As if buying the Cubs isn't enough Cuban now wants Kobe too.

I'm not sure exactly what goes through an owner's mind. They explore possibilities and offers extended their way, but sometimes the money truly goes to their head. Reports show that Mavs' owner, Mark Cuban is interested in a possible trade to acquire Kobe Byrant. The passionate sports nut keeps dreaming up their outlandish proposals. He's planned already to put a bid on the Cubs franchise (odds are dead set against him). Why does he believe he can pull a deal for Byrant when there is no clear indication the superstar will be leaving the Lakers?

The Mavericks have experience great seasons in the past 5 years yet it has to suck getting knocked off by the Golden State Warriors in the first round in the 2006-07 NBA playoffs. Former Dallas coach, Don Nelson really stuck it to Cuban in that series! Anyway, I don't see Mark Cuban as a man of power in the NBA. He doesn't have any pull in the league. All anyone sees him doing is running around the sidelines, squawking at the refs and serving as a distraction. Sure he's a passionate and energetic fan, but what does that amount to when it comes time to get down to brass tax and wheel and deal?

Kobe may not even wish to play for the Mavs. I don't see Dirk, Howard, or him co-existing when it comes to scoring chances and getting enough touches. That would definitely cause friction. If the elite superstar just moved over to San Fran and joined the Warriors he might get to play for a championship contender. I know that would piss Cuban off. Then when the playoffs rolled around again history would repeat itself with the Mavericks owner left with a sour taste in his mouth.

Rockies a win away from heading to the World Series

What a remarkable season it's been for the wildcard-clinching Colorado Rockies. No one expected them to be in NL West race or clinch the playoffs. Now they're only a win away from the World Series. Up 3-0 they're putting all the pressure on the Diamondbacks, who now who what it feels like to be a hole. No NL team in history has came back down 3-0 in the League Championship series. Last night the hero for Colorado, playing the cold rain was Yorvit Torrealba. His 3-run homer in the 6th broke the 1-1 tie and was the difference in the game. Matt Holiday is a big part of the Rockies run in the playoffs and the regular season.

I'm amazed at the Rockies hot streak. They're 20-1 counting the last few weeks of the regular season and the playoffs. I don't remember the last time any MLB team pulled off such a feat. Not to be denied the Rockies are on a mission for to capture their first World Series title. They remind of the 2004 Red Sox team except they don't have the veteran talent that team possessed. If they end up playing Boston in the World Series it's going to be record-breaking, but it will most definitely be an uphill battle.

Tonight Game 4 gets underway as Arizona starts Micah Owings against the Rock's Franklin Morales, two virtually unknowns duking it out in a huge deciding contest. I'm pushing for the Rockies because they deserve a shot in the World Series. If Todd Helton and Matt Holiday along with the rest of the lineup can get the Rockies on the scoreboard early they have a great chance at getting the sweep. From there the underdogs can rest and wait to see who their opponent will be in the World Series. Give 'em hell Rockies!!

Knicks make investment in Zach Randolph, still pray for miracle in 2008

Certainly basketball fans aren't much concerned about what the New York Knicks are doing this off-season (unless you actively root for the team). All the controversy and attention surrounding Isiah Thomas hasn't lowered the negative spotlight on the franchise, he's only intensified it. With hope in their corner the Knicks acquired forward Zach Randolph from the Portland Trailblazers. This must be a relief for the star forward who's gone from one struggling team out west to another with too much turmoil existence before the 07-08 seasons has even started.

I can't fault Knicks management for wanted to improve and continue to rebuild the franchise, but another scorer is just one piece to the puzzle. Basketball spectators in Madison Square Garden witnessed first hand why this team slided and collapsed throughout last season: defense. Trying outscore each opponent without good defense is impossible. Gone are the days where Charles Oakley, Anthony Mason, and Patrick Ewing roamed the court as revered fierce defenders. The youth movement has to take affect and learn how to create turnovers and be active on the glass.

