Never out of season, it’s time to break out the tomatoes once again, and direct them at the individuals throughout sports that deserve them the most. Alongside “Throwing Tomatoes” this week, I present you with “Gold Stars”, which will act as the red fruit’s positive counterpart.
I don’t know about you, but every now and then in grade school, I would have a teacher that would give you a gold star on your homework, along with a “Great job”, or a “Well done” to go along with it. From what I hear, that was fairly common, and I bring that concept to sports.
This edition of each features all but the NFL Draft, which will get its own separate post (coming soon).
Where do you direct your tomatoes and gold stars this week?
Throwing Tomatoes – Volume VI plus Gold Stars – Volume I
MLB Arizona Diamondbacks …for not just having the great pitching… but hitting too. Hey, watch out baseball world, the Diamondbacks aren’t just pitching well with the likes of Brandon Webb, Dan Haren, and company. Their young bats are hitting too… and hitting a lot. The D’Backs own the best record in baseball, and show no signs of slowing down.
Barry Zito … for pocketing so much of San Francisco’s cash, yet not delivering in return. Wow, where do you rank Barry Zito among the biggest free agent busts in baseball history? My goodness, if I’m a Giants fan, I’m thanking the baseball gods for at least giving the city of San Francisco a pitcher like Tim Lincecum to help them forget about Barry (no, not that Barry). NBA Philadelphia 76ers …for giving the Pistons fits thus far in the first round. How many of you can honestly say that you thought Detroit would have this much trouble with the Sixers? Give Mo Cheeks and Philly credit. They’re playing hard… and playing well, even after faltering in the second half during Game 4 this weekend. The series is tied at two games apiece.
Phoenix Suns …after backup themselves up into an NBA Playoffs corner. Sure, the Suns spanked the Spurs in Game 4, but a 3-1 first round deficit is not what Phoenix had in mind this postseason. Not with Shaq in town. I would be shocked to see the defending champion Spurs lose this lead. You should be too.
NFL Washington Redskins …for finally changing their team philosophy regarding the NFL Draft. How did I think the ‘Skins did in the draft? I’ll share that in my next post. Instead, my gold star goes to Washington for changing their philosophy and actually keeping draft picks this time around.
Cincinnati Bengals …for being a stubborn joke of a franchise this offseason. The Chad Johnson story is ridiculous. OK, Johnson isn’t perfect, but he said he wants to be traded. The Bengals desperately need new fresh faces to come in. The Redskins offer what could end up being two first round picks, and Cincy doesn’t take it? Are you kidding me? Hey Cincy, don’t you realize Randy Moss was dealt for a fourth round pick?
NHL Dallas Stars …for continuing their playoff push with a 2-0 series lead over #2 seed San Jose. How fitting it is to give the Dallas Stars a gold star. Still, after ousting the Stanley Cup champs in round one, the Stars haven’t skipped a beat , and have now taken the first two games over the Sharks on the road.
Caps/Flyers Calls and Mishaps …after a few iffy calls and missed opportunities in the Washington/Philadelphia Game 7 Not to discredit the Flyers and how well they played in their series against Washngton, but how frustrated are those running the NHL right now? They were that close to having a dream matchup of Crosby and the Penguins vs. Ovechkin and the Capitals. Still, what looked like a few iffy calls here and there, combined with some missed opportunities by the Capitals, instead you have Philly advancing to play Montreal. Oh well NHL… maybe another year.
College Basketball Tyler Hansbrough …for choosing to come back for his senior year. How many players in the college ranks say they’re coming back for another year, only to later change their mind and go pro? Prior to March Madness, Hansbrough stated that he planned to come back if North Carolina didn’t win a championship. The Heels didn’t win, and Tyler kept his word. I applaud him for doing so, and I think one more year in college should help him prep more for the pros too.
Danny Green …on the other hand, will be testing the NBA waters. Sticking with North Carolina, sixth man Danny Green will declare for the NBA draft, but not hire an agent. Therefore, he could return. OK, I get it with Ellington and Lawson doing the same, but Green? No offense Danny, you can play ball, but you should stick in college longer.
Miscellaneous Danica Patrick …for becoming the first female to win an IndyCar race. I admit it, I was starting to think Danica was going to become one of those stories, where a ton of hype is tossed out, but no victories ever arrive. She proved me wrong and was able to make it happen recently. What a story it was, and what an emotional moment for Patrick, her family, her team, and her fans. Bravo Danica, that’s a gold star for you.
