Ken Griffey Jr. a Hall Of Fame inductee before 2014?

Throughout his outstanding career Ken Griffey Jr. proved to be a true gamer and excellent athlete. With Hall of Fame nominations in order in the coming years he will be a prime candidate for selection. I predict he will make it in there by 2014. His career numbers hold up despite all those nasty injuries. He has over 600 total homeruns and past 1,000 career RBIs. He postseason credentials will definitely favor him a bit too with a solid .300-plus average. It's a shame he didn't win a World Series title. He so deserving of a ring. He's most known for his leaping catch and hitting heroics as a Seattle Mariner. There I will always cherish him. He's to him as a great future legend!

NL West, a tough division this year

After the break the NL West is still in a tough division race. The Dodgers dropped 2 straight against the Cardinals this week. Manny Ramirez made his return yet didn't help them win. Still L.A. is hanging around in second place. The Rockies and Giants are also up there in the standings. Both playing well. Giants starter Tim Lincecum looks sharp again this year. He's enabling his team to stay afloat and maintain good ground.

At current the Dodgers are stationed three and a half games back in the division with a 49-41 record. Leading in first is the surprise Padres capturing a 52-37 mark. Their offense has really kicked into high gear with the likes of Adrian Gonzalez and young talent. I don't know who has the best pitching in the West, but the Rockies have a darn good starting rotation. They go on their streaks and made good acquisitions to strengthen that lineup (ex. Jason Giambi).

I can't see the Dodgers taking over sole possession of first place to go after another title just yet. They still have their work to do in the league. Plus they have to stay healthy, keeping Ramirez, Either, Kemp, and Blake going strong. They also have a fairly good bullpen with Kershaw and Billingsly leading the way in the rotation. Look for them to make the run in out west and give the Padres a serious challenge for contention. Manny will finish up on another power year too. They got good depth and are favorable to make it to the postseason again.

New NBA deals and trades

After all the smoke and talk cleared about Lebron James the NBA had got back to swinging trades. The Miami Heat picked up another solid veteran in Zydrunas Illgauskas this week. He wants to sign a two-year contract. He'll be joining the likes of teammate Lebron, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and Michael Beasley. Also worked out in a trade was Tyson Chandler from the Bobcats to the Dallas Mavericks. The West coast contender deals away Erick Dampier, Matt Carroll, and few younger players. This was a wise move. The former Hornets Center will make a nice defensive piece to the unit in Dallas.

The Washington Wizards departed ways with point guard Randy Foye as he heads to a new team out west. In D.C. they're banking on their young talent acquired in the talent and acquisitions to fill the void. They put much hope and expectation into new rookie standout, John Wall. Al Jefferson moves to the Jazz in a deal from Minnesota. The Lakers welcome in guard Steve Blake in a new ink deal. The Orlando Magic will be good next season too. I like the Mavs came out the smartest in their trade decision. Plenty more moving and shaking is yet to happen in the NBA off-season.

All-Star festivities a blast, Ortiz homerun champ

An exciting set of events completed approaching the All-Star Game today. The homerun derby in Anaheim, CA was fun for all involved. The participants slugged away, over 84 dingers in all after the first round or so. Corey Hart and Hanley Ramirez represented the National League well. They combined for over 25 long balls their first time around. Nick Swisher, Chris Young, Vernon Wells, and Matt Holiday got into the swing of it too. Miguel Cabrera and David Ortiz did their favors for the AL. It turned into a real slugfest. One fly ball traveled 485 ft. to the outfield. When the event was over David Ortiz was crowned the homerun champ.

The Old-Timers classic was a thrill. Same goes for the celebrity challenges. The celebrities get in there and made the game interesting. Several involved included: Bo Jackson, John Kruk, Tim Salmon, Rickey Henderson, Mike Piazza, Jennie Finch, Mario Lopez, Marisa Miller, and Goose Gossage among others. The AL blasted off with homeruns early in the lst inning, tacking 5 runs on the board. Their rival group came back with runs yet trailed most of the contest. Henderson had 2 lead-off homeruns as Tim Salmon added a pair himself. After a string of hits and ball-bashing innings the AL pulled out the stops and won with 15 runs scored. They had a field day.

Cavailer fans incensed at Lebron's departure

Oh my, oh me look how bad Lebron can be to those Cav fans. It's over. He's officially left the Cleveland Cavailers and took his meal ticket somewhere else. That place is Miami. Not Ohio, the other one. The embroided Lebron James jerseys with no. 6 have already gone into production with the Miami Heat logo on the front. After hearing the highly anticipated news about the mega deal the Cavailer fans lost their loyalty to the once highly-liked superstar and starting burning his old jerseys. How's that for a hallmark moment in Cleveland? Not looking too good either in his own hometown, Akron, Ohio.

