From my post on October 24th shortly after Kenny Rogers Incident

I find it laughable that people seem to be villifying Tony LaRussa more than Kenny Rogers. You can debate all you want that he should have done this or that, but the fact is and STILL is that Rogers clearly cheated. The guy had the same junk on his hand in multiple games. The umpires blew it. They are there to ENFORCE the rules. Have you seen the size of the MLB rulebook? It gives the bible a run for it's money. I don't understand why the umpire didn't inspect Rogers' hand, cap, glove and whatever else he needed to. Yes, Rogers DID continue to pitch magnificently, but the rulebook should have been enforced and Rogers ejected and suspended for 10 games. LaRussa was out to talk to the umpires, but it's not his job to know the rulebook inside and out. So let's not forget who was cheating, it was Rogers NOT Larussa.

Also, Kenny Rogers is the biggest jerk in baseball this side of Barry Bonds. Did we forget his assaulting a cameraman, then following up that with threatening another cameraman WHILE being fingerprinted for the assault! Then during the last weekend of the season after the Tigers got swept by the lowly KC Royals, Rogers was involved in an altercation with a Tigers fan. Wow, what a class act. The guy is a bonafide loser, cheater and liar. Those are the facts.

I find some of these other posts ridiculous, saying there's been cheating going on in baseball and other sports for centuries. Uhhh yeah but does that mean people should turn the other way? Baseball receives YET another black eye with this. I'm sure there aren't any kids out there gunking up their hand right now emulating him. Bravo Kenny. If there's any karma, the Tigers will lose this series.

Baseball Telecasts

The World Series is over and done. Congratulations to the St. Louis Cardinals and shame on the Detroit Tigers and Kenny "The Cheat" Rogers. Once again the World Series had a record low tv rating. Why is that? Well, here's my humble opinion.

I grew up in the early to mid 80's watching NBC's game of the week on Saturday afternoons. I listened to one of the best broadcast teams ever in Joe Garagiola and Vin Scully. Throw in Tony Kubek every once in awhile and that's all you needed. The telecasts were a lot smarter back then. I don't need all the whistles and bangs, and feeble attempts at humor by the loathable Joe Buck. I want the announcer to fill in the blanks for me. Tell me where the infielders and outfielders are playing. This I cannot see from my living room. This is what makes baseball a great game and a beautiful thing to watch when you're at the park. The announcers to me, really add next to nothing. I can watch games without the sound and still understand all I need to. I think that is one of the main reasons that baseball is losing grounds to other major sports.

The next major thing is the games start too late for east coasters. If you add in a probably October rain delay (insert Cold November Rain by Guns 'n Roses), and you have a recipe for a game that won't end until well after midnight on the east coast. It's tough enough for me to stay up that late. What about the CHILDREN?!?!?! You're losing young fans.

McCarver and Buck are not fun to listen to. Neither is the proverbial windbag that is Chris Berman on ESPN. I'm not sure how he got that gig. Baseball needs to simplify the telecasts and get real baseball people in the booth. Baseball is losing the common fan. The game is being done a disservice. It is a beautiful game that needs to be preserved and understood better by the casual fan. This needs to be done---for the love of the national past time.

Detroit Tigers are NOT that good!

