Team USA eyes the prize, could it be gold?

Team USA has breezed past their first challenge in the Olympic games. They blew out Canada 120-65 this week when defense being the key factor in their game plan. With Lebron James guarantee the gold medal this summer while Carmelo won't make any promises this new USA team is on a mission. Avoiding a bronze or embarrassment against less talented countries is their focus. At the same time they want win a championship. Forcing 25 turnovers against their first opponent is a good start. Fused with a surge of new young blood which includes Deron Williams, Chris Bosh, Chris Paul, and Dwight Howard the extensive talent on the roster will work in their favor.

After finishing the exhibition Team USA will play China on August 10. With Yao Ming representing his home country don't think they won't give the U.S. a competitive matchup or put on the pressure. Many critics feel slacking off may be an issue and show-boating on the court could come back to bite the U.S. Right now Lebron is nursing an ankle injury or Dwayne Wade's fitness is being called into question. I think the team definitely has to have both superstars healthy and ready to make a real run in the Olympics. If they advance past China they will later meet Angola in the 2nd round. I think Tyson Chandler and Tayshaun Prince will add to their defensive intensity and help give Team USA a good chance at the championship. Let's see if they can come close to the gold.

MLB trade talk circulates, hot players maybe up for sale

With the deadline date closing in a few days teams in the hunt for October scramble to work out negotiations and reel in new talent. Everyone knows the St. Louis Cardinals are in the market for pitching. They have their eye on A.J. Burnett and Roy Halladay. To swing a deal for either pitcher the Cardinals will have to unload prospects and possibly a few infielders or outfielders. With Chris Carpenter set to return this week the club wants to strengthen their rotation. I think they'd have to give up too much for Halladay at this point in the season and are better off passing at the notion. Boston may be finally saying farewell to Manny Ramirez. Do the Red Sox really want the All-Star outfielder who lead to two World Series out of town? Seems to me it's a bluff to make Manny wait out to end of the season for a new contract or free agency.

Other teams in the fold to unleash trades are the Braves, Rockies, Phillies, and D-Rays. Nobody has a place in their lineup for Mark Teixeira so he's actually out of the picture and it would be dumb to trade him as he's a good building block for the franchise. Still the Braves won't make the playoffs and have to look towards next year. Colorado is willing to let go of closer Brian Fuentes for the right exchange. With the injuries to key players the Rockies have a need for another good hitter. In the NL, Adam Dunn, Jason Bay, and Randy Winn all of which are outfielders have been speculated to be on the market to move.

The Mets have shown interest in picking up another outfielder to cope with injuries to their lineup. Out of the three guys Bay would be a nice fit for them. He's got good power and can play different positions in the outfield. With New York on top in the NL East the Phillies better strike a deal too if they want to compete for the division title. One of these teams in search of an extra weapon for a late season run for the postseason must pull out the stops to at least clinch the wildcard.

What Ryan Braun means to the Brewers

In a hot NL Central race the Milwaukee Brewers pursue a quest for postseason emergence. After hooking up two calculated trades the real reliable source for their near future success rests within All-Star slugger Ryan Braun. The young third baseman is riding a hot streak, pumping out 26 homeruns and 74 RBIs. His heroics last night in St. Louis saved the day and propeled the Brewers to a 4-3 win over the Cardinals. Besides the game-winning shot into the bleachers Braun had 4 hits. The Brewers come off a sweep, inching closer to the Cubs in the NL Central with a game out of first.

With a more than capable offensive lineup Ryan Braun adds depth and is versatile being able to play third base and the outfield. Alongside Prince Fielder and J.J. Hardy the Brew Crew are a force and threat to any NL competitor. Their 7-0 stretch on the road has made them probably the hottest team in baseball at the moment. As a team they're slugging .462 at home with 135 total homeruns for the season (95 against right-handed pitching). Though they have a strengthened rotation which includes Ben Sheets and C.C. Sabathia, but without Ryan Braun they wouldn't be a real contender in the NL. The club will have to rely on his consistent hitting and pop for the rest of the season to catch a potential playoff spot.