Before long there will be kids making deals on the streets in Cleveland to get rid of all Lebron merchandise. That or catch the latest bus to get the heck out of there before it really gets too hot under the collar. I can't say the last time I'm been this displeased with the team franchise. Oh right, the last chance they had at winning an NBA title! That escaped them the minute King James no-more walked out the door. I'm sure he'll have fun with Dwayne Wade and company now in Florida. He may even get to kick it with all his people in Peeble Beach or Miami Beach. Seeing him smiling with a fat-ass contract live on national television with that Heat jersey has to leave a bitter taste in Cavailer fans' mouths.

I guess it's like this: If you can't be like them you might as well join them. That's what Lebron did. At least one good thing happened from this contract deal. He got his separation finally from Shaq. After too much time with the big fella I believe the star forward found out what playing dirty is all about. I'm sure Lebron likes his money clean though. Well, the kids' wishlists won't be completed now. They'll have to cross off 'See Cavs win a title' off the list as the Angel tree needy ones will also go without funds thanks to Lebron's absence. I can't believe he didn't stay in Cleveland. As basketball fans we all want to know when will the travesties end after the mean-spirited letter from the Cavailers' owner?

Rangers aiming high for 2010 campaign, atop AL West

How about the Texas Rangers these days! They're play top level baseball. I don't remember the last time Texas was in first place in their division. Josh Hamilton is having another terrific season, already totaling 21 homeruns and 63 RBIs. He's become a beast out there on the west coast. The Rangers boast a 50-34 record. They had a small marginal lead over the Angels and look to do more damage after the All-Star break. Michael Young is also having a good year as the second baseman. He's one of the best in the league. Voted in as an All-Star too.

The high-powered offense has kicked into second gear for the Rangers. They take on all challengers. Not too bad of a starting rotation either. The pitching has been taking care of business. Not to be outdone either is Vladamir Guerrero. He's compiles 73 RBIs already. As the team leader he will play a big part in the Rangers' success in the second half of the season. The 4-3 victory last night over the Indians helped boost the team a little more up in the standings. So far the Rangers have been a pretty potent offensive club. Look for more of that after the All-Star game.

Lebron James: where will he be next year?

Everyone from one corner of the NBA world to another is talking about which team will pick up Lebron James. I think the attention is swaying most to side heavier to the New York Knicks than any other team now. The Miami Heat among other contenders have showed interest in him. At the latest in New York the Knicks are trying to swing a mega deal to invite in Amare Stoudamire, Chris Bosh, and King James. That would be quite the buyout of new contracts. Personally I'd like to see Lebron stick with the Cavaliers.

I see Cleveland only getting better with the main attraction staying put. They managed a few good deals in obtaining key acquisitions in overlooked talent, Anthony Parker and reeling in Antawn Jamsion. To left go of Lebron, the Cavs are looking past at least 24 points per game, 8 rebounds, and 5-6 assists per game from their superstar. I'd take a chance on other players where interest may remain and work out a trade. Too valuable too lose is what fans will agree upon in Cleveland.

Right now the Knicks are waiting to hear back from Lebron. That may be a while. He's in no rush to make a decision it appears. Scouting other young NBA talent is what teams rebuilding are doing in the off-season yet it's in New York where they wish to pull the true blockbuster deal. Dwayne Wade is encouraging I'm sure for his team and would be lucky to have strong co-captains beside him such as Lebron and Chris Bosh. I don't think the move will happen any time soon. The Knicks will be speculating for a while and scourging around until a final decision is made and something works to their advantage.

Evan Longoria and B.J. Upton spat off the field

I don't know what has gotten into the Tampa Bay Rays off the field. They seem like a different team now. Letting emotions and arguments get in the way of performance isn't ever good. The Rays are taking a small loss in the AL East standings. In the past week they haven't faired well on the diamond. The two young talented players, B.J. Upton and Evan Longoria got scrappy with one another this past week. They got mad for both getting in each other's way plus bad defense that may have caused the Rays to falter.

