It’s
October – and as the leaves fall from the trees, so do each of the teams in
Major League Baseball – falling from contention.
Eight
remain. Who will hoist the trophy at
year’s end?
Here’s KP’s
picks – who do you have winning it all?
DIVISION
SERIES
Red Sox vs.
Angels
Anaheim –
er, Los Angeles… has too much talent all over the field, and coupled with the
confidence of beating the Sox during the regular season, the Angels finally get
that Boston playoff #### off its back – but not until after the Red Sox push
them to the brink.
Angels in 5
White Sox
vs. Rays
After going
against the Rays mid-season, this writer isn’t about to make the same mistake
twice. Besides, having Carl Crawford
back, plus a full house at “The Trop”, this team will move on to its first ever
ALCS – and Ozzie Guillen will have a cow after it happens.
Rays in 4
Dodgers vs.
Cubs
Sure, Derek
Lowe is on fire. Sure, Joe Torre can
manage. Sure, Manny can hit in the
playoffs. Sure, the return of Furcal
should provide a spark. But this is a
Cubs team with solid starting pitching, a deep bullpen, and enough bats to move
on. Keep the hope alive North Siders…
Cubs in 4
Brewers vs.
Phillies
Sabathia
has come up huge for Milwaukee, and the sacrifice of Ned Yost late in the
season at least resulted in a first playoff berth in over two decades. Still, this team is young, and traveling to
take on a Phillies team with playoff-experienced power bats and power
starters. Plain and simple – this is a
tall order for the Brewers, who likely are running on empty after giving it all
they had just to get into the playoffs.
Phillies in
4
LEAGUE
CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Phillies
vs. Cubs
Steve
Bartman likely won’t be in the stands, unless he disguised himself and had a
sex change. Moises Alou won’t be there
either. These two teams have virtually
the same overall team ERA. While the
Cubs have a better overall batting average, the Phillies have belted more home
runs, have a better field percentage, steal more bases, and get caught stealing
less. Plus, Ryan Howard has been
hitting the cover off the ball, batting .352 with eleven homers over the final
month of the season. All in all, it all
adds up – and in this wide-open race, an underdog has to slide through at some
point, and chances are it will be against the team that has waited one hundred
years to win a title. Over a deep-dish
pizza, Chicago cries – again.
Phillies in
7
Rays vs.
Angels
While it’s
tempting to use inexperience as a negative against the Rays – it would be silly
to do so as Tampa Bay has proved its critics wrong all season long. Therefore, instead, the Angels get home
field advantage – not that it entirely matters for L.A. because as a team, the
Angels had 50 wins each on the road and at home. Tampa Bay, however, had a losing record away from home. The Rays have a question mark in the closer
spot, as Percival has not been 100% healthy.
The Angels defense up the middle is solid – and the acquisition of Mark
Teixeira added a major spark to an already potent offense. Combine that with consistent starting
pitching and the hottest record-holding closer in the game, and you have an
Angels team that should have enough to get it done.
Angels in 6
WORLD
SERIES
Phillies
vs. Angels
If
Philadelphia gets this far, they certainly have enough firepower with guys like
Cole Hamels on the mound, and the Howard/Utley combo hitting 81 homers and 250
RBI’s during the regular season. Still,
if the Angels can escape Boston and then use its talent, small ball, and
overall experience to make it to the World Series - the momentum generated
combined with the overall talent across the diamond should be enough to give
the Halos another World Series title.
This week’s batch hones in on gangs and catfights, while also taking the time to toss a few at familiar targets… but enough chatter, let’s just get to the tomatoes.
Throwing Tomatoes – Volume XI
Gang Signs …for potentially spreading throughout sports, this time to the NFL. This one goes out to the whole situation. First off, at the NFL. How would anyone in the NFL front office even know this is the case? Are they going strictly off the Paul Pierce situation in Boston? If so, that’s ludicrous.
Secondly, could any of you point out any of these signs? We aren’t talking something like “The Van Buren Boys” from Seinfeld here are we?! All in all, it’s a shame that sports have come to this.
I hope for their sake “tomato red” is a neutral gang color. Danica Patrick …for getting involved in another altercation. Patrick confronted female driver Milika Duno, and later got into a verbal spat, in which Patrick accused Duno of getting in her way too many times. Looks like the post-first-victory struggles are starting to get to Patrick a little bit.
