Ryan Howard sets new team record, positioning Phils for wildcard

The incredible season that Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard is having is awe-inspiring. His 3-run homer yesterday lead the Phillies to a 10-6 win against the Nationals. Howard leads the Majors with 48 homeruns while racking up 125 RBIs. The only other players in baseball which comes close to those numbers is David Ortiz, who's one homer sly of tying him and Alfonso Soranio (42). Tuesday was a big day for Howard who set a career and team mark, breaking Mike Schmidt's record for most dingers in a month.

Philly is only a half game behind the Reds for the wildcard. They're fighting tight competition, posting a 66-65 record. A mere game above .500 have not cut it to claim the final playoff spot in the NL. With the Padres and Reds winning about half their games in the last few weeks, the tension could be so high that it would blow a gasket. With the recent success of the Marlins they too could very well be back in the race.

Anything is possible with teams in the West even though the Dodgers look to have a lock on the pennant. You can rest assure that Ryan Howard will continue to put up big numbers and do everything in his power to lead the Phillies into the postseason for the first time in over a decade. If anything in the NL deserves this spot it's definitely the Phils. NL pitchers better be ready to watch out for the relentless blasts out of the ballpark from Ryan Howard.

Off topic: Are there too many 'Joses' in baseball?

Foreign athletes have spread throughout baseball like wildflower in the last decade. They're becoming more part of the game than the white or African American athlete. I like diversity in the game, there is nothing wrong with that. What I don't understand is why so many Mexican and Hispanic players are named 'Jose' or 'Juan'. What was there no other good alternative names when these players were born? One day it's going to cause a real problem on the baseball field.

Coaches and managers will have so many players with the same first name (maybe even last name too) that they'll put in a reserve player during a game and lose track of what foreign players are already in the game. Yeah, it's going to be confusing when two players look alike, especially if they're twin brothers with the same name. Talk about a lot of pressure during late innings when a coach needs to pull a pinch hitter and mistakes the Jose who's hitting .209 for the other twin with a .318 average and high on-base percentage. Talk about a lot of explaining to do after the game.

If I compiled a list of current Major Leaguers with the same first name it would be staggering. The same goes for a list of those foreign players without a green card. I'm not saying Major League Baseball would be better off without a stock load of Cubans, Mexicans, or Puerto Ricans who just so happen to be near identical in appearance and speak the same native language. It would help, however, if they compromised a unique nickname so everyone could tell them apart. Believe me, this would save everyone a headache. Coaches wouldn't lose track of bench players or get mixed up about what players are on the field, umpires wouldn't mistake 2 similar short tan infielders as one player and call both out on strikes before the second batter sets in at the plate.

Baseball has welcomed many diverse athletes from all walks of life ever since Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier. Times have change since and now the foreign population in the sport is almost becoming too abundant. They tend to take away other American players' jobs away. The American utility player is a rarity, leave it to Jose, Felipe, or Juan to take over that designated position for less money each year. The national pastime may be an American tradition, but it's long contributed to a mult-cultural passion too.

P.S. Sports fans and bloggers be sure to check out the following link: Technorati Profile It's a diverse blog community with great sites!

Team USA crushes Senegal, 103-58

Thursday the NBA's finest made easy work of Senegal, in route to a big victory. They set their next sights on Italy. The top scorer for the team was Chris Bosh, who finished with 20 points. Dwayne Wade sat out while Lebron James (17 points) and Carmelo Anthony (12 points) played limited minutes. The younger guys off the bench like Hinrich and Johnson got extra playing time. Coach K has got these guys playing inspired basketball. This doesn't mean their test is over.

Up next on the schedule is Australia on August 27. Right now Team USA is finishing up play in Japan. Earlier this month they beat Yao Ming and China 121-90. They've got to be feeling good about themselves, being 5-0 and all. On any given night any player on the starting five could be the top scorer. They've got so many offensive weapons and their defense is good all-around for the most part. The real competition for the U.S. are Spain, Greece, and Argentina. They're all undefeated in World play. Keep going strong U.S.A.!

