As I mentioned in a previous article, the exposure of Sports Media could drive us to the point of tuning out.  As much as I would love to get away from that topic, I won't be satisfied until I drive one more point home. 

As ESPNU's marathon broadcast of National Signing Day, the coverage of the NFL/MLB Draft, the premature scholarship offers and the debut of NASCAR phenom Joey Logano has proven to the sports mass that youth is in.  While this is now real shock to anyone considering the fact that if you are in an NFL RB that is 28 years old you are "aging", it's getting more extreme by year. 

It wasn't so long ago, that the only real hype would come towards a young rookie as being "the next big thing".  However thanks to recent website creations (YouTube, MySpace) and the internet itself, the real "future" is now in the Collegiate and High School ranks (with the occasional middle school star getting some publicity).  So much money is being invested in these young athletes, that they do not get the proper time to adapt to facing much older opponents or even maintaining a healthy social life. 

The MLB Draft proves to everyone that a high school athlete has to make an important decision.  While we usual guffaw at those who "threaten" their potential bosses by saying "If you don't sign me for X amount of dollars, I'll GO TO COLLEGE!", they do have every right to say that.  It's known that for the most part, the MLB Draft is the biggest crapshoot of them all.  If you are getting drafted out of high school, you have nothing but a diploma to your name.  Due to the rigors of a professional season (whether that be in the Minor Leagues or Majors), you won't be able to go back to College until your playing days come to an end.  Sometimes the end comes earlier for others and with the rising costs of college tuitions, they end up COMPLETELY flaming out.  By going for the best possible dollar amount, you are guaranting yourself a safe amount of money just in case something goes wrong. 

Of course it's easy for us, as diehard fans, to hold grudges against some of these young athletes as we want to see them play immediately.  Or if we are from an opposing team, we just say "just go to college and try again in 4 years".  But sometimes, skills can erode if injury happens or just some who can't make the transition to facing older players.  Let's face it, a 18-year old prospect is much more exciting than a 22-year old prospect who's drafted in Round 16.  Then, if aforementioned prospect doesn't pan out, we saw "at least he has a college education in his hand".  But look at some of these sports schedules.  Whether its the offseason or season, these students probably focus fully on baseball than their schoolwork.  You can't blame them either.  Unfortunately, most schools don't give a lick if you have a low GPA or even minor discipline problems; as long as you can give them positive exposure on the field.  Some athletes are in school for one reason; sports.  If you put in a major chunk of your school days into sports, your academics can easily suffer.  Plus with the sports world the way it's scrutinized today, you need to even have very high social skills in order to thrive off the field.  If you can't get along with others do to the pressures of working out all the time, how are you going to talk to a reporter who's criticizing you after going 0-3, with 2 Ks and one error in the field? 

With the drama surrounding "prima donnas" such as Chad Johnson or even Kyle Busch, some wonder why these guys have the snobbish attitude.  Busch was annointed as being the "next big NASCAR star" when he was just 16 years old.  I'm at that same age and if someone was telling me that I'd be the next big star, I would sure as hell have all the confidence in the world.  The drama that surrounded Terrelle Pryor's college choice was so severe, I wondered how he could possibly go to sleep soundly without worrying about a PSU fan beating down his door.  Pryor seems to have a great head on his shoulders, thankfully, but with all the attention focused on other athletes like him; it's no surprise to see them get frustrated when they are out of the spotlight.  In the NASCAR world, you can even get signed to a driver development deal BEFORE you are in the 6th grade as Matt Martin found out.  When will this end?

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It's not a secret anymore that we are in a society and world that sure loves its sports.  Whether it involves touchdowns, home runs, goals, wrecks or poker chips; there is a sport out there for everyone.  Also there is a great possibility that your sport will be on TV in some shape or form and your favorite website will have its own section dedicated towards it.  You may also be able to take control of your favorite players, athletes, drivers, etc and put them all on the same team! 

But will there ever be a day when we all say "Enough is Enough!"?  With the influx of blogs, fantasy leagues, negative publicity and more sports entertainment TV packages; it's quite easy to get daily updates on your favorite athlete.  High-sophisticated methods of cheating, undercover drug embassies and even animal cruelty violations have been thrown at our eyes on even Local TV.  As every draft year (if your sport indeed, has a draft) you learn about more and more character issues or prima donna type attitude traits.  Athletes hold out to gain an extra million or more! 