Come to think of it, does a “catfight” really deserve a tomato?!
Michelle Wie …for being disqualified at the LPGA’s State Farm Classic. Wie was disqualified for not signing her scorecard before leaving the scoring area following the second round. What’s worse is that she was finally in contention (in second place to be exact). Instead, the result is yet another miscue by Wie, who continues to be a huge disappointment. Terry Francona …for not taking care of all AL teams during the All-Star game. While treading softly with Scott Kazmir and the Rays, Francona ended up overusing Orioles closer George Sherrill, which reportedly got under the skin of the Baltimore front office. As a result, should we expect another AL East brawl? Maybe Coco Crisp should just teach his teammates how to dodge a tomato.
Dan Uggla …for forgetting how to play defense during the All-Star game. Uggla had back-to-back errors in the 10th inning of the All-Star game, plus three total in the game. He also ground into a double play and struck out. It could have been worse, especially if Colorado’s Aaron Cook didn’t bail him out by escaping a bases loaded, nobody out jam in the 10th.
Manny Ramirez …for causing yet another story and altercation. Yep, Manny’s in the news again, and once again it’s about his contract. He wants to know if Boston is picking up his option, and was quoted as saying, “I want no more [times] where they tell you one thing and behind your back they do another thing. All in all, it’s another case of “Manny being ####”… scratch that, “Manny being Manny”.
Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els …for not carrying the torch during Tiger’s absence. Apparently, there’s more pressure to perform when everyone is looking to you to perform while Tiger’s at home rehabbing. Even though it could have been much worse for Phil and Ernie at the British Open (Els tied for 7th and Mickelson tied for 19th), neither were really in it after nightmarish opening rounds. The Orioles on Sunday … and the fact that they just can’t win… AGAIN. Yet another tomato until the O’s can win on Sunday. Make that 15 consecutive losses on Sunday for the Birds… and that stat really IS “for the birds”.
Honorary Tomato Throwers of the Week Because those who found success earn a chance to sling one at their opposition Washington Redskins – at the NFC East after acquiring Jason Taylor from Miami on Sunday. Greg Norman – at anyone who says a man in his 50’s can’t compete at a major championship. Chris Wood – at anyone who says an amateur can’t compete at a major championship. Tampa Bay Rays – at anyone who thought they would go away quietly. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim – at the AL West after taking a commanding nine game lead.
This has been “Throwing Tomatoes”… and be sure to avoid the ones with any strange signs or signals on the labels.
This week’s tomatoes get delivered in four packs, in honor of #4 himself, Brett Favre. While the Favre saga is ongoing (and quite tomato-worthy), it certainly isn’t alone.
Where do you direct your tomatoes this week?
Throwing Tomatoes – Volume X
The “Brett Favre Saga” …for getting more confusing by the day. This whole thing is getting a little out of hand. First, we hear about the text to Ted Thompson. Then the request for reinstatement. Next, Green Bay declines Favre’s release request. We hear rumors of Favre being a backup, plus the chatter about a Packer fan rally. Heck, another six-pack of stories likely popped up in the time it took for me to write this sentence. Green Bay Packers …for thinking they can brush off a legend. Listen, I know everyone has a take on this one. We could all vote and it would likely be split right down the middle. Still, I have to say this… while I think Brett Favre could have handled the situation better, I still feel the Packers need to let him come back and be their QB. I understand what Green Bay is doing, but Favre single handedly helped revive this historical franchise, which was stuck in the dumps for years. This is how you repay him when he changes his mind and wants to come back for more?
The Packer Fans Rally … for not sounding the least bit impressive. The headlines all over the sports pages discuss a rally of Packer fans backing Favre and chanting for him to return to Green Bay. Yet, you read the story and it discusses a “crowd of over 100”. Really? That’s it? Does that mean the rest of you want Aaron Rodgers? REALLY?
Tampa Bay Rays …for hitting a major bump in the road right when everyone was jumping on the wagon. There are still a lot of games left. With that being said, it isn’t often that you see championship teams struggle for such a prolonged period of time. The losing streak is at seven games. This week’s All-Star game will be a much needed break for the Rays.
