M's wreaking havoc in AL West, Sexson's walkoff seals win

Don't count those gutsy Seattle Mariners out of the playoff race. They put together a good run in the second half, watching their overall record soar to 66-50. Last night they won in dramatic fashion with a walk-off homer by Richie Sexson in the 9th to prevail over the Twins 4-3. The club finds themselves in a tight wildcard race. It's been a tough season for Sexson, who's been booed by Seattle fans all year for his lackluster performances. Yet he went 2-for-4 Monday night with 3 RBIs and a big-time game-winning solo homer.

Neither Johan Santana or Felix Hernandez got the decision in the game. They each pitched for at least 6 innings and yield no more than 3 runs. Joe Mauer was thrown out at third in the 7th trying to stretch a double into a triple. That out helped save the game for Seattle. Their 8 total hits stood up in a pitcher's duel until late innings. After the series at home with Minnesota the M's will see the WhiteSox again for a three-game set then go on the road to face the Twins.

This team has it's work cut for the final stretch of the season. Right now they're 3 games behind the Angels in the division. They can catch them with the enough persistence and streaky play. Felix Hernandez, Jose Guillen, and Richie Sexson will be key performers during crunch time. Their veteran guys on the roster should give them a boost and motivate the rest of the game. Come on M's, push for that playoff spot!

Way too much celebrating for new homerun champ

Already a day after Barry Bonds broke Hank Aaron's homerun record the hip-hip and hoorays continue, well at least in San Francisco for the most part. Of course the media drew all attention again on the veteran star outfielder as he hit career homer no. 757 like this came as some surprise. There is more than one reason why NL pitcher walked Bonds so frequently again this season: they didn't want to give up a historic homerun, being noted as the guy Bonds tied or broke the record against, rather faced the less menacing batter behind him in the order or just couldn't stand the guy.

So the record is now history as if this event wasn't destined to happen in 2007. People wonder why Hank Aaron wasn't in attendance for this huge baseball gala. At his age does it really matter whether or not he was at the game? He's retired...let the old Hall of Famer be and not bother him. I'm sure he's disappointed, but if he's upset he'll get over it. Long after he passes away there will be another baseball Great who will eventually shatter Bonds' mark. (I can't wait until the day!) At least Bonds conducted himself with a degree of class or didn't seem to 'shove' his feat in anyone's face (then again I didn't see the whole on-field celebration footage, he may very well could have).

I think baseball fans (at least 60%) aren't happy about Bonds achieving the new record. Some don't respect him enough to root for him and others think he can do no wrong. Personally, as I've mentioned here before I don't care for the guy...never have. Ken Griffey Jr., Ryne Sandberg, Randy Johnson, Frank Thomas and Cal Ripken Jr. those of some of the players I most admired in the 90's. Bonds definitely stands out from the pack and has accomplished an amazing feat those other guys never did. He claims the record now isn't tarnished, but we'll all have to wait the BALCO case is finally closed.

Pedro set for comeback with Mets, labors in rehab stints

Good news is presented in the near future for the New York Mets. With a quality brand of star players on the roster they expect to welcome back one more dearly missed performer. Pedro Martinez is pitching in a rehab stint this week and is expected to rejoin the team soon. Right in the middle of the playoff race the Mets gets so lucky. The 35-year-old pitcher had his rotator cuff repaired in October. He's been determined to make a return all season after sitting all of 2006.

His spot in the rotation if he's healthy enough to pitch by September will make the Mets a formidable contender, giving them another sharp veteran right-hander. They're already a tough team to beat now just wait until Pedro gets back! I don't envy any NL teams in the East like the Braves. It's going to another tight race for the NL wildcard again. I don't see Atlanta winning the pennant for the second straight year. Their addition of Mark Teixeira will help, but won't put them over the edge.

Martinez will make a rehab start on Wednesday and the franchise will see how things go. The 3-time Cy Young winner isn't going to give up hope on his late season emergence. The Mets feel that whatever they can get out of him on the mound will be beneficial. I'd like to see appear in the playoffs, rather it would be okay by me (since I'm a Cubs fan) if was unable to start any games in a possible Cubs vs. Mets NL championship series. Until then we'll see what happens.