Yet, while we may discuss this negatively towards our friends, family, co-workers or strangers; we always are the first ones to get the Text Message Alert on our cellphone to tell others the most recent update. Onto the gyst of the article, can sports theoretically burn us out?  Can the fans ever enjoy an offseason from our favorite sport?  I take pride in being at least more than "just a fan" when it comes to the NFL, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, College Football, IRL and even the X-Games and will always watch March Madness or even a good tennis match.  I'll even watch Fox Sports Soccer Net to catch an MLS or Premiership League if I'm bored.  But will there ever be a time and place where we'd ever turn off the TV?  I think not, but there could be a time where we just "X" out of any website as we won't care if Plaxico Burress doesn't practice or if Tony Romo tries out for the US Open..in May. 

I personally believe there are four factors that could easily eat away at our sports cravings. 

1)-Cheating

Throughout the past calendar year, more and more cheating allegations and stories have been taking place.  Whether it be the Formula One spy scandal that rocked the European racing world, Spygate (Thankfully it probably is nearing its end) and the Mitchell Report (plus the battle between Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee), there have certainly been enough stories that have sickened us.  Cheating has tarnished some of the sports world's biggest figures (Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Fernando Alonso) and in some eyes have even downgraded an NFL Dynasty (Patriots) with the "*" label.   While cycling, sans Lance Armstrong, had little known athletes; it's legacy for the next few years at the least has been destroyed by doping allegations.  After about 5 years of steroid investigations, baseball's steroid cloud is finally starting to ebb away.  But will there be another SpyGate and what will that do to the NFL's image?  What about a NASCAR scandal similar to the Formula 1 spying scandal?  Will America finally start to tune away for different options?

2)-Over Exposure

This is more directed to the game of football.  The Sports Society has long-adapted to baseball, hockey, basketball, etc. being played multiple times per week.  But football has usually been known as a two-day pony (Sundays and Monday Night) or in the instance of the collegiate part one-day a week (Saturdays).  But now we have Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and the occasional mid-week NCAA game.  We aren't too far away from having a football game on every day of the week in the middle of the regular season!  If injuries continue to pile up, will the nation start to become "Football'd Out"? 

3)-Fantasy Leagues

While I've calmed down a bit regarding the subject, I am still a part of plenty of fantasy leagues in different sports.  However, there are now shows dedicated to the fantasy world as well as bottom line tickers that give you fruitless updates (Peyton Manning, 1/3 for 8 yards).  You can even buy up-to-the minute sports updates that give you live scores for your FANTASY LEAGUE!  Soon TV ratings will slowly start to slow down as America is checking their fantasy stat trackers.  Fantasy Updates track the player's status at each practice and those dreaded game-day decisions have people rising early in the morning to make sure they sit down Dallas Clark now even though he practiced all week.  There will be a time where we learn that a certain player's child cried all through the night making their Saturday walkthrough practice "sluggish" and thus calling into question their performance the next day. 

4)-Off the Field Actions

The past two weeks alone have notably seen the following occur.  A future NFL Hall of Famer in the middle of a gun investigation.  A relatively well-known running back allegedly boating under the influence OR being beat up for no reason.  A former NFL player throwing a dry cleaning bag over their two year old son's face.  While all of those problems have been limited to the NFL, most sports have had the "thug" disease for quite sometime; eventually it will be hard to root for a former convict again.  Also it's quite possible to see some great players (or potential ones) being shuffled out of their respective leagues. 

 In conclusion, I doubt sports will ever get tiring for any fan.  But one day, it is possible for us to slowly start tuning out.  But no matter what sports does, we will always be back.

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I have been on hiatus for quite sometime on here.  I would love to tell you that I was doing something dramatic like saving Mark Prior's career BUT unfortunately, I just had NOTHING.  I had plenty of spare time as my summer vacation is winding down but I couldn't think of anything!  Michael Vick, Tim Donaghy, the struggling NL Central, Barry Bonds, CA$HCAR, 'Roids were all interesting ideas BUT it would be beating a dead horse.  So I decided to do an article like this.  Don't know if I'll keep this up, but just testing something out.  In light of all of those topics, I'm using an asterisk.

*You know irks me?  In June, I wrote the first article in quite some time documenting Rick Ankiel's best impression of Roy Hobbs.  Got one comment.  If I could only have used my crystal ball and delayed that article by just two months, I'd be sitting pretty right now.   But really, it is still an amazing journey.  Even if Ankiel goes 0-for his next-9999, he still made it back.  He wasn't irrelevant in MLB circles anymore.  He wasn't that 20-year old kid who literally crashed and burned.  He was Rick Ankiel again.  Major props to him.