People Drinking the Angels Haterade …instead of recognizing how good this team is.
Is it me, or is no one talking about the Los Angeles Angels of
Anaheim? Maybe because the team name confuses them? Either way, the
Angels are tied with the Cubs for the best record in baseball heading
into the All-Star break. And get this, they open the second half at
home against the Red Sox. Time to ask T.O. for some popcorn.
Travis Henry …for testing positive for marijuana. Yep, you got it… it’s just another story about a talented athlete flushing his career right down the toilet after getting into trouble one time too many.
Martin Truex …for failing inspection at Daytona. As a result of the illegal car, Truex and his DEI team were penalized 150 points by NASCAR. That one will leave a mark… and so will this tomato.
Washington Wizards …for the mammoth deal they gave Gilbert Arenas.
Six years and 111 million for Arenas? Seriously? I know the guy can play, but he’s also been injured frequently enough in recent years that I think this is a bit much for “Agent Zero”.
Chicago Cubs …for wheeling and dealing to get Rich Harden. Listen, Harden is painfully talented… painful like the injuries he sustains on a yearly basis. Who else thinks he could suffer another setback before October arrives? Carlos Marmol as an NL All-Star Replacement …for Kerry Wood, who is injured. Are you kidding me? I can’t believe Marmol had the highest vote on the player ballot. There are so many other candidates that are more deserving. Cole Hamels and Chad Billingsley come to mind.
The Orioles on Sunday … and the fact that they just can’t win… again. Make that 14 consecutive losses on Sunday for the Birds. You guessed it, they’re gettin’ one until they can get into the win column.
The Brett Favre Saga…again …for frustrating me one more time. I can’t stop shaking my head at this Brett Favre story. I just had to stop and pause… and sling another tomato. That’s four this go-round for #4 and the tangled web he’s in with the Packers.
Honorary Tomato Throwers of the Week Because those who found success earn a chance to sling one at their opposition
New York Mets – at the NL East after winning nine straight heading into the All-Star break. Philadelphia 76ers – at the Clippers after signing Elton Brand. C.C. Sabathia – at the NL after getting his second win in as many starts as a Brewer. Ian Kinsler – at AL pitching after his hit streak was extended to 25 games.
This has been “Throwing Tomatoes”… and please… no more texts of “2-MAY-2” sent to me. Is that you Brett?
The Tampa Bay Rays are the feel good story of baseball. So why is it that I still feel bad about their chances?
Perhaps my brain is locked in on the Yankees and Red Sox, the two Goliaths of the AL East that each year morph us into Bill Murray’s character from “Groundhog Day”, where life just repeats itself over and over again.
Wake up… Yankees and Sox in the playoffs.
Wake up… Yankees and Sox in the playoffs.
Wake up… Yankees and Sox in the playoffs.
It’s a viciously annoying cycle. I wake up and every day I see a new person diving head first onto the Tampa Bay bandwagon. Yet, every day, I stay behind and watch that wagon leave me in its wake.
Another sweep of Boston at “The Trop”, the best record in baseball, no signs of slowing down, and here I am presenting you with the first “anti-Rays” piece of the year.
Hang on a sec, I have to make sure that my head is screwed on straight.
Yep, it is.
Damn.
I don’t come here questioning Tampa Bay’s stockpile of talent – or purposely attempting to burst their bubble. I am questioning their longevity, as many have… until recent weeks that is.
Tampa Bay’s pitching has been great, the defense solid, the hitting there at all the right moments. Many baseball prognosticators discuss how the youth of the Rays will help the team stay fresh throughout the long baseball season.
I instead stare Tampa Bay’s youth right in the face and can only think about how countless times young players wear down during that first season that features a giant workload.