The scene happened first in the dugout between both players. If there is going to be a fight it might as well take place on the two players' on personal time rather than during a game. It's a sign of poor sportsmanship. Right now the team is learning to adjust. They have to get control of youthful energy and work more on fundamentals and endurance. At current the Rays own a 46-33 record. They're 2 games back in the division. If the Rays keep up the good offense, maintaining their stride they will be fine. Staying away from the personal differences and the time to avoid suspensions is smart too. I expect them to make a run sometime after the All-Star break.

All-Star selections out there nearing the break

Each season the notorious All-Star Game festivities get underway. This month several returning selections will be on hand. The ones no longer appearing are Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds. They've paved the way for new entrants such as Dustin Pedroia, Carlos Pena, and Ryan Howard. The best of the All-Star weekend is the homerun derby. That's sure to be a treat for the fans again. There are a ton of good pitchers selected for the Gala event such as Roy Holiday, Felix Hernandez, Cliff Lee, and Jered Weaver.

The 9-man lineup for the AL will be better than the NL I believe this year. Too many sure fire young talent from the league will hard for the NL to out perform. It's still going to be interesting to see how strikes first with a crooked number on the scoreboard. Last year it was a pitcher's duel like other times. Edwin Jackson who pitched a no-hitter a week or so ago may join the reserves as a representative for the D-backs. A-Rod and Derek Lee will definitely be joining the fun as members for the Yankees. I look for it to be a fun, spirited affair in July.

What it takes to hit for the Triple Crown

Gone are the days of the Ruth era and Gehrig disease in baseball. Men of action and great prowess are spread out throughout the league. They show rare form and excellent achievement with their talent. The Gold Glove is a hallmark for outstanding achievement for defense each season. Hitting for the Triple Crown is one of the toughest awards to reach and capture. In order to obtain it a player has to be on his game. That person has been real consistent, nearly getting a hit every time out or at least every other game. When someone like Albert Puljos hits for the cycle it definitely helps.

The same goes for Josh Hamilton when has a 5-hit performance and up to 8 RBIs. If there is close to achieving the high award it's the Texas star outfielder. For a while many eyes were on the Boston Red Sox. David Ortiz had a good chance at one time. I'd put my money on Hamilton though considering he stays healthy to win it. I know the race will tighten up in the AL West with such competitive forces there.

So far Josh Hamilton has already compile over 50 RBI with a high batting average well above .300. That's talent not to be denied. He'll have to keep hitting with the best pitching the Rangers face each week. Sticking to a regiment and good eye at the plate will be the best answer for anyone going after the Triple Crown. The same is understood for anyone going after the prestigious award in the NL too.

A hot day on the diamond for UCLA, victors

What a college World Series it's shaping up to be this year. TCU and UCLA have been going at it. A tight contested match-up didn't happen Sunday. Both teams came to play yet it was the Bruins who prevailed over TCU. The long ball came into effect. Good pitched has backed UCLA. They look to take on a new challenger in the next series against South Carolina. They own a 52-16 record. A definite tough opponent for UCLA.

The Finals I'm sure will be intense with both teams jockeying for top spot and bragging rights. If all goes well the Bruins will connect with the homeruns and have their pitching back them well enough. Brian Hoilday can help on the field for UCLA. I believe it will come down to the best starting pitching. Whoever jumps to a good lead first will have the distinct advantage. Runs to walks ratio will be a prime factor in this contest too. Look for those aluminum to get to cracking. Go Bruins!

No-Hitter from D-back's Jackson silences Rays

The 1-0 outcome in the D-backs victory over the Tampa Bay Rays was history making. Starter, Edwin Jackson took it to the opposition like never before in a game. The dueling on the mound was plentiful. If not for walks it may have been a perfect game established. Still the Rays have no answers for Jackson. In the box they looked confused and without progressive hitting. Carlos Pena didn't homer, which is a surprise to me nor reached base upon a hit.

This marks the fourth no-hitter thrown this season. The pitch count went 130 for Edwin Jackson who dazzles those in attendance. Since it was in St. Petersburg not too many cheers erupted. I've give to the D-backs they came to play with some gutsiness. Usually when a team takes too many chances and messes around with walks on the bad side of the receiving end. That wasn't the case this time around. The D-backs with the win increase the win percentage, moving to a 29-45 record.

All I'm wondering is how the Rays can be so offensive with streaks then come up empty last night. Evan Longoria wasn't able to do it as well as the rest of the team lineup. The last out was recorded on a fly out which sent the players rushing off the bench to congratulate the young Arizona pitcher at the mound. Jackson posts a 5-6 record now. He received a pie to the face after the game. After all those walks I'm surprised he made to the 9th inning. The lone run came via a long ball by Adam LaRoche. Next time around I'm the Rays will darn well remember less than spirited affair.

