Ok, here it is, Sammy Sosa is back in the Majors. Why? I don't know. I see no need to spend money on a guy that has had maybe three good seasons in his career. (I know, he had more, but I'm ranting...so pardon my nowhere near perfect analysis.) I am a Cubs fan and an Orioles fan. I've seen Sammy do nothing for my two favorite teams for quite a while. I mean, the guy sat out because he hurt himself sneezing! According to an article on Google sports, Sammy promises not to disappoint the Texas Rangers...that's like me promising not to procrastinate...it's inevitable.

All you are going to hear is that if he has a good season, it's because of roids. If he has a bad season, it's because he's off the juice and that's the reason he made a name for himself.

Now, I'm not saying that if not for Sosa and McGwire that one magical season, baseball could be lost among casual fans. I'm saying that Sosa is not worth it.

If he makes the roster at the end of spring training, then he would make 500k a year with over 2 million in performance bonuses.

I guess I could see taking a chance on a seven time all star for 500k, and if he hits his performance goals, then he will be worth 2 mil. I don't know...I've kinda talked myself into believing that Sosa has the potential to be a bargain deal.

I think the biggest problem I see is that he claims to have at least 5 more baseball years left in him. He is 38 now, so he is saying that he can play until he is 43 or 44...I just don't see it. I don't think his body can handle it...but with his time off, who knows.

I know this wasn't exactly a grade A post, but I came across the article and wanted to know what you guys thought.

By all means, please feel free to comment, question, or call me stupid...it's happened before and I'm sure it will happen again.

Rec out

I am a Duke fan. Yes, I said it, I am a Duke University Blue Devils fan.

Now that I got that out of the way, let me say this, I am tired of hearing all the bull about Coach K getting all the "calls." I know that the call on Thursday was bogus. I know the game should've went to overtime at worst. What I don't understand is everyone saying that Coach K is a cheater. He didn't put the time back on the clock, the officials did.

My point is this, all the big coaches in the NCAA get the calls. Do you think that Dean Smith, Bob Knight, Roy Williams, etc have never benefited from a questionable call going their way? It happens in every level of the sport.

Hell, when I was playing football in high school, we were playing a school with a coach that had a reputation for being one of the best, if not the best in the state. Every single kick-off they were offsides, we've got it on tape. Not one call. Now, I'm not comparing offsides to extra time in a game, but you see where I'm getting at. Three or four kickoffs a game that should've been moved back at least 5 yards can make a difference for each possession. (can't remember the actual yardage for the penalty...so I just went with 5.)

Regardless of whether or not you agree with the call (which I severely doubt anyone will) you have to agree that you will forever back up your team. Every year that Duke does good, all I hear is how they had all the calls go their way.

I've said my piece, and as promised, here are some pics and videos from the game.

Please, ignore my school-girl-like yelling at the end of each video...

McClure game winning shot... 

Josh McRoberts's dunk... 

This picture makes me laugh a little...

Me and a buddy at center court at Cameron Indoor Stadium...

And for all you MILF fans...

Josh McRobert's mom.

Rec out

Tonight will be my first ever experience in Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke University.  We are playing Clemson, so it should be a good game.  I'll post more on the game when I get back.

GO DEVILS! 

I remember the exact day that I became a Cal Ripken, Jr. fan. I was about 6 years old in my living room and my dad was watching baseball. I see Ripken running to his right near third base territory and sling a rocket to first for an out. Ever since then, I was hooked. Not just on Ripken, but on the sport.

Cal was truly one of the first of his kind. He was drafted a pitcher but got his start at the hot corner. Then, manager Earl Weaver decided to give him a shot at SS, and that's where his legacy began. Other than that, he was 6'4". Most considered him too tall and lanky to be able to control the middle infield. His ability to hit for power (First AL shortstop to hit for 30 HRs in a season) opened the gateway for the players that awe us today, like Derek Jeter for one. Hell, even A-Rod in Seattle was a thrill to watch.

His first season (he was called up midway through the 82 season), first at bat, Cal hits his first career big league homerun. He also won the AL rookie of the year while leading all rookies in every offensive category. The next year in 83, he became the second player in MLB history to win the rookie of the year, and MVP honors in back to back seasons.