Take a look at the rotation of the Rays. The oldest player on the starting staff, James Shields, is only 26 years old. Youth usually equals inexperience. Let’s dive in deeper regarding the starting five of the Rays…
Scott Kazmir – 24 years old 2008: 7-3, 2.63 ERA Career Stats: 42-32, 3.50 ERA Best Season: 2007 – 13-9, 3.48 ERA Red Flag: Over 200 innings only once in his career (2007), plus has had injury issues
Matt Garza – 24 years old 2008: 7-4, 3.47 ERA Career: 15-17, 4.06 ERA Career Best: This season Red Flag: Never over 100 innings in one season and no more than 15 starts in one year
James Shields – 26 years old 2008: 6-5, 3.70 ERA Career: 24-21, 4.09 ERA Career Best: 2007 – 12-8, 3.85 ERA Red Flag: Over 200 innings only once in his career (2007) Edwin Jackson – 24 years old 2008: 4-6, 4.33 ERA Career: 15-25, 5.30 ERA Career Best: This season Red Flag: 161 innings last year (Nothing over 40 previously), Never had ERA under 5 (with exception to four game performance in 2003 in LA)
Andy Sonnanstine – 25 years old 2008: 9-3, 4.60 ERA Career: 15-13, 5.31 ERA Career Best: This season Red Flag: Only one other season in majors – 130 plus innings and 22 starts
There you have it, an inexperienced and youthful rotation, in which more than half of the group is experiencing a career year so far.
Still, we haven’t even hit the dog days of summer yet. The All-Star break isn’t even here. There’s certainly a chance that any of these players could begin to struggle as the season winds down. Injuries can and do occur.
As we all know, when a rotation falters, the bullpen usually crashes down with it. The ‘pen doesn’t get its regular rest. With the pitching struggles, quite often the offensive players may start pressing. It’s all a domino effect.
Go ahead and bring up the 2006 Detroit Tigers as an example. Fine, Verlander was a rookie and pitched well, but Jeremy Bonderman had three seasons of 160+ innings before Detroit’s 2006 World Series run. The rest of the team was speckled with seasoned veterans such as Pudge Rodriguez, Kenny Rogers, and Magglio Ordonez. The Tigers are a different story.
Go ahead and talk about baseball’s trading deadline, and some potential moves Tampa Bay can make. I know they have the depth in their farm system to make a deal.
Still, every single one of us knows that both Boston and New York will find a way to refuel at the deadline. Players will drop their no-trade clauses and flock to each of these powerhouses. Plain and simple, the major markets will get deals done.
What I want to know is this: Does the Tampa Bay front office have the “stones” to make a major deal? Tampa Bay teams of the past certainly didn’t. The “Artist formerly known as the Devil Rays” dealt away Aubrey Huff way too late, never getting enough value for him. Then there was the injury prone Rocco Baldelli, who was wanted by most of the league for years. Tampa Bay never moved him. Now, as sad as it is, Baldelli’s career is likely over.
Still, everyone jumps on the wagon, praising those sneaky little “devils” of the game – the Rays. As for me, while the Rays are a fun and unexpected story, I can’t help but admit that I still see a collapse in sight. The rotation is young and inexperienced. If they falter, the bullpen will tire. Following that, the offense could begin to press. All the while, the major markets are restocking their rosters.
Maybe I’m off base. Maybe the Rays can use this piece as bulletin board material. Maybe I’m still stuck in that “Groundhog Day” rut. Wake up… “Rays of light” shining on the game of baseball.
I awake and only see “Rays of plight”.
That’s right, I’m doubting one of the better baseball stories in recent memory.
It isn’t quite the All-Star Break for baseball, yet most of the league’s teams are at or past the halfway point of this year’s grueling 162 game season. With that being said, there are certainly a number of teams and players that have already stood out in a positive way.
Yep, like a teacher gives her best students, it’s time to hand out some gold stars, this time to the best performers during baseball’s first half.
Gold Stars – Volume III Baseball’s Halfway Point
Tampa Bay Rays (49-32) Many prognosticators had these guys competing in 2008, but let’s be honest, did we all really believe it? One thing’s for sure, the Rays are loaded with talent all over the field, and oh yeah… Evan Longoria is for real.
Baltimore Orioles (41-39) Many critics had the Orioles finishing with the worst record in the majors. Meanwhile, the O’s are finding ways to stay afloat. Baltimore is 17-12 is one-run games, that’s four more one-run victories than all of last season. Their bullpen has been the strong point, posting the fifth best ERA in the majors (3.15). Andy MacPhail also deserves “props” for the deals he made in the offseason, as the players acquired in the Tejada and Bedard deals are making significant contributions to this year’s club (as well as in the minors).