Frozen in time...old-time Legends never really die

The MLB record books covet two prestigious names which have standed the test of time. Ted Williams and the wham-bamming Babe Ruth have etched their legacies in baseball history as two of baseball's greatest players. Displaying such camaraderie as competitors is inspiring since both played for rival teams. Today after all the glory years from the past I don't think there is any other Red Sox or Yankee fans hold in higher regard than the two Hall of Famers. Knowing these icons could be counted on for autographs during their careers make them fan favorites. Of course this is in an era where soda was 5 cent a bottle and hot dogs sold for 10- 25 cent at ballparks. Plus security wasn't so uptight and it didn't cost an arm and a leg for good tickets.

Both players left their impressionable mark on the game. Smashing over 520 homeruns a piece the left-handed sluggers lead their teams to stellar records while compiling over 4,000 RBIs together in 4795 career games. Known for their hitting, their nicknames the "The Bambino, Sultan of Swat, Teddy Ballgame, and the Splendid Splinter seemed to fit perfect as they could turn on a fastball quicker than a fat kid getting his first lick of a ice cream cone. There was nothing Babe Ruth did better than wallop homeruns besides eating...but that was probably just part of his makeup as a ball player. I actually believe the more hot dogs, hoagies, popcorn, beer, pizza, and whatever else he devoured made Ruth a better hitter. All that weigh behind a pitch and wham! The ball would be history.

Ted Williams, on the other hand was a patient hitter with a keen eye for the strike zone. He was so much an instrumental tool for hitting that Tony Gwynn used to pick his brain for hitting advice. Unlike his predecessor Williams played for the Red Sox his entire career (1939-1960). He held a career batting average of .344! Now that's impressive, a tremendous accomplishment for any Hall of Famer. No one in his era could put him on a pedestal really with other Major Leaguers because he was just overall a much better complete player. I'm sure if the Babe and Ted Williams played today amongst the high salaries and nonstop marketing campaigns and competed in a homerun derby it would send people in a frenzy after homerun balls. Long live two extraordinary baseball legends!

Brewers swing another trade yet still licking the outskirts in NL Central

With a NL race heating up the Milwaukee Brewers think they can force their way into the postseason. Another snatching up a big-time pitcher the Brew Crew decided to go after a veteran hitter this time. They traded 2 prospects for the Giants second baseman Ray Durham. A bold move for a team 3 games back in the NL Central. They're getting serious about contending and giving the Cardinals and Cubs are run for their money. As long as the Brewers are trailing behind in the dust they still won't get see a glimmering chance for glory. Nobody is counting them out just yet, but if heavy hitting Prince Fielder goes down with an injury or Ben Sheets they're up a creek without a paddle.

I hate to spoil the fun for Brewers' fan, but Ray Durham isn't going to put this team over the top. Sure the franchise is playing their best baseball in years although can't match the overall strengths of their rivals. A 15 to 20-game winning streak would do the trick for them, but that's like winning the lottery: it seldom happens. Their best bet is to conserve their pitching until mid-to-late August then overpower the opposition and pull off close games. Sticking it out is going to take all-around team effort with some kind of surge late in the season. Whether it's protein shakes or hot dogs smothered in relish the Brewers will have to find a vital source of energy to make a run.

Josh Hamilton on pace for record breaking second half

Yankee Stadium was in awe watching the homerun display Josh Hamilton put on at the Derby. How many players can boast having 21 homeruns and 95 RBIs at the All-Star break? That's insane for everyone, but even more special for a guy who's been out of baseball for a few years. The sports world will be reminiscing about his mammoth blasts at the Derby for years to come. Plus, don't forget about his effect on the Rangers for rest of the season. Though in a tough AL West the rehabilitated slugger can at least make things interesting in the final month. Texas owns a 50-46 record starting a 3-game series with the Twins today. Critics can't count them out just yet. With Hamilton's hot start to the season he's on pace to set career highs (if not already) and inch close to Hack Wilson's 190 RBI mark established in 1930.

