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 .

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

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In order to read this AP article in its entirety then just click on the headlined text shown within .
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Oh Mr Boras What Big Eyes You Have And Oh What A Big Mouth You’ve Got …….All The More To Gobble Up The Gullible Owners And GM’s Of Baseball …..

I don’t know about many of you readers out there and how you might deem the quality of the articles, I place within this domain. But when it comes to sports there are one or two individuals within its realms that I either despise or just find downright despicable ! I know that we all may well have our own choices as to who those ought to be. But to my mind the individuals that I am about to name , ought to rank up there amongst those without a doubt.

Drew Rosenhaus acts on behalf of his client Terrell Owens as the Philadelphia Eagles’ saga took full steam. As we all know what has since happened with the player and his agent are what fables are made of.

It’s been often said that injury attorneys are amongst the lowest of the low on the evolutionary scale, alongside politicians. To my mind the sport’s agent ought to be there as well ! And especially those who are high profiled . And no one represents that more to my mind , than Drew Rosenhaus and Scott Boras. Rosenhaus, for his part, likens himself as the agent to the stars amongst the NFL . Whereas, his counterpart in Major League Baseball , Scott Boras , is not ashamed to just go out there and pit one major league franchise off against the other. In order to guarantee that his client will be suitably paid , as he sees it. Even if it’s to the detriment of one , if not both parties , as long he or his client doesn’t suffer financially.

Scott Boras and his client Alex Rodriguez . The Yankee slugger may well be Boras' most high profiled and well known client. But Boras also represents Manny Rodriguez, Carlos Beltran, Mark Teixiera , amongst others . And in each case the players in question are amongst the highest paid in the game. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Hugh MacIntosh ..................

Say what you will about these aspiring financial gurus or whizzes as the case may be. I know that they’re there to represent their client as best they can . And that they’ve got to also go out there and represent in them not only from a financial aspect but also in the public relation’s sphere as well. It’s all part and parcel as to what is expected of an agent. In both cases Rosenhaus and Boras have their own bevy of stars that they represent through their respective corporations. When a star is in trouble if it’s not a close member of the family that they turn to first. Then without a doubt it’s to their agent . And in many respects on appearance , the agent has to be all things to all people. Even if in some cases they’re none too qualified.

San Diego State pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg who recently signed with the Washington Nationals.

My main reason for writing this piece is merely from the standpoint of what has taken place concerning the signing of the number one draft pick in this year’s baseball draft. And unless you’d been hiding under a rock. Boras as agent of that pick , Stephen Strasburg , was seeking a signing bonus said to be in the region of $30m for the young pitcher , who attended San Diego State University . And whilst no one doubts that the talent of the young phenom. I’ve got to say that there’s no way in hell that a major league baseball franchise out to be shelling out $30m for someone who’s yet to prove them-self at the professional level. One has also to bear in mind , many of the idiotic quotes that can be attributed to Boras, when it comes to the finances of baseball.

And though when the deal was finalized and signed , wherein the Washington Nationals acquired Strasburg for what’s now a record signing bonus of $15million for a player. It has to be said that someone was either duped or the Nationals willingly did this to save themselves further embarrassment. While no one bear Strasburg any ill will. He’s now been placed in a position where the expectations placed upon him will almost certainly be unbearable. Furthermore, for a franchise that’s lacking in success. And even more to the point, has been woefully inept in its on the field performances as well as its personnel decisions as of late. It’s hard to see how the Washington Nationals , much less Strasburg can meet those expectations.

Anecdotes coming forth from the pursed lips of Boras have been from the asinine to some might say the astute with regard to the state of the game. But as always with him it’s been nothing than more than about the money . And how best he can get a franchise to overpay for one of his clients. Perhaps his most famous sound byte is that of “…. the market will continue to bear what it’s allowed to bear. As there are millions of dollars that’s being made by Major League Baseball.” When one considers that the vast majority of the league’s franchises are barely surviving. One has to ask Boras where he’s getting his facts from ? Other than the financial behemoths within the game . Such as the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox , Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers , St Louis Cardinals and New York Mets . There are very few franchises within baseball at present. That are actually turning an operating profit , without an assist from the hierarchy of Major League Baseball in terms the tax-sharing revenues that’s afforded to those teams. And it’s not as if any of the franchises are prepared to open up their books to intense public scrutiny to begin with.

