Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Apology to Selig seems silly

Today, Boston Red Sox pitcher David Wells apologized for criticizing baseball commissioner Bud Selig on his handling of the game's steroid problem.

On the surface, this is a fine gesture and good office politics. There is a lot to be said for respecting authority figures. However, why should anyone respect Selig? He's only respected the people who could best help him line his pockets.

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Breaking down Michigan's schedule

I don't talk about it often, but I graduated from The University of Michigan. I'm also an Ohio State grad, and possibly the biggest OSU cheerleader you'll find in Binghamton, Scranton, PA (where I also work), and New York City (my original hometown).

That being said, I do follow Michigan a little bit during the college football season. The Wolverines' 2005 schedule looks relatively easy. They don't have any out-of-conference road games, which usually go poorly for them. OSU has to come to Ann Arbor. The only tough road game should be at Iowa.

Despite that, I don't really expect Michigan to go undefeated. The Big Ten is so strong and evenly matched that anyone can win on any given Saturday.

Image courtesy of The University of Michigan.

Monday, August 29, 2005

As expected, Clarett a bust

Runningback Maurice Clarett will probably have to look for a real job soon. His agent told the Associated Press that the Denver Broncos are going to release Clarett. He was unable to practice very much or play during the preseason.

I saw this coming two miles away. Clarett wasn't able to endure a full season at Ohio State. And, since he left Columbus, he's basically just played pick-up sticks with his butt cheeks.

If he couldn't play a whole season in the Big Ten without getting injured, how in the world was he going to survive the NFL?

Sunday, August 28, 2005

Keeping it positive

I'm wiped out today after a long, enjoyable Saturday at Dorney Park in Allentown, PA (pictured). I spent a while relaxing today, reading some sports books.

I stumbled upon the story of Olympic speed skater Dan Jansen. In 1988, shortly after his sister Jane's death, he fell during the races in which he competed. Six years later, in his final Olympic race, he finally got a gold medal. I'll never forget the picture of him on the medal stand, holding his baby daughter Jane.

With all that's wrong in sports today, it's great to remember such a positive, heartwarming story.

Saturday, August 27, 2005

MLB's response to bloggers

Recently, I tried to sign up for the PressBox at MLB.com. I wasn't exactly trying to scam press passes for playoff games or the World Series. Basically, I wanted to get access to images, so I can continue to make this site visually appealing. Below is the response I received:

--Dear Steve:
We have evaluated your application and determined that you do not meet the necessary criteria for membership in MLB Pressbox. If you believe that you have been denied access in error please contact us at pressboxhelp@website.mlb.com or call 1-866-800-1275.
Regards,
MLB Pressbox--

In other words: take a hike. That's fine by me. Many of the goodies PressBox offers (such as press releases, game notes, and stats) are readily available on the Web anyway. As far as pictures go, I'll make do, thanks!

Friday, August 26, 2005

Dreaming of Subway Series

With the Mets and Yankees both in the playoff hunt, is it too soon to dream of another Subway Series?

I was disappointed with the outcome of the Series in 2000 because the Mets lost to the Yanks. But, it was great to see the two New York City teams facing off. I was hanging on every pitch.

Bring on another Subway Series! I'd love to hear what George Steinbrenner would have to say if his Yankees lost to the team long regarded as the little brother of the New York baseball scene.

Thursday, August 25, 2005

Rare look inside preseason practice

You know you're nuts about college football if you watch a preseason practice on television.

Yesterday, ESPN showed the Ohio State Buckeyes going through drills on both sides of the ball. It was a great concept for a sports television show. And, I'm not just saying that because I graduated from OSU.

Big-time college football programs usually close their workouts to the public. So, if you can see your favorite team practice, don't pass on the opportunity. Also, watching teams tune up can give you a real idea of how they prepare for the big shows on Saturdays.

Logo courtesy of The Ohio State University.

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Hoping Mets make a run

With 35 games left, the Philadelphia Phillies have a tiny lead in the National League Wild Card race. I'd love to see the New York Mets overtake the Phils and steal that playoff spot. Actually, both teams have plenty of time to make a run at the Eastern Division title.

I've been a Mets fan for a long time, but that's not the only reason I want to see the Phils shut out of the playoffs. I went to Veterans Stadium (pictured) once to see both teams play. The Philadelphia fans have a reputation for being rude, and they certainly lived up to their rep that day.

