Starbury gets "Kicks" on his head

I thought Mike Tyson's tattoo would've been a warning tale for all athletes. But Stephon Marbury threw causion to the wind and made his scalp an ad.....for himself.

Yes good ol' Starbury put his own shoe logo on his head, and I must say he will be crucified in the media for this. But this goes to show you how well the ad worked. EVERYONE is talking about it.

Not to mention that Starbury is actually doing something GREAT with his shoe. For those not familiar with the shoe's significance I'll remind you.

In 2006 Starbury teamed up with Ben Wallace and came out with his own shoe company and signature shoes "The Starbury One".

Why is this so great? Because in this day and age where Jordan's latest shoes costs around $200 dollars, The Starbury One's retail at $14.98. And to quote an article from Dave Zirin* "That's $14.98. Not $149.80".

So I will give Starbury a pass on his head ink and probably go and buy his quality product.

*Dave Zirin's Article from The Nation

Terry Francona is a MORON!!!

Cliff Lee is the starter for tonight's All-Star game. Instead of the guy who truly deserves it, Roy Halladay.

Terry Francona is a CLOWN, a BUFFOON, and a FOOL

(also not Terry Francona)

With this great judgement he will also probably also close the game with big head Jon Papelbon, instead of Mariano Rivera.

FAVRE!!!!

That's it....I am sick of this.

I am still not going to talk about torrid relationship of Brett and Ted. What I am really sick of s the ridiculous amount of media coverage this is getting. The news in sports are coming in slow so every paper from coast to coast has in depth daily coverage.

I am so sick of this being on every paper, and every news show, and taking up most of the radio airwaves.

Everywhere you turn you see Brett's highlights, and people reading statements from Favre, his agent, Thompson, McCarthy.

There has to be something else worth covering... (takes a look at whats happening) maybe not.

This is getting this much attention because of its timing. NHL and NBA have already passed the most enertaing parts of their off seasons. Baseball is at the All-star break, and besides Josh Hamilton and some trade speculation there is nothing worth paying attention to league-wide.

Thankfully the trade deadline is coming nd that should start to get some of the media's attention.

The Doctor is in...

Roy "Doc" Halladay has to be the starter for the All Star game. This guy is way too good.

The reason why I missed my first daily post since I opened this blog is because I went to the Skydome and saw Halladay make the Yankees look like minor leaguers. He pitched a two hit shut out and Derek Jeter called him, "the best starter in baseball".

The big right-hander has some gaudy stats:

1. 7 Complete Games (more than any other TEAM in the Majors)
2. 146-1/3 IP (leads MLB, next closest in the AL is 17-1/3 behind)
3. 2 Shutouts (tied for MLB lead)
4. 121 Ks (leads the AL now that CC is gone)
5. 2.07 Ground out to air out ratio (leads AL by 0.23)
6. 1.00 WHIP (second in the AL)
7. 5.76 K/BB ratio (leads MLB by 0.46)
8. 1.29 BB/9 (tied for MLB lead)
9. 14.06 Pitches per Innings Pitched (Third in the AL)

(If you heard a loud bang it was probably your jaw hitting the floor.)

Still the Blue Jays ace has never started an All-Star game. In 2003, his Cy Young year, former teammate Esteban Loaiza started. He was in line for the honour in 2005, but right before the all-star break, now teammate Kevin Mench lined a ball off of Doc's shin and ended his season.

This year Terry Francona has the chance to right a wrong that has been long overdue. Halladay deserves the start so the entire baseball audience can marvel at one of the greatest pitchers of our era.





By the way, if you're wondering why I have not put in my two cents about the Brett Favre situation it is because I am waiting for something official to happen. Then, and only then, will I rant.

One bad turn deserves a punch in the crotch

James Conradt...YOU ARE A MORON.

For those not familiar with the story I'll break it down for you. Yesterday there was a website report that two Oklahoma Sooner quarterbacks were arrested on cocaine distribution charges.

(Not actually Conradt)

This report was faked by Conradt but still a couple of media outlets ran with the story. Now one of the OU players' dads is going to make sure Conradt pays "to the fullest extent of the law".