Oh boy, here goes ESPN again. Mike Lupica, Mitch Albom, Stuart Scott, and any other bigmouth that is talking up the Tigers like they've just won the World Series needs to check their self at the door. ESPN's newest flavor of the week is the Detroit Tigers. Last week it was the Minnesota Twins, who if memory serves me, were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Oakland Athletics. Can anyone answer me this question? When were there outlandish celebrations, complete with champagne for teams winning the FIRST ROUND of the playoffs! It appears to be started this season, just like the David Ortizish throwing of your helmet off as your round 3rd base with the game winning homer. I mean that display in Detroit was ridiciulous. Players spraying champagne around and running all over the place like they won the World Series. Uhhh, last time I checked you still have to win 8 more games, which I'll tell you right now, will NOT happen for the Tigers this year!
Next topic, I don't want to hear how great Kenny Rogers' performance on the mound was. It wasn't that great, and besides this guy is one of the most classless individuals in baseball this side of Barry Bonds. This is the same guy who assaulted a camera man, then as he's being booked in the police department months later, starts lipping off and threatening ANOTHER camera man. Then just a week ago, he had another incident with a Tigers fan after a loss to Kansas City. Let's celebrate some loser like Kenny Rogers. This is the same guy who can't pitch in New York?!?!? Ummm, ok, is that not the definition of a prima donna?
I hear reporters saying how Rogers' pitching performance was one of the best post season pitching performances. Are you kidding me???? Don' t you remember the 4 straight complete games pitched by the Chicago White Sox pitching staff in last year's ALCS???? That was last friggin' year! Don Larsen's perfect game? And countless other pitching performances. How did the ALDS get to be sooooo big? Oh that's right, because ESPN is blabbering about it, on and on and on.
The way things are playing out now, it looks as if the National League may have the favorite in the World Series. Boy that Tigers bandwagon sure is full right now. I wonder how many will still be on it when they're ousted from the playoffs. And they will be, you can take that to the bank!

Packer Grades from Monday Night

My grade for gb's performance or lack thereof is as follows:
special teams: D+ (Yeah Rayner made a long 54 yarder, but missed from the same distance BADLY and it was going the same way! Ryan is an improvement from BlowJob Sander, BUT can a punter win you any games? nope, not with this O and D!)

Offense: D Favre and Jennings are about the only bright spots. O line is terrible, Driver was visibly AFRAID, and they have yet to find a back who can HOLD ONTO THE BALL! What about cashing in on all those first half turnovers? And they did next to nothing with the ball handed to them repeatedly in the first half

Defense: D- Yeah, they forced a bunch of key turnovers in the first half, but that was the only thing that saved the team from getting blown out EARLIER! KGB and Kampman are undersized and undertalented, respectively (and both grossly OVERPAID!), Carroll finally got the axe, but what about the other guys on D. Where has superman Nick Collins been ALL YEAR! the guy is terrible, after being gushed over last season. Charles Woodson and A. J. Hawk both played solid games all things considered. Brady Poppinga is a joke

Coaching: F Mike McCarthy is a clueless idiot. He went for two 54 yard field goals and seems to be using THE SAME conservative offensive playbook. It's ridiculous. The special teams coaches, and defensive coaches are just as clueless. This guy has GOT to be fired! IF you fire Ray Rhodes after one season and cut players in week 4 then Mr. Mc has to go too. This guy's resume is less than desireable. He did nothing in New Orleans and nothing in San Francisco, why would Ted Thompson think he'd do anything different when he arrived in Green Bay.

Announcers: F The monday night crew and experience has been bastardized. Tony Kornheiser should have stayed home and observed the Jewish holiday. I do not care about his feeble attempts at humor, nor who is on his fantasy team. Who's cock did he suck to get the job? Mike Tirico is some lamewad twit who apparently sleeps with Kornheiser. Hey Mike, either get hairplugs OR shave your head. And dispense with trying to be blacke than you are. I'm more of a black man than you are, you Cracka-lack! Joe Theismann you are obsessed with one thing. Note: The donald driver drop is the reason the PAckers got hammered in the 2nd half. Uhh, no that is incorrect. Why don't you and Tony go on and on about how you love the Redskins while sharing your cock breath with Tirico.

Packers are still on pace to go 4-12 in my book.

Do Not Call It a Comeback. I have been here for years, errr months

I have no idea what this stupid takeo spikes comeback thing is, nor why I chose it for this blurb but use your imagination. Oh wait, have you lost your imagination by watching too much ESPN since we last spoke?

