A-Rod going to DL, Clemens' controversy too much drama for Yankees

Leave to the Yankees to generate more drama and turmoil for baseball. Living up to their legacy every season is a daunting challenge. Finally as a franchise they know what's it like to struggle and deal with injuries and outside distractions. I actually think it's a shame A- Rod went on 15-day DL with strained right quadriceps. The star shortstop is off to another great start. The Yankees are contending with the controversies surrounding Roger Clemens. I don't think the 14-14 record is the biggest concern yet George Steinbreiner has got to worry about his star power, where is it coming from now?

I think the Yankees are like a extended dysfunctional family. There is always complaining, arguing, and fighting (sometimes over money). I can see why the fan act the way they do, one actually falling from the upper deck trying to catch a foul ball. Sometimes a franchise needs a fresh approach when things get out of control. For New York they'll find a way to win when the 'new players' arrive mid-season and the revenue and contracts are shelled out like it's gasoline from an oil company. Not to worry Yankee fans, A-Rod will be back to don the uni and popular universal logo while walloping homeruns and having to be cope with another team slump.

Early season pitching letdowns

The price of a ball player these days can either do wonders for a team or wreak havoc. Owners, have seen in the first month have star attractions have not panned out. Shelling out the big bucks for players is always a risk. Injuries occur when least expected and teams crumple. Disappointing starts from Barry Zito has freted Giants' management, wondering why they signed him to an outrageous contract in exchange for a pitiful 0-6 record in April. The two Barry have sucked up too much of the payroll in San Francisco. The organization should've said no deal to one of them.

Atlanta isn't too pleased with Mike Hampton. His dismal pitching performances have left pretty to be desired as John Smoltz and Tim Hudson can't be expected to be work horses all the time in the rotation. Personally, I've never cared for Hampton. He's was way too overated when he played on the Mets and Astros. Sure a tough curveball to hit, but a waste of money when he loses his control and can't keep his team close in games. The same unfortunate starts have happened with the Tigers' Justin Verlander and the Cubs' Ted Lilly. Both have experienced bad luck in April and have yet to get it going. It's unfortunate they're 1-4 and their strikeouts are down. At least their salaries aren't over the top and will still have team value when their struggles on the mound end.

Hornets shoot for 3-0 lead tonight against Mavericks

The playoff matchups in the West are shaping up to be highly contested series. The Hornets though look to be in the best position as they take a 2-0 advantage into tonight's game on the road in Dallas. With Paul and the Hornets shooting lights out in Game 1 and 2 the Mavericks have the pressure riding on them. Setting those franchise records has to make New Orleans feel good, they're beaming with confidence and pride now. Chris Paul's red hot play has ignited the Hornets. His back-to-back 30-point plus games with 17 assists in Game 2 blew open the big leads in route to victories.

I'll have to admit the Mavericks are a better team at home, playing in a comfort zone with support from the home crowd. Yet when they can't counter speed and streaky shooting they come unraveled. Dirk's performance or involvement in Game 3 will have a big effect on the outcome. Josh Howard and Jason Kidd don't normally rack up high scoring numbers as the bench will be relied upon to pick up the scoring load. If the Hornets shoot over 60% in a half and duplicate another franchise records-breaking performance I don't know how the Mavs will keep up or stay in the game.

All those who claimed New Orleans didn't stand a chance in the first round may witness more history in the making in the best-of-7 Western conference playoff series. Since the Hornets haven't won at Dallas in 10 years pulling off another big win to go ahead 3-0 would be huge. I expect good games from Tyson Chandler, David West, and Jannero Pargo. The trio combined for 47 points in the 127-109 win at New Orleans. The starting lineup could easily score in double-digits again and run the Mavericks until they're out of gas. Dallas may need an offensive explosion of their own to take the sting out of this heated series.

Frank Thomas sac flies, commitment not good enough for Blue Jays

Toronto doesn't know apparently when they have a good thing going for them. Kicking Frank Thomas to the curve because he didn't want to ride the bench for a couple games is one of the most asinine things I've ever heard of in baseball. First of all, the man known best as the 'Big Hurt' has over 500 career bombs and doesn't deserve to put up with line of bull crap. Obviously, there were issues between him and the coach. I know the $10 million left on his contract wasn't the real reason the Blue Jays wanted to see him leave. If that was the truly the case I hope Frank told management to kiss his ass before walking out the door.

If this arrangement was a mutual agreement I can't imagine Frank was thinking clear. Sounds to me the future Hall of Famer got screwed over royally on this proposition. Why couldn't he just sit on the bench for a few games? Being a DH he's going to get days off anyway and being replaced by Matt Stairs in the lineup couldn't have pushed Thomas to the edge. I don't know why Toronto refused to keep an veteran All-Star slugger around in such a power-driven AL East. What MLB team wouldn't benefit by having Frank Thomas? Any team other the Yankees ought to pick him up as a free-agent.