Gagne expected to give Red Sox boost in bullpen

After watching his teammate, Mark Teixeira find a new home in Atlanta then crack a 3-run homer last night to lead the Braves to victory, former Ranger Eric Gagne is looking toward good things with his new team in Boston. There is always that tight competitive nature between the Bo Sox and Yankees, especially now waning into the final 2 months of the regular season. The veteran closer makes a good fit in Boston as his talent was being wasted with the Rangers. They have little chance of clinching the wild card.

The Red Sox rotation now has a complimentary reliever to be added to the list of players like Josh Beckett, Curt Schilling, Tim Wakefield, and Dice K. It was a smart move by Gagne to waive his no-trade clause and get the heck out of dodge. Plus Jonathan Papelbon could see more action from middle relief and a valuable setup man for the closer. The AL East leaders have won 7 of their last 10 games and currently hold a 7-game lead over the Yankees.

Much like Mark Teixeira the notable hurler known for his saves record while a Dodger finds himself in a position to find a pennant and make a run in the postseason. The offense looks better on paper for the Red Sox and by the numbers is more productive than the Braves' lineup. Everyone in the race in both leagues wants an edge and Eric Gagne can be the x-factor for Boston. I expect them to finish first in the AL East. Their real competition will be the Angels, Tigers, and Indians.

Gwynn, Ripken make impression as new Hall inductees

Congratulations to now Hall of Famers, Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. These two class acts were bound for the Hall. They left their mark on the game, playing with grace and intelligence. Many baseball Greats were on hand in Cooperstown this week to be apart of the ceremony. Such names as Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, Bruce Sutter, Dave Winfield, Fergie Jenkins, and many others. The Orioles prime time third baseman was honored and noted for his 3,000 hits and most consecutive games played record.

Former Padres All-Star, Tony Gwynn talked about his relationships with Ozzie Smith and Ted Williams. He claimed whenever he made the All-Star team he wanted his locker to be next to the Wizard's because the shortstop always like to have fun and laugh. Gwynn felt it was best not to take records or special baseball events too seriously and just concentrate on playing smart baseball. Ted Williams taught the younger Gwynn the art of hitting in the clutch or for a high average.

During one memorable chat when the Padres Great met Williams he asked him where his bat was and then proceeded to gnaw on it as a joke. Both stars, Gwynn for the NL and Ripken from the AL are deserving players whose names and jerseys belong in the Halls of Cooperstown. The next cast for 2008 may not be so promising as critics and fans are so sure guys like Mark McGwire and Andre Dawson will receive enough votes. One thing is for certain now, the Hall has added two memorable Greats to the list!

Teixeira on the trading block, who's next?

The Texas Rangers are unhappy with their performance this season. Who could blame them. They've got a power-driven lineup yet a decent starting rotation. One name which has swirled around in trade rumors is Mark Teixeira. The star third baseman is having an off-year compared to his previous 2 seasons with the organization. Texas is searching for solutions to salvage somewhat of a disappointing spring and summer. Sammy Sosa's name had been tossed around.

After launching his 600th career homerun against his former team, Sosa hasn't received much attention. Trading power and star value for better pitching seemed to be the route Texas is pursuing. At 46-56 the Rangers are dead last in the AL West trailing their division rivals by 13 games. They actually still have a chance to make a late run and at least grab the wild card. On the other hand that's easier said than done.

Teixeira is expected to head to the East Coast, preferably somewhere such as Atlanta. Personally I'd rather see him stay on the West coast since I'm a Cubs fan. He though could really have an impact on a team like the Giants, who have struggled most of the year. I don't think that deal will happen. I'd be happy if the switch-hitting slugger landed in Seattle! You never know with these crazy trade talks right before the deadline.

NBA referee Tim Donahey's ultimate career mistake

Why can't sports professionals (and those who claim to be) just enjoy playing, refereeing, and coaching the game? It's evident the NBA has it's share of problems these days with immoral decision making by players, owners, and now at the latest...refs. NBA ref Tim Donahey had to jump into the gambling pool. Who says refs don't fix games anymore? The dark days of the NBA continue as guys like this want to screw up the fun and excitement for everyone.

