THE KIPER-MCSHAY DEBATES

KIPER & MCSHAY - SO HAPPY TOGETHER???


As a rule, I don't like to get in the middle of lovers quarrels--but for these two guys--I will make an exception. And in this case I will say both are wrong, but one is less wrong than the other.

In the NFL draft aftermath, it is part of the process to grade each teams performance in drafting potential future players. In the ESPN battle of the talking heads/draft gurus McShay took a stab or two at Kiper for giving teams ANY grade at all. He feels like you can't grade the draft until a few years out. DUH!!! But the whole reason these two grace our screens for this event is to give an "educated guess" on the "presently unknown - future prospects" of these collegians.

It's the whole purpose of ranking guys and having a draft list!!! And you can't venture an educated guess on which team did a better job of it than another.

C'mon McShay get a clue. You have your list of players ranked with razor sharp precision--somebody is ranked #1, #2, etc. And the teams are conveniently drafting in an eerily similar fashion--numerical order #1, #2, etc.

So can you not back into a reasonable grade, based on your list going into the draft and comparing it versus each team? Let's say we have Team A who drafts in the 1st, 33rd, 65th, 97th and 129th spot and gets the #1, #33, #65, #97 and #129 ranked prospect--then that team did about as well as expected--BASED ON YOUR MAGIC LIST.

And could you not conclude that if they get lower ranked players based on their draft slot CONSISTENTLY, then they received good value? And the opposite would be true as well.

It seems like this was the nexus of a lot of the debate about GOOD CHOICE/BAD CHOICE
that filled time between choices.

So you are either telling us that this ranking of players--your area of expertise--is just so much show-filler or you don't have the confidence or expertise to translate it into a team grade, which seems to be a relatively simple exercise.

Why were eyebrows raised when the Raiders took Heyward-Bey? Because he wasn't the highest ranked receiver, and his ranking on both of your lists was higher than the slot he was selected at--i.e. BAD PICK or a reach. Too many of those and a team could find itself rebuilding for a decade.

OK, enough for pounding the McShay position. Now on to Kiper. I cannot for the life of me understand how Mel can continually give the Jets and the Bucs almost anyone who trades up to get "their" guy solid grades.

MEL'S GRADES LISTED HERE:
http://www.faniq.com/article/Mel-Kiper-Jr-2009-NFL-Draft-Team-Grades-1561200

Part of it could be I'm not real sold on Sanchez. He was over-hyped by the USC hype machine. If you watch most of the highlights, his receivers were so wide open, I could have drop-kicked passes to them and completed a good number. We'll see how good he is when he has to throw into tight windows after getting smacked in the mouth a time or two--something else he has limited experience with.

How do the Bucs get a good grade for mismanaging their roster so much that they NEED to trade up to get a project QB, who may not help them for years? That is almost beyond belief.

At least you give out grades, Mel. BRAVO. But having the cajones to trade up does not always make a good draft. The Eagle made a good "trade-up" to get Maclin who was a great value at the spot due to the domino effect of the Raiders reaching for DHB earlier. There was not another impact WR that they could have sat in their spot and waited for--they spotted an opportunity and pounced on it. The Bucs likely could have had Freeman later and Sanchez at minimum has to bring the Jets a playoff victory very soon to justify the hype and the cost to obtain him.

But, I was wrong about Eli, so who knows.

SPEAKING WORDS OF WISDOM.....

People who were driving a school bus blindfolded (and crashed it) should never be given a new bus. The economics establishment (universities, regulators, central bankers, government officials, various organisations staffed with economists) lost its legitimacy with the failure of the system. It is irresponsible and foolish to put our trust in the ability of such experts to get us out of this mess. - Nassim Nicholas Taleb: Ten principles for a Black Swan-proof world

Part of a great article titled "Ten principles for a Black Swan-proof world" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb in FT.com

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/5d5aa24e-23a4-11de-996a-00144feabdc0.html?nclick_check=1
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Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word: equality. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude. - Alexis de Tocqueville (1848)

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In reading the lives of great men, I found that the first victory they won was over themselves... self-discipline with all of them came first. - Harry S. Truman

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To be content with what we possess is the greatest and most secure of riches. - Marcus Tullius Cicero

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Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

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The great statesmen of the past saw themselves as heroes who took on the burden of their societies' painful journey from the familiar to the as yet unknown. The modern politician is less interested in being a hero than a superstar. Heroes walk alone; stars derive their status from approbation. Heroes are defined by inner values; stars by consensus. When a candidate's views are forged in focus groups and ratified by television anchorpersons, insecurity and superficiality become congenital. - Henry Kissinger in Years of Renewal

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THE NFL DRAFT 2009: SECOND DAY

MEL KIPER'S HAIR HAS NOT LOST A STEP - THAT SUCKER COULD DEFLECT BULLETS

Mel's hair was on full display the second day of the draft - which is the day drafts are made. The first round picks and those made on the first day certainly garner the most attention, but team success is heavily dependent on the contributions of the players drafted on the second day.

How did the G-men do?

Jerry Reese is beginning to cement his reputation as one of the best talent evaluators in the NFL. He may have helped his reputation even more yesterday.

After not being able to swing a deal for a marquee WR to replace Plax--although Braylon Edwards or Anquan Boldin could still end up in Blue--Reese & Co. managed to provide depth to the WR core and diversified the offense with WR Hakeem Nicks and TE/H-Back Beckum as well as red-zone threat 6-6 WR Ramses Barden. RB Andre Brown in the fourth round is a steal and provides replacement for Dedrick Ward. Second rounders William Beatty T and Clint Sintim LB project as solid pro prospects. No real reaches or gambles in the bunch.

GIANTS PICKS:
1 - Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina (6-1, 212)
2 - Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia (6-3, 256)
2 - William Beatty, T, (6-6, 307)
3 - Ramses Barden, WR, Cal Poly (6-6, 229)
3 - Travis Beckum, TE, Wisconsin (6-3, 239)
4 - Andre Brown, RB, N.C. State (6-0, 224)
5 - Rhett Bomar, QB, Sam Houston State (6-2, 225)
6 - DeAndre Wright, CB, New Mexico (5-11, 198)
7 - Stoney Woodson, CB, South Carolina (5-11, 195)

The only knock so far is that they could have gone for a S rather than QB project Bomar in the fifth. The 6-7 picks are so far down the depth chart of available CB's that I would be surprised if they stick.

THE NFL DRAFT 2009

My viewing of the NFL Draft was limited to less than an hour today. The reason. Steve Young. Probably the most insufferable analysis of any event in human history.