I know fans don't want to see the Big Hurt retire just yet. Those career numbers are impressive and needs to be recognized and considered by the Blue Jays or other potential buyers in the market. Mistaking frustration of not hitting the baseball for an attitude problem was the main cause of the debacle. If differences can't be worked out Frank ought to take his experience and power bat where he can get respect.

Hornets face ultimate test in first round

The New Orleans was the forgotten team in the NBA for a while. Then they started winning and surprised everyone in the NBA Western conference. After a historic regular season credited with a 56-26 record the Hornets find themselves in a high-pressure challenge with the upcoming playoffs series against the Dallas Mavericks. I don't think it matters that much that New Orleans lost their last 4-of-6 games. Yet many critics feel the young franchise is running on flumes. I have to disagree because the Hornets beat some of the best contenders in the league to earn a no. 2 seed after tying for first place with the Spurs in the Southwest division.

Chris Paul put up lofty numbers among star point guards such as 21.1 ppg, 11.6 assists, and 48.8 % shooting from the field. Everyone knew he earned a spot in the All-Star game. The talent around him only made this team better as the season progressed. Tyson Chandler and David West are key players who have been overlooked. Whether it's crashing the boards, adding a scoring touch, or smothering the opposition with pressure defense the pair are vital to the Hornet's run. The Mavericks coming into the first round series as the favorites seem to have it all. Their experience, depth, and talent can be overwhelming yet the Warriors delivered the knockout blow to them last year.

Dallas would hate to go down again in the first round. That's why I feel the Hornets face the ultimate test. By utilizing their strengths in speed and scoring off transition with timely defensive stops the Hornets can make this one hell of a series. Having a veteran coach in Bryon Scott who has the playoff exposure will also be valuable to the team. Other playoff matchups won't be as thrilling due to the disparity in overall records. For example, Atlanta vs. Boston there is no need to even think about that series. The Hornets fended off the best in the West, playing to the beat of their own drum. I see their series being a challenge of youthful exuberance vs. veteran star power.

Wind patterns and new stadiums effecting early homerun totals

With all the new baseball stadiums built in recent years fans have grown accustomed to seeing a massive output of homeruns. Down the left and right field lines at 315 and 320 feet players certainly can rack up on long ball totals. Just noticing how the wind effects play on the field, there are more chances for errors yet scoreboard operators have to take these conditions into consideration before making a decision. Chicago is known as the windy city and in yesterday's game between the White Sox and Tigers everything went to the home team's favor. The big band came from Paul Konerko's grand slam in the 5th. A deafening blow to the Tigers. Jim Leyland took a different approach with his team after the loss, scolding them for their lack of performance.

Also there were a few 1-run games such as the Rangers and the Blue Jays. The contest didn't end on a high note in extra innings. A sacrifice fly was hit to put Toronto up 5-4 and go on to get the win. Nearly the same result occurred in the Cubs and the Phillies match-up. Derek Lee made a game saving defensive stop which made a big difference. All through this game the wind was a contributing factor which hurt and helped both teams. The Cubs first baseman sprung for 3 and 2 RBIs as well in route to the 6-5 victory. A error at first allowed Chicago to score the go ahead run in the 10th and notched Kerry Wood first win.

Teams will have to rely heavily on their bullpen because of the field conditions and power surge by opposing hitters. The lopsided scores baffle fans, nobody wants to see errors all the time in a game, but it happens. Further into the season players will be settled in and more comfortable than now. As the weather heats up so will the star players. In April teams are really just starting to work out the kinks. Guys need extra rest sometimes and that's okay. In a few months the baseballs will be soaring out the ballparks. Babe Ruth would want it that way as well the great Red Sox, Yankees rivalry to continue.

Warriors powered by Baron Davis' 33 points

Baron Davis lead the charge to victory Tuesday, drawing the Warriors closer to a playoff spot. Experiencing another remarkable season despite the off and on player injuries the Warriors won't quit. Being in such a fierce Western conference Golden State has fought hard to survive. The 140-136 win over the Kings showed their will to succeed. Baron Davis delivered with 33 points and 9 assists. The Lakers and Mavericks will be a thorn in their side, but the Warriors' have dealt with being the underdog in the past.

As the season dwindles down nearing the playoffs Golden State fans must be proud to see how the franchise has made a big turnaround and become a major contender. I like the team chemistry. Their emotions ride so high during games that they thrive off all the energy around them. It would be great to see them in the playoffs. A day off will allow the Warriors to rejuvenate as they get set to play the Nuggets on Thursday before taking on the Clippers and Suns.