Instant Replay, a good system to prevent umpires from throwing games

I know there has been talk about reinstating Instant Replay into baseball. Umpires can't be trusted when it comes to calling a close play. In fact sometimes they are intent on speeding the game up as strike zones widen, potential base stealers are cheated, and nail-biting moments are ruined when a curving fly ball is signaled foul when it's actually fair, changing the entire course of a game and screwing one team over royally. Besides that a fair and balanced reinforcement is needed to counter any doubts about a controversial play. The umpires miss the direction of a ball and have to form a meeting on the field and start thinking it causes trouble. Just like in the NBA I'm sure betting goes on amongst some officials and they plan on how to screw hitters at the plate in pivotal game situations.

Sometimes I think it comes down to umpires not being able to see worth a crap and just guessing. Such lousy officiating doesn't fly with fans. As a matter of fact it's one reason to throw trash on the field. Plus all those overweight umpires will benefit from Instant Replay. That way they can save their own butt by not paying attention, looking into the stands or sneaking a candy bar or hamburger out of their pocket during the middle of live action. I'm in favor of Instant Replay. It can help teams pushing for a run late in the season win close games. Plus come playoff time it will enable underdog teams not to get screwed as much on bang-bang plays and less likely have key players getting ejected from guys after calling the home umpire a fat, blind $%&*@! Take it from the game will be much better off.

Altercation with Astros GM not good for clubhouse morale

I don't think certain athletes can ever put personal issues aside and get along with their coaches. The Astros Shawn Chacon really put his baseball career in jeopardy. I understand players get frustrated and angry with teammates and coaches yet a clear thinking person knows when they're going too far. Chacon didn't care about injuring or hospitalizing Astros GM Ed Wade by grabbing him by the neck and throwing him to the ground. I don't see why the Astros will bother keeping the pitcher around or if any of his teammates want him around. I think this incident effects clubhouse morale and creates too much negativity compared to the tussles earlier this year with Red Sox's Manny Ramirez and Kevin Youkilis or the D-Rays pitcher/catcher scrape between Matt Garza and Dioner Navarro.

It's stupid yet kind of amusing when players on crappy teams get mad and fight because they misinterpret a signal. They should be paying closer attention to their coach's direction to avoid swinging on a 2-0 thinking it was a hit-and-run as they hit into an inning ending double play instead of a sacrifice bunt to move a runner into scoring position. The same mishap could happen in a dugout after a batter is steamed, slamming his bat into his intended target the wall yet is rather bounces off a water cooler and hits a teammate in the groin. At that point it's no one about the score, being slaughtered 22-0. Players who have issues with one another need to take it out in the parking lot after everyone leaves if they can work out differences by talking.

I don't see how the Astros will have their spirits uplifted after the altercation Shawn Chacon primarily is responsible for or have any sort of positive impact on the Astros' performance. The best thing to do is fined him then drop him like a bad habit. Nobody needs such crazy behavior like that around in a clubhouse. Since the way the confrontation was described as an assault I wouldn't be surprised if the Astros GM filed a lawsuit. So far there are no reports or indication that steroids was linked to the aggressive mean streak. I think the prelude to the manager, player fight will be opposing mascots dishing out punches on the field. If it ever spreads into the seats it may pose a long game delay as stadium security scramble to contain the fracas.

Shaq talks too much trash in rap song, deserves to be admonished

Well, to my dismay another basketball player has fell out of grace in the public's eye. There was a time I admired Shaquille O'Neal. His performance and influence on the court were inspiring. Realizing his pro career is on the verge of waning out he has to come out with a rap song ridiculing Kobe Bryant to incite negative publicity (mainly for himself). First of all, Shaq needs to find another hobby or way to make money because he can't rap worth a sh*t! Believe me I've seen the video footage and it's not platinum material. Surely anyone can write more sensibly lyrics than the junk he came up with. Besides that what the hell did Kobe ever do to him?

I detect a bit of jealousy here... don't let the fans remind you if it weren't for Dwayne Wade your ass wouldn't have a championship ring with the Miami Heat. The same goes for Kobe Byrant, who was as big a factor in the Lakers' title runs as anyone. Don't make me take off the gloves, Shaq, BECAUSE YOU WON'T LIKE THAT! I'm not even a Kobe fan, but damn even I can admit he's a great athlete, arguable the best player in the NBA today and carried the Lakers to the Finals this year. Yeah, his team got blown out in the deciding Game 5, but I'm sure the whole team accepts responsibility for their scoring drought and inability to slow down the Celtics' attack. At least Kobe showed class and demonstrated sportsmanship at the end. Unlike you Shaq he doesn't go around talking sh*t to the media and rapping mindless, childish songs about how you think you're superior to him and asks him to taste you filthy butt hole. I can't believe it, but he's one sick, twisted freak!