At first, I was hoping someone would hand him some decaf. Then I realized we were way beyond that stage and needed someone to shot him with a tranquilizer dart. Where are Marlon Perkins and his trusty sidekick Jim Fowler when you need them?

By the fifth or sixth pick, I was looking for a gun for Steve and I wasn't limiting my search to a tranquilizer gun if you must know.

So thanks Steve. And thanks ESPN. You think a producer could have told Steve to knock it down a few notches? Would that have been too much to ask for? You would think that the World Wide Leader would recognize over the top douche baggery when they hear it and see it and would be willing to protect their audience, but I guess not.

It wasn't so much his constantly interrupting Mel Kiper's hair--which is why I watch the NFL Draft. By the way, rumors of Kiper's hair being in the twilight of it's career should have been dispelled last night, but Steve prevented Mel from demonstrating his continued greatness. Way to be a good teammate Steve.

The Sanchez salivation segment was the second strike and we're only four picks in.

Then the Oher interview with Erin Andrews was stepped on and crushed by Steve's over the top rantings. I mean, who wants to work with this guy?
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Anyway, on to the picks:

1. Detroit Matthew Stafford QB Georgia
BIG SURPRISE HERE. Detroit gets a guy that actually wants to play in Detroit.

2. St. Louis Jason Smith OT Baylor
Replaces Orlando Pace. Good move.

3. Kansas City Tyson Jackson DE LSU
First surprise and a bit of a reach. I think most would have had Curry here, but new-GM Pioli knows his stuff.

4. Seattle Aaron Curry OLB Wake Forest
Seattle had to be giddy that Curry fell to them and they stay out of the Sanchez sweepstakes.

5. NY Jets (from Cleveland) Mark Sanchez QB USC
Boom or bust pick here for the Jets. Didn't give up as much as suspected to move up, so I guess it's a good move. Fans needed some post-Favre marquee value before ponying up for PSL's.

6. Cincinnati Andre Smith OT Alabama
I felt like the Bungles would blow the pick and they never disappoint. This guy will fit right in with Dysfunctional Central. His shirtless romp has forever scarred millions of viewers and left me wary of ever watching the NFL Scouting Combine again. Oh wait....that would be a good thing.

7. Oakland Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland
Further evidence that Al Davis is still large and in charge in Oakland. And perhaps slipping into football senility. If Macklin outperforms Bey, well you do the math.

8. Jacksonville Eugene Monroe OT Virginia
Don't know much about Monroe, looks good in a suit though.

9. Green Bay B.J. Raji DT Boston College
The Warren Sapp of the draft, courtesy of SI.com. If he has half the career Sapp did, GB is happy.

10. San Francisco Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech
If Crabtree was making house hunting plans in the Oakland area, he can probably continue in most of the same market now.

11. Buffalo Aaron Maybin DE Penn State
Second big time reach here.

12. Denver Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia
Now we know the Sanchez interest was a smoke screen.

13. Washington Brian Orakpo DE Texas
Still need a QB.

14. New Orleans Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State
Good pick for the Cajuns.

15. Houston Brian Cushing OLB USC
Interesting choice here. I thought Mauluka was the better USC LB.

16. San Diego Larry English DE Northern Illinois
Dang. I thought the Giants had a shot at him early second round. Might be a bit of a reach here, but not if he plays like he should.

17. Tampa Bay (from New York Jets through Cleveland) Josh Freeman QB Kansas State
Boom or bust. I thought Chuckie the QB-collector was out of town?


18. Denver (from Chicago) Robert Ayers DE Tennessee
The Jay Cutler trade dividend.

19. Philadelphia (from Tampa Bay through Cleveland) Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri
Dang. Good move by Philly. I think Maclin and Crabtree will be the biggest impact WR's here.

20. Detroit (from Dallas) Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma State
Big target for Stafford to complement Calvin Johnson on the outside. Plus, he blocks.

21. Cleveland (from Philadelphia) Alex Mack OC California
A little high for a center, but he anchors the line for ten years or more if he projects well.

22. Minnesota Percy Harvin WR Florida
Seems like a typical Minnesota WR-with-issues pick.

23. Baltimore (from New England) Michael Oher OT Mississippi
Good pick, good story. Great interview with Erin.

24. Atlanta Peria Jerry DT Mississippi
Seems like a bit of a reach, but the Falcons have been making a lot of great personnel moves lately.

25. Miami Vontae Davis CB Illinois
A Parcells type pick. True to form.

26. Green Bay (from Baltimore through New England) Clay Matthews OLB USC
Wait a minute, this was the walk-on at USC and Mauluga is still on the board? Somebody done F-d up. Can't go against the pedigree though.

27. Indianapolis Donald Brown RB Connecticut
This seems like a typical Indy pick that's going to pan out just the way they thought it would.

28. Buffalo (from Carolina through Philadelphia) Eric Wood OC Louisville
The run on centers continues. Good move for the Bills. Fans may yawn at first.

29. NY Giants Hakeem Nicks WR North Carolina
It was Nicks or Britt for me. I thought the early attention Nicks' way by the G-men was a diversion to draft Britt, but I guess not. We'll see how it plays out, but Nicks seems like the safer pick, more likely to play early.

30. Tennessee Kenny Britt WR Rutgers
OK.

31. Arizona Chris Wells RB Ohio State
There goes Edge. Cards are going to have a ground game.

32. Pittsburgh Evander Hood DT Missouri
Ho-hum pick here for the Steelers.

GOOD NEWS FOR BASEBALL

This is a good start. Baseball simply cannot keep pointing to the example of Jackie Robinson as an example that the sport is color blind and ignore the situation as it stands. There needs to be more participation on the field, in the dugout and in the GM and owners boxes.

On the gender side, I have been saying for years, MLB should find a way to partner with and fund the women's professional softball league so that they are not beholden to the I.O.C. for their survival.

The marketing and promotional synergies that would be presented would be unbelievable.
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FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS:

NEW YORK -- The percentage of black players in the major leagues increased to 10.2 percent last year, the first rise since the 1995 season.

The sport had reached an all-time low of 8.2 percent in 2007, according to Richard Lapchick, director of the University of Central Florida's Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports.

Baseball received an A for race hiring for the first time in his annual report, which was released Wednesday, up from an A- last year. He cited 10 "managers of color" at the start of this season, matching the previous high in 2002.

The sport got a B for gender hiring, up from a C+.