I don't know the whole story on this Donahey character, but what bothers me is that guys like him are slowly deteriorating the game of basketball because of their greed. Some of the NBA finest players are also included in this category. It's funny how the schemers and gamblers are so shocked when they get caught. They look all sad and worried. Taking such high risks with your career is ignorant especially if it's a sports career. What straight man on earth wouldn't enjoy having such a job position?

David Stern is supposed to be handling this matter with swift and fair penalties. It's time for him to assert more authority and be his foot down on corruption and trouble making before he becomes too short to be seen standing with a microphone at a podium (At press conferences he may even get lost in the shuffle). Too many active members in the league are getting away with too much crap. The illegal activities need to be contained to a certain extent.

Otherwise players and coaches will continue to be at each other's throats, firearms will be brought to stadiums, fights will occur on and off the court, and secret drug distribution networks will still flourish. Refs such as Tim Donahey ought to be ashamed of themselves and take pride in their work. Besides they may want to keep fans on their good side especially after they made a bunch of blind-sided lame ass calls to screw a team out of a close game. Yeah, Donahey you better watch your back!

It's down to 2 dingers: Bonds eyes tying Aaron's record

Usually I wouldn't waste time delving back into the Barry Bonds homerun pursuit. From a historical perspective, however it's worth discussing. See both sluggers have shown how generations have changed drastically. When Hammering Hank set the old record by passing Babe Ruth two eager fans rushed the field and rounded the bases only to be chased down and escorted off the field. Avid fans today will flock on the field when Barry hits that historic mark only they will be searching his back pockets for supplements and syringes.

Of course Barry Bonds has to get close to this major, highly anticipated and discussed record against my favorite team the Chicago Cubs. Why can't he do this against the Rockies, Brewers, or the D-backs? It doesn't effect them as much. Right when the Cubs are hot the Giants had to come in to town with the souped up, bald, big-headed Bonds. Really I don't have anything against the future Hall of Famer....he just seems to rub opposing fans the wrong way sometimes, okay all the time.

Hank Aaron looks to live to see the day his homerun record will be shattered. I don't thinks he really cares that much anymore after all the attention it's got. The fact that he's still alive and well, able to walk is his main concern (God knows the man isn't getting any younger). Then again the day Barry launches that magical homerun ball Hank will watching in the stands, pretends to be smiling and then utter, "That rotten SOB!"

Griffey Jr. jumps ahead of Frank Robinson on homerun list

With career homer no. 587 last night Ken Griffey Jr. moved into 6th place passing Frank Robinson on the all-time homerun list. Going 4-for-4 with an RBI to help the Reds defeat Atlanta 10-3. Griffey hit his 24th homerun of the season. He's only 15 homers behind Sammy Sosa for his career. What a sensational year the All-Star centerfielder is having! The kid is back!

Before the end of the season he will have over 600 homeruns. There is no doubt in my mind that the superstar slugger will eventually be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Everyone wonders what if for all those years he was injured...well he's still putting up impressive totals despite the number of games he's played. He's just in his mid-30s and looks to have several more seasons left in him.

I'm glad to see extra attention being placed on Griffey instead of all on Bonds because credit and recognition should be given where it's due. The Reds may stink this year, but it's not because of him. Ken is way on his way to more milestones in his career.

Rickey Henderson returns to MLB as Mets 1B coach

Former Major Leaguer Rickey Henderson is making a return to the Big Leagues...not as an active player, but as the Mets first base coach. This definitely a plus for the New York club loaded with star power and clutch hitters. The 48-year-old holds the Major League record for stolen bases (1406) and will be an excellent baseball adviser to the young talent on the team. His expertise knowledge on the base paths will pay dividends. I can't believe other teams didn't pick him up sooner as either an assistant coach or hitting coach.

It's for certain the Mets can learn patience from the wise star veteran of the past as he accumulated 2200 walks in his career. Don't forget about his ability to hit as well. He had over 120 hits in 13 seasons. That pretty darn good in any era of the game! A few years ago Henderson try to make a comeback with the Dodgers, working through the minor league system in hopes of gaining a spot on the roster. It was cut short as conditioning, health, and age played a big part in his departure.