Conradt apologized and said his intentions weren't malicious. I truly hope this BOZO pays though the nose. As a journalism student I have been taught what happens to bozos like Conradt, and the kids' parents should take no mercy.

What is going under the radar in the media coverage is that a couple of media outlets picked up the story. Media outlets cannot release stories without checking sources. It was a very dangerous decision they made but their colleagues are giving them a pass and not nailing them.

NBA delivers excitement

I thought all hope was lost for free agency excitement this year after the snoozefest of the NHL free agent "frenzy".

Although a lot of the big moves have already been known since the draft, it has still been drama and star filled. The Warriors and Clippers are still wondering which way is up after the last few days they've had. Here's a recap:

1. Elton Brand says he is planning on staying with the Clippers.
2. Baron Davis terminates his contract with Golden State to go to the Clippers after good friend Brand convinces him to come over. He agrees verbally to go to L.A.
3. Corey Maggette and Brand both terminate their contacts and Golden State tries to pounce.
4. It is reported that Brand will sign with Golden State.
5. Clippers' brass has to scramble to Davis to convince him to stick with his verbal agreement.
6. Brand signs with Philadelphia
7. Golden State signs Maggette
8. L.A. now is trying to get some coveted free agents (RFA Josh Smith is in their sights) to convince Davis to stay.

This stuff writes itself.

Other important moves in the NBA, the Jermaine O'Neal for T.J. Ford deal was made official. Agent 0 and Antwan Jamison both are back with the Wiz. And Chris Duhon left Chicago for the Big Apple. He should be a great back up for Starbury in Mike D'antoni's run and gun offense.

The Cubs ante up

Whoa! Take that Milwaukee. Jim Hendry just bitch slapped you.

The arms race has officially begun in the NL, and we have the second blockbuster deal in the last three days.

Sabathia went to Milwaukee and now...

The Oakland A's have sent oft-injured fire-baller Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin to the Chicago Cubs for four players who anyone outside of their families and Oakland will probably forget.

The canuck will no doubt be the talk of the town for his unbelievable arsenal. But let me tell you, Gaudin will be a key player for them, especially in the playoffs.

I had the opportunity to see Gaudin in Toronto before they shipped him to Oakland. He has a NASTY slider that can strikeout anyone in the league.

He has put up impressive numbers coming out of the bullpen, but he can also do a pretty good job as a starter. 3-2 3.75 ERA in 6 starts this season, not too shabby. Could come in handy if Harden goes down with another injury.

Let us not forget that Harden has only played in 29 games the last 3 seasons.

I don't know much about the 4 guys going to Oakland but I do know a lot about Billy Beane, and don't be suprised if they all become key contributors to a Oakland playoff run (next year).

Good news in the NFL

It's Christmas in July for Roger Goodell today. An NFL player made the news and the words arrest, drunk, strip club or hand gun had anything to do with it.

Tony Gonzalez, one of the last true nice guys in the league, saved a man's life while dining with his family.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hRYNH5hhiEuSPIEva0G87woIdnIQD91PA98O0

Goodell should pop the champagne and enjoy the moment because the way things are going, these moments will be few and far between.

I will pop open an MGD (can't find champagne in my house right now) and toast to Tony Gonzalez as he truly deserves it.

NHL free agent snorefest

Okay I'm gonna take break from baseball posts and ponder on what has happened in the free agent market.

This is the biggest news so far is that a 37 year old centre that is bound to get overpaid has not made up his mind.

Actually, check that, the most exciting event of ths offseason is the release of The Love Guru

Mats Sundin still hasn't made up his mind and this year's crop of free agents are as exciting as looking for the Versus channel in the States. Now I know Toronto fans love Sundin but keep this in mind:

1. HE'S 37 FRICKING YEARS OLD and...
2. Sundin has only scored more than 80 points only once in the last 10 seasons

The other big news around the ice, Marian Hossa signed with Detroit in a move that I am willing to give him some dap for. Too many players in this day and age put their checkbooks above winning in their priority list.

Hossa is taking a huge risk because he might not get a $90 million contract next year. He better pray that Detroit can repeat and that he doesn't get hurt.