Honestly, I could go on and on about his achievements as a defensive player. How he holds records for fewest errors in a season, or how multiple times he led the league in assists. But we know he has these accomplishments because if he didn't, we wouldn't know he was a sure bet for the Hall. I already touched on some of his offensive feats.

I'm not going to turn this into a biography about Ripken, though. I have never seen a player play with so much passion for the game. In this day of free agency bidding, egos, and alledged steroid use, seeing a player play in his home state for 21 seasons is outstanding. Tony Gwynn stayed with the padres his entire career as well.

What would a Cal Ripken post be without talking about the streak? What kills me is that some people think that the only reason he will get in is because of the streak and it #### me off that ignorant people think this way. True, he set a record that probably will not be broken ever. That's not a biased opinion, it's fact. So many players think they "deserve" days off, and that fact alone is what will keep this record intact.

The streak started May 30, 1982 and was summed up September 20, 1998. The streak was great to watch, and if you look at my avatar, you can see the emotion built up in him when he broke it. I remember to this day, watching the game on TV with my family. When the game was official, the game paused and Ripken ran a "victory lap" around the field and shook hands with anyone in reach. I taped that game...I don't know what happened to it, but I wish I could find it. I'd love to sit around and watch it again sometime. The only sound you could hear was the fans cheering for their hero, the Iron Man.

I'm sorry Flying Pig...but again, Alan Trammel did not get in. A week 08 class should help his cause.

Gwynn and Ripken came closer to a unanimous decision than anyone in the history of HOF voting. The only reason they didn't, I believe, is that some sports writers do not vote for first time HOF nominees. Whatever, I don't mind. As long as he is in, I'm happy.

Another thing that drew me to Cal was his love for the game and the fans. He was a fan of the fans and that's why he was so well loved and respected in Baltimore. Hell, he's the reason why I watch the Orioles to this day, and you guys know we haven't had much to brag about over the past 10-12 seasons...I'm talking to you Jeff Mayer!

I would have loved to have been alive to see him win a championship. His only ring came before my time. However, I have had the pleasure of watching him play in the inaugural year of Camden Yards. It was amazing. I was young and had never been to a ball game bigger than the local high school's. It was the O's vs. A's. I got to see Ripken, Mussina, Henderson, Canseco (before controversies), along with McGwire.

The man of 1,000 stances was an inspiration to all of us that enjoy the sport. If not for his passion, I may have never decided to pick up a glove and tell my dad I wanted to play shortstop for the local league. I may have never decided to give my all in every sport I played. I may have never learned that it is more than a game, it's an experience that we all share together, 9 on each side.

This is a great thing to me, but more importantly, it is a great day for baseball. One of the classiest guys to play the game, one that gave so much back to Baltimore and it's youth, will forever be remembered in a Hall of Fame, no, Hall of Greats.

Now, I salute you, Mr. Ripken, for your 21 years of dedication, determination, and love for the game!

I apologize in advance for spamming, but I just wanted everyone to see this. 

Rec out

*Most of the stats were taken from Wikipedia.org

I'm going to start a rumor going around that LSU and Florida are playing a game in March.

After the past couple of weeks, and barring some miraculous turnaround for the buckeyes, these are the only two teams that showed in their respective bowl games...well, other than Boise State...but I just thought of that as I was writing.

Anywho, this is great to watch.  And I'm an ACC fan, so I have no ties to either conference!

C'mon basketball season! 

And managed to miss OSU's first score....

Oh well....Florida needs to step up

All I have been hearing since the bowl announcements is that Div I needs a playoff system in place to determine national champions.

I totally agree because the system in place now is terribly flawed and I'm not wasting my/your time by telling you how, since you hear about it everyday this time of year.

However, I will say this: The teams that were "snubbed" this year, still played. Maybe not in the type of game they wanted, but they still got their matchup, TV time, etc. I have a feeling that if a playoff system is in place, then more teams will not be allowed to play in December/January. Here are my reasons...

1) With football being played only once a week, many more teams than 10 would take entirely too long, without reducing a game from the regular season.

2) It's all about the $$$. Less games means less advertising means less money.