FULL REPORT AVAILABLE HERE:
http://web.bus.ucf.edu/documents/sport/2009_mlb_rgrc.pdf

CONGRATS TO TAMPA JESUIT - B.A. #1 RANKED HS BASEBALL

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/high-school/team-rankings/2009/267943.html

High School Top 25

Tampa's Jesuit High climbs to No. 1

April 14, 2009

Just as Bellaire (Texas) High was lying in wait for Bishop Gorman High (Las Vegas) to misstep, the Tigers of Tampa's Jesuit High pounced after Bellaire lost to Houston's Westside High 5-2. Jesuit is the new No. 1 in the Baseball America/National High School Baseball Coaches Association Top 25. Read more about the Tigers in the latest Around The Nation.

R.I.P. HARRY KALAS: HE'S OUTTA HERE

http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=4125871
MLB VIDEO TRIBUTE TO HARRY KALAS

Harry Kalas, the signature voice of the Phillies for 38 years, passed away yesterday.

As large an icon and as beloved as Harry Caray was in Chicago, Harry Kalas was in Philadelphia. He literally lived and died with the fortunes of the team, passing out in the booth shortly before passing away.

Kalas teamed with former Phillies great Richie Ashburn to form one of the best broadcasting combos in baseball.

A baseball season is so long many people still do listen to radio broadcasts at work or while driving and these announcers and their voice, their signature calls are immediately linked to the team. Harry Caray and the Cubs, Vin Scully and the Dodgers, Phil Rizzuto and the Yankees, Ralph Kiner and Lindsay Nelson with the Mets were all developed into iconic figures from the broadcast booth.

Maybe now I see why the Phillies won last year, so Harry and this generation of Philly fans could share the joy of the championship together.

On April 8, 2009, five days before he would die in Washington D.C., the Phillies honored Kalas by having him throw out the first pitch before a game against the Braves. The first pitch was part of the pre-game ceremony in which the Phillies received their 2008 World Series Championship Rings.

HARRY LEADS PHILLIES FANS IN SONG AFTER 2008 WORLD SERIES



R.I.P HARRY KALAS

DEAD GOAT HUNG AT WRIGLEY FIELD

http://www.nbcchicago.com/sports/baseball/cubs/Dead-Goat-Hung-at-Wrigley-Field.html

A dead goat was found hanging on a statute of Harry Caray outside Wrigley Field early Monday on the North Side, and it's not the first time.

A similar incident occurred in 2007, police said.

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The Slav's Baseball Blog has in it's possession the following composite sketch of the person authorities believe to be responsible for both incidents. The person aka "Three" or "3" for short is apparently a well-known community agitator.

The composite sketch was obtained from four visually impaired eyewitness. Police would not comment on reports that the four eyewitnesses were the umpiring crew for the Cubs home opener.


SKETCH OF SUSPECT TAUNTING POLICE BEFORE CRIME

When reached for comment, the suspect said "Those coppers can't pin anything on me. Who believes in curses anyway? Why don't those bums just get some better ballplayers and then these local goats can rest in peace, no pun intended"

Currently, the suspect remains at large, the goat's remains remain dead and police are expected to make arrests shortly.

WELCOME TO OPENING DAY IN CHICAGO!!!

MORE SAD NEWS: MARK "THE BIRD" FIDRYCH DIES AT 54

Former fan favorite Mark Fidrych reportedly died today at age 54. He was apparently the victim of an accident while working on a vehicle on his property.

Fidrych was a fan favorite who seemingly came out of nowhere, streaked across the sky like a comet, and then disappeared as quickly as he appeared due to arm injury. He felt his arm go "dead" during one of his starts, the victim of a torn rotator cuff, an injury that was at that time unknown even in medical circles.

He was known for manicuring the mound, talking to the baseball among other antics that purists may have looked at as oddball, but fans just ate up.

He was a dominant pitcher as well, winning 19 games his rookie year. Unfortunately, he only won 10 more the rest of his career.

Ex-Met Rusty Staub said of Fidrych: "There's an electricity that he brings out in everyone, the players and the fans. He's different. He's a 21-year-old kid with a great enthusiasm that everyone loves. He has an inner youth, an exuberance."

"I just throw as hard as I can and as fast as I can," said Fidrych. "I'm kind of surprised at my success in the majors. I didn't have any idea this was going to happen. I'm just trying to take each game one at a time and hope to win as many as I can."

It's hard to describe anyone comparable to Fidrych because there was nothing like him before or since. He was a phenomena much like Fernando Valenzeula in that he captured the fans imagination with his uniqueness and individuality.

From a site that is destined to become one of my favorites is a fitting tribute and description of "The Bird". Mark Fidrych was made for an organization like this. His career should be immortalized and celebrated even though he did not last long enough to make the Baseball Hall of Fame.

I would venture to say that Fidrych's less than two year career made more of an impact on baseball fans nationwide than over half of the current roster of Hall of Famers.

THE BASEBALL RELIQUARY:
http://www.baseballreliquary.org/Default.htm

DESCRIPTION OF THE BASEBALL RELIQUARY:

The highest honor afforded by the Baseball Reliquary is election to the Shrine of the Eternals. Similar to Cooperstown's National Baseball Hall of Fame, the Shrine of the Eternals differs philosophically in that statistical accomplishment is not the principal criterion for election. It is believed that the election of individuals on merits other than statistics and playing ability will offer the opportunity for a deeper understanding and appreciation of baseball than has heretofore been provided by "Halls of Fame" in the more traditional and conservative institutions.

Criteria for election shall be: the distinctiveness of play (good or bad); the uniqueness of character and personality; and the imprint that the individual has made on the baseball landscape. Electees, both on and off the diamond, shall have been responsible for developing baseball in one or more of the following ways: through athletic and/or business achievements; in terms of its larger cultural and sociological impact as a mass entertainment; and as an arena for the human imagination.

Anyone associated with baseball, past or present, is eligible for election, including players, managers and coaches, umpires, executives and administrators, broadcasters and writers, fans, and those who have interpreted the game through artistic and cultural mediums. Fictional characters from the realms of literature, drama, motion pictures, etc., may also be considered.