Todd Bertuzzi comes back to Canada and is reunited with Mike Keenan in Calgary. The sucker-punching power forward hasn't played a full season since 05-06, and has not put up impressive numbers since he almost murdered Steve Moore.

I can't stand him and I don't know why anyone would want this CLOWN on their team. He has underachieved in the last few years and carries so much baggage you wonder if he's waiting for a plane.

This off season is so boring that it's got me ranting about something that happened 4 years ago.

Let's just drop the puck already.

C.C. brews up trouble in the NL

Breaking news has hit my desk...well really it's more of a very small table with laptop on top of it.

C.C. Sabathia has been traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for three prospects. This totally screws up my predictions on my last post. DAMN YOU MARK SHAPIRO, make me look like a fool.

Sabathia gives the Brewers enough to overtake the Cards for second in the Central and now I am unsure how the Wild Card will turn out. Ned Yost should be thanking whatever God he prays to because this definitely gives him a playoff quality team.

The one-two punch of Sheets and Sabathia should give hitting coaches nightmares.

Look for Doug Melvin to add a bat, not a power bat but a lead off type hitter. The Brew Crew is 3rd in the NL in home runs and slugging but in the bottom third for batting average, walks, and on base %.

Dougie should call up KC to see what the availability of Mark Grudzielanek. The veteran second base man is hitting .313 with a .386 OBP. Not too mention he is Milwaukee native and could relish being in a playoff race in his hometown. Rickie Weeks has been strugg-a-ling at the plate flirting with the Mendoza line. Not to mention that he has never played for more than 118 games in a season.

Weeks has a power advantage over Grudz (yeah right, like I'm gonna write that name again), but they already have pop, they just need people on base for those dingers. Not to mention the experience and leadership that he brings.

Selig's boys should be primed for a playoff run and the NL better watch themselves.

P.S. My next set of prediction will come August 1st, after the non-waiver trade deadline

Let's give the NL some dap

Okay lets get this straight, the NL blows...hard. With the exception of the Cubs there is no threat to the AL. Comparing the talent pool between the two leagues is like comparing an Olympic size pool to the one in a condo. The big boys play with the DH.

However they still have some impressive individuals, and they deserve these awards:

MVP: Hanley Ramirez, SS, Florida Marlins

I would give ti to Chipper Jones or Lance Berkman, but Jones has missed too much time right now and Berkman's Astros are 5th in the Central, and unless they get some pitching help are not even going to be in the race. Ramirez has been great for the Marlins and his influence on the basepaths puts him over the top and Florida into the Wild Card,

Cy Young: Tim Lincecum, RHP, San Fransisco Giants
This is a two man race, Edinson Volquez is ahead right now but has some warning flags for the rest of the season. His walks are way too high and his last two starts have been unimpressive to say the least, getting smacked around by the sad sack Toronto offense. Lincecum has a fire arm and is averaging a walk less per 9 innings.

Rookie of the Year: Geovany Soto, C, Chicago Cubs

Soto has been a extra base hit machine in Wrigley, and he has handled a veteran pitching staff like a ten year pro. Jay Bruce was everyone's pick after three games but he has cooled off big time. Soto should be a multiple time all star and will run away with this award.

Manager of the Year: Lou Pinella, Chicago Cubs

If he can get the Cubs to the World Series, he deserves Manager of the Millennium. He has been given the talent and has overcome some key injuries to keep the Cubs ahead of the curve.

Predictions for the second half:

1. Ryan Howard becomes the first man to strike out 200 times in a season, but still drives in 130+ runs and leads the Phillies to the Division title.


2. The winner of the not so wild West gets no more than 83 wins, That team being the Dodgers. Torre will right the ship, sorta it is only 83 wins.


3. Cubs win the Central by at least 8 games and the Cards finish second in the division and the Wild Card behind the Marlins.


4. Ned Yost gets fired before the end of the season. This team will not continue the hot streak for long and will finish with 82 or 83 wins.


5. Jerry Manuel goes crazy and gives us his version of what happened with Phillip Wellman in the minors. I hope he throws a resin bag grenade, PRICELESS.

Mid-season is here...

