That’s right friends, it’s time to hurl some more tomatoes. Don’t worry, this batch is safe. While I go and unwrap a package of these magical red fruits, let me start by preparing to send some in the direction of a particular sports icon, who also has a part-time gig as a rapper. C’mon, you know who I’m talking about…
Let’s get this thing started… where do you direct your tomatoes this week?
Throwing Tomatoes – Volume VII Top of the Vine This Week: Shaquille O’Neal …for giving the media something to chew up and spit out for a month. Per O’Neal during a freestyle rap in a night club the other night, “You know how I be, last week Kobe couldn’t do without me”.
What would have been more fitting to say? This…”You know how I be, recent months the Suns couldn’t win with me. You know my game’s overripe, I choose to rap instead of work from the charity stripe”. Hey, give me a break, I was just freestylin’.
All in all, I shouldn’t complain. This performance was a ton better than any of his movies.
Los Angeles Lakers …for draining the life out of what was an NBA Finals filled with “mega-hype”. It was the Lakers and Celtics in the NBA Finals for the first time in over two decades. It was supposed to be a great series. It was supposed to live up to the hype. It flat out didn’t. Kudos to the C’s though, as they were clearly the better team this time around.
Coco Crisp …for not just charging the mound against James Shields and the Rays days ago, but recently thinking his suspension should be reduced to less than seven games. Rays manager Joe Maddon probably deserves a tomato here too. Still, Crisp should have known Tampa was going to throw at him. He should have kept his cool and not charged the mound. Honestly, I also have to give him a gold star for his dodging of the original punch by James Shields. That was a “Mike Tyson’s Punch Out” type of dodging maneuver right there. I bet the ensuing dogpile didn’t feel too great though.
Pacman Jones …for thinking that changing his name will officially change his image. Sorry Pacman (or Adam is it?), I guess I should think about giving you a “gold star” for trying. Still, I just can’t do it. Leave your name alone, just change yourself. Maybe I’m the kind of guy that needs to see results first.
Johan Santana …for giving up a grand slam to an AL pitcher. That’s right, Felix Hernandez hit a granny off of Santana, the first time an AL pitcher had done so in nearly four decades. What’s the phrase I’m looking for? I believe it’s “even a blind squirrel finds a nut some day”. Sorry King Felix… but hey, take care of that ankle. Baseball Players Using Viagra …as a performance enhancer. I saw this report a few weeks ago via Fox Sports. Still, this story has more than four hours of lasting time (sorry, couldn’t resist that one). Therefore, I had to mention it here. Hmm, I guess the players are going to need larger cups…
The Big Brown Saga …for not disappearing. First off, this was the most disappointing Triple Crown race in years if you ask me. Now, a report on ESPN is stating that a freelance photographer submitted closeups of a loose shoe on Big Brown’s right hind hoof. However, don’t go and try and question the photographer’s “cred”, as Rick Dutrow apparently confirmed this. Still, the Big Brown story is done. Let’s move on to the next horse that will only win the first two legs of the Triple Crown.
Tiger Woods …for making the wrong decision regarding the U.S. Open. I know Tiger is competitive. I know how much he loves to play… and more so, how much he loves to win. I know he wants Jack’s record. I know he wanted that U.S. Open. Still, he’s no superhero, even if he managed to win at Torrey Pines, while basically playing on one leg. Think of it this way, if he sacrifices the U.S. Open to heal more, he then has the British, PGA, and Ryder Cup. That’s more opportunities for big victories. Bad move Tiger.
Don Imus …for being Don Imus. Yes, a race related comment happened again, this time involving Pacman Jones (wait, wait, I remember… Adam Jones). Seriously, this guy should just write up an excuse and apology before every show. Face it “Donny Boy”, you’re under a microscope and will be for life. Get used to it.
Honorary Tomato Throwers of the Week Because those who found success earn a chance to sling one at their opposition
Rocco Mediate – at Johnny Miller for making those ridiculous comments during the U.S. Open Chicago Cubs – at their south side neighbors, who they recently swept out of Chi-town Baltimore Orioles – at their critics who said they would be lucky to win 50 games. Kobe Bryant – at those who said he would never get back to the Finals again without Shaq
This has been “Throwing Tomatoes”… but don’t worry, these weren’t laced with salmonella.
