Monday, December 22, 2008
Highlight Reel
Here's another link I had to post. This may be the most gruesome injury of all I've seen. Strangely though, the guy didn't seem to react that much, just kind of held his leg dangling around for all to see.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Furcal back with the Braves?
As reported nearly everywhere else, Rafael Furcal is close to signing with the Braves as a free agent. The offer is reportedly lower than one made by the A's and perhaps other teams. Assuming it happens, I definitely think it's a good move by the Braves. Of course, only if there are other moves coming as I assume there must be. It seems to me they must now move Yunel Escobar, who would likely have more trade value but who never really seemed to fit in with the Braves. Maybe I 'm wrong, but my guess is Escobar wasn't quite the same teammate that Furcal was. He always appeared to be a little aloof and maybe too flashy. That doesn't fit with the Braves style under Bobby Cox. There's really not much evidence to support this, other than the Braves not making the playoffs the last two years.
In any event, I can't see Furcal and Escobar both remaining on the team. They still need another starting pitcher and more power in the outfield. Maybe there's a deal for Grienke from KC, Ryan Ludwick from the Cardinals, or some surprise deal no one has thought about. Escobar would probably be the centerpiece of either one of those deals. Plus, the contemplated trade with San Diego probably gave Escobar the impression the Braves wanted to move him. He's definitely talented, and will probably have a long career, but I think right now he's most valuable to the Braves as trade bait.
In any event, I can't see Furcal and Escobar both remaining on the team. They still need another starting pitcher and more power in the outfield. Maybe there's a deal for Grienke from KC, Ryan Ludwick from the Cardinals, or some surprise deal no one has thought about. Escobar would probably be the centerpiece of either one of those deals. Plus, the contemplated trade with San Diego probably gave Escobar the impression the Braves wanted to move him. He's definitely talented, and will probably have a long career, but I think right now he's most valuable to the Braves as trade bait.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Highlight Reel
And, for those who passed on watching the unwatchable Heisman Trophy presentation, we all apparently missed Billy Sims being a little too loud upon Sam Bradford's introduction. Wonder if it had anything to do with imbibing a bit beforehand? According to Wikipedia, he did the same thing for Jason White in '03. There's reason enough to root for another OU winner. Link
Highlight Reel
If you haven't seen it yet, you've got check out this video of "Cowboy Chris" heckling Ed Werder of ESPN while he's preparing to go on air. Apparently, some in Big D don't believe Werder has accurately reported the story regarding any dissension among the team. Link
Monday, October 13, 2008
Why the hate for Lou Holtz?
For some reason, a lot of bloggers out there criticize Lou Holtz and attack him personally at times. I actually like watching the guy and think he's pretty entertaining. Sure, he's a little crazy at times, but he's also an old school college football coach and I think they're probably all going to be crazy. And sure, he's a homer for Notre Dame and South Carolina, but can you blame the guy for pulling for his old teams and hoping they do well? Anyway, here's a vid from over the weekend that is pretty funny. It provides a good chance for some to mock ol' Lou but personally I think it's great to see a TV analyst being honest about how he feels.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Judging the Ryder Cup picks.
Paul Azinger just announced his four Ryder Cup picks for this year. His selections were Hunter Mahan, Steve Stricker, Chad Campbell, and J.B. Holmes. Overall, no big surprises since there really just wasn't anybody else that really made a strong case to be on the team. My thoughts on each of the players:
Stricker - Hard to pass on Steve Stricker, he was ninth in final standings, just one spot away from making it on points. He was the most obvious pick, and probably would have been seen as a slight if he hadn't been picked. He's generally known as a solid ball striker and very good putter. No part of his game really stands out as spectacular, and really hasn't done anything great lately to show he's got a lot of momentum. In addition, he's always been known as a guy who doesn't like the spotlight and naturally a pretty quiet person. While this normally may be just fine for a golfer, it is the one thing that suggests he's not cut out to be a great Ryder Cupper.