I guess I'd be surly if I lived in Philly and had to watch New York City area teams getting the glory. Since the Sixers won the NBA title in 1983, the Mets, Yankees, Giants, Rangers, and Devils have all won world championships. On the other hand, the Phillies and the Eagles came up short.

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

Gooden still a scummer

Former New York Mets star pitcher Dwight Gooden, 41, is in a whole lot of trouble. Police in Tampa, Florida are looking for him, saying he drove away from an officer who stopped him on suspicion of drunken driving. According to police, Gooden fled the scene after refusing to get out of his car for a field sobriety test. On top of that, he's awaiting trial on a domestic violence charge.

After all these years, it's great to see that Gooden is still the same upstanding citizen he always was. His first two seasons in Major League Baseball were awesome, and he could've been one of the all-time greats. Instead, he got into drugs and botched what could've been an outstanding career.

What we're seeing from Gooden is more of same: major league foolishness.

Monday, August 22, 2005

Congrats Charlie!

Props to one of our favorites here at SeeperSports. Charlie Tapp (holding trophy in photo) won his first career Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Senior Tour title in the season's final event. He defeated Vince Mazzanti Jr. in the finals of the Senior Jackson Open. Tapp takes home an $8,000 prize. (I was able to confirm that Tapp goes by the moniker Tappioca - see my post from July 25.)

It's great to see one of the good guys succeeding. Actually, most of the guys on the PBA Tour are cool. You don't see them acting like T.O. or Barry Bonds.

Photo courtesy of the United States Bowling Congress.

Sunday, August 21, 2005

Remembering Thomas Herrion

The NFL season hasn't officially started, but the league already has one casualty. San Francisco 49er Thomas Herrion collapsed and died after yesterday's game against the Denver Broncos. According to the coroner's office in Denver, the cause of Herrion's death won't be known for a few weeks.

No matter what the cause, this death is tragic. The first-year guard was only 23 years old, and was considered a longshot to make the 49ers' final roster. Even though many of us will say he's in a better place now, I feel badly for a guy who worked hard for years, tried to take his shot at the bigtime, but didn't really get to live the dream.

Saturday, August 20, 2005

NHL a strange fit for OLN

The NHL has a new home on cable television. This season, NHL games can be seen on the Outdoor Life Network (OLN). Comcast, which owns OLN, paid $135 million for the rights to cablecast NHL contests.

This seems very odd. Last time I checked, hockey is played indoors. Why would an outdoorsy network want the NHL? It doesn't really fit with fishing, hunting, and the Tour de France.



Thank you, Anne, for putting up with me for a whole year. Happy Anniversary!

Friday, August 19, 2005

NL West a big joke

Normally, winning a division title is a pretty impressive accomplishment. At this rate, that statement won't apply to the National League's Western Division.

First-place San Diego and the four other NL West teams are below .500. The division's representative in the playoffs could potentially have a losing record.

A losing team should not be allowed into the postseason. I suppose a sub-.500 team making the playoffs, tearing it up, and winning the World Series would make for a great story. But, it's just ridiculous.

Thursday, August 18, 2005

March Madness to MSG?

The NCAA paid $56.5 million for the rights to the preseason and postseason National Invitation Tournaments (NIT). This ended a four-year legal battle between the two entities. Five New York City colleges had been running the NIT since 1940. According to the NCAA, Madison Square Garden (MSG) will host the tournament finals for at least the next five years.

It almost sounds as if the NIT final could be moved in the future. If so, MSG could host a Final Four. I've always felt the culmination of March Madness should be played in The World's Most Famous Arena. It's too bad MSG was saddled with a second-tier tournament all these years. The closest the Final Four ever got to NYC was at the Meadowlands across the Hudson River in New Jersey.

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Looking forward to Bonds' return

San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds may be back in action this season, as his recovery from a knee injury is going better than expected.

Earlier, I said I didn't miss Bonds, and wasn't at all unhappy not to see him this year. However, I think his return will further spice up Major League Baseball. If he was juicing (and I think he was), will he dare to continue? And, if he stops juicing, will his home run production suffer dramatically? Inquiring minds want to know.

Barry, get well soon!

Monday, August 15, 2005

Mets no-hit effort foiled again

New York Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez needed five more outs for a no-hitter yesterday. Instead, he got the "L" in a 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Only on the Mets would you see something like this. No Met pitcher has ever thrown a no-hitter. Pedro took a no-no into the eighth inning and lost the game.