Stephon Marbury if he's still on the team will be the team leader. He has a quick handle on the ball and has become a better defender. Steve Francis and him make a nice one-two guard punch. They can utilize their speed, agility, and experience to help the Knicks win. I still don't see them making the playoffs unless they pull several more quality off-season acquisitions. Jamal Crawford has shown a lot of promise and ought to be a pick me up for the team. Finding another reputable coach with a successful track record will be a big plus too.

Mark Cuban believes he bleeds Cubbie blue

This whole baseball season and playoff experience had proved to be a real sham for me. That's right I'm a Cubs fan. The horrors on the baseball field I've witnessed are etched into my brain. All I've heard about off and on this year is that the Chicago Tribune announced during the season they were going to sell the Cubs franchise and chose to depart ways...the easy way out. Obviously, the nationally acclaimed company didn't want to commit anymore. All of a sudden now everyone is pulling for Mark Cuban to buy out the team. That's fine, but for the time being as fans let's allow some other names to surface who also may be interested in ownership.

Before I go into the Cuban story I have to share my take on the Chicago franchise's history and what I've seen in my 15 years as a Cubs fan. First of all, getting swept by the no-name yet talented D-backs in the playoffs sucked big time and never should've happened. The players better be hard on themselves for letting this golden opportunity slip away and once again disappointing the faithful bleacher bums through their dismal performances. They did try and that does count for something I guess, however it looked like none of the players were on the same page for most of the year. The highs and lows were there too with the adversity rising with each game. The power hitters just didn't produce when needed.

What is so stupefying is the past years I've followed this year and the numerous chances they've squandered to win a championship. 2003 was one of the worst to watch. Everything was working in the Cubs favor until that dreaded Game 5 of the NLCS. Being 5 outs from going to the World Series was mind blowing when they let the Marlins storm back to win 3 straight and close out that series. The notorious Bartman didn't cost them the series they simply shutdown and failed to execute. Everything became too much of a mental game for the Cubs. In 1999 against the Braves in the division series it wasn't quite as bad, but it ended with the same outcome. Back in 1989 the Giants got the best of the Cubs and took control of the NLCS. Will Clark's long ball sealed it. Ryno and Mark Grace deserved to win a World Series title with Chicago, but never did because of failed chances by the entire team.

I'm glad another sports owner is interested in buying the franchise. I realize Mark Cuban is passionate and an energetic guy, standing behind his Mavericks no matter what. For some reason I don't see him as the best match to represent this baseball club. Sure he's experienced and a die-heart fan, but will he look out for this struggling franchise's best interests? He comes off as arrogant and superior sometimes to me and I think that rubs people the wrong way...of course that may be just how I see him. If he does become the new owner at least he'll be active (making deals, running around the stadium, cheering, etc.).

The problem I see the Cubs encountering with Cuban is him trying to make up for loss times by signing popular players to outrageous contracts, thinking this will be the solution to long standing offensive droughts. For him make the Cubs a success he will have to find a way to get a group of talented players to be in sync and have great chemistry together on the field. Otherwise fans will have to bear more of the same horrific, desolate seasons. There is a reason why teams like the RedSox have elevated their game to new highs. It's because they know how to perform in the clutch as a group and conquer success!

The Cubs are the longest standing club without a World Series title, now moving toward a century mark!! This ought to bother both fans and player as well as the owner and GM instead of shrugging it off as if it's no big deal. Mark Cuban will be expected to make great strides and do something to motivate this franchise to win a championship. How he plans on pulling this feat off I don't know if he becomes an owner. One thing is for sure, the legendary organization can't ignore history.

Ortiz, Ramirez guide Red Sox to ALCS

It's been a fun week for the Boston RedSox. Their energy and powerful lineup had them open the AL division with a bang. They put the pressure on the Angels and gave them no breathing room. David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez delivered with big homeruns in Game 3 to put them ahead and powered Boston to a sweep. Curt Schilling was a big part of the deciding win yesterday as well. He pitched 7 quality innings and finished with 4 strikeouts in the 9-1 victory. There was no offensive shortages for the Red Sox as they swung hard and scored early in the series they seemed to have wrapped around their fingers.