The last player to go close to the record was Juan Gonzales in 1998 when he entered the All-Star game with 101 RBIs. Reaching such a feat involves helps by having a consistently high average and plenty of runners in scoring position. I think if Josh Hamilton stays healthy and doesn't miss a game for the rest of the season he's got a great shot at least tying the record. He's a legitimate candidate for MVP right now. The Rangers were lucky the Reds let him go after 2007 because he can become the cornerstone of their franchise. Hamilton's production last year wasn't too shabby actually last year in 90 games played.

28 homeruns in the Derby made quite the impression, but fans are wondering if he'll suffer any ill-effects for the power-driven marathon at Yankee Stadium. As long as he didn't rip any tendons or strain his muscles too much it probably won't effect his swing and timing at the plate. The Rangers want him healthy to contend with the Angels who share the best record in baseball with the Cubs at 57-38. As far the record goes I think it's easier for a player to break the RBI record than the 56-game hitting streak held by Joe DiMaggio. Still both historic milestones are long standing and require great consistency to match or exceed. Best of luck to Josh Hamilton in his pursuit and successful with the Rangers in the second half!

Authentic game-worn sweat on Ruth hat a big seller

I knew eventually there was going to be something else crazy spur from old Yankee Stadium. Vintage memorabilia as always is a hot seller just check out Ebay and find out. Usually fans are in the market for signed bats, baseballs, or cards. However, this week a Babe Ruth sweat-stained Yankees' cap sold for $328,000. How ridiculious is that! The vintage piece of memorabilia featured the slugger's initials embroided on the bottom of the hat's bill. Hunt Auctions claims it's the first hat worn by a player in a game to fetch more than $100,000. Whomever purchased the hat I hope at least got a few loose hair strands, dirt and/or mustard stains from a hot dog as well for that kind of money.

Such a sweat soaked item isn't the type of collector's gem best suited to be placed on a mantel, but rather an enclosed case so the odor can at least be trapped for safe keeping. I imagine the cap is real faded now with traces of his DNA still on it. If a pair of Ruth's pants were auctioned off and had a big hole in the kroch with fart stains investors would be lined up in legions to cast their bid on such an obscure historical remnant. I wonder what an empty coca-cola bottle signed by the Babe would go for in an auction. All this obsession with Babe Ruth memorabilia kind of leaves other Yankee Legends out of the fold. Why can't someone discover a half pair of salvaged cleats worn by Mickey Mantle in his last season, a coffee-stained silk garment Joe Dimaggio gave Marilyn Monroe, a chipped face mask used by Yogi Berra, or a piece of the dugout bench with a drop on hair tonic from Lou's Gehrig's head in his 2,130th career game?

Such rarities sure draw national audience and unbelievable prices. I'm sure when Yankee Stadium is finally torn down there will several frauds surfacing, lying about how they discovered a Babe Ruth jersey buried under the field, though turns out to a knock off replica piece. That or how an authenitc game-used Roger Maris glove with *61 etched in it miracously is uncovered in the ceiling tile from the locker room. That's when the certification process will weed out the phonies. The investors who snatch up the actual vintage memorabilia usually never sell it. Either it's donated or handed to family generations for sentimental value. Whomever desires a sweaty old baseball cap of one of baseball's greatest players can have it for a couple thousand bucks, I'd say no thanks. Um...no offense Babe.