Philadelphia Phillies (44-39) In recent years, Philadelphia has been a consistent slow starter. However, 2008 has been a different story. While many would point to Chase Utley and Cole Hamels as the main reasons for their hot start, one shouldn’t dismiss how deadly Philly’s bullpen has been, with a major league leading ERA of 2.62. Boston Red Sox (50-34) The reigning champs have sustained some injuries, with David Ortiz going down weeks ago and Curt Schilling being lost for the year. Still, the Sox keep picking each other up, and remain in a battle with the Rays and Angels for the AL’s best record.
Chicago Cubs (49-33) We knew they would likely perform well, but were the Cubbies expected to have a commanding lead for best record in the NL at the midway point? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, it’s going to be interesting to see what Chicago does at the trade deadline, especially with Carlos Zambrano injured. George Sherrill (3.53 ERA, 26 saves) Taking over as a full-time closer for the first time in his career, did anyone see these kind of numbers coming out of Sherrill? His 26 saves are second in the major leagues. If this guy doesn’t make the AL All-Star team, it’s a shame.
Carlos Quentin (.288 average, 19 HR, 61 RBI) Looks like the D’Backs gave up on Quentin one year too early, as he’s putting up MVP-type numbers for the White Sox through the first half.
Nate McLouth (.283 average, 15 HR, 51 RBI) Pittsburgh’s 26-year old center fielder has already reached career highs in home runs and RBI’s. The real question is, how long can he keep this torrid pace up? Chase Utley and Dan Uggla (23 HR each – leads MLB) Who out there had two National League second basemen leading the Majors in home runs? Yeah, I didn’t think so. The real question is, who deserves to start at second in the All-Star game?
Josh Hamilton (.312 average, 19 HR, 79 RBI) It’s been years since there was talk about a Triple Crown winner. That is, until Hamilton stepped up to the plate as a Texas Ranger in 2008. Currently, he leads the AL in homers and RBI’s, but has dropped to 10th in average. There’s plenty of season left for Hamilton to hit the record books.
Lance Berkman (.364 average, 21 HR, 67 RBI) Sticking with the Triple Crown theme, Lance Berkman has rustled up similar rumors in the NL this season. On a ridiculous pace in 2008, Berkman is currently second in the NL in average, 3rd in HR, and 2nd in RBI. Chipper Jones (.394 average, 16 HR, 46 RBI) It’s nice to once again have a story about someone chasing .400 this far into the season. Then again, do any of us really think that Chipper can pull it off? One thing’s for sure, if he does, Jones will be feeling… well… chipper.
Edinson Volquez (10-3, 2.08 ERA, 110 K’s) In his first full season, Volquez has been dominant since being traded from the Rangers to the Reds. He doesn’t count as a rookie, but should definitely be considered a candidate for the NL Cy Young award as the season progresses.
Tim Lincecum (9-1, 2.38 ERA, 114 K’s) In only his second season, the 24-year old Lincecum has been dominant in the young Giants rotation. If San Francisco could just acquire some supporting cast… Cliff Lee (11-1, 2.34 ERA, 90 K’s) and Ervin Santana (9-3, 3.32 ERA, 99 K’s) After abysmal 2007 campaigns, Lee (6.29 ERA) and Santana (5.76) were nearly traded by their respective teams. In the end, neither were dealt, and now both are comeback stories of the year. Justin Duchscherer (8-5, 1.91 ERA) With nearly 200 relief appearances over the last four seasons, Duchscherer was placed in the Oakland rotation this year, and has flourished. Now, he leads the majors with the best ERA, and a start in the All-Star game is certainly not out of the question.
Ryan Dempster (9-3, 3.26 ERA) Starting for the first time since 2003, Dempster has pitched extremely well for the Cubs. How smart is Lou Piniella looking right now for moving him back into the rotation?
Francisco Rodriguez (2.04 ERA, 31 saves) Rodriguez is having an incredible season, and well on his way to challenging Bobby Thigpen’s record of 57 saves (set back in 1990).
Silver Stars (Honorable Mentions) Rich Harden, Jim Johnson, Mike Mussina, J.D. Drew, Adrian Gonzalez, Ian Kinsler, Milton Bradley, John Danks, Joe Saunders, and Aaron Cook If you get a chance, check out this post’s counterpart, “Throwing Tomatoes: Baseball’s Halfway Point”.