With a 3-game sweep of the worn down Angels the Red Sox have a few days to rest before meeting their upcoming opponents. It looks like the Indians will meet them in the league championship series. The Yankees prolonged the series with a win yesterday, but trail 2-1. Anything is possible, but I don't see the Evil Empire winning three straight games. Travis Hafner, Grady Sizemore, and Victor Martinez lead the way for Cleveland and look to continue to do further offensive damage. Congrads to the Red Sox of reaching the ALCS! An Indians vs. Red Sox clash to reach the World Series will be an enthralling matchup.

Rockies on natural high heading into first round playoff series

So it turns out the Colorado Rockies were the hottest team in baseball in the final two weeks of the season, posting a 14-1 mark in the final 15 games. Who would thought the Rockies would have took the NL by storm and finished with a 90-73 record overall. This gutsy young team beat out the Mets, Padres, and Braves for the wildcard. This is a historic year for the franchise, marking their first ever postseason appearance. Also, this is the first time the Rockies, Phillies, and Cubs all clinched the playoffs together.

I know one guy who's happy and finally relieved. That's Todd Helton, the corner stone of the franchise. He's been with the club since 1995. Long has the veteran gold glove-winning first baseman waited for this day. He's followed by a talented group of teammates which include the slugging Matt Holiday (up for MVP honors), lead-off hitter Kaz Matsui, starting pitcher Jeff Francis, and rising star Garrett Atkins. What's surprising about this team is there ranked 2nd in runs scored in the NL, and won several 1-run games.

Philadelphia would be welcoming ground for these Rockies. They'll have to depend more on their starters and bullpen to survive the series. Cole Hamels (15-5) makes the start in Game 1 vs. the Rockies Jeff Francis (17-5). Jimmy Rollins and homerun hitting Ryan Howard are the main keys to the Phillies' offense. Second baseman Chase Utley has known to be a run producing igniter as well. For Colorado, Todd Helton needs to step up and deliver in the clutch with his teammates helping to build early leads for their starter pitchers. The division series is shaped up to be a classic confrontation. Good luck to both teams!

MLB Playoff Matchups

The baseball playoffs are only a day away with great matchups in store for the fans. In the AL Boston takes on Anaheim. This series showcases a good cast of power hitters and plenty of dynamic, young pitching. David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez carry the torch for the Red Sox, leading the hit parade while the Angels represent the West featuring Vladmir Guerrero, Garret Anderson, and former Red Sox player Orlando Cabrera. There will also be good pitcher matchups in the series, John Lackey vs. Josh Beckett, Jered Weaver vs. Dice K, probably Curt Schilling vs. Kelvin Escobar.

In the other AL series the Yankees will face the Indians. This 2007 Cleveland team took the league by storm and ran up a comfortable lead in the division. They're got a talented group of young players such as C. C. Sabathia, Travis Hafner, and Casey Blake. The energetic club must contend with a yet again powerhouse Yankees club which rode a high wave towards the end of the season. A-Rod is sure to drill a couple shots into the bleachers and be the top run producer. Mariano Riveria is a reliable closer, but is shown to be shaky at times this year. Look for the Tribe to wear out the Yankees' bullpen. They'll have to string together every bit of offense they can muster in key situations.

Over in the NL it's set that the Cubs will meet the Diamondbacks starting Wednesday in Arizona. This series could get away from either team if momentum stirs solely in one direction and guys get hot. Alfonso Soriano is on a tear, smashing 14 homeruns in September. Zambrano and Lilly are the key guys in the rotation and are expected to give the Cubs leverage to gain a series lead. Brandon Webb will pitch in Game 1 vs. Zambrano as will rely on his young, versatile lineup to find way to manufacture runs. It's going to be an exciting series.