Let's get down to brASS tacks, boys. First off, how many times do I have to listen to some idiot like Scott VanPelt or Stuart Scott try to utter something oh so witty during a highlight. That's no longer cool, nor was it ever.

Next, let's stop creating controversy when there is NONE! ESPN creates drama for the sake of manufacturing news. Amazing how A.J. Pierzynski is the biggest villain in baseball when a man named Barry Bonds is still playing in San Francisco and Michael Barrett sucker punched the guy. I'm not sure exactly WHAT Pierzynski has done to earn his status. Obviously it's not fair and its unfounded. When I ask others the question, it was always that he wasn't liked by his teammates in San Francisco. Uhhhh, what? Who cares? It's San Francisco with who else on their team but Barroid Bonds.

Next, I don't care about Maurice Clarett, Lawrence Phillips, Rae Carruth, Terrell Owens, Freddie Mitchell, Randy Moss, or Tim Biakabutuka. Ok, so that wasn't very fair to Biakabutuka. Sorry, Timunga! But really stop covering what is going on with these guys and they will GO AWAY!

Next, I do not want to hear about any more "walk off" hits, homers, etc about baseball games. When did this come about? Again ESPN manufactured it. It's boring and trite, get rid of it. It's always been called a game winning hit. Stick with it.

Next, what in sam hell is the NFL thinking with these new referee uniforms? Do they want them to look like a cheaper version of the ones worn by Foot Locker employees OR is that where the referees train in the off season? By the unforgiveable errors committed by the crew officiating last year's Super Bowl I'm guessing it's the latter.


Next, would ESPN stop using the phrase, "Oh by the way..." How very inventive. If you put that phrase in front of any statistic it really isn't sarcastically funny, witty or informative. You really just come off as a really smug prick.

Finally, Floyd Landis, you need to shut the hell up. Noone cares about the Tour DeFrance except for a couple of bikers or something. You are a junkie, the entire sport is chocked full of them and I feel any fans left should boycott cycling until something is done. It's the dirtiest sport around. And I have to believe that Lance Armstrong was also dipping in the "funbag" as well. However, he beat cancer so don't you DARE say anything wrong about 'livestrong'! I mean come on, it's a great story the way he came back but isn't anyone a little bit skeptical about his performance. And also, why in the world would Greg Lemond say that Lance used? What does he have to gain for saying that about the great american hero?

How is that for a rant?

Shame on you, ESPN!!!

I am irate at ESPN...again. The coverage that they give to sports is atrocious! I have no idea what criteria they use to determine what is newsworthy or sportsworthy. I am an NHL fan and the NHL playoffs are BY FAR the most exciting postseason series every year! I was appalled but not surprised to see ESPN give a total of 90 seconds to their coverage of GAME 5 of the Carolina Hurricanes/Buffalo Sabres Eastern Conference Finals. There were not interviews with players or coaches, no on site reporters, no talk of what was to come in Game 6. As most sports afficiandos know, Game 5 of a 7 game series is more pivotal than a game 3 or a game 1, when the series is deadlocked at 2. Over half of last night's sports center was talk about game 3 of the Western Conference NBA finals. The NBA is a joke and so is ESPN.
The other story that got way too much coverage was Barry Bonds. This guy is a cancer on the face of baseball. ESPN are hypocrites for villifying him on the one hand and giving wire to wire coverage of his life on the other. This man couldn't carry Babe Ruth's jockstrap! And ESPN claims to be "The Worldwide Leader of sports"?!?!? What a joke. How about changing their tagline to "ESPN the World's Sports Monopoly". Amazing how hockey is the only major sport that ESPN doesn't have a tv contract with. Does anyone remember ESPN's Hockey
Night which was around as early as two seasons ago??? It's also interesting to note that NASCAR is getting a LOT of pub from ESPN. But why is that Billy, if ESPN doesn't have a tv contract with them? Well, the answer is simple, their tv contract starts next year with NASCAR. ESPN is trying to drum up more business and fans for themselves. I'm sick and tired of hearing about Bonds and the NBA, both of these products are diluted and laughable. Bonds has been nothing but a scourge on the game, and the NBA is a league where good fundamentals are absent and the officials have way to much control over the outcome of a game. Why else does the US consistently lose in International competition.
I DEMAND more coverage by ESPN of the NHL playoffs. There is nothing more exciting, more masculine, and more thrilling than a sudden death overtime hockey game in the post season. For that matter, lets go Hurricanes!!!! Eric Staal is a superstar coming to fruition right before the hockey world's eyes. Rod Brind'amour is the wiley veteran captain, and trade acquisitions Doug Weight and Mark Rechhi are doing what they were brought into do. I hope Cam Ward's goaltending becomes more consistant and they make it to the Finals next week, and become the new champion after defeating a pesky and strong Edmonton Oilers. In the meantime, ESPN can go to hell. Please keep interviewing Mike D'antoni or some foreign vampire (Dirk Nowitski) who says "uhhhhh" like it's the word "the" or "and". I will sit and pray for a viable competitor ESPN, because without that, you'll continue to do what you do. Inept sports coverage. ESPN, I loathe thee!