Mahan - For the last couple of years, seen as a great young talent who has perhaps underachieved. He may actually be great for this format, as his game is a little rough around the edges when it comes to scoring in tournaments, but there is no doubt he can make birdies and will not back down from the challenge. He just recently gave an interview in which he came across as less than enamored with the event, due to all it's obligations and time required. So long as he doesn't actually let his feelings about the event affect his play, he should be a good addition to the team.
J.B. Holmes - Again, not really a surprise, he had a pretty good showing at the PGA Championship that likely impressed Captain Azinger. He's a super long hitter and should be able to make a lot of birdies. Kenny Perry has already expressed a desire to play with him, and others likely will as well, since playing a drive 50 yards ahead of what you're used to would be fun.
Chad Campbell - He's been on the last two teams, so Azinger was probably glad to have the chance to get a little more experience on the team. He has fallen off a bit in his results the last two years, but every now and then he pops on the radar to show his game hasn't completely gone away. I expect a guy like this to do well. He may have been the one surprise in the selections, but it's hard to say it's not deserved. He's a well-liked, easy-going guy who should contribute to the team.
Overall, Azinger did the best he could with these picks. There just hasn't been anyone who really jumped out and made a great case for being on the team. The other players I thought had a chance were Bubba Watson, Sean O'hair, and D.J. Trahan, who didn't help his case by shooting an 80 in the final round this past weekend. The other two guys just hadn't shown enough results either, although a pick wouldn't have been totally undeserved.
In the end, I believe the leadership of Azinger helps these guys upset Captain Faldo's team. For some reason, Faldo seems to be a little more detached from his team. Maybe he's such a big name that there team gets away from the underdog role that has done them well in the past.
Stricker - Hard to pass on Steve Stricker, he was ninth in final standings, just one spot away from making it on points. He was the most obvious pick, and probably would have been seen as a slight if he hadn't been picked. He's generally known as a solid ball striker and very good putter. No part of his game really stands out as spectacular, and really hasn't done anything great lately to show he's got a lot of momentum. In addition, he's always been known as a guy who doesn't like the spotlight and naturally a pretty quiet person. While this normally may be just fine for a golfer, it is the one thing that suggests he's not cut out to be a great Ryder Cupper.
Mahan - For the last couple of years, seen as a great young talent who has perhaps underachieved. He may actually be great for this format, as his game is a little rough around the edges when it comes to scoring in tournaments, but there is no doubt he can make birdies and will not back down from the challenge. He just recently gave an interview in which he came across as less than enamored with the event, due to all it's obligations and time required. So long as he doesn't actually let his feelings about the event affect his play, he should be a good addition to the team.
J.B. Holmes - Again, not really a surprise, he had a pretty good showing at the PGA Championship that likely impressed Captain Azinger. He's a super long hitter and should be able to make a lot of birdies. Kenny Perry has already expressed a desire to play with him, and others likely will as well, since playing a drive 50 yards ahead of what you're used to would be fun.
Chad Campbell - He's been on the last two teams, so Azinger was probably glad to have the chance to get a little more experience on the team. He has fallen off a bit in his results the last two years, but every now and then he pops on the radar to show his game hasn't completely gone away. I expect a guy like this to do well. He may have been the one surprise in the selections, but it's hard to say it's not deserved. He's a well-liked, easy-going guy who should contribute to the team.
Overall, Azinger did the best he could with these picks. There just hasn't been anyone who really jumped out and made a great case for being on the team. The other players I thought had a chance were Bubba Watson, Sean O'hair, and D.J. Trahan, who didn't help his case by shooting an 80 in the final round this past weekend. The other two guys just hadn't shown enough results either, although a pick wouldn't have been totally undeserved.
In the end, I believe the leadership of Azinger helps these guys upset Captain Faldo's team. For some reason, Faldo seems to be a little more detached from his team. Maybe he's such a big name that there team gets away from the underdog role that has done them well in the past.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Why the LPGA language requirement makes sense.