Josh Hamliton, well worth the price of admission

Prior to the Rangers going on an offensive explosion with a 13-3 final over Pittsburgh, Josh Hamilton has proven to be the big ticket. Texas is sitting pretty in first place around the AL West with a 43-28 mark. Hamilton is hitting a team best .339 with 17 homeruns and 53 RBIs. Well on his way to another All-Star game. That is freaking great! If only he was one other real needy team. I look for the star outfielder to soar in the second half. He's single-handily fueled the offense for the Rangers.

Nothing will stand in the way really (considering all goes to plan) of Josh Hamilton. He's main one of the best comebacks of any athlete in the last 5 years if not more. He's complimented on the team by a savvy veteran in Michael Young. He connected on his 10th homerun Wednesday night. Last season proved to be a success for the slugging left-handed outfielder who surpasses a high mark early with RBIs. I bet no one can match his prowess in the batter's box and excess his stats much in all of MLB. Seeing him go on a hitting tangent after mid-July will be awesome!

Red Sox close it out, 2-0 against Dodgers

Clay Buchholz wrapped up another decision last night in Boston. As a result the Red Sox moved to 43-28. The young hurler has been enjoying a good season through June. Not much offense proved to be needed as the Red Sox gained a little ground with 2-0 final. Dustin Pedroia had 3 hits to aid the cause. Manny's return to Fenway wasn't anything amazing. Yet the fans still showed their spirited support (wacky signs and amicable face paint with designs too). This is a good time to be a Red Sox supporter, going neck-and-neck with the Tampa Bay in the division.

Anyway, in the victory Clay Buchholz pitched 6.3 innings with 3 hits and 3 walks while serving out 4 strikeouts. He bumps his record to 10-4. David Ortiz had a sac fly to give the team a padded run for safe keeping. What a way to show those men in blue from L.A. the Bo Sox mean business. They got the sweep! It's all good in Fenway Park. The only thing the Dodgers got a nice view of was the Green Monster on the way out of the city. Guess they're not so potent after all in NL. Man, Interleague sure is fun. Look forward to seeing the other thrilling match-ups to come.

Boston Celtics give strong efforts, Lakers clinch 16th title

The Celtics and Lakers matched up and took it toe-to-toe with each other. It was a thrilling series with highs with history etched. The rivalry added one more contest as the series stretched to 7 games. Kobe Bryant performed to high standards up until the deciding final game. His clutch and timely good decisions on the court make the Finals memorable. As does with high scorer Paul Pierce, who ignites the fans back in Boston. The most overlooked player though in the series was Rajon Rondo who played well against veteran caliber players.

With the final score notched under 90 for both teams it was a delightful series. Kevin Garnett finished with good scoring support and hit at least 40% from the field. The 87-82 victory put it home for the Lakers who turned the corner with consistent, time-based free-throw shooting in the 4th quarter. I'd have let the go to Garnett or Pierce personally rather than anyone such as Ray Allen with 2 minutes and under to go. Coach Doc Gooden had made the most of it with good plays down until the last timeout. The flair and consistency from L.A., became too much for the Celtics to overcome. Oh, well another Finals in the record books!

A top tribute to Ken Griffey Jr., a classic superstar

Learning all the intangibles and fundamentals in baseball can be achieved by more than watching. Seeing how it's a thrill ride with sensational years Ken Griffey Jr. made the great American Past time awesome. He's a true classic baseball star who decided to call it time for retirement in 2010. I'd have liked to see play more one season. It wasn't to be with his health and decision to leave. He's a career .300 hitter with over 600 homeruns. The diving and leaping catches he made on the field also enlisted him as a top award winner. I can't state enough positive about Griffey Jr.

The days as a Seattle Mariner were memorable no doubt about it. I remember him and Jay Buhner cranking homeruns to help the M's in the 90's and in the postseason. It's a shame they didn't make it ever to the World Series. Sensational hitting and overall top performance was what made Ken Griffey Jr. a great player and overall success in baseball. No one can question is outstanding achievements over his career. I won several gold gloves. Tallying the high honors with top stats proved him to be one of the best in the AL and in MLB. In his time he play for 3 teams: Mariners, Reds, and WhiteSox. Griffey Jr. remains one of my favorite baseball play of all-time.

Good luck to him with his retirement and all who believe hail to his greatness! Congratulations to the eventual Hall of Famer for a mega career, serving as a big inspiration!