Trades finalized, rumors put to rest

It was a day of less than expected arguing, bickering, money laundering hustling, dealing, and wheeling. For Red Sox fans sake Manny Ramirez was not traded. This is a relief. Boston would be crazy to deal away one of their most productive hitters, only shooting themselves in foot by hurting their chances in the postseason. Sunday, there were some moves made. Kyle Farnsworth was traded to Atlanta from Detroit, Ron Villone was dealt to Florida from Seattle, Boston did grab OF Jose Cruz Jr., Matt Lawton went to the Cubs in exchange for Jody Gerut, and Buddy Groom departed the Yankees to go to...who cares? There really was no good trades at all. Earlier this week the Padres traded Phil Nevin to Texas for pitcher Chan Ho Park. Soriano stayed on the team which was a smart decision by the Rangers front office. When it came right down to the trade deadline nobody was willing to give up much to get the best talent around the league. That was sort of strange since some of these teams have no chance in hell of making the playoffs. Oh well, some teams will regret their decisions when a key star player gets put on the shelf with an injury later or players get suspended for using steroids again. It's only a matter of time.

The 7th Inning Stretch

Watching a baseball game live is a memorable occassion that's usually fun. Whether it's minor league or pro some things during the games never change. This includes the same drunks who make a casual effort to go wild and shout vulgar comments at the players and umpires before they pass out on the belchers or get kicked out of the ballpark. It's their way of showing others that they're full fledged alcoholics. Also bearing towards the latter part of the game is when the 7th inning stretch rolls along. This break in the action on the field gives spectators and fans time to stretch their legs and sing "Take Me Out To the Ball Game." What puts a damper on this time treasured tradition at baseball games is rain. It's quite amusing to see a conductor of the 7th inning stretch get on top of the home dugout, begin to sing, then a down pour hits the area.

Watching people flee from the stands to higher, safer ground leaves this drenched human being singing to virtually no one. This brave individual doesn't hesitate to stop singing either, even with the most damaging weather conditions. This person moves forward until the end. That takes some guts especially if a huge thunderstorm or hurricane is in progress. A night out at the old ball park becomes a matter of risking personal safety just to carry out a job. To me, it's not worth it. Taking a chance getting struck by lightening or being leveled with a flying piece of metal means baseball is more important than your life. Getting soaked is expected, but being seeing someone knocked to the ground by the wind brings forth panic as people run frantically to hide under a roof or covering. That's way it's best to avoid conducting the 7th inning seventh if the weather is inclement. Forget about it and just get the hell out of dodge.

All-Star Game Recap

Comerisca Park, home of 2005 All-Star Game made for a splendid venue. Considered a pitcher's park, it sure didn't appear to be during the home run derby. The American League set the tone, banging up the National League with an assault of hits, scoring first. Starter Mark Buerhle contained the NL hitters, pitching 2 scoreless innings before departing. John Smoltz served up a big, fat pitch to Miguel Tejada for a homerun to left field. Later Mark Teixeira got in the act, blasting a 2-run shot out on a high fast ball delivered by Dontrelle Willis. It wasn't until the 7th that the NL got on the scoreboard. Andruw Jones provided some runs, launching a ball deep into left field. The AL was able to hold on to the lead though and won 7-5.

Seeing the prominent, veteran stars like Roger Clemens, John Smoltz, Ivan Rodriguez, and Mike Piazza was nice, but the appeal of new up and comers added a special touch to the extravaganza. Derek Lee, Brian Roberts, Aramis Ramirez, Ichiro, Johan Santana, Albert Puljos, David Ortiz, and several other players demonstrated their value to their teams and deserved to be selected for the All-Star Game. With the outcome Tuesday night at Detroit in favor of the AL, this makes it their 10th consecutive win in the All-Star Game. As a result the American League is granted home field advantage in the World Series. It was a good, diverse group of talent on hand which lead to an entertaining, thrilling evening of baseball. With all the fun activities now over, players will have to divert their attention back to the remainder of the season. Teams struggling before the break will try to find a lift in strides to clinching a playoff spot.