*Oh man, Danica Patrick is at it again.  I've already wasted my time in two articles saying why I think she's not close to an elite driver but when do the excuses stop?  Her first year was her rookie year and she was adapting.  Her second year she was in inferior equipment.  Now she's "getting used" to a new team.  Next year, it's highly possible to see Sam Hornish and Dario Franchitti make the jump to NASCAR.  That is her make or break year.  Does she have to win in my eyes?  No.  I'd be more impressed by her finishing 3rd in the points.

*A common misconception here.  Michael Vick isn't going to jail for dogfighting.  He's going to jail for running an ILLEGAL gambling operation.  It's highly similar to Rick Tocchett's "Operation Power Play" scenario and look at the differences.  However, I am completely disgusted at what he did.  It'll be hard for me to get the image of two dogs fighting out of my head when Outside the Lines showed that special. 

*NASCAR's coverage is embarassing.  It always has been, but here's a story that no one has talked about.  Carl Long, a favorite of mine and an Underdog in the sport, may have secured a Busch Series ride with little-known team C2M Motorsports.  Well he was working in the shop, alone, when he actually cut off a piece of his finger (nothing big, 1/8 of a finger) and drove himself to the hospital.  He was back in shop the next day and drove in the Hooters Cup Series race at Bristol last weekend.  Support Carl at http://www.carl-long.com

*If there is one QB I'm high on this year it is definitely JP Losman of the Bills.  Losman dramatically improved his footwork, accuracy and mechanics last season.  Pre-Draft, I told myself that he would be the best QB out of the 2004 class.  Still may be hard to find out, but I can really see it happening.  However if he has any chance of succeeding, he needs to have a #2 WR.  Anyone!  Roscoe Parrish has to step up his game.

*Tiki Barber always epitomized class to me when I would see him conduct himself.  Now, I may be wavering on that opinion.  He is part of the media so it's highly recommended he showcases his opinions but check out what Dan Benton, of AOL Sports heard on the the radio.

It was a constant barrage for almost two hours with Ronde making comments about Eli's "testes finally dropping" and Tiki adding that "Kerry Collins was a true leader," claiming the Giants "shouldn't have let him go." They also added that Eli's return-fire was "laughable" and that Tiki is part of the media now and it's his job to be controversial.

Do I see Eli as a special QB right now?  Nah.  But I feel rather bad for the man right now, though I don't see how Kerry Collins is borderline relevant considering he played in 2000.  Like Benton said later on in the article, people forget that Barber was the marked man in Gotham with his fumbling woes. 

*Jayson Werth is 9 for his last 9.  I find it funny how sometimes it's not the Albert Pujols or the Johan Santanas that chase the records.  Good for Werth.

*Clay Buchholz and Sean Masterson make Boston a permanent contender in the future.  With Beckett, Dice-K and the knuckleball that is Tim Wakefield; this is a rotation that can literally keep you off balance.  Let's add to the Rivalry as those Yankees have Ian Kennedy, Joba the Great and Phil Hughes; wow this is going to be great for years.

Well that's the experiement, check out my site at http://z14.invisionfree.com/Sports_Net/index.php

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As the season crosses its halfway point, there has been plenty of action in which to call this year special.  We have seen Craig Biggio collect 3,000+ hits with the same team, Sammy Sosa eclipse 600 HRs, Frank Thomas eclipse 500 HRs and we are seeing Barry Bonds close in on the all-time HR record. 

But also, this is the year that we are peering into the future.  This year is special, because we are seeing the future of pitching right before our very own eyes.  Some of these guys look like they could be in my high school for crying out loud!  Maybe this is part of baseball's saving grace.  Maybe this is a pipe dream.  But, let's profile the youth movement on the mound.

Philip Hughes - New York Yankees

Before the season began, there were some rumblings out of Yankeeland that their developing farm system's main puzzle piece is looking an awful lot like....Roger Clemens.  Yes, Philip Hughes was quickly becoming one of the most talked about prospects in the country.  With a fastball that can hit the mid-90s, a 12-6 curveball, a dangerous slider and a changeup that looked better by the start; Yankees fans were ready to see if Hughes was indeed; the Real Deal. 