Now that the Boston Red Sox are over their hump and have a world title, maybe the Mets can reverse their no-hit misfortunes. More than that, I'd like to see the team win some titles, instead of being an overpaid waste.

Saturday, August 13, 2005

Mickelson feeling so good

Phil Mickelson hasn't fared all that well in major tournaments this year, but things are looking up for him now. As of Saturday morning, he's atop the leaderboard in the PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey.

I hope Mickelson finishes this out, and takes home another major title. Phil shed his reputation as a big-tourney bridesmaid when he won last year's Masters. I'd hate to see him blow the lead, and prompt short-sighted questioning over whether he'll win another major. I'm sure he will.



Not much keeps me away from watching Veronica Mars, but I passed on CBS' offering last night, so the wife and I could see Chuck Mangione live. He and his musicians really rocked it out! We even got his autograph afterward (see the August 8 post on autographs).

Send comments to: seepersports@aol.com

Friday, August 12, 2005

No sympathy for Nationals

The Washington Nationals were once riding high in the National League's Eastern Division. Now, they're in a tailspin. I couldn't be happier.

As of Friday morning, the Nationals were 6.5 games out of first place in the NL East, and three games back in the Wild Card race.

I never cared for the way Major League Baseball stole this team from Montreal. Also, I'll always remember how Expos/Nats manager Frank Robinson had this smug grin after the Expos final game last season. Montreal fans went all the way to Shea Stadium in New York for the finale, and were despondent when the game was over. Robinson looked like he didn't give a crap. What a jerk!

Thursday, August 11, 2005

T.O. is a major A------

It's about time! The Philadelphia Eagles told the greedy, overly self-absorbed Terrell Owens to take a walk. Following a heated argument between Owens and coach Andy Reid, the star wide receiver was asked to leave Eagles training camp at Lehigh University near Allentown, PA.

Owens wants to renegotiate his seven-year, $48.97 million contract, and he'll be a major-league you-know-what until that happens.

Millions of people honor contracts with a lot less money at stake. T.O. should honor his. You made the deal, now live up to it.

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

Stadium jumper is big-time idiot

A man at Yankee Stadium established a new low-water mark for stupid fan behavior. 18-year-old Scott Harper of Westchester County, N.Y. jumped 40 feet from the upper deck onto the screen behind home plate during last night's game between the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox.

He was released from the hospital and handed over to police today. Harper is charged with reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct.

If stupidity was a felony charge, Harper would probably go to prison for life. He told friends that he wanted to see if the netting would hold his weight. What an idiot! I hope the legal system doesn't go easy on him.

Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Watch out for Ginn

I'd be very surprised if Ohio State's Ted Ginn, Jr. is not a Heisman Trophy candidate this year. He's easily the most exciting Buckeye player since two-way man Chris Gamble bolted for the NFL. (Must be something about that No. 7 which both players have in common.)

Hopefully, OSU coach Jim Tressel will be a little less conservative with his offensive strategy, and let Ginn do his thang. He could be a triple threat as wide receiver, kick returner, and defensive back.

I don't see quarterback Matt Leinart winning another Heisman. And, I don't see his USC Trojans taking home another national title. They'll have a good year, to be sure. However, after two stellar seasons, I couldn't imagine the hunger is there anymore.

Monday, August 08, 2005

Be wary of unverified autographs

Over the weekend, I went to an outdoor festival which had a silent auction to raise money for a local charity. Among other things, attendees could bid on autographed jerseys, bats, and helmets. I know the people who ran the event, so I'm sure the items were legit. However, in general, I'm usually wary of autographed items.

I have autographs from players such as Gary Carter, Ferguson Jenkins, and Len Dykstra. Each of them signed the autograph in front of me. Dykstra was the least engaging of the three. I asked him something like "How's it going?" and he said "I don't know." Nobody ever said he was a genius.

I would be very hesitant to buy autographed memorabilia from a retail store. How do I know the player signed it himself?

Saturday, August 06, 2005

Big Ten should be strong

The original post for today has been removed. It intended to discuss this season's college football rankings.

However, it would help if I actually knew how to read, because the polls I had commented on were final ones from last season. I clicked on "rankings" at ESPN.com, hoping to get the current polls, but got old stuff instead.