SHOOTER,
Well, well... if it isn't Mr. Shooter! What's up my friend? Long time no chat...
Great question, I bet you could throw a knuckler with it. And sure why not, you can throw out the first tomato? You would be the perfect candidate.
Ha ha... good call. That reminds me, we haven't talked movies or movie quotes in a long time. Does this mean you have already seen some horrible summer movies? Later
I disagree with the Tiger toss. He knew the surgery was going to be necessary which would have killed the year anyway. So what the hell, give it a shot before going on the shelf. This was not a new problem.
I don't know if you have been reading this blog much lately but I have been contributing a great deal of stuff about the fabulous Rays (much to the Chagrin of my wife). I thought Coco was completely at fault and deserved 2 tomatos. However, Shields should get one for swinging with his right hand (Is he the only person not to see Bull Durham?).
And finally, You should toss a tomato at me. I was one of those who said the O's would only win 50 games.
The only movie I've been to theaters to see this summer was The Zohan...and that was a mistake. For some reason, I thought that one had potential. But Sandler just wasn't that funny in it...or at least I didn't think so.
I doubt I'll be out to the theaters for the rest of the summer, unless someone has a good recommendation. If and when Choke comes out, I'll probably go check that out.
Or, if you have any movies you'd recommend...please let me know.
BOSOX,
Hey buddy... well, you must be happy with this post because you found something to disagree with me on. I guess my side is... there could be more long term damage playing on it like that.
I have been around here and there, and have seen some of your Rays posts actually. Sorry for not commenting on many of them... but I will in the future.
As for the O's, c'mon now... think about it, when the Marlins were supposed to be the worst team, they fought for a wild card spot, the Nats last year... they were respectable. The O's this year... again playing well. When you have a young core, they play harder because it is their shot and they want to make an impact.
Hey SHOOTER,
Things are well, thanks for asking. Hope things are going well with you too.
I honestly haven't seen any of the summer movies yet. I was going to go see Indiana Jones and that hasn't happened yet. The Happening was an option, then I saw how it got horrible reviews. I am looking forward to The Dark Knight though. I will let you know if I see any... same goes for you man. Take care...KP
P.S. How about them Pirates and O's?!
After Chien-Ming Wang got injured all the Yankee-centrists started complaining that the NL should adopt the DH so those poor AL pitchers don't have to hit and run the bases. I don't think the Mariners will be joining them on that argument.
Hey KP. I'd like to throw some tomatoes if I could...
You already took care of the Shaq incident pretty well. Here's some more...
To Spurs Fans..
Who think they're all that...
YOU. DIDN'T. MAKE. IT. TO. THE. FINALS.
Nough said. Lakers in 'O9
To Boston Fans...
Who definitely think they're all that...
Yes. You have a title town with all the sports. Props to the C's for the D. But how long do you think you can keep 3 superstars happy with playing time and contracts. The "Giving It Up For The Greater Good" is fine NOW. But what do you say when 1 or 2 of them gets power hungry. Good Luck with that Bean Town. I'll reserve this tomato for when that happens.
To MOST of the news media...
For not covering Fresno St. with more...MORE!
This is arguably THEE MOST Cinderella story of all time. Why haven't I heard more?
And on that note. I leave you all with this thought.
Dude... I was browsing around the old site today and stumbled upon THIS piece of garbage! ZING! (Some things never change, do they?) :)
Anyway, I find it deliciously ironic that Imus and Pac Man are now forever linked both by both an incident involving a retroactively revised racist comment AND a faceful of tomatoes. And while I believe that Dutrow should be splattered with enough tomatoes to destroy his much-larger equine friends, I will say this about Shaq: the guy makes me laugh, what can i say?
P.S. for you and my pal Shooter, here's a quick critique of my Summer movie viewing:
Ironman = Awesome *****
Indiana Jones = Good, but a bit far-fetched. The series needs to be put to rest, as another sequel would be too contrived and invariably damage the whole thing ***
Hulk = Better than the regrettable 2004 version, but that ain't sayin' much. The hulking creature who is the central character still looks just as silly as he did before. ***
Agree with all of them except Tiger, Torrey was his for the taking even on a bum knee because he has owned this course. If he needed surgery anyways why not snag this one first.