In his first start on April 26, 2007 against the Toronto Blue Jays; Hughes struggled in his MLB debut.  He recorded his first career loss, but to be honest; pitching in Yankee Stadium for your debut most be taxing for the too-young-to-drink pitcher.  In his 2nd start, Hughes looked absolutely dominant.  With a no-hitter through 6 1/3, Hughes came up lame following a pitch that would later go foul, off the bat of Mark Teixeria.  The diagnosis?  A mild hamstring strain that would keep Hughes out for about a month.  Unfortunately, his rehab took a turn for the worse as he suffered a severe ankle sprain that will likely keep him out of commission until August.  Judging by the Yankees current performance, it's possible that they ease their budding star but Hughes did show that he could be a dominant pitcher and soon.

Tim Lincecum - San Francisco Giants

This article's amazing stat?  In 32 innings pitched in AAA-Fresno, Tim Lincecum gave up 1 run.  Yes, just one measly run.  With that in mind, it was only a matter of time before Lincecum entered the Major Leagues for good. 

When San Francisco Giants starter, Russ Ortiz suffered an injury; Tim Lincecum was up on a nationally broadcasted game against the Philadelphia Phillies and Cole Hamels (who ironically had a similar statline to Lincecum in AAA-Scranton last year).  Lincecum showed more shades of dominance than Hughes did in his first start but still struggled enough through 4 1/3 to earn a No Decision in the Phillies win. 

Lincecum's turning point came in his 3rd start against the Houston Astros against Roy Oswalt.  Due to his size (or lack of), Lincecum has actually been compared to the Astros ace and perennial Cy Young candidate.  In coming off his first ML win against the Rockies, Lincecum flashed his power curveball as he struck out 10 and was clocked as high as 98 mph on his fastball. 

Since then however, it's been a mixed bag for Lincecum.  His ERA is at a lofty 4.64 and his control has been off but in today's outing against Arizona; Lincecum had a career-high 12 Ks (allowing only 3 hits) in 7 innings for his 3rd career win.  Giants fans, this kid is legit.

Kevin Slowey - Minnesota Twins

Compared to Hughes, Kevin Slowey was a bit under - the - radar in terms of top prospects.  Baseball America, in fact, had him rated as the 71st best prospect entering the season. 

However, Slowey's excellent control brought him through the ranks of the Minnesota Twins farm system and actually looked the best amongst the other prospects in this list in his ML debut.  In his debut, Slowey pitched 6 innings against the Oakland Athletics and only gave up one run and six hits.  The following start, following a precedent it appears, Slowey registered his first win against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, albeit a bit shakier then his debut; Slowey pitched 5 innings allowing 4 earned runs.

The comparision of Slowery?  The main one that's been recorded is of former Twin, Brad Radke.  Slowey doesn't have as much velocity as say a Tim Lincecum or Philip Hughes; but he has been a tad shaky in his first 6 career starts.  He sports a high ERA of 5.13 and opposing batters are hitting .310 off of him. 

Homer Bailey - Cincinnati Reds

Whether it was that he was actually ready for the Show or that Cincy was trying to draw fans in, Homer Bailey made his debut on June 8th for the Cincinnati Reds against the Cleveland Indians.  Though he did struggle at times, Bailey showed excellent poise and recorded his first win of his promising career although only pitching 5 innings. 

His first sign of dominance came against the Oakland Athletics in his 3rd start.  In 7 innings, Bailey allowed just 2 hits and 1 earned run on only 93 pitches.  This game alone has given the Reds a glimpse of hope in the future as Bailey could soon form an excellent starting trio along with Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo. 

However, Bailey has struggled in his two starts after his gem.  He only lasted 1 2/3 innings to the Phillies and 3 2/3 against the St. Louis Cardinals.  There is reason for optimism but with an ERA of 8.10; Bailey is one bad start away from possibly being sent down to Louisville.  Don't fret though, Cincy, Bailey has shown that he can be an elite pitcher as his curveball, while a plus pitch; has been hung a few times.

Yovani Gallardo - Milwaukee Brewers

The last of our prospects is Yovani Gallardo of the Milwaukee Brewers.  Gallardo looked like a men amongst boys at times in the Minors and was probably ML - ready for about a month prior to his June 14th callup to replace the injuried Chris Capuano. 

In his ML debut, Gallardo struggled early on but dazzled later as he recorded his first win against Barry Bonds and the San Francisco Giants.  Gallardo has been as advertised as he has collected 19 Ks in 19.1 innings pitched for Milwaukee for a 2.79 ERA.  In only 3 starts, Gallardo could be argued to have looked the best amongst all of his peers on this list.