Play Ball!

That's right, Spring has sprung. The baseball season starts tonight in Sweet Home Chicago. Where the World Champions reside, that's right my beloved Chicago White Sox. I'm going to focus on them, since I'm fairly biased and tell you how I think the rest of the teams will finish.
Let's save the best for last. Man, last season was magical for all White Sox fans!

AL EAST - I can't pick against the Yankees and their fire power. Their lineup is among the strongest in all of baseball and they will be a factor once again in the post season as Steinbrenner wants to win badly! Remember it's been since 2000 since the Yankees won a World Series and in "Boston years" that's equal to around 75 years! Boston will most likely win the wild card again. I'm not sure about their inner turmoil and whether their starting pitching will hold up. The Blue Jays spent a lot of money, but not wisely! Baltimore could be the sleeper team here. If Leo Mazzone can work his magic, watch out. Tampa Bay is still Tampa Bay.
Order of Finish:
New York
Boston *
Baltimore
Toronto
Tampa Bay

AL Central - Chicago will win this division again. The additions of Thome, Vazquez, Mackhowiak, and Cintron only strengthen this team. The bullpen may be a problem, but the farm system is so deep that Kenny Williams will be able to go out and get help if needed. And Brian Anderson will vie for AL rookie of the Year honors. Aaron Rowand will NOT be missed at all! Cleveland is being annointed as the next champion. Not this year, they lost a lot of starting pitching and the health of Abrams, Wisconsin native Bob Wickman is in question. Minnesota with their strong pitching will battle for 2nd and Detroit has all sorts of question marks. Again their problem is pitching, not consistant enough, nor deep enough with a very shaky bullpen. Kansas City is STILL Kansas City.
Order of Finish:
Chicago
Minnesota
Cleveland
Detroit
KC

AL West - Let's start with Texas, they've improved their starting pitching but they still need more help. They'll still be mashing and putting up the runs. I think the other three teams will be in a close race, that's right I think Seattle will compete most of the season. They have the 2nd best rotation in the division and Sexson, Suzuki and Ibanez can make runs. They've also added Carl Everett for some more power. Oakland is talked about as being the team to beat in the division. I dont' see it that way. Top to bottom rotation wise, I like Seattle's Staff better! That's right. Frank Thomas will be lucky to play more than 120 games tops and Milton Bradley is a human time bomb. Oakland is one major injury from finishing in last place in this division. Why is Billy Beane being annointed as a genius when opening day hasn't begun. The Angels are strong, any team with Vlad Guerrero will challenge. He has a strong supporting cast and the pitching staff, namely the relievers, are excellent!
Order of Finish:
Seattle
Anaheim
Oakland
Texas