FROM THE BASEBALL RELIQUARY'S INDUCTION OF FIDRYCH IN 2002:

MARK FIDRYCH

In his introductory comments about Mark Fidrych, Terry Cannon observed that "in this summer of steroids, contraction, cryonics, and gloom-and-doom predictions of a baseball apocalypse, to recall the innocence and exuberance with which Mark Fidrych played the game and the way he galvanized the city of Detroit and the baseball world in the bicentennial summer of 1976 gives us reason to laugh and feel happy again."
Cannon also quoted poet Tom Clark, who described the free-spirited pitcher as "ragged, splendid, wild, sticking out of the expectable heraldry of the national pastime like a gigantic puce-and-mauve sore thumb rampant on a field of snow-white jock straps."
Due to work commitments, Fidrych, who lives on a farm in Northboro, Massachusetts, was unable to attend the ceremony. Cannon noted, however, that "Fidrych is honored to join the Shrine of the Eternals and has asked me to convey his gratitude to the voting membership of the Baseball Reliquary."
Accepting the induction of Fidrych on his behalf was Los Angeles-based comedian, actor, and lifelong Detroit Tigers fan, Thom Sharp. A Michigan native, Sharp is known to television audiences for his appearances on The Tonight Show and Late Night with David Letterman and as Tim Allen’s older brother on Home Improvement. His ad-lib skills and vocal talents have made him a popular pitchman on radio and TV commercials.
Accepting the induction of Fidrych on his behalf was Los Angeles-based comedian, actor, and lifelong Detroit Tigers fan, Thom Sharp. A Michigan native, Sharp is known to television audiences for his appearances on The Tonight Show and Late Night with David Letterman and as Tim Allen’s older brother on Home Improvement. His ad-lib skills and vocal talents have made him a popular pitchman on radio and TV commercials.
Sharp drew an enormous laugh at the outset by announcing to the audience that although Fidrych was unable to attend, he did have his cap, and proceeded to pull out from behind the podium a Detroit Tigers cap with long curly blond locks of hair dangling from all around its bottom edges. "As a lifelong Tigers fan," remarked Sharp, "I don’t think there was a greater season, at least for me, than 1976. Not even the ‘68 or ‘84 World Championship seasons. There was nothing like the summer of ‘76. I saw three games at Tiger Stadium that year with Fidrych pitching. And it was like having the Beatles in your lineup. I mean, the place went crazy everytime he did anything. There would be 55,000 people, standing room only, every single game that he pitched. And then the next night, there were, well, three peanut vendors and about six guys in the bleachers."
Sharp then ran down a list of Fidrych’s accomplishments in that rookie season of 1976. Even though he didn’t make his first major league start until May 15, he went on to win 19 games, lead the American League with 24 complete games and a 2.34 ERA, was the starting pitcher for the junior circuit in the All-Star Game, and garnered Rookie of the Year honors. But, as Sharp noted, Fidrych was also a fascinating character, occasionally bringing to mind Yogi Berra in terms of his unique relationship to the English language: "Bill Veeck once told Ernie Harwell that if someone had tried to stage Fidrych, it would have fallen flat; it would have been artificial and just too contrived. During one of the Bird’s comeback tries, he made it back to the majors and was being interviewed by Harwell, who asked, ‘Hey, Bird, how’s the arm feeling?’"
"’Hey, the arm’s feelin’ pretty good,’ Fidrych replied.
Thom Sharp
"’Well, really, what does Dr. Livengood [the Tigers’ team physician] have to say about your arm?’ Harwell inquired.
"’Well, he don’t know nothin’ about arms,’ Fidrych answered. ‘He’s a skin doctor. He’s one of them gynecologists.’"
Sharp continued: "Boston Red Sox pitcher and Shrine of the Eternals member Bill Lee said of Fidrych that he was like a little boy thrown into a pile of horse manure. He’s bobbin’ up and down, and they say, how can you be so happy. And he says, there’s gotta be a pony in here somewhere."
Bringing things into the present, Sharp sarcastically offered, "Actually the Tigers could probably use Fidrych now. If we lose six more games this season, we’re eliminated from next year’s postseason. So it’s not goin’ well."
"Mark Fidrych had one great, unbelievable, cinderella year," Sharp concluded. "And I don’t think we should feel too sorry for him that it only lasted a year. In my personal opinion, he had the best season anyone has ever had. He’s had a great life, a lot of great memories, a beautiful wife and daughter, and a strong business. And I’d just like to thank Mark Fidrych for giving me the best season I’ve ever had in baseball. Thank you, Mark, and congratulations."

RIP Mark "The Bird" Fidrych.

MIRACLE GAME-CHANGING SHOT ENDS GAME

YOU HAVE MAIL: THIS MESSAGE IS TO SOMALI PIRATES, FROM THE U.S. NAVY SEALS, YOU'RE GOING TO NEED A HARDER HAT THAN THAT, BITCH!!!

From the story title, you probably think this is about the heroics of a Lebron James or Kobe Bryant or any one of a number of athletes who are lionized for their ability to perform in the clutch.

Under normal conditions it would be. I always marvel at the ability of these guys to come through for their teams under though situations. We define it as clutch situation. There's nothing better you can say about a player than he comes through in the clutch.

A lot of guys don't even want to be in the position of taking the last shot to win or lose a game for their team. So we elevate the guys who step up and accept the responsibility of winning or losing a game on their shoulders.

I don't want to get to Barkley-esque but the real-life heroes revealed themselves far away from home--outside of Somalia--in what will be known as the "Easter Miracle" for more than just the family and friends of Capt. Richard Phillips.

Three Navy SEAL snipers stepped up and took the last shot--in a game of life or death for Capt. Phillips--and the GOOD GUYS WON.

The details of the game changer can be found here and they are phenomenal:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/04/13/somalia.rescue.breakdown/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

In the end, it was a single moment that brought the hostage crisis to its dramatic finish.

Three gunshots. All three fatal. Fired in the dark by three specially trained U.S. Navy SEALs as the pirates' boat rocked in the water off Somalia.

"Phenomenal shots -- 75 feet away," said Navy Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, who oversees the region.

Even with the small boat "moving up and down a couple of feet," the SEALs hit their targets. "Remarkable marksmanship," Gortney said.

This was a last second shot in a high stakes game of life of death and these guys took it and made it.

In his CNN commentary, Bob Greene asks the question "where heroes like this come from":
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/04/13/greene.seals/index.html

Part of it is adherence to the following creed.

"My loyalty to country and team is beyond reproach. I humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Americans, always ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my profession, placing the welfare and security of others before my own. I serve with honor on and off the battlefield. The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from other men. ... In the absence of orders I will take charge, lead my teammates and accomplish the mission. ... I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight."

They may not want the adulation that we instead shower on our "heroes" in the sports world, but events like this show that they will always deserve it.

Loyalty beyond reproach....
humble service as guardian to their neighbors....
defender of those unable to defend themselves....
service with honor.....

We know that there are arenas where kids are learning lessons like these all over the country.