All I can say is Shaq is off my top 10 favorite players now. To think he'd act so childish over a burnt out, over exaggerated feud. An Arizona police sheriff got so upset over Shaq's stupid behavior that he is stripping the honorary deputy badges given to the big fella through their police training program. Apparently, the publicity stunt with the rap song made him feel bad about being a wrong judge of character and didn't want Shaq to be linked anymore with his police department. I can't say that I blame him. It's time for him to put an end to all this hating and don't even think about releasing that rap album because nobody wants to buy it.

Teixeira lights it up against M's with 3 homers

The old Mark Teixeira has resurfaced. With the Braves trying to keep pace in the NL East they need all the extra power in the lineup possible. Luckily for them though they were facing the worst team in baseball at the moment in the Seattle Mariners. Behind 7 strong innings from Tim Hudson and Teixeira's pop (3 HR, 4 RBIs) at the plate the Braves went to triumph 8-3. With Chipper Jones absence due to injury Atlanta have a reliable hitter to fill the void. Catcher Brian McCain has the best average as regular starter without Jones in the lineup at .310. He also smacked a homerun in the 4th inning, his 14th of the season.

The main veteran leader now is Mark Teixeira who will be expected to be up the slack until the Braves other star slugger returns. Improving to 38-39 the Braves are 4 games back in the division. If they can hang up until the All-Star with Chipper vying for a Triple Crown this season ( 16 HR, 46 RBIs, .393 AVG ) they probably need extra pitching in their rotation to compete with the Mets and Phillies. Although Teixeira may not be voted into the All-Star game he's going to have an impact on the Braves run down the stretch. He's well on his way to a banner year!

MLB managers given the heave ho, clubs can't accept lack of talent for dismal play

Nobody likes a rotten apple in any group who's trying to be productive. For baseball teams who are sucking and stinking up the field blaming the manager all the time isn't right. Fans know poor performance when they see it and will vouch for coaches they respect, the ones clearly giving it their best. This week three managers got fired and were sent packing. First in line was Mets skipper Willie Randolph who received so much praise two years ago for leading the franchise to the playoffs and ousting the Braves for first place in the NL East. I guess that bit of significant history was forgotten as well as his morale with the players.

Why are the Mets so unsatisfied now? Just be patient and work out a few deals by the trade deadline. It's not like the Braves are going to take the division by storm again. Look, take a chill pill Mets management, step back and realize you can actually beat the other prestigious New York team which will be slammed with more scrutiny after loses. Plus get off your high horse and dish out the money for extra talent, tightwads. Their season could be going far worse such as with the Seattle Mariners. Their coach, John McLaren almost went off the deep end because he couldn't take the crappy play and negative attitudes around the clubhouse. The Mariners are dead last in the AL West and have the worst record in baseball at 26-47. Everyone within the clubhouse ought feel responsible for this nose-dive catastrophic tailspin in the first half of the season.

Poor John McLaren was so incensed and lost for direction with this club he vented his frustrations and anger in a live press conference unleashing a series of obscenities to get his point across to the media. Basically, what he was saying through the bleeped out words of emotion was: I can't put up with this sh*t anymore, I know damn well a miracle isn't in the works so get off my back. It's a shame managers in these situations have to be singled out and be the first ones to go. The third manager to get the boot was John Gibbons by the Blue Jays. Okay, this team is starting to piss me off! First they carelessly let former All-Star veteran and keen slugger Frank Thomas walk out the door, not caring to compromise with his lack of at-bats or giving a drop of crap about his contract. Then they're going to complain about being a potentially last place team and having no shot at the postseason. With that kind of mind set and attitude I'm sure they will despite it's only June and the team is just 5 games under .500 (35-40). Yes, they're in a tough division, but whining about it won't get them anywhere.

Sometimes there are no win situations in a managerial position. No matter what decisions are made teams fall apart one way or another. Unfortunately, it normally results with the skipper taking the plunge and having to find a new job. The older guys who's been around the block are used to taking the thumps and rolling with the punches. Former Phillie and Cub player, Larry Bowa even knew during periods in his coaching career that he was a defeated man, realizing he failed to deliver on his part and saved time by firing himself twice (Had no idea this was even possible or anyone felt so guilty for losing, but apparently it happened). That is one irrational, thought provoking way to stick it to an organization and cut ties with them. With tortured souls like McLaren in Seattle I have to believe after he received the old pink slip he had a few choice words: Up Yours!