The curse of the Yankees

Unfortunately, for the Boston Red Sox they had a bad weekend. In another highly anticipated series against the Yanks at Fenway Park things didn't work out as planned. Instead gaining ground on their division rivals they got sweep. I can only imagine the woes they're experiencing in Boston. It always hurts to lose to an opponent that has a rich history of winning and that most teams despise. Those damn Yankees slaughtered the ball in the 3-game series. They were probably ran out of town by enraged Boston fans.

I feel for the Red Sox, I really do (mainly because I'm a Cubs fan and have dealt with heartache and disappointment for so long). Big Pappi is at the top of his game, but the rest of the team has having breakdowns here and there. Well, for the most part it's the starting pitching. Josh Beckett walked 9 batters and allowed over 7 runs in the first game at Fenway. A 69-55 record is good for any club, but in the AL East it doesn't guarantee a playoff spot. Even Toronto is making a little progress, 10 games back. They could very well catch Boston in September. I don't want to see that happen.

The Red Sox will try to get their act together as begin their road trip today against the Angels. It become real serious as American League teams are pushing hard in contention for the postseason. Kyle Snyder (3-2) gets the start for Boston against Joe Saunders (4-1). With Ortiz and Manny swinging hot bats the Red Sox will be okay if they stick to their game plan. Good luck in the AL race Red Sox!

Mets' fan sneaks into games with fake press pass

Unless you buy a ticket it's hard to get into ballparks as a fan. As a member of Press there a few restraints. A creative, eager 18-year-old from Suffolk County in New York impersonated a reporter by using a fake I.D. card or pass as a media employee for NBC Universal. He got busted after Mets officials became suspicious and contacted sources to check his credentials. This kid was crafty to come with the idea, but I don't think it will be worth the risk in the long run. He is expected to appear in court next month, where he faces up to 7 years in prison for accounts of impersonating a media official, criminal possession of a forged instrument, falsified business records, larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, and criminal trepass.

The 18-year-old fan is under a lot of heat. This week he told Mets officials he worked for NBC and was able to watch a game between the Rockies and Mets Friday before being arrested and a game against the Padres on August 10. Apparently, the fan posed as a reporter and used his fake credentials to talk to some of the players before and after the game. That must have been cool, but his scheme back fired and now he's got to suffer the consequences. I'm surprised someone hasn't tried to pull this stunt before now. The next thing that will happen is some bozo will dress like one of the team mascots to get in the game. Don't ask me how they'll do it, they just will.

You have to be smart to be a great criminal and scam people. Too many average Joes what to try their hand at scam artistry. Usually their plots never work out and they end up broke and serving long-term jail time. The teenage fan has probably learned his lesson. I don't think it will be a wise move for violent drunk fans to try to sneak into games in the future. They'll just cause too much of a scene. Besides it will look out of place for a professional sports reporter to sock a mascot with a bat or lock him in a choke hold while yelling obscenities.

All-out brawl erupts in Texas

With the race heating up in the AL West tension reared until it came a boiling surface Wednesday night as the Rangers and Angels duked it out in Arlington. Texas starting pitcher, Vincente Padilla first provoked the Angels starting lineup by plunking two of their batters in early innings. The Rangers pulled off a 9-3 victory after it was all said and done. Due to the beanings Angels' coach Mike Scioscia and the Padilla were ejected.

A bench-clearing brawl unfoiled were Angels' second baseman Adam Kennedy was hit in the back by Rangers' reliever Scott Feldman. Everyone tried to get in on the heated exchange. Kennedy charged the mound only to make by a punch to the armpit? (Who punches someone in the armpit? These guys sound like children). Teammates tried to restrain those fighting around the mound. It was truly a display of poor sportmanship by both teams. Neither team should've been trying to purposely hit any player in the game.

Then again, I can't blame Adam Kennedy for retaliating because he thought the pitcher was trying to injury him. There is a thin line here and players know when it's being crossed. Of course, it couldn't have been is a real melee without one guy being a real asshole. This award goes to Mark DeRosa, who took it upon him to sprint like a madman and tackle Kennedy from behind. What a cowardly act! This jerk should be ashamed of himself. Both teams really suffered the consequences. The Angels lost their hitting coach and another pitcher from the bullpen, being ejected after the brawl and the Rangers had 3 or 4 players tossed. Texas came out on top, though no one was really a winner.