By now, we've all heard about the LPGA announcing a new rule requiring all its players to become fluent, or at least attempt to, in English. The reasoning behind the move is simply a financial one. The LPGA is an American tour. Prize money comes primarily from U.S. based businesses and other various sponsors. In exchange for the money put into the tournaments, of course the sponsors seek something in return. Usually, this is the cooperation of players in playing in pro-ams with the sponsors and their guests, and often actual marketing efforts by the players. Seems reasonable, right? Just a simple matter of marketing, where all those involved see a benefit.
Now, as those who follow the sport closely probably already know, the LPGA has recently seen a huge increase in foreign players, and in particular South Koreans. This is perfectly fine and good for the game on an international basis. What isn't good for the game is when so many foreigners bring down the tour because they don't do enough or aren't able to promote it due to their inability to speak English.
A quick check of the LPGA website shows that there are 121 active International LPGA players from 26 different countries, and of those, 45 are from South Korea. Of course, not all of the South Koreans can't speak English, but many don't, or at least not well enough to use it in interviews and speaking with pro-am partners. A closer look at money list shows that, by my calculations, there are 9 U.S. players, and 11 South Korean players, in the top 30 on the LPGA tour. Obviously, this is a tour that is heavily International in its makeup.
All the stats aside, it is apparent that the new rule being instituted by the LPGA is for the good of the game. The sport is dependent on its sponsors, and the sponsors in turn expect a return on their investment. While it's not a reflection on the South Koreans as individuals, reality is they can't effectively market the tour since many of them cannot speak English fluently. The LPGA has a responsibility, not only to the decision-makers, but to its players as well, to ensure the purses offered at the tournaments are as high as possible. There's a reason the foreign players come to the U.S. to play, the money. But in exchange for the chance to play for the big prize money offered here, it's only fair to expect the players to cooperate and just learn the language.
Now, as those who follow the sport closely probably already know, the LPGA has recently seen a huge increase in foreign players, and in particular South Koreans. This is perfectly fine and good for the game on an international basis. What isn't good for the game is when so many foreigners bring down the tour because they don't do enough or aren't able to promote it due to their inability to speak English.
A quick check of the LPGA website shows that there are 121 active International LPGA players from 26 different countries, and of those, 45 are from South Korea. Of course, not all of the South Koreans can't speak English, but many don't, or at least not well enough to use it in interviews and speaking with pro-am partners. A closer look at money list shows that, by my calculations, there are 9 U.S. players, and 11 South Korean players, in the top 30 on the LPGA tour. Obviously, this is a tour that is heavily International in its makeup.
All the stats aside, it is apparent that the new rule being instituted by the LPGA is for the good of the game. The sport is dependent on its sponsors, and the sponsors in turn expect a return on their investment. While it's not a reflection on the South Koreans as individuals, reality is they can't effectively market the tour since many of them cannot speak English fluently. The LPGA has a responsibility, not only to the decision-makers, but to its players as well, to ensure the purses offered at the tournaments are as high as possible. There's a reason the foreign players come to the U.S. to play, the money. But in exchange for the chance to play for the big prize money offered here, it's only fair to expect the players to cooperate and just learn the language.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
This is the competition.
And people wonder why GM and Ford are struggling right now. According to this story, there is litigation in Japan regarding a Toyota engineer who died from being overworked. I have long thought the primary reason U.S. automakers were falling behind their Japanese counterparts was because of the impact of the unions here in this country. But, for all the criticisms, this is an example of the benefit of such a labor union.
http://www.ajc.com/news/content/business/stories/2008/07/10/Japan_OverworkDeath_I0604.html?imw=Y
http://www.ajc.com/news/content/business/stories/2008/07/10/Japan_OverworkDeath_I0604.html?imw=Y
Friday, June 13, 2008
light servings
Just a few notes I wanted to get down before I forgot...
1. Okay, after that last Braves post, things have gotten even worse. The series against the Cubs was very discouraging. But, to read other blogs, especially on AJC, it appears many fans are blaming Bobby Cox. Have these people forgotten about the 14 division titles in a row? Did Cox have nothing to do with those. Has he all of a sudden forgot how to manage. Of course he hasn't, so lay off of the team for now and give them time to figure it out. Or go be a Mets fan and whine about every single bad break your team gets. This is why they play the games people, wins aren't automatic, as much as we've been spoiled into believing they are. I'm going to try and remain patient for the time being and not call for drastic changes on the team yet. Besides, I wasn't too optimistic going into the season anyway.