The All Star break has everyone giddy and excited, myself included. It s now time to make some intellectual guesses on what teams keep going and what teams fall from grace, ala NY Mets of 2007.

First lets hand out the mid year hardware:

The American League

MVP: Carlos Quentin, Chicago White Sox



The chic pick is Josh Hamilton, but he plays in a major hitter's park ad his team is only one game over .500. Quentin has been a saviour for the north-siders and allowed Thome and Konerko to struggle mightily and still keep them in first.

Cy Young: Fransisco Rodiguez, Los Angeles Angels.......of Anaheim (I wanna punch myself in the face every time I say that mouthful)

This cat is killer good, and is showing it this year. It's been 16 years since a reliever has won the AL hardware. Dennis Eckersley had 51 saves that year, K-Rod is on pace for 65.

Rookie of the Year: Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays

Wow, I thought this kid would fold under the pressure of the Desperate Housewives jokes but he has shown he belongs in the bigs. It should not be too long before Mrs. Longoria-Parker starts hearing Evan jokes.

Coach of the Year: Joe Maddon

DUH!!!!! If you have the balls to put down Ozzie Guillen for this one you should get your head examined. Ozzie has doe an amazing job turning that team around, but he's surrounded by proven talent on that team. Maddon is taking a team that has never won more than 70 games and has them ahead of the Yanks, the Sox and everyone else in baseball.

Now for some predictions:

1. Either Sabathia or Burnett are traded to the Cubs.
2. Jose Canseco says something stupid and then puts on a ludicrous event because he's broke (perhaps he decides to join the WWE)
3. Detroit don't complete the turn around and finish outside of the playoffs
4. Division winners: Boston, Chicago and Oakland
5. Wild Card: Tampa Bay. I am now a believer
6. Ken Griffey Jr. goes to Tampa and helps them go over the top of the Yankees and Tigers for their first playoffs ever

Tomorrow NL Awards and predictions

Hello I am an athlete and I am an arrestoholic

He got arrested....again?!?!?

Have you found yourself saying that a lot when reading, watching, hearing about your favourite team. In every sport, and every leagues, and every team someone has to get arrested. The NFL is getting to the head of the list in troubled athletes. It is enough to get your head spinning.

(So can that)

What's more shocking than the number of arrests that are happening are the excuses that some of these athletes are coming up with. They make you raise your eyebrow and make GMs reach for the Pepto Bismol.

Michael Vick (whose home uniform is a bright orange jumpsuit), says he didn't know that his friends (or posse) was running a dog fighting ring IN HIS OWN HOUSE!!!! unless his house is the size of the state of Wisconsin I am not buying it. If your friends are taking some bets via phone you might not notice it, but if there is a dog fighting rings and people are showing up to your house to watch them, you should be able to notice it.

How dumb do these athletes think we are?

Marshawn Lynch avoided a hit-and-run charge by pleading guilty to a traffic violation. His license was suspended indefinitely after he went to some bars in Buffalo, drank and on the drive home hit a woman with his car ad kept going.

His excuse: He didn't know he hit someone and that's why he didn't stop. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!?!?

He's lucky he has a good lawyer and that the state of NY didn't issue criminal charges. However unlike the victims of Vick, this one is able to do something about it. Kimberly Shpeley is getting set to file a civil suit against Lynch.

The list however keeps on going. Brandon Marshall, who opened a lot of eyes last year catching 102 balls for the Broncos, has been arrested 3 times in the last 12 months. The most notorious of these was in March when he was arrested for domestic violence and false imprisonment.

Marshall's girlfriend was trying to leave his house in a cab but he stopped the cab from leaving. Roger Goodell, (Who is about as forgiving as God in the Old Testament) is now looking into this incident. Marshall has produced on the field but off the field has been one bad news after another.

On March 22nd he went to the hospital with deep cuts in his arms. He missed a lot of OTAs and earned a public warning by his QB. What was his story on this little incident?

He was wrestling with a family member, SLIPPED ON A McDONALD'S BAG AND PUT HIS ARM THROUGH A TELEVISION.

Wow...

COME ON!

***Not the weirdest injury to a Broncos player. Brian Griese was bringing in the groceries, he tripped over his dog and sprained his ankle.