We know that those, like the Somali pirates will never be able to match the strength of character--that comes from righteousness of mission--that these guys have. In the aftermath, in some strange, perverted, twisted logic they continue to shake the stick at America for their "aggression" in rescuing a kidnapped hostage.

Sorry, save that speech for the United Nations, if you dare. The Navy delivered a message that even the historically docile French seem to understand. The best way to handle bullies and thugs is to stand up and smack them across the mouth.

What a wonderful world-view these folks seem to have. We seem like we would have a lot in common. I'm sure we could negotiate with knuckleheads like this, perhaps we could begin with no preconditions and a blame the U.S.-first apology chaser.

NO THANKS. I'LL TAKE THE NAVY SEAL APPROACH, IF YOU PLEASE.

At times we may question where we will find the likes of these young Navy SEALS, I would just say this Easter, Thank God they are on our side.

IF YOUR SCORING AT HOME, IT'S U.S. NAVY 4, SOMALI PIRATES 0.

INSANITY THY NAME IS PETA

PETA IS SOOOOOO CUTE. EXCUSE ME, I HAVE TO GET A BUCKET OF KFC CHICKEN. I'M HUNGRY.

FROM CNN REPORT:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/04/10/peta.pet.shop.boys/index.html

PETA has asked the Pet Shop Boys to change the band's name to Rescue Shelter Boys.

The organization, the People for the Ethical Treatment for Animals (PETA), sent a letter to Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe acknowledging that its request, at first blush, might appear "bizarre."

Bizarre, PETA???? NOOOOOO!!! I'm surprised these imbeciles don't picket CNBC, Wall Street and the financial press asking them to refrain from using the term "dead cat bounce".

This organization seems to spend more of its time getting publicity for itself than helping actual animals in need as the ASPCA and many other smaller, less well-known local organizations do.

Perhaps PETA should consider a name change to:

Shameless
Camera seeking
Attention Grabbing
Media - Whores

or SCAM for short. It would be a more appropriate description for the organization.
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While I'm at it, I think the inaccurately named Planned Parenthood should consider a name-change to Planned Infanticide or Planned Genocide--or maybe Planned Population Control. It would more properly explain the organization mission.



How in the world did the word "Parenthood" win out over Eugenics Mien Fuhrers?

http://www.lifedynamics.com/deathcamps/Holocaust6.cfm

Margaret Sanger, the alcoholic and Demerol addict, who spawned the International Planned Parenthood Federation, was a proponent of forced eugenics, segregation, abortion, birth control and sexual immorality. Here are some of her quotes.

"The most merciful thing that a family does to one of its infant members is to kill it."
Margaret Sanger, Founder of Planned Parenthood

"Birth control must lead ultimately to a cleaner race."
Margaret Sanger, Founder of Planned Parenthood

"We should hire three or four colored ministers, preferably with social-service backgrounds, and with engaging personalities. The most successful educational approach to the Negro is through a religious appeal. We don't want the word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population…"
Margaret Sanger, Founder of Planned Parenthood

"Eugenic sterilization is an urgent need ... We must prevent multiplication of this bad stock."
Margaret Sanger, Founder of Planned Parenthood

"Eugenics is … the most adequate and thorough avenue to the solution of racial, political and social problems.
Margaret Sanger, Founder of Planned Parenthood

"Birth control itself, often denounced as a violation of natural law, is nothing more or less than the facilitation of the process of weeding out the unfit, of preventing the birth of defectives or of those who will become defectives."
Margaret Sanger, Founder of Planned Parenthood

"The unbalance between the birth rate of the 'unfit' and the 'fit,' [is] the greatest present menace to civilization… the most urgent problem today is how to limit and discourage the over-fertility of the mentally and physically defective."
Margaret Sanger, Founder of Planned Parenthood

"The campaign for birth control is not merely of eugenic value, but is practically identical with the final aims of eugenics."
Margaret Sanger, Founder of Planned Parenthood

"Our failure to segregate morons who are increasing and multiplying… a dead weight of human waste… an ever-increasing, unceasingly spawning class of human beings who never should have been born at all."
Margaret Sanger, Founder of Planned Parenthood

"The undeniably feeble-minded should, indeed, not only be discouraged but prevented from propagating their kind."
Margaret Sanger, Founder of Planned Parenthood

"The procreation of [the diseased, the feeble-minded and paupers] should be stopped."
Margaret Sanger, Founder of Planned Parenthood

"The marriage bed is the most degenerative influence in the social order..."
Margaret Sanger, Founder of Planned Parenthood

"[Our objective is] unlimited sexual gratification without the burden of unwanted children..."
Margaret Sanger, Founder of Planned Parenthood

"[Mandatory] sterilization for [the insane and feeble-minded] is the answer."
Margaret Sanger, Founder of Planned Parenthood

"Give dysgenic groups [people with 'bad genes'] in our population their choice of segregation or [compulsory] sterilization."
Margaret Sanger, Founder of Planned Parenthood

Margaret Sanger, Founder of Planned Parenthood, proposed the American Baby Code that states, "No woman shall have the legal right to bear a child… without a permit for parenthood".

Margaret Sanger, Founder of Planned Parenthood, proposed the Population Congress with the aim, "...to give certain dysgenic groups in our population their choice of segregation or sterilization."

"As we celebrate the 100th birthday of Margaret Sanger, our outrageous and our courageous leader, we will probably find a number of areas in which we may find more about Margaret Sanger than we thought we wanted to know..."
Faye Wattleton, Past-president of Planned Parenthood

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What a crazy world we live in when we care more about the lives of "sea kittens" than that of human life.

Personally, I would hate to think that my donations to PETA were funding group-think sessions to develop more media grabbing events like this Pet Shop Boys media grab.

Or this one for that matter:

PETA is no stranger to oddball campaigns. A recent one was aimed to re-christen fish as "sea kittens" because "who could possibly want to put a hook through a sea kitten?"

Indeed, who would want to put a hook through a sea kitten? Nobody!!! Because there is no such thing as sea kittens.

However, I would not mind considering the following courses of action:
1. Putting a hook through a PETA representative
2. Drive a tack hammer into the skull of a PETA representative
3. Bury a PETA representative in the sand up to its neck and run it over with a lawn mower.

Ah shucks, there I go again, advocating violence. When will I learn that violence is never the answer? Except for those times when it is the only answer. But wait a minute, PETA doesn't mind occasionally committing criminal acts to advance their mission and agenda, so surely they wouldn't mind a little quid pro quo, right?