But yet somehow MLB has been able to dupe, cajole and in some cases force municipalities , county and state governments to enact new taxes , or issue bonds at the taxpayers’
expense in order to facilitate a franchise with a state of the art structure. And we hear idiots up and down the country stating that they don’t want their income tax being raised by the federal government. What’s the difference between what’s being done by the federal government and that of your local or state government ? It’s not as if the citizens are actually benefiting directly from what’s being done when a new stadium is being built to begin with.

Boras’ anecdotes :

“I talk to whoever the club wants me to negotiate with. But I do believe it’s the longest period I’ve gone without talking to a GM.”

“We had a situation where we knew Alex was going to be traded-but we had to see where he would end up. So we had an oral understanding a bridge.”

“We received offers from a number of teams, and we’re in the process of going through deal points as to Carlos’ future contract.”

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In order to read more of these Boras quotes and anecdotes concerning his clients. Just click on the link provided within.

Scott Boras’ quotes .

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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 ?

In Halladay Sweepstakes, GMs Overvalued Prospects

When Toronto Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi announced to the world that ace right-handed pitcher Roy Halladay was on the trading block, it was assumed that meant Halladay would be leaving Toronto. But the non-waiver trading deadline has come and gone, and Halladay is still a member of the Blue Jays.

A number of teams were rumored to have be interested in acquiring Halladay, who is under contract through 2010. The fact that he is under contract for another season and was on the block is unprecedented. When most players of Halladay’s caliber are traded, it’s because they are going to be free-agents after the current season. Their current team wants to get value for the player, instead of letting him walk without receiving compensation. The Hallady situation was different, as Ricciardi was trying to get the most value possible right now, since Toronto’s leverage will not be as great next season. As a result, the Blue Jays asked for the everything but the kitchen sink, and a deal wasn’t able to get done. The Blue Jays had every right to ask for teams best prospects. Ricciardi wanted to get what Halladay is worth, which is a whole lot.

But teams that were in the market for the best pitcher in all of baseball weren’t necessarily willing to give up everything that Toronto wanted, which is interesting. Halladay would bring a contender a staff ace who is a workhorse — he consistently pitches complete games. On top of that, he has an 11-4 record with Toronto this season and has one of the best earned run averages in the game at 2.68. The 11 wins are impressive playing on a struggling team like the Blue Jays. If he had the opportunity to play for a contending team, there’s no telling what he could do. Moreover, teams would have gotten him at a fairly cheap price for next season of $15.75 million.

A team like the Boston Red Sox could have bolstered their rotation by adding Halladay, and having a 1-2 punch of Josh Beckett and Halladay would be tough for any team to face.  For all of the teams pursuing Halladay, the postseason is where the move would pay off much, because it’s not about just getting to the postseason, it’s about winning in October. Beckett is one of the game’s best in October, and having him as the second pitcher in the rotation would have been a scary proposition for opponents. Red Sox GM Theo Epstein, one of the best in baseball at his job, did not want to part with all of the prospects that the Blue Jays were requesting.

The New York Yankees, who have never been afraid to go after the best players in free agency or at the trade deadline, never were heavily involved in the Halladay sweepstakes. Calls between the Blue Jays and Yankees reportedly took place, but the Yankees either didn’t have enough amunition to pull off the deal or simply did not want to unload a number of prospects. However it went down, the big, bad did something very un-Yankees like: they refused to get in a bidding war for the best player available.

As the trading deadline was coming to a close, the Los Angeles Angels made a late push to grab Halladay. The two sides could not reach an agreement, but the Angels did have a lot to offer. Left-handed Pitcher Joe Saunders, shortstop Erick Aybar, third-baseman Brandon Wood and a prospect were reportedly the pieces that the Blue Jays wanted. Angels GM Tony Reagins did not pull the trigger, as Saunders, Wood and Aybar are all on the team’s 25-man roster. The Angels are one of baseball’s best teams offensively, but their pitching has been somewhat of a weakness. Halladay could have been the final piece to their championship puzzle, but the Angels — a team that cherishes prospects — felt that they would have given up too much.

The Philadelphia Phillies were the team most rumored to be in the Halladay discussion when news first emerged that he was on the block. Ricciardi wanted too much for the Phillies liking, as he was asking for left-handed pitcher J.A. Happ, right-handed pitcher Kyle Drabek and two other prospects. Giving up Drabek was out of the question for the Phillies, who desperately needed an ace in the rotation with lefty Cole Hamels struggling mightily this season. On Wednesday, the Phillies traded for last year’s American League Cy Young winner, Cliff Lee, effectively ending their pusuit of Halladay.

