looking for someone else to come along and clean up their mess. And that’s given the fact that they’ve been potty trained.

McCutchen and teammate Lastings Milledge celebrate after McCutchen's celebrated feat against the Nationals. McCutchen joined a select few players whom as a rookie (aged 21 or younger) have hit three home runs in a game and driven six runs. Amongst those of that rarified air are Willie Stargell , Roberto Clemente (twice) and Aramis Ramirez . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Gene J Puskar ........................

That asides, watching the heroics of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen hit three home runs as a rookie , was an impressive performance. Albeit that the Pirates’ season must be filled with about as much optimism as that of both Kim Kardahsian’s and her hopes of reuniting with Reggie Bush .

McCutchen’s display for the Pirates whilst impressive. It simply doesn’t hide the very fact that this ballclub is heading nowhere. We’re forever being told that as such young teams such as the Phillies and Royals are building towards the future and that they’ll become competitive. But other than the Tampa Bay Rays and the Florida Marlins at present. There isn’t a team in baseball that’s even viewed in that criteria in terms of having a young core roster and being consistently competitive.

The Pirates are a microcosm of what’s said to be wrong when it comes to baseball and the imbalance that there’s said to be between the small to mid-tier to large market teams . Luxury tax sharing revenues or not , the teams that have been recipients of this. Not all of them have used those funds to bolster their rosters. Instead a large part of that money seems to have found its way into the pockets of their owners. And what’s even more intolerable these are the same owners who come cap in hand to the various municipal , county and state governments looking for tax breaks in and taxpayers’ monies to facilitate the building of ballplarks up and down the country. Think the Yankees’ and Mets’ new ballparks were funded through private monies ? Think again ?

Andrew McCutchen hits the third of his three home runs in the Pirates 11-6 rout of the Washington Nationals. picture appears courtesy of the post gazette/ Matt Freed ............................

So as it now stands, while McCutchen’s accomplishment can be looked upon as something of a great achievement for the player and the team. It doesn’t belie the fact , that for the Pirates’ immediate fortunes . It really doesn’t amount to much , other than a brief satisfying moment for the team’s fans. It certainly won’t change the fact that this team doesn’t appear to have a chance of competing at the highest levels of the game. It’s merely just another ballclub that exists within the realms of MLB for the vultures to come and swoop on down upon to replenish their rosters as and when they see fit. It’s not as if the hierarchy seems to think that there’s anything wrong in that to begin with. As far as they’re concerned ‘……it’s a dog eats dog world. And the weaker teams are just there to be gobbled up without there being any recourse at all ‘ !

J P Ricciardi Is No Poker Player ……Infact This Guy Is Better Off Being A Local Dog Catcher ……….If That , At All

Say what you will , but the idiocy that has surrounded the Toronto Blue Jays has bordered on being maniacal and absurd. And it sure hasn’t helped that Jays’ GM J P Ricciardi seems to have priced himself out of the market. Insomuch, as his demands for his ace pitcher Roy Halladay , whom he sought to trade for a number of highly valued prospects.

Blue Jays' GM J P Ricciardi seen here at the team's home venue in Toronto. The Rogers Centre in Toronto has been home to the team. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mark Gutteridge .....................

With the 4:00pm trade deadline having come and gone. The player now , though he can still be traded . It won’t be anywhere near the predetermined value that the team and Ricciardi would’ve have sought. He most certainly can’t be taken off waivers , given the fact that no team would be willing to undertake the player’s $10m plus salary for 2010. So now one has to ask what it was that Ricciardi’s ploy might’ve been to begin with. In terms of a really clear maneuver , the Jays’ GM seems to have not properly thought out his situation with regard to Halladay.

The unfortunate position for the fans of the Jays , this is something that they’ve seen with regard to their situation over the last decade. The team is no longer a contender by any stretch of the imagination. At (49-54) the team’s record is woeful in the AL East and the fans have voiced their displeasure. But more so, it has been directed at the general manager. Time and time again whenever, you tend to hear about a team talking about attaining prospects in order to best serve the team’s hope for the future. It’s very rare that this happens for a Major League Baseball club. My own personal thought on the matter, is that teams such as this, aren’t worth talking about , much less thinking that they’ll be a contender in the near future. The immediacy of now is what it’s all about. And in these uncertain dire economic times it is very much the last thing that a fan of big league club wants to hear ……. ‘we’re building towards the future.’

Jays' pitching ace , Roy Halladay, seen here against the Boston Red Sox. The player has a 11-4 win loss record with a 2.68 ERA , with 129 K's. All statistic leading categories for the team. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ The Canadian Press/ Darren Calabrese ............................

And now to top it all it must leave Halladay with the feeling that he’s unwanted. Come what may, he’s now in something of an unenviable situation with regard to the Blue Jays. Furthermore with the growing uncertainty as to the Jays’ financial situation . It will become imperative that the situation is resolved in an amicable way that’s mutually acceptable for all of the parties concerned. For the Blue Jays, for a team seeking to obtain the player. But most of all for the player, himself. If nothing else as the situation remains unresloved it dosn’t portend well for the future of the ballclub. Especially , given their financial situation at present. Which isn’t unlike the situation the vast the majority of the clubs around Major League Baseball .