Michelle Wie …for not living up to the hype, and feeling additional pressure from Danica. You think Wie is feeling any any additional pressure now? I don’t care if she plays a completely different sport. Michelle Wie tried to compete with the men in golf, and didn’t come close. She hasn’t been able to compete with her own gender either. Now, the pressure is really on.
Camden (A tomato/gold star combo) I throw a tomato at the unfairness of life, but give a gold star to a great pet. For those of you who are pet lovers out there, you’ll understand. Camden (yes, he’s named after Oriole Park at Camden Yards – so this is partially sports related), my one-year old cat, died unexpectedly a few weeks ago at the age of one. He apparently had an underlying heart condition that was undetectable. He will be sorely missed by me, and by everyone that came into contact with him. R.I.P. little man…
Honorary Tomato Throwers of the Week Because those who found success earn a chance to sling one at their opposition Detroit Red Wings – at the Colorado Avalance, so much for that heated and tight rivalry. Atlanta Hawks – at the Boston Celtics, who many thought would easily sweep the #8 seed Tampa Bay Rays – at Boston, after sweeping the reeling Red Sox over the weekend.
This has been a special two-pack of “Throwing Tomatoes” and the all new “Gold Stars”. Please see my other post, featuring the NFL Draft breakdown, with a “Gold Stars” spin... coming soon.
ksp Kudos on the Rays. However I'd like not only the honorary throwers being accorded their due. But how about the likes of the receivers of this accolade ?
Can we have the likes of Rosenhaus and Kiper being placed on a pedestal and tomatoes being thrown in their direction.
And in none sport's related news how about Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz being accorded the same protocol ? Allegedly the two are engaged and we'll unfortunately now have to endure the paparazzi celeb' watch of these two. And now that she's said to be pregnant I wonder if it'll actually improve her alleged musical dexterity and prowess ?
You've got to be worried when a guy is allegedly wearing more makeup than the chick he's dating. And the possibilty that they're about to become parents is friggin' scary ! And Jessica her sister is meant to be the dumb one ?
KSP great choices and as much as it pains me I would give a gold star to J.Pablo.Montoya for getting a second place finish at Taladega this weekend showing he does belong.
RAMPANT,
Ha ha, that's funny. I did hear that Ashlee was pregnant. As for Mel Kiper, you know his hair looks that much more interesting in high definition? I didn't know the word to use besides "interesting".
JOKERS,
Fair enough, bad boy Montoya probably deserves it. I neglected NASCAR on this particular post... next time, I'll make sure not to. Later
Could we give a star to Ashley Force in the NHRA? First woman to win in Funny Car and first woman to lead the Funny Car points. She had to beat her Dad to get there.
SPLAT on Roger Clemens, again! Thanks, KSP, I feel better.LOL
Last edited by volfan69 on April 28th at 10:18 AM.
VOLFAN,
Ha ha... hmm, maybe we could somehow build one of those super soakers, only it has the ability to launch tomatoes instead. Then we'll just get you to camp out outside of Roger's house. What do you say?
ksp
About the only thing not being used ny Kiper on his hair is the following ;
As to the draft it was about as interesting to watch as paint dry. All of the opining and critiquing as to the picks made won't amount to much by ESPN's so called experts.
I'd dare say that these guys could offer up more of an opinion than any of the idiots that appeared on ESPN on draft day ?
rampant' aka tophatal ..........
Last edited by rampantfanatic on April 28th at 10:56 AM.
RAMPANT,
Oh boy, I hope none of those guys read my blog. Ha ha just kidding. Honestly, the one part I found to be interesting was when they managed to get the video conferencing calls going, and to see the details and thoughts from all the coaches and general managers.
ksp What are they going to do ? Sue for libel or slander ? They've got to prove first what I'm saying is apparently incorrect. And last time I checked a lot of it was ' right on the money' .
And you know in those teleconferencing calls it'll be all syrupy and filled with nice things being said between the two. But come time for these kids to be signing their contracts or holding out. 'cause you know it's bound to happen. The coaches'll be using some very choice words to describe the players they were lauding at the beginning.
RAMPANT,
I'm totally blanking on a creative thing to say in response to that. I wanted to come up with something clever to respond to what they would do... and my answer got all buried in Mel's hair.
RAMPANT,
Ha ha, you can't miss 'em there, that's for sure. You're really enjoying this whole "image in the comment" thing aren't you?! This is a new side of you that I haven't seen 'til I was back from my mini-break.
Hey Kevin, losing a beloved pet is very tough. RIP Camden. Dead on with your choices of Gold Stars and Throwing Tomatoes.