I've been talking to some buddies of mine and I came up with this idea. It is more like a hybrid system. Take these early bowl games and still play them. Let them be appetizers to the playoffs. After that, have a 10 team playoff, top 2 teams have byes, and play from there.

I can already see the complaints coming in. Say one team is ranked 3rd in the playoff, but had a legitimate shot at being 2, and then they lose, you'll hear how they lost in a game that shouldn't have even been played.

I feel like this, you are not going to please everyone. It will never happen. It's like going on a trip with buddies. There's always someone who doesn't like the plans. However, I feel like this formula (with tweaking from you guys) could actually help college football. But then again, I know I won't stop watching games because of a messed up BCS system, will you?

Which brings me to my next point. Let's say you are FOX. You are showing the Wake/Louisville game tonight. Let's say that I think this is a bad pairing, and that I believe wake is on a lower level than Louisville. (remember, this is rhetorical) Is that going to keep me from watching the game? No, because I still like the game itself. Until you start messing with the money that drives the machine, nothing will change. I'm pretty sure all of us will continue to watch college football as long as we're able. We don't care about the suits running the game, it's the players and coaches in the game that make them what they are.

Sorry, got a little long-winded. I hope this makes sense to whomever will read it.

Don't worry, I know I teetered along the yay/nay line for this argument. But for the record, something's gotta give.

Go Blue Devils

rec out

I don't know if anyone reads this anymore, but I thought I would share with you guys my experience in Birmingham for the PapaJohns.com bowl.  My East Carolina Pirates played the South Florida Knights...well, let's just say that we were scheduled to play, if only the Pirates would have shown up.

I missed USF's first two scores while in the beer line...

Frustration.  I feel like a season for a team that hasn't done anything since the mid-90's blows this opportunity to put itself back out there as a team that isn't entirely a pushover.

However, I think Skip Holtz and Terry Holland (AD) have the teams best interests in mind and we'll continue to get better and maybe even be regular bowl contenders....who knows?

Well, I thought I'd share a picture or two of me and the crew down there.

Here's the field...must say that the crew did an excellent job on it!

 Here's me and my crew in B-Ham.

In case anyone was wondering, I'm the guy on the back row, second from left.  With his face partially covered like Wilson in Home Improvement. 

Well, I just wanted to share that with whoever is reading.

Rec out. 

I know no one cares, but I do.   But the college I am currently attending (East Carolina University) is now Bowl-eligible with a shot at the Conference USA East Title.  Right now, it looks like we are heading to the Armed Forces Bowl somewhere in Texas.  It would be sweet if we could win the Conf. championship and play in the Liberty Bowl (I think that's our Conference Championship bid...can't remember).  That sounds like one hell of a road trip, if you ask me.

GO PIRATES!!!!!!!!!  ARGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! 

I don't get it.  I really don't.  I am currently in two leagues right now.  One with family and one with coworkers.  I'm rocking the one with the family.  I am sitting in first with a 3-1 record.  That doesn't really bother my b/c my team is flippin sweet.  Ok, maybe a little luck was involved.  It's my work league that is killing me.  Every week, I put up above average numbers, and the team I play against has one player that just goes off and has a career day.  AAAAAAArrgghhhhhhhh.

First week, I put up 78 pts.  My opponent had Kurt Wariner and  his 34 pts.  Damn

Second week, I had another 78 pt..  My opponent had McNabb with 28 pts, Gore with 16, and his kicker...KICKER had 17 pts!  Fooey!

 Week three, I had to play against Brian Westbrook and his 31 pt. performance.  And I had my best game to date with 83 pts.

Last week, wasn't as bad.  His running backs, Foster from Carolina, and Portis, but up a combined 35 pts against my RB's combined 19.  Ronnie Brown, you are letting me down!  Hey, that rhymed.  I'm a poet and didn't know it.  I can make a rhyme, everytime.

Anyway, I think I should be at least 2-2.  But oh well.  It's a travesty, a sham, a mockery....a travershamockery!

Going into my next to last semester of college, the heat is building.  But it really sucks.  I barely got to watch the steelers-dolphins last night, I barely got to watch college football this past weekend, and I'm barely gonna be able to watch NFL this coming up weekend. 