Now there's a interesting dillema in Milwaukee.  Capuano is due to come off the DL soon and manager Ned Yost has said that Gallardo will most likely be put in long-relief.  As a Phillies fan, I still remember Gavin Floyd's awful attempt in long-relief that could've ruined his career.  Hopefully Gallardo doesn't dwell on that same path but he has the makings of a legend.

Now that concludes our list.....for the time being.  While we have seen 5 fantastic prospects come through the ranks, there is still a lot of great pitching in the Minors.  Clay Buchholz of the Portland Sea Dogs (AA-Boston) has been absolutely spectacular as has Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angelos Dodgers.  Hell, if it wasn't for Jon Lester being right in front of him; Buchholz could be called up to the Majors relatively soon.  Carlos Carrasco (AA-Phillies), has also looked great and if someone were to go down in the rotation; he could be called up very soon as well.

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*The following story will most likely be a "centerpiece" on Sportscenter or Outside the Lines; so I'll say it first.  Enjoy!

Rick Ankiel took the mound for Game 1 of the 2000 NLDS against the Atlanta Braves.  At the tender age of 20, was making the biggest start of his young career that already proved that he could potentially be a Hall of Fame starter.  The 1999 Minor League Player of the Year complied a 11-7 season with a 3.50 ERA and a blistering 194 strikeouts in 30 starts for the St. Louis Cardinals.  With Darryl Kile, it appeared that the Cards had their 1-2 punch in the rotation to carry them through the playoffs. 

Ankiel, blessed with an outstanding 12-6 curveball, appeared to have some minor nerves in his first playoff game.  Afterall, he did give up 2 hits and 2 BBs in only 2 innings pitched but it was to be expected of a young starter in his first playoff game.

WARNING:  The following may be considered graphic for young children, pregnant women and Cardinals fans.

Ankiel's first batter was Atlanta pitcher Greg Maddux.  Result?  Walk.  Then after getting an out, Ankiel threw back-to-back wild pitches to Andruw Jones which lead to another walk.  Then another wild pitch (Maddux scores) and a strikeout of Chipper Jones.  Then another walk followed by another wild pitch.  Then two singles that eventually lead to Ankiel being pulled in the 3rd inning.

The Beginning of the (Painful) End

Ankiel's wildness appeared on/off for the next season until he was sent all the way down to rookie ball in 2001.  There he showcased his true pitching and batting potential that appeared to have finally cured his mental ailments.  Wrong.  Wildness, walks, injuries (including Tommy John Surgery) all ruined Ankiel's attempt at relocating the strike zone.  After one last try at the mound, Ankiel announced that he would be moving into the outfield as he was a great athlete who displayed a good bat. 

At Single-A and Double-A, it appeared that Ankiel may just have a future in the "Show" again and at the age of 25, it was still there.  Ankiel showcased his power (.514 and .515 slugging percentage at both respective levels) and his arm (5 assists in 50+) games and a call-up to AAA appeared to be in his future.

It appeared Ankiel had too much luck as he would go on to miss all of 2006 with a knee injury that required surgery.  It appeared that it was the end for Ankiel's rocky Cardinals career.  But one last chance has been given.

Pride, Resilience and Determination

After a successful 2007 Spring Training, the 27-year old Ankiel was sent down to AAA Memphis with one more step to go to come back to his "home" in St. Louis.  Ankiel started the season off slow as he just couldn't get into a rhythm and most balls he hit were caught.

Then it appeared a switch went off in his mechanics.  Ankiel started to hit the ball well.  In May, Ankiel batted a robust .312 with 5 HR (making a season tally of 12) and 14 RBIs.  Ankiel missed the last portion of May with a minor Achilles tendon injury but came back in June with the same amount of success.  After a 3-HR game on June 16th, Ankiel seems poised to make it back to where his career hit a crossroads; St. Louis.  Though to be frank, the Pacific Coast League isn't exactly playing on fields such as PETCO park; Ankiel is showing power in the AAA, leading the league in HRs. 

Ankiel appears to be destined to the Majors though there is one problem.  Ankiel cannot be sent down to the Minors again unless he clears waivers.  With a demand for power batting (especially raw), Ankiel will most likely be on a different team instead of going back to Memphis.  Make sure to keep tabs on him as you will most likely be seeing a centerpiece on everything that went in his young, exasperating career on your TV very soon.

NOTE:  This article will appear on my website, http://www.freewebs.com/the-sports-net/index.htm on June 19th.

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