I'd give a Gold Star to the Flyers, who took a 2-1 series lead on the Canadiens.
I'll Throw Tomatoes at the refs in Game 1 of that series. The Canadiens scored a goal that shouldn't have been allowed (the player played the puck at eye level when he was supposed to play it below the crossbar). Then the refs called a phantom kneeing penalty on the Flyers (and kneeing is hardly ever called!) late in the game when the Flyers player clearly moved his opponent off the puck with his upper body.
ksp
You gotta go with the flow.
Now that Superman has led the Magic into the Eastern Conference semi finals. Let's now see if he can take 'em all the way ?
I like their chances somewhat but they're now going to have to play some resolute basketball. And the likes of Jameer Nelson can't afford to be complacent with the basketball. To my mind however everything'll be predicated upon the success of Hedo Turkoglu and how he plays overall. He's been the Magic's most consistent player by far this postseason and that includes Diwght Howard !
rampant aka tophatal .....
Last edited by rampantfanatic on April 29th at 12:12 AM.
LISE and JON,
Thanks for the kind wishes on Camden. Much appreciated... he was an awesome cat and a shame that he had to go at such a young age. He was so full of life... thanks again.
LISE,
Ha ha, tell me about it. Don't they know that almost everyone wants that Celts/Lakers matchup renewed? Besides that, I'm rooting for the Magic, since I lived there after MD, and that was/is my team. Besides that though, give Atlanta credit. I don't think anyone had them winning two games, let alone tying the series.
BOSOX,
Thanks buddy... no problem. Notice I left the Sox alone too... ha ha.
Tell me about it, nothing is more frustrating than a post getting buried so quickly. You feel like no one got to see it. That is originally why I didn't put it under NFL or any sports.... I first had it under "Other" so it would stick around a little bit, but it still got buried. Oh well, later...
JON,
A good toss regarding that Flyers/Canadiens game. I considered that. As a Caps fan, I'm pulling for the Flyers, hoping the team that ousted them has additional success... plus, they're a slight underdog too, even though I almost think the East is wide open. The Pens are tough though.
RAMPANT,
As a Magic fan (and I know you like them too), I'm very pleased with how they are playing. Howard, as usual, has been a freak... both on the boards, as well as scoring and blocking shots. Nelson has stepped it up at times, and will need to. They do have the talent to put it together, and who knows... heck, the Pistons and Celtics are both having problems with the lower seeds right now. Anything can happen. Any predictions from your side?
ksp I've taken an avid interest in the team sonce VanGundy took over under the ausp*ices of GM Otis Smith. The franchise is now well ran and have acquitted themselves thus far in the playoffs. Now the real test'll come in the conference semi finals as they'll be going up against one of the big guns and elite teams in all of the Eastern Conference. I've liked what I've seen from the likes of Howard , Turkoglu and to a lesser extent Lewis. But if there's still one liabilyt on the team then it'd be Jameer Nelson at the point. He's susceptible to turning over the ball at the most inopportuned of moments. His head isn't always in the game as he's looking to impress the fans rather than just doing the right thing expeditiously.
RAMPANT,
No doubt, Jameer has been a really streaky player at times. From what I've seen of him in the playoffs, he has played pretty well.
Howard has been awesome. Just awesome!
kev I'm wholeheartedly a Spurs' fan from top to bottom as that's where my real NBA allegiance lies. But the Magic being by in state team I've got to admit I do keep a close eye on what they're doing. As to Otis Smith and Stan Van Gundy I'm really pleased as to what they've achieved this season. As Howard and Turkoglu goes so too'll the team for the remainder of the postseason. I'd sent you an e-mail as to the new NBA post up within the RSB site. Hopefully you'll get the chance to read it and proffer up some comments.
Sorry about your cat. My cat (the one in the avatar) died two years ago, and I still miss him. He was my pal.
I'd throw a tomato at my local cable network for not broadcasting Game 7 of the Flyers-Caps series in my area (I'm in Virginia, so the local network shows Caps games). They showed all the other games in the series (except the one on NBC) but not Game 7. They did air the game a day later, but since we already knew the outcome what was the point?
IAN,
Hey buddy... sorry I missed your comment. I took a few weeks off.
I didn't have that game 7 either up here... it was awful! For you in VA though, that's pretty bad. There must have been some kind of broadcasting rights.
Thanks for the message about my cat... and sorry to hear about yours as well. Yeah, it was tough for a while. Hope all is well... keep in touch - KP