With all this said, I am going to have to hang up my blogging hat....for now.  I won't have the time or the motivation to put a decent effort into it, so instead of leaving without saying anything, I thought I'd drop a little info on you.

To all who've read me since I started, thanks.

RecOut 

These are the events I would love to see before I die.

10.  Indy 500.  I think these drivers have amazing talent to drive a car 200 mph and keep it on the track...usually.

9.  Kentucky Derby.  This race has so much around it.  Animals worth more than my house and car running for two minutes and people betting on it...great environment.

8.  Michigan vs. Ohio State at Michigan.  The Michigan atmosphere is amazing and screams football as soon as you go into the gates.

7. NBA Finals.  I'm not a big NBA fan, but I do watch the playoffs...and the finals are in the playoffs.

6.  Yankees/Red Sox at Fenway.  There can't be much better than watching the most historic rivalry in baseball sitting atop the monster at fenway.

5.  NCAA (Football) Championship.  Watching young men play at peak physical condition while playing on pure emotion is one of the greatest things to watch.

4.  NCAA (Basketball) Championship.  I love college basketball.  These young men are playing for the love of the game, and for the trophy.

3.  Super Bowl.  Shouldn't have to explain this one.

2.  World Series Game 7.  I want to see a memorable game seven and watch as someone belts a walk-off homer to win the ring.

I know what you're thinking.  "Rec, what could be number one?  You have it all listed here, so what else is there?"  Well, I'm glad you asked.  I want to see the best college rivalry in history play at one of the most notorious stadiums...that's right...

1.  DUKE vs. CAROLINA at Cameron Indoor Stadium.  Growing up under 2 hours away from either school, plus being a huge Duke fan has drawn me into this game like a tractor beam.

There it is.  I know I might have left something off, but hey, it's my top 10.  If you have something you want to share, feel free to comment.

I want to apologize for the shortness, I lost this post twice already because of my stupid ISP. 

Also, I know this is not an original idea, however, the top 10 are my top 10, not recreated from another site or anything.  I googled the pictures, and I do not take credit for any of the aforementioned pictures.

Rec out. 

As the work week comes to a screeching hault, and the weekend comes busting through the door, I say goodbye! 

Not really, more like see ya later.  I am going on vacation from Sunday to Sunday.  I will be without Internet, so if you guys don't hear from me (I'm saying it like I'm some sort of big shot) I'll catch up as soon as I get back and hopefully there will be some additions to some of my favorite "themed" posts.

Hopefully I'll have more than basic cable so I can get my three hours of Sportscenter (Although it's the same one everytime) in.

So I'm going to the beach with my cooler full of beer and chillin.  You guys be good, and don't do anything I wouldn't....but if you happen to do something I wouldn't do, could you name it after me?

Rec out.

Ok guys, this is only my second experience with fantasy football and I would like some input on my team.  I have a spot I'm worried about, but I think all-in-all, I should be ok.  Here goes...

QB - P. Manning (Ind)

QP - M. Hasselbeck (Sea)

QB - M. Brunell (He's still playing?) (Was)

WR - S. Smith (Car)

WR - K. Johnson (Car)

WR - K. McCardell (SD)

WR - Jurevicous (Cle)

WR - Mi. Clayton (TB)

RB - Westbrook (Phi)

RB - R. Brown (Mia)

RB - J. Jones (Dal)

TE - A. Gates (SD)

TE - Crumpler (Atl)

K - Rackers (Ari)

Def - Chicago

Def - NY

This is a very point-friendly league.  It seems we have quite a few starters in each position, I don't know if that's normal or not.  I'll try to give you a rundown of what the league entails.

2 QB's, 3 WR's, 2 RB's, 1 TE, 2 W/T (WR/TE?), 1 K, 2 Def.

Will having Smith and Johnson hurt me?  I know I'll have a majority of Carolina's passing touchdowns.  I am worried about the bye week.  Are my backups good enough to cover them? 

Like I said, I am fairly new to this, so I don't really know if I have a good team.  It seems like everyone I have had good years last year, but I'm not sure how that translates to fantasy.

Any comments are greatly appreciated.