This has been “Gold Stars”… let’s see who performs during the second half.
Remember the days before cell phones?!What about the internet, or the “information superhighway” as it is sometimes called?How did we survive without them?!
I was fortunate to have a relaxing vacation visiting family over the past week.During my vacation, I ventured back in time to the land of “dialup internet”.Remember dialup?For the detailed sport websites of today, dialup just doesn’t cut it.Today, they feature highlights, clips, images, java applets, and more.The shear thought of it makes any modem cringe.
<< Beep boop beep beep bop boop boop >>
<< Dee doo dee doo hissssssssssssssssss #### hisssssssssss>>
The modem is connected, and here we go.
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This is certainly not “super”, and definitely not a “highway” either.<YAWN>
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Wow, this is like watching paint dry.
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This is “slower then molasses in January”.
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5 Options to Pass the Time When Your Website is Loading
Conjure up a cheesy Blog idea (You’re reading it)
Play Solitaire or solve a “Sudoku” puzzle
Bake a Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Practice Boston accent: “Beckett will play wicked hahhd at Fenway Pahhk”
Attempt to bake a Pineapple Right-Side-Up Cake
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Hmm, better make it ten options.
5 MORE Options to Pass the Time When Your Website is Loading
Learn Origami
Read “War and Peace”
List in detail every team Larry Brown has coached
Calculate how many Tic Tacs you can buy with the Yankees payroll
Read “War and Peace” a second time
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To further pass the time, I began to brainstorm of analogies between sports and the actual connection performance.Here are some examples:
The “Dialup Teams”
(“Sit back and take your time, Content doing little or nothing, or Reluctant to Upgrade”)
Baseball (MLB)
Baltimore Orioles – The Orioles have at least checked the sale prices on cable modems (aka Free Agents) in the stores (aka the Free Agent Market).Unfortunately, what Baltimore does not realize is that there are not any sales this year, as the market is tight.While the signing of Ramon Hernandez and pending acquisitions of Jeff Conine and Jeromy Burnitz will help, the Orioles still are in desperate need of a frontline starter to lead a young rotation.If the Orioles do not acquire a legitimate starter, there could be more unrest in the Baltimore clubhouse.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays – From the eyes of their fan base, the Rays are a team that must appear reluctant to upgrade.Tampa does have a great deal of young talent, and they certainly performed well in the second half of the 2005 season.For those reasons, there may be a slight “ray of hope” in Tampa Bay (no pun intended).However, in recent years, you never see the Devil Rays strike a deal for a free agent.In addition, Tampa is always asking too much for players such as Danys Baez and Aubrey Huff.One of the few bright spots was the deal struck to obtain young power pitcher Scott Kazmir.This year, the Rays will not have manager Lou Piniella to guide them.The real question is how will newcomer Joe Maddon fare?
Football (NFL)
Buffalo Bills (5-10) – I hate to pick on the Bills, and I easily could have put other teams such as the Detroit Lions onto this list.However, where has Buffalo gone?One day, Bills fans are almost there, and their team has made it to the Super Bowl in four straight years.Next, Buffalo is nowhere to be found.Every year it appears that the Bills pick up some legitimate free agent talent (e.g. Takeo Spikes).Every year it seems that Buffalo has made some intriguing and potentially rewarding draft picks (e.g. J.P. Losman and Willis McGahee).Yet, every season Buffalo is nowhere to be found in the playoffs.Sorry Bills fans, you are going to have to wait another year (or maybe more).
Houston Texans (2-13) – Who could not mention the Texans in this list, as they are the current frontrunner in the “Reggie Bush Sweepstakes”?Sure, Houston has only been around for a few years in this league, but take in to consideration the previous expansion teams of Carolina and Jacksonville.Both the Panthers and Jaguars were in the playoffs a few years after existence.Sorry Houston fans, but you have a long way to go.Furthermore, I apologize for including Houston in the same list with the Buffalo Bills.I hope I did not bring back any vivid memories of Frank Reich and the infamous 32-point comeback on January 3. 1993.If I didn’t, then I just did now.