I know if Rickey had it his way he'd suit up to play, starting sometimes and coming off the bench to fuel rallies late in games. If this happened the Mets would have two active guys available in their mid-to-late 40's. The lineup, however which consists of such names as Shawn Green, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, and David Wright will gain valuable insight on hitting and playing smart baseball with Henderson around. If the Mets get hot look out Atlanta because they might grab the division for their second straight year.

The ESPYs: A night of boasting with celebs getting in their 2-cents worth

The annual ESPYs awards are due up this month and as usual the hype of this show is nonstop airing on ESPN. Yeah, Lebron James will be there so will Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning, Charles Barkley, Magic Johnson, and a cast of other big name stars. I have to wonder how talk show hosts like Jimmy Kimmel however need to be presence. Sure he's a sports fan (nothing wrong with that), but is it necessary to have him start the show again? I'd personally rather see Michael Jordan or a baseball legend host.

For the most part this show just rags on famous sports players by celebrities who are jealous of them or try to make a name for themselves on national television. Such entertainment can't be complete without doing a few dress-up skits where singled-out athletes are poked fun of without going so far as getting slapped with a lawsuit. I can only imagine Barry Bonds showing up to this live event, decked out in a lavish three-piece suit and as he walks to the stage a bag of white substance falls out of his suit's pocket then a few moments later a syringe.

What a way to kill a show in an instance. Trust me after that there will be a loss for words and no one will be lining to shake the San Francisco's slugger hand. Yet fun will be had by all during the ESPYs and the fans will vote for their favorites. One thing will help the show: if any of the Dominican baseball players win an award they need to keep short and sweet. Otherwise the audience won't know what they hell they're talking about. Best luck to the top athletes in all sports!

Even an old, rich grouch deserves a special day

Well, happy 4th of July everyone. It's a time to celebrate independence for Americans while for others it's a special day to enjoy. Happy Birthday George Steinbreiner! Just another typical day for the Yankees owner except he may splurge a extra bit more other than the usual billions he spends on team payroll. Don't tell me A-Rod or Derek Jeter didn't buy 'Ole George (bag of bones) a lavish gift, perhaps a yacht, private jet, or who knows his own sleazy strip club!

Oh, that's right George probably already holds ownership in those commodities. While others will be setting off fireworks and grilling out today the baseball-minded senior citizen will be blowing up rows of candles on a huge birthday cake which reads, "You might be about to kick the bucket, but you're still rich as hell."

Joe Torre will not forget to express well wishes and greetings (while nonchalantly thanking the Yanks owner for not firing his ass during the Yankees shameful losing drought earlier this season). I guess for those trying to work their way up the ladder in the Yankees organization this is the best day to be 'kissing some ass' (wrinkling, sagging ass I might add). The interns at Yankee Stadium can have bright futures if they play their cards right. Old George don't spend too much on hookers...I mean players and enjoy your special day.

MLB 2007: The year of the no-hitter?

Already baseball fans have witnessed at least 1 no-hitter this season. The Tigers' Justin Verlander has already achieved this feat a few weeks ago. The 20-something rising star pitcher has a bright future in Detroit. In other close instances, Curt Schilling came within 1 out of tossing a no-hitter while Minnesota's Johan Santana went 7 innings in one start before giving up a base hit.

It's becoming more of a rarity for pitchers to throw perfect games and no-hitters. They're got so much more pressure and attention on them rather than sluggers shooting for the hit cycle or 3 homers in a game. I think no-hitters are tougher to achieve than teams who go on 15-20 game win streaks because only one player (for the most part) has control of the turn of the events in a game.

One star pitcher in particular that could very well be off a near perfect performance is Ben Sheets. He can be so dominating in starts that opponents don't have much a chance at the plate. The same goes for Carlos Zambrano, Dontrelle Willis, and Roy Halladay. These guys are more than capable of shutouts and put goose eggs across the scoreboard. I anticipate another no-hitter (possibly perfect game) before the season ends. It could turn out to be an unlikely lesser known player too.

Homerun chases and record breakers are always welcomed in MLB

With the recent publicity and attention placed on Sammy Sosa's career mark of 600 homeruns MLB doesn't seem to care much about making good on promises to carry out investigations. Every fan of the game knows baseball is popular than ever this time of year and MLB is making a killing off tickets, souvenirs at ballparks, and food vendors. The sports analysts and guru on TV keep referring to Barry Bonds' pursuit of Hank Aaron's homerun record. Yeah, we all know how close he is and with a flick of the wrist a long ball can be golfed into the upper deck.