Secondly believe it or not I grow tomatoes for a living. 50 million lbs annually I might add out of our 44 acre facility. That picture on top looks like a damn fine crop to me,you know where and when that was taken?? Anyways keep throwing tomatoes but if you use mine make sure you pay for them first !!!!
IAN,
Yeah, the Mariners shouldn't, that's for sure. You know Bedard hit pretty well in Interleague last year too... I bet he would do OK if he could stay in games with the M's.
KAJMAN,
Thanks for all the commentary... sure, you can throw as many as you like. That's what the post is here for, not just for me to toss them. For us as fans to interact...
I'm with you on Fresno State, I was actually thinking of writing about them today if I have time.
And you're right, Boston fans do think they're all that... but right now, they have every reason to be. Imagine if the Bruins got it together? Yikes.
TSI,
Nice to see you aren't any less of a smart___ than before... ha ha. Good to hear from you.
Thanks for the movie reviews actually, maybe you should get a movie critic show, or have the Sports Fly do it. =)
RADAR,
Yeah, not a lot of people agree with the Tiger one, that's OK though. We agree to disagree on that one. We'll see how he is affected long term.
Wow, you're a celebrity in these parts... and don't worry, I'll definitely pay for 'em if I get 'em. As for that image, I don't recall... just found it via "google". Thanks for dropping by...
Uhh...i dont remember anyone saying he wouldnt get back to the finals without shaq....anyway the whole point is a championship and shaq has done that...how all of you sports analyists predicted the lakers were the heavy favorites to win because of the "best" player in the league, a deeper bench, and a better coach was funny. Sorry just getting to the finals is just like the mavs win record and just like the pistons conference finals appearances in a row....it doesnt mean much
SINISTER,
You're right when you say titles are everything. That's how an athlete is judged across their career... in any sport. When I say Dan Marino and Tom Brady, what do you say? When I say Karl Malone and Michael Jordan, what do you say? That's how it works, I agree there. However, there were a ton of critics that said Kobe would go nowhere without Shaq. I never said I was that guy. You can always add new talent and supporting cast. With Bynum healthy next year, who knows what the Lakers will do.
I agree with this writer. He speaks and writes well. His comments are right on. This person should be paid to blog. Kobe played well. The team went 22-5 with Gasol. Not bad. Shaq is jealous of Kobe and it showed in that terrible speaking. The words did not match up and sound tight. His pain came out and he just started talking. A Policeman telling customers to say Kobe, how does my steroid crusty butt taste. No class what-so-ever. That wife left because dude is stupid. Was Shaq gonna stop a motorist and ask them how his steroid crusty butt taste? This can't be cleaned up. This will follow Steroid Crusty Butt until he dies. Real STU-P-I-D.
Having worked in the Operating Room all over the World and being on trauma teams and being in on a lot of Ortho cases, everybodies pain tolerance is different. Just because something is torn or broken or whatever does not mean you can't function. All broken bones don't get fixed right away. The swelling has to go down first. Having bad knees does not mean you can't walk. Things hurt when manipulated and strained or whatever but you can still function with pain. We all do everyday. We are all in pain but we keep going to work or to school or to whatever. A Human Being has to be close to right out dying before they will stop working or raising the family or sports. The pain must not have been great enough for Tiger to stop playing. When he is older those knees will be talking to him. Now leg braces weigh a couple pounds. He will be alright. The real pain comes later. But he is rich,he gets the best Doctors and Rehab staff. Joints have their own time table. You never know what's going to happen with Ortho cases. Tiger and every Human Being is going to know they had surgery. You just keep going like all of us do. When you get older things start to hurt. Have you all seen the video of Earl Campbell the football star? Even George Thompson from GeorgeTown shuffles when he walks(The Father). A price is paid for playing sports, and that includes Golf and Tennis. Don't forget Ali and most boxers. They suffer a lot.
ANDIFORSTARS,
Thanks for the kind words... and certainly some interesting follow up after that. You're correct though, everyone has a different pain threshold, and Tiger's is definitely off the charts. That's for sure.