The Phillies clinched the NL East title and await their opponent as the Rockies and Padres duel it out today in a wildcard tie-breaker (I hope Colorado wins...they have waited a long time for this chance). Baseball fans check out news and notes at Phillies Insider.com. Ryan Howard will leave his mark on the series in some fashion with a veteran rotation laying in the balance. The 2007 playoffs feature new teams yet familiar faces, ready to fulfill their dreams of capturing a World Series title.

NL East race: Phillies, Mets in a deadlock tie

The Phillies are ever so close to a playoff birth that they can taste it. With their 6-4 win over the Braves Thursday night forced them into a tie for first place with the Mets. Ryan Howard cranked his 44th homer off John Smoltz in the lst inning. I know Philly has waited so long for a postseason for this baseball franchise. This very well could be the year. With New York on a slide they better take full advantage and take sole possession of first place. I picked them to actually nab the wildcard, but being in the driving seat with 3 games left to play they have an excellent shot at the pennant.

For a while it looked like Atlanta was going to surge back with momentum to clinch a playoff spot, but they're 4 games back and out of contention. It's now a battle between the Mets and Phils. It sure helped last night that Philly got to John Smoltz early, tallying 4 runs off him. Pat Burrell's 2-run single made an impact too. To finish out the season the Phillies will play the Nationals at home. They is a favorable series finale which should go the Phillies' way. I'm pulling for them to capture the NL East title.

Operation Raw Deal: largest illegal drug bust in U.S. history

Well, it really comes as no surprise right as the baseball season is nearing the playoffs another huge steroids scandals floods the news. This time wide sources of information are revealed about illegal underground locations harboring hundreds of thousands of anabolic steroids and other illegal drugs. Most of the supplies were found in the U.S. with most leads coming from DEA offices in New York and California. This whole distribution network through stemmed from various other European countries as well as Canada, Mexico, and China.

Several well-known athlete names are linked with the U.S. investigation which covers the following sports: baseball, football, boxing, and wrestling. Why are athletes so determined to use illegal performance enhancing drugs when so many others have been caught in recent years? The pictures shown in this yahoo article are astounding as the volume of drugs confiscated and found on site! They're actually large trash and storage containers filled to the top.

The baseball players involved in the scandal who may get into the playoffs will be under nothing but scrutiny and will only create a black cloud to form over their team and hurt their chances of succeeding. Too much negative light are on baseball players' now for using steroids and it's getting worse for all sports as it extends further into football and wrestling. Minor league baseball players haven't learned a lesson from their media outbursts and the mistakes and consequences of their peers. I can only imagine the number of arrests which have yet to be made in the putrid international drug crackdown.

Jason Giambi better hope his name doesn't resurface and enjoys these fun days as a Yankee (why has baseball not suspended him for the rest of the season anyway?) Inspecting this guy's locker would be a good idea; a collection of stingers, flippies, human growth hormones, horse pills, syringes, and unprescribed pain killers may be packed in a hidden compartment. Get on it pronto MLB!

Rehabbed MLB player and movie character, Roy Hobbs Comparison

Those who have followed compelling sports cinema or actor Robert Redford's career will remember the movie, The Natural. I know baseball analysts absorbed into Major League players and pennant races like to share their personal opinions. Fans as well as the baseball community know former Cardinals pitcher Rick Ankiel has rehabbed, after being away from the game a few years and returned to the team this year only as a hitter in the lineup. So does that qualify him to be a exact duplication of the Roy Hobb's character in The Natural? I think a similarity is apparent, but that doesn't mean the two were the exact same as examined by ESPN writer Jim Caple.

Mr. Caple goes into detail about Hobbs being a womanizer (a male whore if you will) and how he didn't think twice about dropping his pants and leaving women in the dust after impregnating them. I don't know about ball players today, but a good percentage of men over time have been pulling this dirty business off for years! Bringing Rick Ankiel into the picture doesn't give him a good self-image by comparison. How does anyone know besides family and friends that he's a slime ball who's gets off knocking up random female admirers from town to town? Judgment ought to be reserved until facts are presented (Wouldn't say this about Barry Bonds and steroids use...just don't like the guy).