QUOTE FROM ONE OF PETA'S LEADERS INGRID NEWKIRK:

Perhaps Newkirk’s most telling comment, though, came in a 2002 U.S. News & World Report feature. “Our nonviolent tactics are not as effective,” she admitted. “We ask nicely for years and get nothing. Someone makes a threat, and it works.”

I guess you have to love these organizations. Why I don't know, but I'm told you have to. Don't worry PETA, I wouldn't really do # 3. I wouldn't want to damage my lawn mower.

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I'd much rather supports this organization:
http://www.petakillsanimals.com/

April 10, 2009
Exclusive: PETA’s Pet Killing Program Set a New Record in 2008
Public Records: PETA Found Adoptive Homes for Less than 1 out of 300 Animals

Animal lovers worldwide now have access to more than a decade’s worth of proof that People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) kills thousands of defenseless pets at its Norfolk, Virginia headquarters. Since 1998, PETA has opted to “put down” 21,339 adoptable dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens instead of finding homes for them.

PETA’s “Animal Record” report for 2008, filed with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, shows that the animal rights group killed 95 percent of the dogs and cats in its care last year. During all of 2008, PETA found adoptive homes for just seven pets.

Just seven animals -- out of the 2,216 it took in. PETA just broke its own record.

Why would an animal rights group secretly kill animals at its headquarters? PETA’s continued silence on the matter makes it hard to say for sure. But from a cost-saving standpoint, PETA’s hypocrisy isn’t difficult to understand: Killing adoptable cats and dogs – and storing the bodies in a walk-in freezer until they can be cremated – requires far less money and effort than caring for the pets until they are adopted.

PETA has a $32 million annual budget. But instead of investing in the lives of the thousands of flesh and blood creatures in its care, the group spends millions on media campaigns telling Americans that eating meat, drinking milk, fishing, hunting, wearing leather shoes, and benefiting from medical research performed on lab rats are all “unethical.”

The bottom line: PETA’s leaders care more about cutting into their advertising budget than finding homes for the nearly six pets they kill on average, every single day.

The Virginia Beach SPCA, just down the road from PETA’s Norfolk headquarters, manages to adopt out the vast majority of the animals in its care. And it does it on a shoestring budget.

Years of public outrage has not been enough to convince PETA to eliminate its pet eradication program.

Now the death toll of animals in PETA’s care has reached 21,339, including more than 2,000 pets last year. That’s not an animal charity. It’s a slaughterhouse.

Click here to sign our petition to revoke PETA’s tax-exempt status.

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Personally, I think it's time for both of these organizations to be humanely euthanized. They are bird-brains of a feather.

And according to the PP founder, it's the right thing to do.

"The undeniably feeble-minded should, indeed, not only be discouraged but prevented from propagating their kind."
Margaret Sanger, Founder of Planned Parenthood

BRILLIANT!!!!

GIANTS JOE MARTINEZ DRILLED

FROM YOU TUBE - IF YOU'RE SQUEAMISH, DO NOT VIEW THE VIDEO




FROM GIANTS MLB.COM REPORT
http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090409&content_id=4205706&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf

This is the pitchers worst nightmare. It has to be their equivalent of a hitter getting drilled in the head by a fastball that they cannot get out of the way of.

It is one of the reasons why, baseball is the most difficult sport. Having to mentally overcome the fear of these type of events and still perform your job--from a mental and emotional aspect--is incredibly difficult. You have to mentally override your brains safety and survival mechanisms. Not an easy thing to do, they are there for a reason.

I don't know if there is any equivalent in other sports quite like it. A blind-side check in hockey or a wide receiver getting hit running over the middle perhaps? I don't know, in both those sports, the hit is somewhat predictable--players have their heads on a swivel. The blow is dispersed over a wider area of the body. It's bone jarring yes. Life threatening, I don't think so. In most cases anyway.

These events, the come-backer to the pitcher and the shot to the hitters head, strike like lightning. Simply nothing you can do.

Prayers go out to the Giants Joe Martinez as well as Mike Cameron--the batter--who was visibly distraught after the incident.

SAD NEWS: ANGELS NICK ADENHART DIES IN CAR CRASH

Sad news today for the Angels and MLB. All our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and the Angles for their loss. Such a senseless tragedy in that we will not know how great the kid may have become, but we do know that he lived out his dream and reached the pinnacle of his profession. RIP Nick Adenhart.

FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS:

Los Angeles Angels rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart and two other people were killed early Thursday when a minivan ran a red light and struck the sports car they were traveling in, authorities said.

Adenhart, 22, died after undergoing surgery, University of California, Irvine Medical Center spokesman John Murray said.

STATEMENT FROM THE ADENHART FAMILY:

"Nick's family expresses sincere gratitude for all the help the Angels have provided," the Adenhart family said in a statement. "He lived his dream and was blessed to be part of an organization comprised of such warm, caring, and compassionate people. The Angels were his extended family. Thanks to all of Nick's loyal supporters and fans throughout his career. He will always be in everyone's hearts forever."

FROM THE ANGELS TORRI HUNTER:

"I'm in shock right now," Hunter said. "He just pitched last night. It doesn't seem like this is happening.

"This is real life. This isn't about baseball. This is his whole life, he had his whole life ahead of him. He's only 22, he's still a kid. He was a great kid, he was funny, he was very popular in the clubhouse and off the field. People loved him."

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Adenhart and three other people were in a silver Mitsubishi that was struck shortly before 12:30 a.m. local time by a minivan that ran a red light and also hit another vehicle, police said.

GIANTS PROSPECTS - THE BUSTER POSEY ERA BEGINS

It looks like it is going to get crowded on the Buster Posey train. It appears as if Peter Gammons is on board.

FROM PETER GAMMONS BLOG ON BUSTER POSEY:

The other teams in the AL East were joyous when the Rays decided to take Tim Beckham over Posey with the first pick last spring. Posey is athletic, has a great arm, has incredible power and is a lover of the game.

And that's some pretty weak praise for a player the caliber of Buster Posey coming from Gammons.Hall of Famer my butt!!

Remember, you heard it here first in this classic blast we like to call "I <3 Buster Posey" http://slavieboy.blogspot.com/2008/06/i-heart-buster-posey.html

And I reiterated it here, proving conclusively that a lineup of Buster Posey's would be a force of nature capable of beating the 1927 New York Yankees lineup, nicknamed "Murder's Row".

http://slavieboy.blogspot.com/2008/06/our-nation-mourns-buster-posey-has-been.html

First, he has the Bugs Bunny baseball player career at Florida State. Next he'll take the National League by storm, winning the Rookie of the Year and M.V.P. Award in the same season.