If anything as the season progresses to what’ll be its culmination in terms of the playoffs and the World Series , itself. One seriously doubts that anyone will be of the slighest bit concerned as to the impending fate of the Blue Jays. It’s certainly not as if the hierarchy of the game has even shown the slightest bit of concern as to the imbalance that there now is within the game. Nevermind the fact that one of the most storied franchises in all of the game now sits on the verge of declaring bankruptcy. It’s been the idiots such as Ricciardi, Selig , DuPuy and former MLBPA reresentative Donald Fehr , who’ve chosen to ignore the warning signs that were clear for everyone to see.

Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil Or Could That Best Describe The AL East ?

Well it goes without saying that with the trade deadline beckoning. The movers and the shakers will be looking to make the deals that they think’ll put them over the top. They’ll either become contenders or pretenders. So far we’ve seen in the AL East only rumblings as to there being some sort of move that might be imminent.

Joba Chamberlain of the New York Yankees pitching in a game against the Tampa Bays at Tropicana Field , St Petersburg, Florida. The Yankees would go on to defeat the Rays 6-2 and win their three game series 2-1. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mike Carlson ....................

However, it’s not said to be from one the big two teams within the division. Neither the Boston Red Sox or the New York Yankees are said to be players as of yet. But that’s not to say that things aren’t about to change between now and the 4 pm deadline tomorrow afternoon. Whereas , it’s now being rumored that the Sox may well show some interest in the Toronto Blue Jays’ Roy Halladay . It’s far from definite that Red Sox GM Theo Esptein is prepared to go that route. The price that Jays’ GM J P Ricciardi is asking is said to be aksing is a very steep one. And if anything , many purists in and outside of the game believe that he’s overstepping his reach in that endeavor.

Rays' shortstop Jason Bartlett throws to first after making the play against the Yankees' Robinson Cano. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mike Carlson .......................

But as we know someone , somewhere along the line may well be bold and brave enough to meet the Blue Jays’ asking price , for one of the most desired pitchers that’s said to be on the market. The Philadelphia Phillies made sure of that when they were rebuffed by the Jays. They went out instead and obtained Ciff Lee from the Cleveland Indians , without having to really give up all that much. And it’d appear that the Indians may well be in the midst of cleaning house as it’s been said that they’re also prepared to listen to offers for their All Star catcher , Victor Martinez .

Mark Teixeira watches his home run in the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mike Carlson ........

At this time of the year one would expect that they New York Yankees would be major players as it comes down to the trade deadline. But such has been the play and form of the team. That having gone 8-2 in their last 10 games and then seeing their most heated rival the Red Sox seemingly in something of a splutter. It has to be said that they may well be feeling very good about the way things are now turning out. The Yankees’ hitters are hitting with effortless ease and perhaps most surprisingly their pitching is finally beginning to look more ominous. The same however, can’t be said of the Boston Red Sox. They’ve struggled to find some semblance of offense and their closer , Jonathan Papelbon all of a sudden seems to be unable to close out games even when nothing more than three outs is required.

Rays' pitcher Matt Garza reacts after giving up a run last night in the team's 6-2 loss to the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field in St Petersburg, Florida. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mike Carlson .................

And while the two predominantly most talked about teams within the division seemingly go on their merry way. Left , looking up at both within the divsion , are last year’s pennant and division winner , the Tampa Bay Rays (55-47). They’re 7 1/2 games out of first place , the spot now held by the New York Yankees (62-39) . And they are a mere 4 games behind the Boston Red Sox (58-42). Herein lies the dilemma for the Rays at present. It has been their inconsistency to win not only games with resonance but also their lack of taking series as and when it matters most. It now makes their task of even gaining a wild-card berth all the more formidable. Not only has the Rays’ pitching of late, been inconsistent . But so too has been the unearthly silence of their bats.

Yahkees' second baseman Robinson Cano tags the Rays' Jason Bartlett as he tries to steal a base in the third inning of the game. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mike Carlson ............................

The Tampa Bay Rays now face a four game series against the Kansas City Royals . Before they take on the Boston Red Sox in a 2 game series , that’ll have a great deal of meaning for both teams in more ways than one. A loss of the series and it could well spell an end for the Rays’ aspirations in obtaining a wild-card berth. A win and it gives them the added confidence of trying to pursue that goal with even more zeal.

Evan Longoria of the Rays is congratulated by teammate Ben Zobrist after his home run against the New York Yankees in the fifth inning of the game. The Rays would go on to lose 6-2 and fall futher behind both the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox in the AL East division. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mike Carlson ..................

Coming off a series’ loss to the New York Yankees merely added to the woes of the team. And there’s now even more growing uncertainty as to the ownership’s overall ambitions as to the remainder of the season for the Tampa Bay Rays. There’s already speculation that the team may well be prepared to make one or two trades that’ll ease their salary burden. Atop of of the list of the players said to be rumored to be departing is their pitcher Scott Kazmir . In spite of this all, for the moment all we can do is wait to see what will transpire over the ensuing 24 hours to the trade deadline. If nothing else , any decisions that are forthcoming will be made in conjunction with the team’s management structure and that of its executives in the form of Joe Maddon , the team’s GM Andrew Friedman and principal owner Stuart Sternberg . Cost cutting once was the norm for the team. But if they’re to go down this road once again, whatever goodwill that they built up within the community , by way of the support shown. It may well count for nothing at the end of the day. There’s only so much that the fanbase can withstand. And at the same time there’s only so much that ownership may well be prepared to do , in order to facilitate the perceived semblance of success.

Such have been the vagaries of the game. That even in these uncertain economic times . Within the game of baseball it is still about the haves and have nots. It’s not necessarily about competition on the field of play. But how much one can afford to spend in order to attain a championship and then to be viewed as a champion.