The problem remains that superstars like Bonds and Sosa continue to ride the wave of high prestige and notority, but both have unanswered questions lying in their pasts. I used to be a big Sosa fan and I still kind of like the guy in a way, but he among others (McGwire, Giambi, etc.) need to set the record straight and be open with the public and media. Fans will truly respect him in the long after his career is over. For example, the reception Ken Griffey Jr. received when returning to Seattle was amazing. He's definitely earned the fans' respect. All great Major Leaguers need to do the same.

Ken Griffey Jr. and Sammy Sosa, fast approaching career milestones

Baseball has been good to both Sammy Sosa and Ken Griffey Jr. Sure neither veteran owns a World Series ring yet they will be able to boast when the reach 600 career homeruns. They will move up the all-time list past legends such as Mickey Mantle, Mike Schmidt, and Lou Gehrig. They're both have kind a season. Sosa returned to his old team, the Texas Rangers who were one of the few teams willing to take a chance on him the off season.

At the moment the Reds and Rangers are scuffling a bit in their respective divisions. By the All-Star break both teams will be lucky to be close to .500 or make a small dent in the standings. Ken Griffey Jr. is also nearing another career mark as the only player ever to hit all homers in all MLB ballparks.

Rumors claim the Reds are completing trading Griffey to gain more sharp pitching in the rotation. Although they need the pitching I don't think it would be a wise move. His presence alone in the lineup is a big advantage for the club. Who knows what records or highlights Griffey and Sosa will attain at the season's end?

Cavs give valigant effort in Finals, Spurs too strong to handle

What a disappointing season ending for the Cleveland Cavaliers! They gave the Spurs everything they had, but it was San Antonio veteran depth and power which propeled to a 4-0 series sweep. They captured their 4th NBA title since 1995. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker played a big part in their success. Give credit was it is due to Lebron James and the Cavs. They fought and scraped for loose balls and play real good D. Unfortunately, their Western conference opponents outscored them and had a faster lineup which got to the hoop often and executed plays.

I thought Cleveland would win at least 2 games in the Finals. Game 2 and 3 was theirs for the taking. They were unable to knock down shots late which sealed their fate. Lebron James in Gam4 last night had a good game with 25 points, 6 assists, and 8 rebounds. The rest of the team accounted for 57 points. Rookie Daniel Gibson and center Zydrunas Ilgauskas didn't have big games or score enough to give the Cavs any kind of edge.

Larry Hughes was hurt so of course he was non-factor. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker both had 20-plus points a piece. The Spurs' defense during crunch time made the difference. Still Cleveland had a great year! Better luck next season Cavs.

Cavaliers face elimination, last game this season for Lebron?

The Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves in a deep hole, down 3-0 in the Finals against the Spurs. Game 2 and 3 really could've gone either way. Unfortunately, for Cleveland shots late in the games didn't fall and too much focus on put on Lebron James. His teammates always expect him to make big plays in the clutch, but when he's double and triple-teamed what can he possible do besides try to find the open man? In the Detroit series this team played off a lot of energy from the crowd and stifled their opponents with hard-nosed defense.

I don't remember if any NBA team in history has ever came back when trailing 3-0 and the way Tim Duncan and Tony Parker are playing the Cavs will lucky if they can keep the duo under 40 points tonight at Quicken Loans Arena. Big Z and Daniel Gibson's scoring efforts are necessary if the Cavs are to win today. Sure Lebron could drop 50, but that may not be enough to prevail over San Antonio. It was a low scoring affair in Game 3. I expect another similar game tonight.
It's been a great year for the Cavs franchise despite the eventual outcome of the Finals.

BALCO investigation allegely nearing a close...well it's about time!

After a couple years filled with off and on interrogations which allowed MLB to still showcase some of today's brightest star players word is going around that the steroid investigation is on the verge of being wrapped up. How could this be with the never ending wishy-washy alibis and lame excuses for cases involving performance enhancing drugs? Jason Giambi has already felt pressure as he admitted to doing something wrong yet didn't make it clear what he did. Cheating will always exist in sports so why don't these buffon players just clear the air and tell the truth for once. They're so worried about their precious careers being in jeopardy like it really matters when they're in the mid-to-late 30s.