He'll also win an ESPY, an Academy Award and probably a Nobel Peace Prize after warring nations put down their weapons to watch him play.

YOU WATCH !!! BUSTER POSEY IS THE MAN !!!!!
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Looking over the Giants Organizational Rosters brings up a couple of question marks.

I understand the Dominican free-agent signees Rafael Rodriguez and Luis Mateo are not likely to be placed on a Class A or above roster (too young). But where have you gone Wendell Fairley??

This was the MLB.com capsule on Fairley before the draft:

A two-sport standout long on tools, short on experience, Fairley is somewhat difficult to figure out heading into this draft.

A wide receiver with plus speed, Fairley hasn't always given baseball full attention. As a result, his tools are extremely raw. At the same time, he's shown skills -- above-average arm strength, raw power potential, bat speed that hints he could be an above-average hitter -- that are hard to look past. Any player this raw would be hard to place in terms of when he'll be drafted, but add in some makeup issues, and no one knows for sure when Fairley will be selected.

Comparisons to Rays Carl Crawford seemed realistic, but injuries and off-field issues seem to have conspired to retard his development. He's been MIA since being drafted.

Other Giant prospects Missing in Action:
SS - Ehire Adrianza
RHP- Kyle Nicholson
LHP - Aaron King
LHP - Ben Snyder

The Augusta (Low-A) roster has not been totally fleshed out so hopefully a couple of these guys will resurface.

BASEBALL PREDICTIONS FOR 2009

Another season, another failed attempt at prognostication. Here goes:

In the National League East:
1. Mets
2. Phillies
3. Marlins
4. Braves
5. Nationals

I'm going with the Mets until they prove they can do it. A perverse, contrarian logic yes, but let's face it they can't choke every year....or they would be THE CUBS!!!! That's right I said it. The Phillies will be the wild card. The Marlins will be too young. The Braves too young. The Nationals are just somewhat confused.

In the National League Central:
1. Cubs
2. Brewers
3. Cardinals
4. Reds
5. Astros
6. Pirates

Cubs rule, then October comes and they see their shadow and crawl back into their cave and hibernate. The Brewers hit too much, pitch too little. LaRussa gets more than expected out of Cards which isn't much. Reds, Astros and Pirates should be in AAA. No, I'm sorry the Pirates should be NCAA Division III.

In the National League West:
1. Dodgers
2. Diamondbacks
3. Giants
4. Rockies
5. Padres

Dodgers win a weak division, which kills them in the playoffs. Diamondbacks don't have quite enough to hold off the Phillies for the wild-card. Interestingly enough, they have more than enough to hold off the Mets. Tough time reconciling that. The Giants, Rockies and Padres compete in a fierce battle to avoid last place. Padres seem to be the team to beat, but tough call.


In the Playoffs:
Cubs vs. Phillies - CUBS WIN!!!! CUBS WIN!!!!
Dodgers vs. Mets - Dodgers in a landslide. Mets shouldn't even be here.

In the Championship Series:
CUBS vs. Dodgers - CUBS WIN!!!! CUBS WIN!!!!
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In the American League East:
1. Rays
2. Red Sox
3. Yankees
4. Blue Jays
5. Orioles

Rays are that good. Sox are hanging on to faded glory, but they have the pitching to do it. The Yankees are pathetic, they think they can still but their way in and it is great to see them fail, year after year. Toronto plays in Canada, so who cares really. The Orioles are trying to go the Rays route after years of being the third wheel in the Yankees-Sox spending orgy. And who really wants to be the third wheel in any orgy? It's kind of pathetic.

In the American League Central:
1. Indians
2. Twins
3. White Sox
4. Tigers
5. Royals

Might be the best division top to bottom in baseball. Top three teams get the most out of their roster. The Twins are so fundamentally sound, they are fun to watch. The Tigers need more pitching to compete with the Indians and Sox. The Royals just need a miracle.

In the American League West:
1. Angels
2. A's
3. Mariners
4. Rangers

Angels are best in a weak division which hurts them in the playoffs. A's still get the most out of their rosters, best garbage pickers in baseball. Mariners have Griffey back, not much else. Rangers have nothing.

In the Playoffs:
Angels vs. Red Sox - deja vu, Red Sox win
Rays vs. Indians - Rays win.

In the Championship Game:
Rays vs. Red Sox II - Rays win.
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World Series - Rays vs. Cubs

Rays WIN!!! Rays WIN!!!

Keep betting against the Cubs winning the Series until proven otherwise.

IS TOM IZZO THE BEST COLLEGE BASKETBALL COACH?

He may be the top college coach that doesn't get his due. And I say this after his team eliminated my entry in the office poll. Thanks a lot Tom, ya rat bastard ya!!

Who had Michigan State advancing this far in their bracket? One person in our pool picked them to win, but I believe there were more who picked Duke to win. Or Louisville. Or North Carolina.

Look at the following factoids.

* Izzo's .756 winning percentage (31-10 record) in the NCAA tournament ranks third among all active coaches with 10 or more games coached:

1. Mike Krzyzewski, Duke, 72-22 (.766) 2. Billy Donovan, Florida, 22-7 (.759) 3. Tom Izzo, Michigan State, 31-10 (.756) 4. Rick Pitino, Louisville, 37-12 (.755) 5. Roy Williams, North Carolina, 52-17 (.754)

No offense, but on the recruiting trail Coach K is asking kids to go to Duke. DUKE!!!! Donovan can sell the Florida sun and the effect it has on the young coeds level of dress throughout the year. ADVANTAGE GATORS!!! Pitino has Louisville and it's tradition to sell. Roy Williams has North Carolina, a guy named Jordan as an alumnus and many other selling points.

Izzo has to convince kids to matriculate to East Lansing!! No offense to East Lansing but in this list of venues, you run a distant fifth out of the five entries.

Izzo is currently the longest-tenured basketball coach in the Big Ten Conference. Michigan State began a streak of twelve straight NCAA tournament appearances, which is the 5th longest current streak among Division I teams. During that run only Mike Krzyzewski (29) has more NCAA tournament wins than Tom Izzo (26).

Who knew the Coach Izzo was running neck and neck with the great Coach K?


And if that wasn't enough, there is this description of his coaching philosophies.

Izzo's teams are known for guard play, toughness and rebounding. Izzo got attention when people learned of his "war" rebounding drills, in which the players have sometimes worn football helmets and shoulder pads.

His motto is "Players Play – Tough Players Win".