All of the teams meantioned had a good chance to land Halladay. They certainly all had the ammunition to pull of the deal, but each GM decided that it wasn’t in the best interests of their teams to pull the trigger. The GMs, however, were way off base in their assertion.

What GMs basically said in not trading for Halladay is that prospects are more important than an ace pitcher. Halladay is a proven commodity who is one of, if not the best at what he does. But GMs instead held on to prospects that may or not pan out as quality players in the majors. And that’s what is so interesting about the way GMs handled this whole situation. They all kept their players that are at least two years away from breaking into the majors, rather than acquiring a superstar in Halladay.

All of the teams that had a shot at landing Halladay are in contention for a World Series title. Getting Halladay easily would have made the team that had acquired him the favorite to win their respective league, and probably the World Series. What it ultimately comes down to is that GMs have overvalued their prospects. In minor league, there are no guarantees. Sure, there are some players who like he sure-fire stars, but there’s no guarantee that the player will seamlessly transition to the major league game. With Halladay, on the other hand, you know what you are getting. There’s no risk, and a very high reward. Is five years down the line more important than winning a championship right now?

In order to look good for not trading for Hallday, GMs better hope that their prized prospects translate into multiple World Series titles. Only then will the decision to not trade for Halladay look somewhat sensible.

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.

Hitting Is An Art Form And The Art Is In Watching Mauer , Ichiro And Pujols At Work …….

I’ve got to admit that the game of baseball as a spectacle, is one of the most fascinating sporting events to watch. That being said , since the resumption of the season. I’ve been eagerly fascinated to see the how the battling title in the American League will culminate.

Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins waits n the dugout for his at-bat against the Los Angeles Angels in a game played at Angels Stadium in Anaheim , California this past Sunday. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Harry How .............

Atop of the list are the Minnesota Twins’ , Joe Mauer and the Seattle Mariners’ Ichiro Suzuki . Each player has already been the recipient of a batting title in MLB . Both players are highly respected by their peers , managers , coaches and the fans across the game of baseball.

Ichiro hits a single in the game played against the Cleveland Indians this past Sunday in Seattle , Washington. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ John Froschauer .................

At present there are but eight hunredths of a percentage point that separates Mauer and Ichiro in the batting statistics wthing the AL.

Batting Avg:
Joe Mauer MIN.366
Ichiro Suzuki SEA .358

Justin Morneau (33) and teammate Joe Mauer (7) celebrate his two run home run against the Los Angeles Angels in a game played at Anaheim Stadium , Los Angeles, California . picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Harry How ...................

Each of these players are a breed apart from their peers within the AL and across the game. Granted in the National League there is Albert Pujols of the St Louis Cardinals. And by all acounts all that stands between Pujols and quite possibly winning the Triple Crown, is the player himself and the willingness of the pitchers, to pitch to the player , rather than walking him. I for one am inclined to belive that even with the addition of Matt Holliday on the Cardinals’ roster , that might not necessarily change. Pujols’ stats are simply amazing and furthermore , mind boggling to say the very least.

Pujols’ stats: Batt’g avg .325, Home runs 34 , RBI’s 91, Runs 79, Stolen Bases 10.

A pensive Ichiro Suzuki sits in the dugout during the ninth inning of the game played against the Cleveland Indians at Safeco Field , Seattle, Washington. The Indians would go on to defeat the Mariners 10-3 in the game. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ John Froschauer ...........................

We may , or may not see another Triple Crown winner in the league. The last player to achieve the feat in baseball, leading in hits, home runs and batting average was Carl Yastrzemski of the Boston Red Sox in 1967. That year Yastrzemski hit 44 home runs, 121 rbi’s , and had an average of .326 . On the face of it those number might not seem impressive but that year it was good enough to for the league.

Pitcher Roy Oswalt of the Astros pitches to the Cardinals' first baseman Albert Puols in the first inning of a game played in Houston., Tx. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Michael Taylor ......