I happened to enjoy the baseball movie classic (if it wasn't deemed such the movie wouldn't be on reruns on the AMC channel, think about it). Sure Hobbs was an older player returning to the game after a long layoff with a shaky, questionable past involving being wounded by gun bullets to the ribs. Ankiel is much younger. To me I'm not sure why Hobbs wanted to meet with his old flame played by Glen Close because has anyone seen the actress on TV lately...sure resembles a man to me and looking a little rough under the edges...only kidding (still can't understand why her parents named her GLEN). As far as the comment about Roy Hobbs' miraculous hitting ability, once cranking 4 homeruns in a game even contemplating the guy used performance-enhancing drugs is downright unflattering. Remember this was a fictional story with fake names! Being singled-out as a heroin addict with torrents syndrome would have been fair game here.

He could have scaled a 20-foot wall to a make a leaping catch, got attacked by an aggressive pelican then hit a game-winning homer, or not even bothered to take a shower before having a sick 3-some back in the clubhouse with Pop still in the middle of a mid-life crisis. The judge, who owned part of the New York Knights as portrayed in the movie could have very easily just fired his ass after ripping up his contract for any reason especially after refusing to agree to throw a playoff game. Yeah, Hobbs was also involved in the whole gambling scene too so that must make him a horrible person, huh? He had came out of a semi-pro league as I recall and needed the money. It wasn't like the Knights offered him more than a couple hundred bucks a week to pay ball (hey, wait a minute, hell I'd even agree to those terms NOW).

In conclusion, active St. Louis Cardinals' player Rick Ankiel and Roy Hobbs aren't identical athletes. Even if Ankiel used this substance called the 'cream' how in the world would have the fictional baseball star got his hands on a drug which didn't existed in such an era plus had the syringe procedure done when he spent so much time with his damn Wonder Boy Bat he carved out of wood? Maybe Rick has gambled once or twice in his career, no proof on baseball games though. Lightning bolts sure don't strike either when he goes yard. Him daring the bat boy to drink a gallon of milk in 2 minutes for $10 yet isn't out of the question. If there is one thing I'll agree which both players are capable of doing is picking a fight with the team mascot for jumping in the line of a fair ball which cost them the game. Now that would be classic entertainment whether real or fictional.

Two basketball icons head into Hall of Fame

The FIBA Hall of Fame welcomed former UNC coach Dean Smith and Celtics Great Bill Russell into their elite group this week. It was a grand honor for two historic, notable central figures who were apart of basketball dynasties. Why the pair hadn't been inducted already was beyond me. They served their teams well during the decades ranging from the 60's to 80's. Bill Russell thanked all of his teammates from high school up to the pros. His speech of acknowledgment was heart felt.

Coach Smith is one of the all-time best college coaches, being in the top 3 in most wins. He lead a stellar group of Carolina players which included Michael Jordan, James Worthy, Sam Perkins, Rasheed Wallace, Jerry Stackhouse, Vince Carter, Antawn Jamison, and George Lynch. They'll reach some form of success in the NBA. Smith was also noted for taking the United States to championship to win the gold in the Montreal games in 1976. Russell on the flip side won 11 NBA titles and owned a career average of 22.5 rebounds. He also won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. Olympic teams. Yeah, the two sports legends earned their spot in the Hall and couldn't be more deserving.

No need for hating on A-Rod in New York

The Yankees once again are in a division race. Their performance earlier in the season left much to be desired by fans and the wealthy franchise owner. All the loathing and disfavor with the Yankees third baseman is a thing of the past...or at least it seems that way. A-Rod is red hot, smacking homers in his last 5 games. His total is up to 52 homeruns and counting. Why would any home fan dislike the guy? To add to his long ball output he's driven in 140 RBIs while hitting at a .318 clip. He's help his team reach a 81-62 mark, just 5.5 back of the first place Red Sox.