Team USA undefeated in World play

The NBA's Team USA is getting back it's old form, with an elite all-star cast taking over. Posting recent blowouts over Korea, Lithuania, and Brazil the young stars of basketball like Wade, Lebron, and Melo are showcasing their skills and out to prove they're the best. Today in the win against Korea Lebron James scored 23 points 10-for-12 shooting. That is unbelievable! The second highest scorer on the team was Dwayne Wade, finishing with 16 points as did Elton Brand.

Team USA will be heading to the championship in Japan. A few more cuts are expected to made on the team after the final exhibition game. Bruce Bowen is rumored to be one player on the list. The training and workout prior to the basketball schedule for the tournament really pay off. There is so much chemistry and camaraderie on Team USA. A can't imagine a better trio than Wade, James, and Anthony. They look serious and intent on bringing back home a championship trophy. Best of luck Team USA!

Busting cheap baseball owners' chops

It has come to my attention with the pennant races in progress that baseball stadiums are reaping high profit this time of year (well, for the most part all summer long they do). This means baseball owners are getting richer and richer. Even the Florida Marlins have a little chunk of change despite low attendances. The beef I have is with owners who are too cheap to pay for quality talent. They'd rather settle for mediocre replacements than position their team in contention for a playoff spot or at least finish the season with a shred of dignity.

I don't know why owners and GMs think can they pinch pennies and survive in the league, that's not how the system works. To be the best you're got to make wise sometimes hefty investments. That's why the same teams finish dead last or towards the bottom of the division almost every year. For instance, the Kansas City Royals swung a few deals to retrieve Reggie Sanders and Doug Mientkiewicz. These are supposed to be the two big stars on the club. Well, one is now injured. The point is Kansas City wouldn't stand a chance in hell of claiming 3rd place even if the AL Central wasn't so hot this season. For them to grow and prosper they'd have to start giving up a few top prospects for the right mixture of talent.

Over in the NL the Pirates and Nationals are going absolutely no where. The team owners have made a few trades, but for low-market players who can't single-handedly pull them out of the gutter. Before the trade deadline everyone anticipated that Alfonso Soriano would be traded. The Nats did make a smart move by keeping him. There isn't anyone else really big-name on Washington so it's going to take some enticing on their part to sign other star players in the off-season. Pittsburgh has a good crop of young prospects, however they still are stinking up the league due to lack of chemistry and veteran leaders. Their blockbuster deal before the deadline was trading Sean Casey to the Indians for some practically unknown, low-level player. The new ballpark hasn't linked any success over onto this team either.

I'm just so fed up with seeing underdogs continue to struggle year after year (especially the Cubs), falling to their demise before mid-season while cheap ass owners sit back in their nice, comfy luxury boxes and accept losing because either way they collect a fat paycheck. There are no rules or policies in baseball to force teams to spend extra revenue on acquiring new players, which guarantees that these clubs will go on sucking for the next decade or longer.

Marlins' prospect already ruins career before it starts

Top Marlins' prospect, Jeff Allison had a bright future ahead of him. Then he had to make the ultimate mistake. Raising more eyebrows on 'acts of stupidity' in baseball, this week the 21-year-old overdosed on heroin. He was found on the bathroom floor of his apartment unconscious by a friend. Then he was rushed to the hospital. Medford police in Boston found piles of drug paraphernalia in Allison's room. How crazy is this kid? He's willing to risk his life and professional baseball career just to get a wicked buzz.

With all the focus, for the most part right now on the steroids investigation leave it to one of these minor league players to go and do something obscenely stupid. Now attention has to be put on all drug use and misconduct. These players today think they can get away with everything, taking things for granted like not getting caught getting high on weed or odd powdery substances in clubhouses. Sure no one will know their secret until they're laid sprawled out on the floor motionless. I can't possibly understand why any player would think drugs such as heroin will help them perform better.