In the American League both Ichiro and Mauer have impressed. And for the Mariners (51-46) , this season being one highs and lows. He’s been one of the few consistent bright spots on the team. Though they sit 7 1/2 games behind the AL West leading Los Angeles Angeles . And for Mariners’ hierarchy it’d appear that being competitive within the division . Much less the American League does not appear to be of their utmost priority. They’ve squandered whatever goodwill they have within the city of Seattle. And the futility shown over the years seems to be indicative as to how Mariners have conducted business over the years. Ther relevancy and dominance hasn’t been evident , since the days when they were managed by Lou Piniella .Then the Mariners were riding high and averaging 89 wins a season. But in 2001 they had an astonishing 116 wins , only to succumb to the New York Yankees in the ALCS that year. To state that since then the club has underperformed would be understatement. They’ve become a caricature for all that ails the game and in particular teams that on appearance have no real ambition. That’s how mediocre the game has become in terms of a brand.

The Minnesota Twins for their part , year in , year out, just seem to be competitive. No matter how their roster seems to be formulated. And that’s a tribute to astute awareness of their owners , management and in particular their players. And having lost a number of players either throigh trades or free-agency. They still seem to resonate with their fans and their competitors as a whole.

And how else can we explain the very fact that Twins’ manager Ron Gardenhire who alongide GM Bill Smith , have made studious moves that has made this AL Central league team all the more competitive. And at this juncture who can question the resolve of the organization ? The Twins even with a (48-50) record, some 5 games behind the Detroit Tigers and 2 behind the Chicago White Sox . If they’re able to keep up their momentum it’s not out of the realms of possibility that they’re able to make a concerted effort to win the AL Central Division.
Much of that would predicated upon the play of Joe Mauer and his teammate Justin Morneau . These two players in particular, are the spear-head behind the Twins’ offensive prowess.

One of the main criticisms behind teams such as the Twins and other mid-market teams. It has been their reluctance to put a productive and competitive brand on a baseball field. And that has been what this baseball club has been able to do with a great deal of consistency. Unlike some of the mid-tier market teams. The team’s owner Jim Pohlad has been a dutiful custodian of this team. And as owner he’s been a credit to the game of baseball. Likewise , baseball has reciprocated with with the success that has been brought to baseball club over the years. The team still has a very loyal fanbase that shows its unyielding support.

Whilst players such as Mauer and Morneau remain with the team. And the team’s roster is nurtured , we’ll continue to see that success both on and off the field. The battle for the AL batting title may well come down to not only the prowess shown both Ichiro and Joe Mauer. But in all likelihood it’ll come down to the success and strength shown by both teams.While both can hit for power , it doesn’t necessarily play a great part of their offensive repertoire. Both players tend to use it as and when needed. If anything it’s their willingness to do what’s best for the team that makes both of the players so special. And undoubtedly both teams are thankful for what both of these players have brought to their respective organizations.

So as now let’s see what the future has in store for us with regard to this particular contest. It will be enthralling to watch as it comes down to its final weeks.

There’s No Shame In Losing … But It’s How You Lose That Can Be Cause For Concern ……………

Now I’m not one to be overly critical when a team loses. However, I’m of the opinion that if you lose , you ought to be able to learn something from the loss . And that it ought to be something of a learning process for the future. For those of you who weren’t able to witness the perfect game pitched today by the Chicago White Sox’s , Mark Buehrle . Then you missed a gem of a performance .

Mark Buehrle is congratulated by teammates Josh Fields and catcher Ramon Castro after pitching a 'perfect game' against the Tampa Bay Rays at US Cellular Field in Chicago , Ill,. The White Sox would defeat the Tampa Bay Rays 5-0. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Scott Boehm .................

On the receivng end of this all were the Tampa Devil Rays . And unfortunately for the A L East team , they put up a goose egg on the scoreboard. Which in ofitself was another dubious distinction to be a part of. The end result was a 5-0 shellacking at the hands of the White Sox. Now I’m no fan of the Rays , but proudly living in the vicinity of the area. Where the fans here are about as knowledgeable about this team. As the members of Congress are about as insightful as to the effects , as to what pulled the country into a downward spiral of unimaginable proportions. It’ll be very interesting to hear the post-game analysis as to the reasons why the Rays lost this game.

Buehrle is congratulated by White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen on the concourse outside the team locker room after the game. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ M. Spencer Green .......................

I’ve always maintained in order for any team to prevail in the AL East division. They’ve got to play the game at a consistently high level. As we know the triumvirate of teams within the division are merely fighting amongst themselves merely for supremacy within that very division. The New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Devil Rays , themselves are merely now hoping to be part of the postseason. It’s a privilege to be a part of it all. But how one accounts for themselves in the playoffs even more.