KG's ecstatic celebratory rambling, a priceless live NBA moment

I've got to hand it to those remarkable Boston Celtics who were determined throughout the season and played with so much heart and athleticism in the Finals. It was no doubt in my mind they would be NBA champions before the historic series got underway with the Lakers. In fact Game 5 was a blowout much to the satisfaction of Boston fans and a surprise to everyone else. The highlight of the night for me though was KG's celebration speech or their lack of on live national TV. I thought the first question he'd be asked was, "KG now that you've won the Finals what do you plan to do? His response:

"Baby, I'm gonna party like it's 1999 drinking champagne and go bligging it up all night on the town with my fabulous ring. Oh yeah, I'm going to DISNEY WORLD! I'd also like to give a shout out to those bums managing the Minnesota Timberwolves, HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW B*TCHES! I finally gonna get my NBA title, no thanks to you dumb !*&$#! Oh, how sweet it is baby!"

Of course this isn't quite the reaction I'd hoped for personally. Rather he was so overjoyed he just lost control and kept shouting, "Top of the World, top world....top of the world baby! Woooooo!" So filled with emotion Garnett was partially lost for words and shared the spotlight with former Boston Great Bill Russell. Next to the much younger lean, mean rebounding machine Russell looked like an old white-haired dinosaur. He's still one of the greatest of all-time though. Since the top scorer in the series, Paul Pierce got such little camera time it was the All-Star Celtics forward's night. Moments like that in sports are priceless. At least he basked in the glory of victory in a respectable manner. Good for you KG, you've earned it.

Ken Griffey Jr. right for the D-Rays?

I heard about Ken Griffey Jr. being traded off and on for the past 4-5 years and he's yet to relocate. For young, motivated team in particular believes the superstar is right for the picking now. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays are actually in the hunt for the playoffs in '08. More widely known as the underachieving D-Rays that other teams used to beat and batter with ease. Those days are over as they're playing inspired ball trailing only the Red Sox in the AL East and are in the market for a veteran hitter. However, will this potential deal give Tampa Bay the edge to counter the fierce AL contenders?

First it's a tantalizing offer for Junior as he's had few opportunities to reach the playoffs since leaving the Mariners in 1998. Then again it all depends how whether he has faith in the franchise and wants to move to Florida. His batting average is down this year, hovering at .245 yet still possesses the power to fuel a team's offense. Personally, I'd like to see Griffey stay in the NL though I know he's probably be a good fit for the D-Rays. Him hitting in the middle of the order and available to be used as the DH could benefit them in a great way.

The veteran slugger's presence and bat won't be enough without a few other quality starting pitchers. Plus I hate to say it being a Griffey fan and all, but the D-Rays have to consider the devastating injury possibilities. With a history of ailments he could go down at the worst time right before playoff time and slow down their stride. With any deal almost a risk is involved and the D-Rays will have to be relentless regardless in their run for late season success and postseason emergence.

Interleague Play: hot weekend matchups

Good baseball matchups are on tap this weekend as Interleague Play kicks off. A few first-time meetings between teams occur. Boston aims to maintain their AL East supremacy facing the Reds. Justin Masterson (3-0) takes the hill against Aaron Harang (2-9). With Ken Griffey Jr. already making history with his 600th homerun the Reds will try to avoid being bushwhacked in the 3-game series. The Yankees pray that Joba Chamberlain brings the heat in the opener on the road in Houston. Lance Berkman and company look to go for the long ball and improve to 34-34 after slowing down a bit. Yankees skipper Joe Giradi is finding out quick how difficult managing will be this season in a tenacious AL East.

In another highly anticipated series, the Marlins take on the D-Rays. It most likely will be a battle of pitching changes. Which ever team overuses their bullpen will lose the series. Tampa Bay is 24-10 at home and isn't back down from any competition. Expect them to sting Marlins pitching with an array of line drives. The Dodgers vs. Tigers series won't be one filled with dramatics yet a scrape between two struggling clubs. With trade rumors going around involving the Dodgers they'll wish they had at least another veteran to combatant the Tigers' star power and relentless attack.

The best team in baseball, the Chicago Cubs look to extend a 4-game winning streak heading into Toronto and continue their pace to set a new franchise record. They'll have maintain their confident stride without the injured Alfonso Soriano. A.J. Burnett (5-6) better hopes is curveball is on point because the Cub bats will be ready to rock his world. Interleague action only getting underway with scorching months ahead. Which teams will reign supreme by the All-Star break? For once it looks like it won't be those overrated Yankees.

Ken Griffey Jr. launches 600th homerun, sets milestone

With a usual sparse home crowd the Florida Marlins fell victim to baseball history. Ken Griffey Jr. with all eyes on him to reach a new milestone his career hit a 2-run blast in the lst inning off Mark Hendrickson. His 600th homerun put him 6th on the all-time list. The Reds went to win the game 9-4 as Griffey moves within 6 homeruns of Sammy Sosa. Everyone knows what the veteran slugger was capable of doing if not for all those injuries in years past. His career totals are more than enough to get him into the Hall of Fame after he retires. Playing 9 years in Cincy Griffey has yet to enter the postseason or have a chance to win a World Series.