Old Yankee Stadium is used to having the seats filled with animated sometimes violent signs who are known for self-expression (signs with vulgar language, using obscene gestures, and mailing random death threats, all typical for these die-heart fans). They better appreciate A-Rod and show him respect because most likely he'll be around for while. Like him or not he's one of the best power hitters in the game and actually has the best chance to shatter Barry Bonds' new homerun record. Come on NYC don't be cruel especially come to this fall if Boston knocks you out of the playoffs AGAIN!

Honus Wagner tobacco card sells for over $2 million

Legendary baseball players always garner much attention and are revered as historic, fan favorites. This week Honus Wagner was the talk of the sport card collecting world. His 1909 Tobacco card sold for $2.8 million to a California man! Wow I could only dream of having a tenth of moola. The card as I recall after last checking was valued at $500,000 in mint condition. Most card collectors and investors usually like such sports hobby commodities to be graded and framed. This drives the value way up beyond imaginable standards.

Apparently this same T206 card sold for $2.3 million six months ago. Then it was sold at an SCP auctions later this week. It's crazy what collectors are willing to pay for such gems. I used to be a big hobby collector, but my mindset has changed after seeing the amount of money I've invested in cards with little or no return. Plus to me a specific card is nice to own, but it's really no more than a sentimental piece of history. Don't get me wrong I'd like to own the Honus Wagner tobacco card (actually have a reprint card of it, unfortunately not valuable) or a Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth from early 1900's set.

The rich investors out there flock at opportunities like the one mentioned above. Some have grown up idolizing these baseball players and followed their careers closely. That's a great part of being a fan. With that aside I don't like the gimmicks involved with today's hobby market. Buying wax boxes to find rare cards is a waste of time and money in my opinion. These Hidden Treasures boxes, featuring 50's to 70's cards on the front of players like Mickey Mantle, Joe Dimaggio, Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, and Satchel Paige are a bunch of bull.

You could open a case of this junk and find nothing other than a mixture of mass produced late 80's and early 90's Donruss and Topps cards which nobody wants. Don't forget about Fleer either. They'll make sure to dump in some of their best crap from years collectors want to erase from their memory. Their logo for these new sales promotions might as well be, "Disappointing collectors for over 20 years while simultaneously screwing them over royally." Yeah, these dirty schemes are nothing like the original, rare vintage stuff which will always hold high value.

As a limited collector now my advice to the Donruss and Topps company is this: STOP PRODUCING AND SELLING WORTHLESS PILES OF CRAP WHICH PLUMMET IN VALUE AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF BEING ON THE MARKET! Collectors demand satisfaction. This sports collector has spoken damn it!! Enough is enough with the mass-produced junk so deal with it scallywags!

MLB trades and swirling rumors

Teams in contention are searching for an additional weapon or talent to put themselves over the edge. Talks involving players on the A's claim they are going to be trade in the off-season. Mark Kotsay and Eric Chavez are two names which have been mentioned. They're still pushing for a playoff spot in the West and will have a challenging time winning the pennant or getting the wildcard. The Chicago Cubs picked up veteran pitcher Steve Traschel, who started his career with the club in 1991. This deal was pulled off by Cubs GM Jim Hendry and former owner Andy McPhail. Traschel should be a valuable asset in the Cubs rotation. He's had proven success with the Mets.

Several players' future is uncertain. For instance, the Rockies third baseman Garrett Atkins may have to find a new home after the season ends. Colorado hasn't made it official whether they will renew his contract. He's been a productive force in the young Rockies lineup this year. If the Rockies do the unthinkable and win the division they'll most likely consider keeping the hard-hitting third baseman around. The White Sox's Juan Uribe seeks a contract extension, but may not be picked up for another season at $5 million a year.

A few teams will need to find reliable arms for their bullpens before the regular season ends. Otherwise they'll have to make sacrifices with other star players or bench players who serve limited roles. Calling up prospects to fill spots won't be the right solutions unless of the course you're the Red Sox. Can't wait to see what happens in the AL West and NL Central coming down to the wire. It's sure to turn into a real nail-biter!