As for the Rays , it’s now do or die, or nothing at all. You just can’t think because having won the division , the AL Pennant and then having made it to last season’s World Series. Then that will be enough for your peers to show you enough respect. To get that respect then one has to earn that respect. And that’s something that this team hasn’t really yet done. In all of their existence they’ve but one winning season. And that winning season was n last year , when all of the stars were aligned for the team. Much of the change we’ve all witnessed has to have been from the mindset brought to the franchise by their manager Joe Maddon. Though not viewed as a hard task master , he’s seen as a player’s coach. They’ve bought into Maddon’s system and it has brought a tremendous change to the franchise. And with it , has come the acclaim and recognition. And with it has also has come the recognition of the team’s players , such as Evan Longoria , B J Upton , Carl Crawford , James Shields and Ben Zobrist . But these are but a few of the players on this roster that’ve contributed greatly to the team’s success.

As to the events of today, it’d be remiss not to acknowledge the achievement of Mark Buehrle. There’ve been but seventeen other players to have achieved the distinction of throwing a perfect game . One should also remember that the player was also the recipient of pitching a a no-hitter as well in the course of his career. A rarity as such amongst today’s pitchers . So it’s a very great accomplishment for the player, his teammates and for the fans of baseball to have witnessed this altogether. To undescore it would be do the feat a great injustice. And as I’d alluded to earlier in this piece. If the Devil Rays cannot learn from this event then truly whatever lies ahead for them . Be it good , bad or indifferent. Let’s hope that they can actually learn from it all. And as young as this team and the refreshing attitude that they’ve brought to the game. Moreover, the way in which they’ve exhibited their prowess on the baseball diamond gives their fans hope that they go one step further than last year.

The Devil Rays (52-44) have a great deal to play for as the season progresses. They’re looking at usurping both the New York Yankees (57-37) and Boston Red Sox (55-39) , in order to make a successful defense of their AL East title. The wildcard berth no longer a misnoma for many. It’s still viewed as a viable way for an entry into the postseason. As to whether or not this’ll be the way the Rays make their entry into the postseason . It remains to be seen.

The realization is not lost on Buehrle after his achievement . The crowd reacted wildly after the player's astonishing performance. picture appears courtesy of getty images / Scott Boehm ............

Think Long And Hard You Fool ! Oh What It Is To Be The Blue Jays’ GM J P Ricciardi …..

One has to look long and hard when considering the mindset of the Toronto Blue Jays’ GM J P Ricciardi . I know that competing with the likes of the Baltimore Orioles , Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and now the upstarts within the division the Tampa Bay Rays has got to be considerably painful. Never mind the fact that the AL East division , apart from being the glamor division in all of baseball. It’s also the most competitive and contentious bar none !

Toronto Blue Jays' GM J. P. Ricciardi . The franchise faces an ever tightening budget in light of the severe economic crisis that now affects all of the four major sports. Financially constraints notwithstanding Ricciardi is now said to be contemplating trading their starting ace, pitcher Roy Halladay. picture appears courtesy of afp/ Neil MacLaughlin ...................

In the mind’s eye what happens within the confines of the Blue Jays’ organization may seem minuscule when compared to the resources of both the Yankees and Red Sox. But I find it somewhat disheartening , even though I know what it is that many of the franchises within baseball are said to be going through financially. There are but a handful of clubs in all of major league baseball that actually make an actual operating profit when you don’t take into account the tax sharing revenues shared amongst the small and mid-tier market teams. But such are the ways of the hierarchy of baseball. That within this economic meltdown they’re still unprepared to address the issue of a salary cap across the board when it comes to baseball.

Commissioner Bud Selig appears to think that it’s not within the best interests of baseball to initiate such a policy. Albeit, that with what can now be deemed small but noticeable incremental decreases in revenues. The game has found itself laying off staff. But at the same time in some markets either general admission prices have been lowered, yet concession prices are on the rise. This has to be baseball’s answer to ‘robbing Peter to pay Paul’. In this case however it’s been the consumer being held up at gunpoint in order that baseball’s coffers somehow remain intact.

Blue Jays' pitcher Roy Halladay fields questions about the recent trade speculations concerning his status as a player. The Blue Jays were set to take on the Tampa Bay Rays in a series of games to be played at Tropicana Field in St Petersburg, Florida. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Brian Blanco ..........