NL East- Yes it's the Braves again, too deep too strong all around. The NY Mets and Toronto Blue Jays must have took notes on one another. They didn't wisely spend their money. The Nationals are in trouble. Injuries and turmoil have already begun to take their toll. Philadelphia will make a run at it but fall short as usual. And Florida is not going to be happy with another awful season. Who's next on the trading block?
Order of Finish:
Atlanta
Philadelphia *
New York
Washington
Florida

NL Central - This will be St. Louis again. Houston has too many question marks. Milwaukee seems to be everyone's dark horse, but I'm not sure why. The Reds need some more pitching. The Pirates need a lot of everything and the Cubs are STILL The Cubs.
Order of Finish:
St. Louis
Houston
Cincinnati
Milwaukee
Chicago
Pittsburgh

NL West - The Dodgers should win this division but I'm picking against them. This one could go to anyone. San Fran should win even with or without Barry Bonds.
Order of Finish:
San Francisco
Los Angeles
San Diego
Arizona
Colorado

Playoffs - AL NY over Seattle, Chicago over Boston
Chicago over NY
NL - SF over Philly, STl over Atl.
St. Louis over SF
World Series - Chicago White Sox over St. Louis!!!

Take your time Brett, everyone else SHUT UP!

I am sick and tired of hearing all the moronic national media folk take potshots at Brett Favre. I keep hearing that he's holding the team hostage and should hurry up already. Are you kidding me? First, this is Brett Favre. One of the greatest players EVER! That's right I didn't say one of the greatest quarterbacks ever, one of the greatest players EVER! When he's gone, the entire league will be worse for it. It's Favre he should be able to take as much time as he wants to.

Secondly, and most importantly, how is he holding the team hostage? Correct me if I'm wrong but the Packers DID draft Aaron Rodgers in the first round of last year's draft, right? So if Favre decided he doesn't want to come back then the golden boy can step up and step right in. Have fun with that. If Favre comes back, then Rodgers cashes a paycheck while learning to hold on extra points and field goals. Make sure not to break a nail.

Thirdly, can you really blame Favre for waiting. The Packers had the 2nd most money under the cap when free agency began and what have they done to address their offensive (or defensive) needs for that matter? Marc Boerighter at wide receiver??? The Packers have sat back while the following players were either traded or signed in free agency: Kevin Mawae, Keyshawn Johnson, Edgerrin James, Terrell Owens, Will Shields, Steve Hutchinson, Eric Moulds. Any one of these guys would have bolstered the offense. I hope that Green Bay is serious about possibly signing Charles Woodson, because the list of defensive free agents that have passed them by is even longer! So why would Brett want to come back if A) he has no offensive line (losing 3 interior starters in a little over a year), and B) they have NEVER gotten him a bigtime playmaking receiver to throw to? But he's holding the team hostage?!?!? Please.

Finally I think most of the national media looks at numbers at face value. All I ever hear is Brett had a horrible year last year, he threw 29 ints, blah blah blah. Well, again the team was awful, they had the worst head coach in the league, and Brett had to feel like once again he had to do everything. These ignorant player personnel moves by Ted Thompson and company have to stop. We cannot rebuild the team in the draft by trading down in the first round and acquiring draft picks! We tried that before. We need a rookie first rounder that is going to start and contribute in his ROOKIE year! That's been very rare the past few seasons.

I'm sick of the national media talking about something they don't know anything about. They continue to echo each other's idiotic reasoning. Wasn't it Nazi Joseph Goebbels that said "if you keep telling the people a lie enough times, pretty soon they believe it." I guess that's all the national media can come up with. They need to all shut their mouths and talk about something else. Ok, son of Billy Packer (the self proclaimed "Pacman"), Jay Crawford, Jim Rome, John Clayton, Scott Van Pelt, Mike "I'm so famous" Greenberg, and clod-like Mike Golic.

Brett we want you back as Packers fans, true Packers fans, but it's your decision.
Take your time, old friend.