His other coaching philosophy is that "he doesn't determine playing time, players do."

Even if the Spartys do not rise up and upset the Tar Heels, perhaps it's time to acknowledge Tom Izzo as one of the top coaches in college basketball.

OPENING DAY NOTES

"There is no sports event like Opening Day of baseball, the sense of beating back the forces of darkness and the National Football League." — George Vecsey

"Time begins on Opening Day . . . (when) we know that something fine, almost wonderful, is about to happen" - Thomas Boswell.

I can't put it in much better words than that so I won't even try. Everyone begins with a 0-0 record and hopes are renewed that last years failures will evolve into this years successes. And when there is snow on the ground in places like Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland and the Northeast cities, this give us more hope for the arrival of spring than Puxatawnee Phil could ever do.

Who will be this years Rays or Phillies?

Who will be the next Jay Bruce or Tim Lincecum?

You guess is as good as mine. But since it's my blog, here goes:

Rookies to Watch
David Price, LHP Tampa Bay
Matt Wieters, C Baltimore
Tommy Hanson, RHP Atlanta
Pablo Sandoval, 3B San Francisco
Colby Rasmus, OF St. Louis
Andre McCutcheon, OF Pittsburgh
Cameron Maybin, OF Marlins
Dexter Fowler, OF Colorado
Matt LaPorta, OF Cleveland
Travis Snider, OF Toronto

Teams to Watch:
1) Rays - it will be interesting to see how they handle the switch from the hunter to the hunted - my guess is pretty well, they are loaded.

2) Cubs - hey, they're due. Peavy would have been nice.

3) Brewers - will the loss of C.C. mean a return to mediocrity?

4) Dodgers - Manny's schizophrenic personality guarantees intrigue.

5) Yankees - New stadium, stratospheric ticket prices in a declining economy means results will matter.

6) Mets - Is this a crossroads year for the Minaya regime? Owners lost a lot of money in Madoff scandal maybe some gains on the field provide a diversion. Another wasted year with a bloated payroll could be too much to handle. Also added Manny-lite candidate in Gary Sheffield.

7) Giants - JK, I have to keep an eye on them. Not many others will is my guess.

BEARS TRADE KYLE ORTON

THIS IS WHAT BEAR FANS WILL LOOK LIKE WHEN THEY REALIZE WHAT HAPPENED

Are you kidding me? Kyle Orton for Jay Cutler straight up is not a good deal.

And we had to throw in two first round-picks and a third round pick for a fifth rounder. Can somebody explain to GM Jerry Angelo that while, of course a ONE and a ONE and a THREE do indeed equal a FIVE--or at least they did when he was in third grade--in the NFL draft, ones and threes are valuable commodities and fives are throwaway items.
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Apparently the face of the Bears, Brian Uhrlacher, was not impressed when he initially heard the news:

"I guess the Bears felt like we needed another quarterback, so they made a move," Urlacher told the Chicago Tribune. "They gave up a lot. Cutler must be pretty good."

"I guess we got better as a team," Urlacher added, according to the newspaper. "You get a quarterback who is a Pro Bowl guy. But I will say this: I think Kyle Orton is a good quarterback. He's a great teammate. I hope he does really well in Denver."

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I guess we got better??? Hardly a ringing endorsement of the deal.

And the reason may lie in a little digging through the stats of the two QB's in question. Sure, Jay Cutler wins the QB rating game and the fantasy guys love him, but as Herman Edwards said once: "YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME. HELLO!!"

In this regard Kyle Orton is way ahead of Cutler:

Cutler W-L Record
2006 2-3-0
2007 7-9-0
2008 8-8-0
Total 17-20-0

A less than .500 record with a team that has a decent running game, a good offensive line and playoff/Super Bowl aspirations. Not one season above the .500 mark so far.

Orton W-L Record
2005 10-5-0
2007 2-1-0
2008 9-6-0
Total 21-12-0

Hmmm, twice over .500 and with a team that arguably gave him less to work with compared to what Denver gave to Cutler.
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And as Orton demonstrated by vanquishing Rex Grossman, intangibles do seem to matter. And Kyle Orton has never been found to want in the intangibles department as demonstrated by the following famous pics from his time in Chicago.

ORTON BEING A GOOD TEAMMATE - TAKING CARE OF HIS BOYS



AND THE LADIES SEEM TO LIKE HIM AS WELL - WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR?


I'm not knocking Orton here. Namath and some others before and since have been able to pull off the Playboy/QB daily double. In the end, fans care about results.
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On balance, the ultimate winner may end up being Kyle Orton. He goes from an unimaginative, pedestrian offensive game plan to a Head Coach who made his bones developing QB's. Plus those draft picks are really going to sway this deal to Denver's side long-term.

The Bears seem to be throwing a late-game, Hail Mary pass hoping that Cutler can invigorate the offense. It would help if they drafted or signed a couple of guys who are capable of doing something on the other end of his throws.

GIANTS PROSPECTS - SPRING TRAINING

BUMGARNER LAST YEAR AT AUGUSTA

Ishikawa, Travis 1B hitting .316 7 HR's has grabbed the 1B job

Bumgarner, Madison - gets start for Giants' final Cactus League game, struck out Manny Ramirez on three pitches

MANNY ON BUMGARNER:

"He's great. He's nasty. Nineteen? Wow. That's unbelievable. He's great. Good fastball, good curveball and sneaky. He throws hard."

RAYS SPRING TRAINING ATTENDANCE IS UP

Good news on Rays attendance: Up 30% in Spring Training. The Rays do have a new spring training home in Port Charlotte, which helps.

http://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/article988872.ece

We hope that translates into the regular season. And it should. There are legitimate expectations to compete for the title right from the get-go. The Yankees and Red Sox are chasing the Rays for a change.

Other teams want to be like the Rays:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/31/SPHJ16PF5T.DTL

QUOTE FROM GIANTS GM BRIAN SABEAN:

"You have to balance the roster the best you can. You don't necessarily want younger players to come off the bench or platoon as much as a veteran. The basic model is to (orchestrate a youth movement) over time and have flexibility to have more longer-service contracts. You've still got to go the free-agent route and explore trades. You've still got to have a complement."

Its good times for Rays fans. If the Giants can't compete for the World Series this year, LOL!!! then count me on the Rays bandwagon.
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CHUCKLE FOR THE DAY:

"According to the government, GM's Rick Wagoner was forced to resign because of poor performance. That’s embarrassing. You run an organization that loses billions of dollars and then get fired by a guy who heads up an organization that loses trillions of dollars." - Jay Leno