2. I'm going out on a limb and predicting Stuart Appleby will win the U.S. Open. I think he's due to win a big tournament and he's proven in the past he can get on a hot streak and play out of his mind. This is the perfect week to do it. Tiger's injured, and Phil, well let's just say Phil can never play by the book. Yeah, the book says Phil is due this week but things with him just never make sense.
1. Okay, after that last Braves post, things have gotten even worse. The series against the Cubs was very discouraging. But, to read other blogs, especially on AJC, it appears many fans are blaming Bobby Cox. Have these people forgotten about the 14 division titles in a row? Did Cox have nothing to do with those. Has he all of a sudden forgot how to manage. Of course he hasn't, so lay off of the team for now and give them time to figure it out. Or go be a Mets fan and whine about every single bad break your team gets. This is why they play the games people, wins aren't automatic, as much as we've been spoiled into believing they are. I'm going to try and remain patient for the time being and not call for drastic changes on the team yet. Besides, I wasn't too optimistic going into the season anyway.
2. I'm going out on a limb and predicting Stuart Appleby will win the U.S. Open. I think he's due to win a big tournament and he's proven in the past he can get on a hot streak and play out of his mind. This is the perfect week to do it. Tiger's injured, and Phil, well let's just say Phil can never play by the book. Yeah, the book says Phil is due this week but things with him just never make sense.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Are the Braves toast?
It's now June 11, and the Braves are struggling pretty bad. They got swept by the Phillies in a 3 game series and just lost in another ugly game to the Cubs yesterday. They've lost 4 in a row, are the proud owners of a 7-22 road record, and are currently 6.5 games out of first.
But, on the other hand, things aren't as bad as they seem. They have some key players injured and/or underperforming who hopefully will come around soon. Injuries to Mark Kotsay and Matt Diaz in the outfield are obviously hurting the team. Kotsay is nursing a recurring back injury and Diaz has a torn knee ligament but both are expected to be back before too much longer barring any setbacks. Obviously, Chipper has been out a few games with a strained quadricep. That's a lot of productive players who are out of the lineup right now.
One key player for the remainder of the year will be Jeff Francoeur. He's hitting around .250 right now, which is well below his career average of .276. So, he should gradually be able to get his average back to where it should be. In my opinion, his performance will have a big impact on whether or not the Braves are able to compete for the division title. There are no guarantees, but I find it very likely that Francoeur will come around and the players I mentioned will get healthy soon. When this happens, there's no reason they shouldn't get back on track.
But, on the other hand, things aren't as bad as they seem. They have some key players injured and/or underperforming who hopefully will come around soon. Injuries to Mark Kotsay and Matt Diaz in the outfield are obviously hurting the team. Kotsay is nursing a recurring back injury and Diaz has a torn knee ligament but both are expected to be back before too much longer barring any setbacks. Obviously, Chipper has been out a few games with a strained quadricep. That's a lot of productive players who are out of the lineup right now.
One key player for the remainder of the year will be Jeff Francoeur. He's hitting around .250 right now, which is well below his career average of .276. So, he should gradually be able to get his average back to where it should be. In my opinion, his performance will have a big impact on whether or not the Braves are able to compete for the division title. There are no guarantees, but I find it very likely that Francoeur will come around and the players I mentioned will get healthy soon. When this happens, there's no reason they shouldn't get back on track.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Braves fans in music video form
Check out the new video from "Tito and the Gun Show," the two Braves fans who last year became known for performing a song in tribute to Mark Teixeira. Pretty entertaining guys, keep up the good work. Always to see the Mets get knocked down a notch or two.
H/T: http://thebaseballbeat.wordpress.com/2008/05/31/mets-v-braves-on-youtube/
H/T: http://thebaseballbeat.wordpress.com/2008/05/31/mets-v-braves-on-youtube/
Monday, May 12, 2008
What happened Andruw?