A-Rod intent on pulling a no-show at Homerun Derby

I don't know why some of my favorite players (or ex-favorites) want to jeopardize their fan base and disappoint me truly by ruining a good time. Forget about those accepting contracts to play on LOSING teams, mindless rappers who don't know when to shut the h-- up about an old feud, or guys voted in to the All-Star Game only to bow out due to a blister on their hand. Then there is Alex Rodriguez, rich and famous baseball icon who is engulfed in championship history at Yankee Stadium. The place I might add...which will host it's last All-Star game. The slugger is about to destroy a child's baseball dream or rather a home crowd in need of a hero by backing out of the Homerun Derby. I didn't think it would ever come to this. A-Rod: there is no quicker, indecent way to unofficially tell the fans to kiss your ass than to pull this stunt.

Let me tell you something buster, I'm sure as hell no Yankees fan, but I WAS a fan of yours. To think you're too high and mighty to make an appearance in your own home ballpark which will cease to exist in a year is despicable. Damn it, I should have known not to trust him once he skipped out of Seattle and shattered hopes and dreams there. Everyone knows A-Rod is the most overpaid player (greedy) in baseball and has acted too much like a spoiled diva rather a gracious sports star. To say the money has gone to his head is an understatement. Man, has he got himself in a pickle with Yankee fans (forget about the heckling and worry about being shot), first this week passing Mickey Mantle on the all-time homerun list and now not making an appearance at the Derby. Geez, what a selfish a-hole!

It's not like the Yankees are on pace to make the playoffs this year either. A-Rod might as well take his 40-plus homeruns and 100-something (nobody cares) runs season and park it somewhere else. Rather than have his head shoved up his own ass the least he could do is show appreciation to the home fans by participating in the classic All-Star festivities. What a way to piss away a memorable night in one of the most historic stadiums! If he dare says later he wasn't able to attend because of family issues, meaning his divorce then he should be whacked across the face and kicked in the groin for failing to come with a better lie than that. I bet he's not too 'busy' though to count his year's salary in a briefcase or go out on the town looking for fun (hookers). Alex has really pissed off the Yankee nation and all of his loyal fan base by ditching them to indulge in his own self-infatuation.

Pat Riley's too casual 'slick' look alone won't cut it as team president

I have to admit there was a time when Pat Riley was one of the NBA's finest head coaches. He candor and motivation among his players were undeniable impressive. That time has passed. After Miami's slumpy, lackluster finish last season Riley hasn't wowed any Heats fans with his lack of intelligent transactions in the off-season. This guy is going to be in some serious hot water if he doesn't find a way to turn around the franchise. Simply loafing on the sidelines during summer league games, relaxed and sipping coffee isn't going to help his chances in keeping his job (Besides, when the hell did he become team President anyway?) If the veteran former championship coach cares at all he'll be keeping an eye out for potential recruits while hoping to God he can pull a mega deal and keep Dwayne Wade happy in Miami.

It's amazing how Pat Riley always gets off the hook (more like saves his own ass) when the pressure is cooking because of his track record and notable credentials. When Stan Van Gudy took over the coaching position for the Heat it was clear he was way in over his head yet smart enough to realize there was no chance for a miracle so he left. Some critics may claim the team had to deal with too many injuries while others directly blame Riley for not pulling the right strings. Simply relying on their top draft pick Michael Beasely to rescue the franchise isn't going to work. A rebuilding process must continue for the Heat to be successful.

Once Pat got in the front office, becoming a department head things went downhill fast. To me he looks too comfortable like's on vacation sporting his slick backed hair and casual slacks. How can the Heat emerge from being a last place team in the East into a contender again when the guy controlling operations always appears to be out to lunch or in need of a martini? Somebody within the organization better intervene in the managerial duties and give Riley a piece of their mind. Otherwise this young Miami Heat team is in for another crappy season.

History in the making: Cubs and Red Sox have 7 All-Stars

The 2008 All-Star game is set to be a historic event at Yankee Stadium. Typically fans vote for their favorite veteran players and talented newcomers who put up impressive numbers. This year the most favor and consideration went to the Cubs and Red Sox. Both teams have seven players a piece selected as All-Stars. Two notable names in particular, Alfonso Soriano and David Ortiz, however are injured. They are both pivotal players in each team's run for the pennant. The best thing for both stars to do is sit out and watch the festivities while cheering on their teammates.