Anyway, on to this year's poll (for real): I'm really looking forward to watching the race for the Big Ten championship. Michigan, Ohio State, and Iowa are all ranked in the USA Today poll's top ten. Purdue is not too far behind. Wisconsin is unranked but don't count the Badgers out.

Who comes out on top is anyone's guess. The Big Ten usually has a number of strong, evenly-matched teams, and this year should be no different. If the Big Ten isn't the best conference in college football, it's certainly the most interesting.

Friday, August 05, 2005

Sad to see Maz go

The manager is always the first person to blame when things go bad. And, that's certainly the case for the Baltimore Orioles, who are making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

The Orioles fired manager Lee Mazzilli. He took the fall for the team's poor performance and first baseman Rafael Palmeiro's testing positive for steroids.

I grew up as a New York Mets fan. Maz is a Mets icon. He was there for the bad old days in the late 1970's, and was part of the World Series championship team in 1986.

I understand why Mazzilli was fired. But, I really hoped things would work out for him in Baltimore.

Thursday, August 04, 2005

No sorry feelings for Raffy

Baseball's biggest story of the year just keeps getting better. Major League Baseball had suspended Baltimore Orioles first baseman Rafael Palmeiro because he tested positive for steroids. Now, New York Yankees first baseman Jason Giambi says his heart goes out to Raffy and his family.

Isn't that special? I know athletes juice because they want to perform well and keep their jobs. But, I don't feel sorry for him at all. I don't care how his family feels about it. He got caught cheating. It's not like he's in pain, suffering from a terminal disease.

Wednesday, August 03, 2005

Shaq's pay cut not enough

Shaquille O'Neal has agreed to a pay cut. Don't get out the tissues and cry for him. Instead of getting about $30 million next season, he got a five-year, $100 million deal.

Shaq has a few good years left, but I'd like for someone to explain why he's worth that much money. As high as that figure is, the Miami Heat wouldn't have been the only team willing to shell out that kind of cash.

Tom from Vestal, NY offered this comment on my softball take: "Everyone is serious about different things. You want to treat softball or volleyball as a fun, recreational activity, but you are much more serious about bowling. Other people are serious about other things, and I don't think money is always the reason. A long time ago, the Olympics were purely for amateurs and there was very little money to be made, even if you won a gold medal. Did Jesse Owens really take the games seriously because he thought money was at stake? I'm going to guess not."

From Steve: I agree that money is not always a motivating factor in sports. This may sound silly, but I don't even know if our bowling league is offering prize money. If not, I don't care. However, I will be able to order a championship ring as this is a sanctioned American Bowling Congress/United States Bowling Congress league. Having that second ring: priceless.

While we're talking about bowling, I want to recognize my coach Samir Abdelnaby. His advice and positive attitude have really been a great help to me.

Send comments to: seepersports@aol.com

Tuesday, August 02, 2005

Palmeiro uses feeble excuse

A major setback for one of the most boring players ever to be considered Hall of Fame material. Major League Baseball suspended Rafael Palmeiro for ten days because he violated the league's steroid policy. This came five months after the Baltimore Orioles first baseman told Congress he never used the banned substances. Palmeiro said he never took them on purpose, and he didn't know how steroids got into his body.

That's just ridiculous. If you're a professional athlete, you're making a living off your body. You should be aware of everything that body is taking in. For Palmeiro to say he didn't know how the drugs got there is just outrageous. Does he really think any intelligent fan will believe that? His 3,000 hits and 500 home runs don't look so impressive now.

Send comments to: seepersports@aol.com

Monday, August 01, 2005

Softball not very recreational

Over the weekend, I played in a charity softball tournament with some friends from work. I was our "team captain". My biggest objectives: have fun, make sure everyone gets a chance to play in each game, and raise money for a worthy cause.

Our opponents, on the other hand, were ridiculously competitive. They epitomized the concept of weekend warriors. These guys worked their office jobs during the week, then hit the field in this charitable event as if it was Game 7 of the World Series.

I've noticed the same thing in "recreational" volleyball leagues. My teammates and I just wanted to have a good time, but we faced off against people devoid of personalities in contests which had tremendously confining rules.

I'm serious about bowling. I might look ridiculous to other people who are only interested in beer and a night out of the house. At least in bowling, we get awards for honor scores (300, 299, 298) and league championships. Some leagues offer cash prizes.

What was Joe Softball playing for this past weekend? A plaque that he and 10 friends would have to fight over. I get to take it home every other Tuesday, then you have it on Fridays...

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