When he was with the Braves, Andruw Jones without a doubt earned a reputation as one of the best centerfielders in the game. Then, he got to the end of his contract and seemingly lost his ability to make contact with the ball and even some of his range in the outfield. Now that he's with the Dodgers, he doesn't exactly have the patience of the fans and media as he did in Atlanta whenever he had a slow start. That is, if you consider the following article by T.J. Simers as an good reflection of the feelings of the rest of LA:
"As for his play on the field, the Tubbo has one home run, and so far it looks as if he has only warning-track power, which suggests he has lost something.
"If you think that's what I've got, warning-track power, then write it down," Jones said, and it always helps when I have a player's permission to criticize him. "I lost my power, I suck, I should retire."
"I hope you're not waiting for me to disagree with you," I said.
Then Jones went out, and struck out on three pitches in his first appearance at the plate. I wonder if he cared.
Hard to disagree with Simers, but as a former Andruw fan, I fear the negative press may hinder his chances of breaking out of his slump. I don't think any writer in Atlanta ever wrote such a negative article about any athlete. Not sure why Simers felt the need to make it personal between he and Andruw. Just an ugly situation that may get uglier soon.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-simers11-2008may11,0,7611597,full.column
"As for his play on the field, the Tubbo has one home run, and so far it looks as if he has only warning-track power, which suggests he has lost something.
"If you think that's what I've got, warning-track power, then write it down," Jones said, and it always helps when I have a player's permission to criticize him. "I lost my power, I suck, I should retire."
"I hope you're not waiting for me to disagree with you," I said.
Then Jones went out, and struck out on three pitches in his first appearance at the plate. I wonder if he cared.
Hard to disagree with Simers, but as a former Andruw fan, I fear the negative press may hinder his chances of breaking out of his slump. I don't think any writer in Atlanta ever wrote such a negative article about any athlete. Not sure why Simers felt the need to make it personal between he and Andruw. Just an ugly situation that may get uglier soon.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-simers11-2008may11,0,7611597,full.column
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Braves acquire Norton. Who?
So yesterday, the Braves picked up another utility player in a trade with Seattle. They acquired Greg Norton, who by all appearances had been having good results this year with limited playing time. His average so far this year is .438, but just 16 plate appearances. His career average is .253, while playing for 5 different teams, notably the Mariners, Rays, and Rockies.
I have to ask, do the Braves really need another guy like this? The move was apparently made because of an injury to Martin Prado, who will miss up to six weeks with a sprained thumb. The injury left Ruben Gotay as the only backup infielder, until Omar Infante makes his introduction as a Brave, after suffering a broken hand in winter ball, within a week or so. I get that they were short a player for now, but what about a call-up from the minors? What about Brent Lillibridge? I know he didn't do that well when he was last up but have they given up on him? Is there no one else at Richmond?
My concern in this is one I've had before, that Frank Wren is too eager to make moves based on how it should work out on paper. Every Braves fan knows that over the years they've been successful because the players are able to mesh together and most players fit in. The few players who haven't fit in, Lofton and Deion Sanders notably didn't stay around that long. Correct or not, I give credit to John Schuerholz for always keeping these factors in mind when making, or not making, trades. I just wonder if Frank Wren is thinking the same way. Hopefully this move will work out and Norton will fit in, as will all the other players new to the team this year. I just hope Wren remembers you can't just bring any player in and expect his numbers alone to fill a hole, his personality has to fit in as well in order to benefit the team.
I have to ask, do the Braves really need another guy like this? The move was apparently made because of an injury to Martin Prado, who will miss up to six weeks with a sprained thumb. The injury left Ruben Gotay as the only backup infielder, until Omar Infante makes his introduction as a Brave, after suffering a broken hand in winter ball, within a week or so. I get that they were short a player for now, but what about a call-up from the minors? What about Brent Lillibridge? I know he didn't do that well when he was last up but have they given up on him? Is there no one else at Richmond?