Of the course the players elected had pull as their respective managers will run the show at the All-Star game. This crop of talent from the two teams include: Cubs starters, Kosuke Fukudome, Geovany Soto, and Alfonso Soriano with Carlos Zambrano, Kerry Wood, and Ryan Dempster as reserves while the Red Sox starters are Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis, and Dustin Pedroia with Jason Varitek and Jonathan Papelbon voted in by their peers as reserves. With this many players representing their teams it's shaped up to be a historic, memorable event in New York, which plays host at old Yankee Stadium for the final time.

I'm going to root for the NL to win the All-Star game and actually make a bold prediction that Chipper Jones will be the MVP. The most popular player voted in the upcoming All-Star game is A-Rod who received nearly 4 million votes. Behind him for the second most votes was the Phillies' Chase Utley. With so many new faces as well as the veteran caliber on the field it's going to be a fantastic All-Star game. Can't wait to catch the action!

Indians itching to unload Sabathia to salvage season

It's bad when a team knows they're doomed and out of contention before the All-Star break. Usually I'd mention this team is either the Kansas City Royals or Tampa Bay Devil Rays then promptly take a pot shot at them. In 2008 those teams are off the chomping block as the Cleveland Indians have plummeted into the category. With the trade deadline hanging in the balance the ball club wants to swing a deal for C. C. Sabathia. I'm not sure getting rid of their ace in exchange for a few prospects or quality infielders will make them feel better about having a losing record. Right now they're 37-48, 12 games back in the AL Central which isn't as bad as it seems.

Claiming their season is already over is premature and shows their low level in confidence. If the GM is smart he'll restructure the team around guys like Grady Sizemore, Casey Blake, and Victor Martinez. Several teams are interested in their star pitcher, but will have to extend a greater offer than $72 million for 4 years. Sabathia turned down the proposal from the Indians earlier this year. I think he'd make a nice catch for the D-Rays if they were willing to sign him to a big contract after the season. Most likely, the Yankees and Red Sox will be the highest bidders in hot pursuit. As long as the 28-year-old southpaw stays healthy he'll be a threat to any opposing team.

Baron Davis wants to be a Clipper, if only it was a joke

I'm not sure it's fun to be a basketball fan anymore. Shaq decides to criticize Kobe in a rap song, the Knicks can't come close to obtaining the best draft pick, and now of all players I've admired, Baron Davis is on the verge of joining the Clippers. In my viewpoint, this is a true dark day in basketball. I know BD is mixing it up with the Hollywood types to get a music album or movie produced, but what the hell is he thinking wanting to play for a such lousy team? He had a good thing rolling in Golden State and ruined it. Sure he can bring his 20 ppg and 8 apg over to L.A. and watch as his new team takes a thrashing night after night. I'm talking about a team who once savored the taste of playoff frills a few years back because they knew it wasn't going to happen again for a long time.

From the record low seasons the Clippers got so desperate for wins at one point they promoted nights encouraging fans to bring an extra pair of tennis shoes to the games as they'd get a chance to play if the game became a blowout. The problem was nobody cared with most seats empty in the arena amid a couple of bitter hecklers. I can't fathom it besides the long-term contract Baron Davis is offered why he'd want to be a Clipper. Besides, didn't he like being on a playoff team? I guess he couldn't pass up the 5-year, $65 million contract extended his way.

I can't approve of this decision. Sure, I learned to accept the trade from the Hornets in 2004 and felt it worked out for the best. However, this crummy partnership is a cruel way to back stab Warriors' fans who put so much faith in you. Forget about them rolling out the red carpet, the royal treatment is gone now. Let's just say they're not going to be forgiving when you return to Oakland. The Bay area fans are going to pissed too for not making the playoffs two years in a row.