All eyes are on Barry Bonds, more so because he's less than 10 homeruns away from breaking Hank Aaron's all-time homerun record. This year the veteran Giants slugger is having trouble playing in the outfield. His weight gain obviously has effected his speed in trying to chase down fly balls and jump due to back soreness. Well, I think Barry was right when he claimed to a grand jury that his trainer supplied him with arthritis balm (for all I know he could have used to it rub all over his ass). The notion of Bonds having little or no feeling is in hands or lower extremities is believable, but I can't see investigators overlooking how illegal drugs came into the picture.

If Bonds is found to be guilty on two counts, which includes perjury when he testified in court then the homerun record celebration may be short-lived. I can't believe how long this steroids case has dragged on without concrete evidence being presented. The government needs to end the whole thing soon because MLB already has enough issues with pitchers beaning batters, teammates fighting in clubhouses, lack of sportsmanship, and mascots being thrown into the mix. I don't see how the integrity of the game will be intact if and when these probed athletes are found guilty especially after the fact records are broken. Bud Selig will still sit back and reap billions of dollars.

Too many critics too soon ruling out Cavs

Just because the Cleveland Cavaliers lost the Game 1 of the Finals everyone is automatically assuming the Spurs have another NBA title in the bag. Oh come on! Give the this young team some credit here. They just won 4 straight against the veteran experienced-savvy Detroit Pistons, who are former Eastern conference champs. All this pressure is on Lebron James as skeptics believe it will take a miracle for his team to succeed. That's bologna because it was obvious in the previous playoff series it was indeed a team effort. Daniel Gibson's 31 points in Game 6 against Detroit is true indicator of that.

Scoring 50-point every game is unlikely for any superstar player (Michael Jordan couldn't even pull such scoring performances off all the time). People tend to forget King James is not only a great scorer, but a unrated passer with excellent court vision while adding speed and size to draw double teams, allowing for opportunities for the open man. His ability to drive to the basket often, draw contact either scoring or kicking it to a teammate will be his most valuable asset in the Finals. Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili will no doubt make their share of spectacular plays, but none of them can't deny Lebron of impeccable timing of clutch moves late in games.

I know for the majority most basketball fans look at the Spurs' depth, scoring weapons, and experience as see these factors as unbreakable barriers for Cleveland. How can Lebron and company match up with such an overpowering team? Well, it sure helps to have a former Spurs coaching assistant on the sidelines. Mike Brown knows the ins and outs of the San Antonio game plans and their strategies. He could be a bigger key figure for the Cavs than Lebron! Who knows what the series will look like after the 2 games in Cleveland. For one thing is for sure, King James will be put on a show and make history in the 2007 NBA Finals. Make the critics eat their words, go Cavs!!

MLB managers' sheningans and tirades

The baseball world was hit with a flurry of manager outbursts, all leading to ejections. Forget about the game, these unexpected tirades are just what baseball needed to drive up the entertainment value. When fans watch their favorite teams struggle and go hitless or get slaughtered at least they can rest assure that their beloved team managers will fight for what's right. If that means sprinting on the field, kicking dirt on umpires, tossing hats and bases while furiously stomping up and down the field and yelling obscenities to get their point across then so be it.

I can't get enough of the footage from the Braves minor league team in Mississippi (AA) where the coach just lost it...and everyone thinks MLB has problems! Sports in general seem like they're getting out of control. Sportsmanship has gone out the window. Just wait until the mascots start getting involved in these fiascoes. Hats, bats, and head pieces will really start flying then. That's when the DL will not only be reserved for players.

This past weekend in MLB was awful for fines and suspensions. The following managers got ejected: Cubs- Lou Piniella, Yankees- Joe Torre, Tigers- Jim Leyland, Indians- Grady Little and Reds- Jerry Narron. The minor league coach for the Braves made all the pro managers' acts look like nothing. I think the players got a kick of seeing this type of hot-blooded emotion as footage shows them smiling and laughing. I don't know if more of these outbursts are in store for the season, but it sure can make a night at the ball park entertaining instead of watching a scuffling team.