My concern in this is one I've had before, that Frank Wren is too eager to make moves based on how it should work out on paper. Every Braves fan knows that over the years they've been successful because the players are able to mesh together and most players fit in. The few players who haven't fit in, Lofton and Deion Sanders notably didn't stay around that long. Correct or not, I give credit to John Schuerholz for always keeping these factors in mind when making, or not making, trades. I just wonder if Frank Wren is thinking the same way. Hopefully this move will work out and Norton will fit in, as will all the other players new to the team this year. I just hope Wren remembers you can't just bring any player in and expect his numbers alone to fill a hole, his personality has to fit in as well in order to benefit the team.
Monday, April 28, 2008
John Daly living the life
It' s easy to knock on John Daly for wasting his talent due to multiple bad habits. On the other hand, can we all say we aren't just a little bit jealous of someone who golfs for a living yet still seems like a kid growing up on a farm in the country. Here's a classic vid of him, presumably close to home in Arkansas, playing in jeans, no shoes, shirtless and smoking a cig.
http://ozarksfirst.com/media_player.php?media_id=34761 (via deadspin.com)
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Jim Nantz owes Tiger an apology.
If you were watching the Masters this past Sunday, you may have heard Jim Nantz and others in the CBS crew comment on how frustrated Tiger appeared to be during his final round. Well, I noticed it anyway, and it sounded to me that Nantz was out of line and a bit too harsh. While I wouldn't normally take it upon myself to stick up for an athlete, I did in this case. The following is the email I sent to Augusta National and copied to CBS sports:
As you may have heard, Tiger just revealed yesterday that he had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee two days after the tournament. While he did not in any way blame his performance on an injury, it is apparent that he was dealing with pain during the tournament. Of course, this would explain why he was moving slowly around the course and did not appear to be on top of his game.
As I felt during the tournament, I feel even stronger now that Jim Nantz owes Tiger Woods an apology for his negative comments during the final round. Yes, Tiger was moving slower than usual, and did appear to be laboring more than usual, but now we all know why that was. One would think that Tiger's record, establishing him as the greatest golfer in history, would be enough to earn the respect of those in the media, but apparently Mr. Nantz isn't buying it.
So, Jim, are you sticking by your comments that all players were dealing with the same set of circumstances during the Masters? Do you still believe he had no cause to show frustration on the course during Sunday's round? Or was your commentary in poor taste and presumptuous?
I am writing to express my opinion regarding certain
comments made by Jim Nantz in regards to Tiger Woods
during the Sunday Masters telecast. Mr. Nantz has,
thus far, on two occasions unnecessarily criticized
Tiger for his performance and disposition.
Although I can't recall the exact words used, I
believe Mr. Nantz initially made a comment when Tiger
was around #4, stating that he wasn't handling his
frustration very well. Then, David Feherty made the
astute observation that Brandt Snedeker caught a break
when he got a great result, from a less than great
putt on #2, which fell in the hole with a rather quick
pace. Mr. Feherty's point was that other player's
were catching breaks and Tiger simply was not. Thus,
the cause for frustration by Tiger.
The second unnecessary comment by Mr. Nantz was more
direct. If I recall correctly, Tiger hit a shot on #7
which was perhaps two yards too short, and spun off
the front of the green. Peter Kostis made a comment
that frustration was the best description for his
week. Then, Jim Nantz remarked that all players deal
with the same frustrations. As Tiger played his chip
shot, Mr. Kostis again reiterated his remarks about
Tiger's frustration level. At this point, Jim Nantz
derided Tiger by saying (paraphrasing) "but wouldn't
you think with his seasoning and experience he would
handle it better." Mr. Kostis responded to the effect
that he certainly had in the past. Mr. Nantz
apparently fails to realize that Tiger's record over
the years shows that he is able to properly to handle
his emotions while performing at a higher level than
anyone else in the game.
I feel that these comments by Mr. Nantz were
mean-spirited and displayed an obvious bias against
Tiger Woods. I am aware, from an article in USA
today, that Mr. Nantz may have a history of personal
animosity with Tiger. Whether true or not, these
comments certainly add validity to that possibility.