Basketball (NBA)
Atlanta Hawks (7-20) – Does anyone remember the last time the Hawks made the playoffs?For that matter, does anyone remember the last time the Hawks were halfway decent?I am choosing to not look up this stat as I do not want to upset Atlanta fans like the way I just frustrated Houston football fans.Any way you look at it, the Atlanta Hawks appear to be going nowhere fast.It is unclear if their young talent will evolve, and last year they challenged the expansion Bobcats for the worst record all year.In fact, the Hawks won that challenge by finishing with an NBA worst record of 13-69, five games worse then the expansion Charlotte Bobcats and New Orleans Hornets.
New York Knicks (7-20) – There were a number of teams that could have been included on this list.However, the Knicks had to be added in my mind due to the former powerhouse that they were, and also how far they have fallen.New York has a significant amount of talent, but the team can’t seem to get off the ground in recent years.Perhaps New York will be a team that considers acquiring Ron Artest to attempt to give the team a boost?Any way you look at it, the Knicks have fallen, and fallen far.
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The “High-Speed Connection” Teams
(“Does not waste any time, Active and Efficient, Consistent Solid Performance”)
Baseball (MLB)
Toronto Blue Jays – The Jays have by far had the boldest and strongest performance of the baseball offseason by acquiring three marquee players in B.J. Ryan, A.J. Burnett, and Troy Glaus.All three of these players are still young, have tremendous upside, and are worth the risk.Toronto resembles the best example of a “high-speed connection” team as they swiftly moved in, dropped millions of dollars, and got the deals done before other teams could act.Whether the Jays needed to (or should have) spent as much cash as they did is an entirely different question and debate.
Boston Red Sox – The Sox have certainly been very active during the offseason, and deserve to be considered one of my “high-speed” connection teams.Boston triggered the deal with Florida to bring in three talented players in Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell, and Guillermo Mota.In addition, the Red Sox have been actively trying to shop Manny Ramirez (per his request to leave), acquire Miguel Tejada, and find a replacement for Johnny Damon.Also, you can’t count out the deal in which Boston acquired Mark Loretta for Doug Mirabelli.This deal leans heavily in Boston’s favor.Furthermore, dealing away struggling SS Edgar Renteria was also something that had to be done.
Football (NFL)
New England Patriots (10-5) – The Patriots are a rarity of today’s salary cap league, a team that is a model of consistency and a powerhouse to boot.The New England “dynasty” (as it is called by some) appeared to be in jeopardy earlier this season.However, the Pats have righted the ship in recent weeks and once again should be a factor in the NFL postseason.
Indianapolis Colts (13-2) – While the Colts have had problems with their “connection” in recent weeks, they are still one of the best teams in the NFL (if not the best).Like the Patriots, Indianapolis is a consistent performer in the NFL, and features a wide range of talent that includes players such as Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Edgerrin James, Reggie Wayne, and Dwight Freeney.The Colts should be a consistently solid team for years to come, and this year may be their best chance to bring home a title to the state of Indiana.
Basketball (NBA)
Detroit Pistons (23-3) – Even after losing legendary coach Larry Brown, the Pistons continue to cruise through the NBA.Their 23-3 record is the best in the league, and Detroit is once again establishing itself as a consistent power in professional basketball.If the NBA season were to end today, Detroit would cruise through the Eastern Conference and make it to the NBA Finals.
San Antonio Spurs (22-7) – San Antonio has been a consistent power for years in the NBA.The Spurs are very efficient in retaining old talent, and obtaining new talent (via the NBA draft) along the way.For example, in recent years, San Antonio was able to keep former player David Robinson for years, and bring in Tim Duncan to replace him.The Spurs have continued this strategy into this year, and have another legitimate shot at the NBA title once again this season.
“Loading, Please Wait…” (96% done)
Finally!There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
“Your connection has dropped unexpectedly – would you like to reestablish the dialer connection?”
Silence…
<Hiss -- Pop!>
No, that was not the sound of the modem dial tone.That was me cracking open a beer.Maybe there is a rerun of Seinfeld on.
He also ground into a double play and struck out. It could have been worse, especially if Colorado’s Aaron Cook didn’t bail him out by escaping a bases loaded, nobody out jam in the 10th.
will be a much needed break for the Rays.
one will leave a mark… and so will this tomato.
oup is experiencing a career year so far. 