As a overlooked club in the NL Central the Reds are 33-30 and nipping at the heels of the Brewers. It's possible for them to make a run before the All-Star break. Without the one of better rotations in the league they'll have to rely on the offense to carry them. Ken Griffey Jr. is on his way to another 30-35 homer season and draw closer to 3,000 hits. This season he's churned out 7 homeruns and 29 RBIs in 219 at-bats. Off to a good pace fans just want to see Griffey play and stay healthy.

Since I've always been a Griffey fan from his early days in Seattle I'd like to see him play in the playoffs. He deserves to at least have a shot at a World Series title before he hangs it up. At 38, the odds are against him catching Babe Ruth's historic mark of 714 round trippers. Then again, it's Junior so don't count him out yet!

M's Hernandez shuts out Red Sox 8-0

Fortunately the Seattle Mariners collected an easy win against a brawl-battered Red Sox team. Friday night after suspensions were issued to Red Sox and Devil Ray players for the bench-clearing melee this week Seattle took advantage facing a less potent lineup. Both Manny and Ortiz were out of action. At Fenway Park there wasn't much to cheer about as Hernandez held Boston to 6 hits and 0 runs while walking 3 batters in 6 innings. Coco Crisp got the start to centerfield for the Red Sox, who apparently will serve his suspension next week for charging the mound and throwing punches in the Devil Rays game.

Richie Sexson went 3-for-4 for the M's with 2 RBIs as part of the lineup's 11 hits. Ichiro drove in 2 runs with a single. Their offense finally sprung to life after a series of petty performances on the field. At 22-39 Seattle has the worst record in baseball. Due to this along with the club's lack of team effort, blunders, and misfortune prompted Coach John McLaren to go on a verbal tirade filled with profanities in a press conference earlier in the week. He later apologized for his choice of words, realizing his conduct was inappropriate yet was so fed up with describing the team's crummy play on the field he just lost it. I can understand his frustration and anger when players aren't producing and everything is going wrong. He knows his job is on the line and there are things he can't control. Letting off some steam back in the clubhouse and yelling at his players probably provided relief and broke the tension.

Even the loss at home Boston remains in first place in the East and won't back down from any challenge. They have a new rival this season in Tampa Bay creating more than friction and crossed words. Until Ortiz returns from the DL it's going to be a sizzling summer month where the Red Sox must try to check their emotions in check. They have a formidable rotation yet how well will the offense hold up until the All-Star break? Following the series against Seattle they'll meet up with the Orioles at home for 3 games. From there they'll bring out the lumber and look to go yard!

A tribute to Randy Johnson, the strikeout king

The history of the game would not be the same without Randy Johnson. I remember the days when he mowed down hitters while pitching for the Seattle Mariners. His tall, imposing presence on the mound shook up opponents. The best highlight of his career in my opinion was when he helped lead the M's alongside Ken Griffey Jr. past the Yankees in the ALCS during the late 90's. He's was so dominant that he was used in relief one game in the playoff series. Man, did Randy kick serious ass back then! There is no doubt the veteran southpaw set the standard for strikeout pitchers in baseball.

Yesterday he captured a historic mark in a game against the Brewers. He whiffed 8 batters in 6 innings to gain his 4,680 career strikeout. Randy Johnson (click for career stats) can still muster up the power and maintain good control at 49 when the average pitcher's career has long been over at that age. He's second on the all-time record in baseball now passing Roger Clemens. Despite recording the loss (starting lineup's fault) in the 7-1 yesterday route Johnson is well on his way to the Hall of Fame when his career ends. Plus he has a World Series title to his credit with the Diamondbacks. Congrads to Randy on reaching a new milestone in his career!

Red Sox demonstrate public display of affection while dusting off Orioles

When it comes to celebrating a victory after leaving an opponent with the bitter taste of defeat the Boston Red Sox are kings. Their 9-4 smackdown on the Orioles Sunday seemed that of a joy ride which ended with a heartfelt hug between Manny Ramirez and Julio Lugo (who appears to be in heaven) at the mound. This proves Major Leaguers are in touch with their feelings, carefree with emotion even after destroying a team's chance at a comeback by launching 3 homeruns (Ramirez, Drew, and Lowell) and having their starter go 6 quality innings. Luckily for the Red Sox Ortiz had the game off and didn't join in the playful camaraderie on the field.

Having the big DH hitter squeeze a teammate could result in a few cracked ribs or spinal cord. I can see why the Red Sox are all smiles, owning a 35-24 record. It's good to see the players can get up close and personal for once without allegation arising over HGH, steroids, or Viagra. That or how much they enjoy taking showers together in the clubhouse and what really happens in the trainer's room after hours....oh I'm sure it's only harmless fun! Enjoying their success in the month of May Boston looks to recapture first place from the D-Rays in the AL East. They'll close out their series today with Baltimore before heading home to face the D-Rays and Mariners.