If anything veteran players need to set the right example for rookie and minor leaguers, who are naive and too influenced by peer pressure. Allison may have squandered a meaningful baseball career, unable to see the light of day outside the Marlins farm system. This further incident of drug addiction/abuse should teach other players to stay away from harmful substances and not gamble with their life.

Still, it won't surprise me either when the baseball world gives the Bonds case and steroid investigation their undivided attention if players use this opportunity to freely and casually smoke weed, chronic, blunts, crack, and whatever they can get their hands. They may even sit right in the dugout, satisfying their sick addiction DURING A GAME without even realizing it because they'll be so high. Major League Baseball nor any sport for that matter will never have control over this rising problem.

Baseball miracles don't come often in Detroit

After sustaining one of the longest drought in baseball history, the Detroit Tigers finally look ready to win a championship. However, it may not come in 2006. The club has climbed out of the sewer and straight to the top of the ladder. At 76-36 the near future is looking brighter and brighter. Detroit is currently 10 games in front of the White Sox for first place in the AL Central. Maggilio Ordonez and Ivan Rodriguez have led the way.

Ordonez has a team-leading 79 RBIs with 16 homeruns. The quality veteran leadership from Rodriguez is a key ingredient in the Tigers' success thus far. He makes the big plays late and delivers with clutch hits when they matter the most. Lately, though it's been the young players like Brandon Inge and Marcus Thames who've been fueling the offense. In Monday's 9-3 victory, Thames hit a solo homer to push his total to 21. Also left fielder, Craig Monroe is having a good season.

I think the Tigers will set a record in franchise history for the most wins in the regular season. It's been a long wait since the city has seen this team win a pennant or championship. This appears to be the year they do it. Detroit will face the White Sox, Red Sox, and Rangers up next on their schedule after departing Minnesota.

Mark McGwire further resists cooperation in steroid investigation

Gone are the days when former St. Louis Cardinal and Oakland Athletic, Mark McGwire swung mightily in a batter's box, hitting homeruns left and right. Retiring too early was a quick way out for McGwire. It was obvious his body was wearing down after 1998 and his age was becoming a factor with his health. On the other hand, so was the harmful substances he used to obtain high athletic performance. After refusing to comment during the congressional meeting in Washington D.C. a few years back the former Major League star still finds himself being cornered by Congress.


Senator Jim Mitchell, who is conducting an in-depth investigation in MLB tried again to ask for McGwire's participation and answering some questions, but the big galoot and his legal team declined. McGwire should be ashamed of himself, thinking it's not his responsibility to cooperate in this investigation and shed further light on a rising, controversial issue. Several players who've been suspected of steroid use are left out of the picture as well. Congress needs to interrogate Gary Sheffield, Sammy Sosa, Greg Vaughn, and Juan Gonzalez. They were all right in the thick of things during the late '90s.

Until enough pressure is used nothing will ever change because guys like McGwire won't bulge a bit, refusing to be a part of any negative publicity or event. Since his retirement McGwire has become like Barry Bonds, always dodging questions concerning his past. If he used banned illegal performancing enchancing drugs he might as well come clean. I'm sure people will eventually forgive me instead of always wondering whether he robbed fans and baseball of special moments by cheating. For the game's stake, let's hope that will hold true on down the road.

Big Pappi sends message repetively with walk-off blasts

There is no doubt in my mind that David Ortiz is a God Send to the Boston Red Sox. Without his mere presence in the lineup the Yankees be several games ahead in first place in the East. Ortiz continues to serve an example to pitchers in the AL, sending a loud clear message: You pitch to me in crucial situation you pay. The Boston slugger leads the Majors with 37 homeruns. He already has 105 RBIs! Is this guy amazing or what?

Nobody in the league can stop Big Pappi. He's such a patient, powerful hitter that has a flare for the clutch. Nobody knows his weaknesses because they have yet to be discovered. Despite the 6-3 loss to Cleveland Tuesday night Ortiz went 2-for-3 with a walk. Monday night he slugged a game-winning 3-run shot in the 9th. That was his 14th homer in July. Big Pappi is going to help Boston reach the postseason for the 3rd straight year. AL pitcher better fear him because he can end a game in a hurry. The Red Sox are so lucky to have him. Go Bo Sox!