Red Sox fall to Yankees 4-3

These late season matchups between the Yankees and Red Sox usually are intense. Fights can break out at any time while trash talking becomes routine. Wednesday night the game favored the Yankees as A-Rod launched his 44th homerun off Josh Beckett in the 7th inning. The dismal hitting by Boston allowed Roger Clemens to record his 6th win. The Rocket didn't give them many good pitches to hit.

*Be sure to check out the news and updates about the Red Sox on http://www.bornintoit.com/.

The only bright spot for the Red Sox in the 4-3 loss was David Ortiz's solo homer (25) which came in the 6th off Clemens. New York has a bit of catching up to do in the East. Their rivals currently hold a 6-game lead over them. Give it to the final two weeks and the Yanks were probably be ahead or within a 1.5 of Boston. Most every season that's how it plays out. Tension will rise to a new high as both teams will fight for top position. I won't be surprised if Boston wins around 95-100 games the way they make runs in August and September.

Today Boston tries to avoid the sweep as Curt Schilling (8-5) pitching against Chien-Ming Wang (15-6). The lineup will again be without Manny Ramirez due to a strained muscle. The battle in the Bronx has gone the home team's way, but look for those gutsy Sox to rebound in Game 3. They want to at least salvage the series before heading back to Fenway Park to face the Orioles and BlueJays. The Sox fans still believe in 2007. A playoff birth is right around the corner!

Vick bit around the collars with dogfighting, PETA is pissed!

Usually I don't delve into football topics here. However, the Michael Vick situation is just too good not to examine. Well, the world now knows he signed a plea agreement for the charges brought against him. I heard about a support group outside the Richmond, VA courthouse, holding up encouraging signs and whatnot. My interest though lies with PETA and their reaction. This group of activists, among other related organizations won't take these animal cruelty cases laying down. Oh, they'll picket the streets for weeks....holding up pictures of mutilated dogs while relaying self-inflicted acts of punishment and planned attacks of violence on the NFL football star. Well....former NFL star quarterback.

These feminist groups out there who happen to be passionate pet lovers will also come down hard on Vick. Sure they might not come across as the malicious type, but once they gang up in a group they WILL BEAT THE HOLY CRAP OUT OF ANYONE THEY OPPOSE! Take it from Rodney King and JFK...Mike keep your ass in your limo. Otherwise you better be fast and have wall to wall security. Once they start biting below the belt and kneeing from any possible angle thats all she wrote.

I'm sure the fines mean nothing to Vick. He's got to contest with the eventual sentence handed to him. It's ashamed to see sports stars throw their careers away. Every athlete has the potential for greatness until they go and committ such crimes. At least he's smart enough to come forth and admit his involvement with dogfighting. He may have gotten off better if he'd betted on games. Then again he may have ended sharing a cell with NBA referee Tim Donahey. It could have been a lot worse if a bunch of police dogs were let loose and ravaged the football star.

Dunn hits game-winning jack to prevail Reds over Braves 9-7

There hasn't been much for the Cincinnati Reds to cheer about this season. They are towards the bottom of the NL Central with a very dim chance at the postseason. Last night they pulled off a come from behind victory in extra innings to defeat the streaking Braves. Adam Dunn was the player of the game, crushing his 35th homerun in the 12th inning off Bob Wickman. It's a shame this club isn't in the thick of the wildcard race because they have a productive offensive lineup. Pitching is their issue this year.

The Reds were out hit 13-11 and withstood homeruns from Chipper Jones (25) and Mark Teixeira (10). Atlanta falls to 66-62 and are 6 games back in the East. Mike Goslig recorded his 3rd win, entering the game in the final frame to get the decision. Andruw Jones pumped out 3 hits while Chipper had 5 RBIs, doing most of the damage in the lineup. Bobby Cox may start to feel the pressure with the final month of regular play approaching. Atlanta has to make a run if they're to jump in front of the Mets. Philly will no doubt be fighting for that wildcard spot along with the Rockies, Brewers, Cardinals, Padres, and Dodgers.