A Possible New Jordan Era

The career of Michael Jordan was no doubt extraordinary, a true icon in basketball history. Creating a legacy, he set a trend for past and present athletes and is still considered to be the best basketball player of all-time. His world-wide fame and appeal captivates fans as his face and image continues to appear on posters, T-shirts, billboards, commercials, Nike tennis shoes, statues, etc. He's made his mark on the sport like no other human being. Now a new dynasty in the Jordan family may form. Micheal's son, Jeffrey Jordan, a 16 year old sophomore from a college prep school near Chicago is making waves this summer. He has entered the Nike All-American Camp when the media has flocked on the scene as expected. The pressure is obviously on Jeffrey to out perform his competition since he's Jordan's son. The kid is out to establish a name for himself and not follow in his father's footsteps. Sporting the jersey number, 32 the young hoopster didn't expect to share his Dad's old number, wanting his own identity as a player. He has plenty of time to learn, grow, and develop his talent.

With the spotlight on a different Jordan, dealing with smothering publicity and negative or positive rumors will be a challenge for Jeffrey. Being compared and contrasted to his Dad all the time will get on his nerves eventually. If the kid plays hard, disciplines himself through practice, and ignores those who try to bring him down he can reach his full potential. Getting into a good, reputable college will be one of his best options after graduating high school. Picking the right area of study there can benefit his future, giving him other career choices to fall back on if basketball doesn't work out. Now, he can enjoy the game while showing his talent to interested scouts as a teenager. With the best wishes, I hope Jeffrey succeeds in an area, whatever it may be that makes him happy.

Fresh, New Appeal For All-Star Game

The 2005 All-Star Game will feature new young stars and and rising talent from the Major League. Names like Sosa, Bonds, Maddux, or Griffey won't show up on the lineup card for this upcoming mid season classic. These prominent superstars will not even been used as reserves from the bench. Younger players that deserve their spot at their respective positions earned their right to start. Some old faces will be present for the All-Star game. Though for the first time in ages, players like the Orioles second basemen, Brian Roberts, the Rangers' first basemen Mark Teixeira, and Marlins ace Dontrelle Willis can't help but receive the most attention. Don't forget about the pitching phenoms, Mark Buerhle and Johan Santana who have took the American league by storm. Buerhle claims stake to 10 or 11 wins with an ERA around 3.00. This lefty has become a team leader for the White Sox. Santana also continues to win games while piling up league leading strikeout totals. Any team would be lucky to have either one of these guys in their starting rotation.

With the break for mid-season approaching many fans are looking forward to the homerun Derby. This will be an interesting show as the venue will be in Detroit. For the world to see, it's going to be a showcase of the best sluggers in baseball. Participants include Andruw Jones, Miguel Tejada, Adam Dunn, Manny Ramirez, Mark Teixeira, and several other young stars. The All-Star game is going to be a blast! Lack of offense shouldn't be a problem. People expect to see some homeruns, that's for sure. Insight from the game can show which players may have the biggest impact on baseball in the second half. The All-Star game is a place for superstars to emerge. Don't forget to catch a red hot minute of the All-Star game next week.

Top NBA Draft Picks

The 2005 NBA Draft was filled with many up and coming rookies from college and high school. The #1 pick, Andrew Bougut a Center was expected to be selected right away and was by the Milwakee Bucks. At 20 years old, he is already being considered a standout talent. His presence and scoring ability will give the Bucks a big lift and help improve their overall record. "Marvelous" Marvin Williams was selected as the #2 pick by the Atlanta Hawks. After watching his dazzling performances last year as a freshman at UNC as well as him being a key factor in the Tarheels run to win the NCAA championship professional teams had to impressed. He's fun to watch, making his presence felt in the low post. Williams isn't a bad defender either.

Other draft picks that went in the top 20 of the first round were Deron Williams #3(Portland) Chris Paul #4 (New Orleans), Raymond Felton #5(Charlotte), Charlie Villanueva #7(Toronto),Sean May #13(Charlotte), and Rashad McCants #14(Minnesota). Three players from UNC's starting lineup were drafted. There were several former ACC players that got picked up in the first round. These notable rookies included John Gilchrist from Maryland, Jarret Jack(Georgia Tech), and Julius Hodge(N.C. State). There is a ton of raw talent that will take some time to christen into star quality players. The Cleveland Cavailers shot themselves in the foot by trading away their first draft pick. They should've got one the best rookies available. The young athletes chosen in the draft have the time to grow, learn, and develop in the NBA while enjoying the thrills it has to offer. There is no doubt, this year is filled with a cash crop of draft picks that have unlimited potential. We'll see who will make the biggest splash in the league for the 2005-06 season.