Frankly, while I have always enjoyed watching the
Masters, these comments by Mr. Nantz have made it a
less enjoyable experience. With the Masters history
of great attention to detail and respect for the game,
I am hoping that you will take this opinion seriously
and ensure that Mr. Nantz refrains from offering such
negative commentary in the future.
As you may have heard, Tiger just revealed yesterday that he had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee two days after the tournament. While he did not in any way blame his performance on an injury, it is apparent that he was dealing with pain during the tournament. Of course, this would explain why he was moving slowly around the course and did not appear to be on top of his game.
As I felt during the tournament, I feel even stronger now that Jim Nantz owes Tiger Woods an apology for his negative comments during the final round. Yes, Tiger was moving slower than usual, and did appear to be laboring more than usual, but now we all know why that was. One would think that Tiger's record, establishing him as the greatest golfer in history, would be enough to earn the respect of those in the media, but apparently Mr. Nantz isn't buying it.
So, Jim, are you sticking by your comments that all players were dealing with the same set of circumstances during the Masters? Do you still believe he had no cause to show frustration on the course during Sunday's round? Or was your commentary in poor taste and presumptuous?
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Is Rocker wrong?
For my first post, I'll offer my thoughts on the recent comments from John Rocker, the former Braves reliever. As a Braves fan and someone familiar with his background, I don't find it shocking whenever Rocker says something people find outlandish. Recently, Rocker was interviewed on an Atlanta sports talk radio station, and among other things, said that Bud Selig was partly to blame for the abuse of steroids throughout baseball. I've heard Rocker be criticized, mostly for not accepting responsibility for his own steroid use and instead passing the blame on to others. In my view, however, Rocker is not entirely wrong.
By most conservative estimates, at least 1/4 of baseball players in the late 90's and early 2000's used performance enhancing drugs. As Rocker put it, he believed it was a level playing field, because those wanted it could get it and use easily without fear of discovery nor the threat of punishment. Who is to blame for that? Is it the players, who are paid millions of dollars to compete at their highest possible level on the field? Well, yes it is for the most part, but not entirely. As the commissioner of a professional sports league, when that many of your players are using illegal substances, Bud Selig and others in control should share a large portion of the blame.
Sure, what the players did by using PED's was undeniably cheating, but let's not forget those who let them get away with it. Rocker said that he actually failed a steroids test, that MLB was aware of the results, and he got nothing more than a slap on the wrist. What kind of control is that from the commissioner's office? It's arguable whether or not the teams knew of these results, but in any event, can they be expected to police every single player when other teams are not guaranteed to do the same?
My point is basically that the whole steroids era in baseball is a black eye on all of baseball, not just the players who have been identified thus far. Let's not single out individual players for trying to get that competitive edge in a system with no useful boundaries. Granted, the players should have known better, but it's asking a lot of the players when you're talking about huge money deals and a commissioner's office turning a blind eye to this conduct.
By most conservative estimates, at least 1/4 of baseball players in the late 90's and early 2000's used performance enhancing drugs. As Rocker put it, he believed it was a level playing field, because those wanted it could get it and use easily without fear of discovery nor the threat of punishment. Who is to blame for that? Is it the players, who are paid millions of dollars to compete at their highest possible level on the field? Well, yes it is for the most part, but not entirely. As the commissioner of a professional sports league, when that many of your players are using illegal substances, Bud Selig and others in control should share a large portion of the blame.
Sure, what the players did by using PED's was undeniably cheating, but let's not forget those who let them get away with it. Rocker said that he actually failed a steroids test, that MLB was aware of the results, and he got nothing more than a slap on the wrist. What kind of control is that from the commissioner's office? It's arguable whether or not the teams knew of these results, but in any event, can they be expected to police every single player when other teams are not guaranteed to do the same?
My point is basically that the whole steroids era in baseball is a black eye on all of baseball, not just the players who have been identified thus far. Let's not single out individual players for trying to get that competitive edge in a system with no useful boundaries. Granted, the players should have known better, but it's asking a lot of the players when you're talking about huge money deals and a commissioner's office turning a blind eye to this conduct.
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