Sooner or later the game’s hierarchy will have to meet and address this issue head on. But unfortunately for the owners and that of Major League Baseball itself the power of the Players’ Union (MLBPA) is so great. That they’ll be hard pressed to find the union acquiescing to any of their demands, unless the league itself is willing to make concessions of their own.

While much of what’s said to be happening can be on only summarized as mere speculation. Gordon Edes of Yahoo Sports offers an opinion on the matter. Yahoo Sports:

Compiled by Gordon Edes: Trading Halladay made sense a year ago

News item Toronto Blue Jays’ General Manager J P Ricciardi says he would listen to offers for Roy Halladay.

Comment: What if Ricciardi is a year too late ?

I know what you’re thinking : Who wouldn’t want a former Cy Young Award winner who finished in the top five in voting three other times, the pitcher who set the standard for excellence in the American League for the first half of the 21st century ?

But that’s not the issue . These are .

1) The economic landscape has changed.
Through July6, 20 big league teams were down in attendance. Six of those teams were down by 200,000 or more, including the Mets (a dip of 365,000) and the Yankees (292,558). The box office hit absorbed by the New York teams is mitigated by huge price increases at their stadiums , but nonetheless it is a trend that cannot be ignored, especially by the Mets, who also have the Bernie Madoff factor to consider.

Could the Yankees still afford Halladay ? Of course. They potentially have $38million coming off their books in four salaries: Johnny Damon ($13millon),Hideki Matsui ($13million), Xavier Nady ($6.5million), Andy Pettite ($5.5million).

But the Yankees spent $243.5 million on pitchers C C Sabathia and A J Burnett. Is it really in their best interest to sacrifice their best young prospects- and if I were J P Ricciardi my conversation with the Yankees would begin with Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes and catcher Jesus Montero – for another top of the rotation guy, especially at a time when the Yanks must begin making plans to extend shortstop Derek Jeter or think about how to replace him.

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As to Ricciardi’s alleged wish to entertain offers for his ace starter. One can only surmise that the economic effects are taking its toll on the baseball franchise. And for Halliday who has a no trade clause written into his contract. The feeling must be that he’s far outlived his usefulness to the team. Wherein they’re now prepared to listen to the right offer as far they’re concerned. The final say will be his as to his ultimate destination.But much of that will also be predicated upon the offers received by the Blue Jays for their former Cy Young award winner.

Halladay removes his cap whilst on the mound pitching for the Blue Jays against the New York Yankees in a game played at Yankee Stadium, in the Bronx, New York. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Nick Laham .......................

Pitchers of Halladay’s pedigree don’t come along all that often. And the price to be paid will be steep for any team whose wish it is to acquire his services. As to the teams wishing to acquire his services. It may not be a long list . But I can assure you that the usual suspects will have already used due diligence when making their enquiries to what it’ll take to lure the player away.

Halladay is due to be paid $14.25m this year , with $15.75m to be paid in the final year of his contract in 2010. For the Blue Jays as an organization all they can merely do is to put a product on the field in the hope that they can somehow remain competitive. But what this suggests for the teams that happen to find themselves in the same financial situation. It is has to be said in reality all that they can hope to achieve is merely produce exceptional players only to lose them to impending free agency . Or the fact that come the trade deadline teams that are in need of a missing piece to add to their roster , can come a calling in the hope acquiring a player through a trade that’ll meet their needs.

Roy Halladay . Perhaps the best pitcher in the American League if not in the entire game of baseball. It'll be interesting to see however where he'll end up should the Blue Jays take the bait and trade the player for their desired needs. As it now stands the franchise in terms of it competitiveness is merely spinning its wheels when measured against the top tiered teams in the major markets. picture appears courtey of afp/ photo/ Gyles Coulson .............

It does also suggest that many teams are merely playing for the sake of playing , but without ever any hope of having the aspiration of playing for a World Series title. Such is the chasm between the haves and have nots within the game. That the playing field itself will be never be truly level. Some might suggest that within the game of baseball there’s a great deal of balance. The balance itself now lies in the financial acumen of the big market teams. While the minnows of the game merely now watch from afar as spectators. If that doesn’t suggest you that there’s still indeed something wrong with the game. Then just take a look at the salaries of the top ten teams within the major league and that of the bottom ten teams ? If that doesn’t suggest to you that there is a major imbalance . And that the very financial security of the game is at stake. Then we might as well have the federal government now come in and run the game. Afterall they couldn’t do any worse than the game’s hierarchy has done so far now could they ?