One thing aiding the Braves is the hot-hitting Teixeira who they acquired at the trade deadline. He's on fire, hitting 5 homers in his last 5 games! His performance alone won't get the Braves into the playoffs, but he will be a major factor in key games. For the Reds since they didn't trade for enough pitching all they can do is finish out the season and look towards rebuilding in the off-season. As a long-time Griffey fan it's real disappointing not to see him have an opportunity to appear in the playoffs. I don't see him winning a championship in Cincy. Better luck to the veteran All-Star slugger next year.

Mets clubhouse attendant rats out steroid users

It was only a matter of time before someone in MLB spilled the beans again. Why not everyone involved in this baseball scandal reveal all of the hidden information? It's going to surface sooner or later anyway. This week a former Mets clubhouse attendant announced player names he distributed steroids to throughout his 10-year tenure with New York organization. He's agreed to testify in front of a grand jury and meet with MLB's steroid investigators. Maybe in the coming weeks MLB will shade more light on who these players are which were connected to this illegal activity.

The NBA ref gambling, Michael Vick's dog fighting, and now this incident springs up. I guess drugs and corruption will always find a place in sports...which is a real shame. There used to be a time when fans didn't have to hear about these disappointing stories and enjoy players' natural abilities who didn't cheat to win (or did a good job of getting away with it). If a crackdown hasn't been imposed on baseball clubhouses I don't see how MLB will ever cut down on drug use. Random smoke from blunts can even rise in the air around the locker room and it's no big deal!

Bud Selig hasn't reassured baseball fans integrity will be restored in the game and doesn't go out of way to take drastic measures to stop corruption. He's too busy sitting on plush recliners in luxury boxes and counting money. Damn it Selig! Get off your high horse and take affirmative action (start serving those suspensions and pay cuts) because the fans deserve better. They pay good money for tickets and ballpark merchandise to watch their favorite teams and players only to find out one guy everyone knows in the clubhouse is a drug pusher and several admired performers have over a dozen horse hormone pills stashed away in their locker.

This ex-Mets employee is facing major long-term charges. He's being fined $500,000 and could serve up to 25 years in prison. People will truly risk their life and good name for money. Just wait until the client names are rattled off on a list and the players get busted. It's going to be a tough pill to swallow (much like the horse pills and methamphetamines they've popped). Before the baseball world knows it bat boys and mascots will come forth, revealing the shocking accounts of how they assisted with syringe procedures to players and smuggled dime bags and unprescribed pain killers into the clubhouse. Yeah...more shame to the game is yet to come.

Johan Santana rips Texas a new one

The ball was rocking for Johan Santana Sunday night as the Twins defeated the Rangers 1-0 behind a pure gem. The star southpaw flirted with a new record as he fanned 17 batters! His stuff was blazing and fooled all the Texas hitters. He went on to record his 13th win of the season. Catcher Mike Redmond said his counterpart didn't shake him off even once in the game. Santana pitched 8 innings for a 2-hit shutout.

Ben Sheets was the last pitcher to pull off a similar strikeout performance with 18 in 2004 with the Brewers. I'm more entertained and drawn to high-run scoring contests, but it's nice once and and a while to see these magnificent pitching gems. With the win Minnesota hangs around in the playoff picture, moving to 62-61 on the year. They have a chance for the wild card in such a tight AL race. Right now Seattle has the lead in the top spot.

Minnesota will need their star pitcher to muster up more stellar performances if the club is to remain close in the race. I think the Yankees and M's will be the greatest opposition to overcome for that final spot. With Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau's steady bats in the lineup they have a good shot. A record breaking K showcase by Santana would also be a thrill to watch.

Yankees, Rivera get slapped around by Orioles

The Yankees can't ever be too sure of themselves these days. They once again are locked into a battle in the AL East race. Last night they came close, but their trusty closer Mariano Rivera didn't have some of his best stuff or good command. The Yankees managed to tie the game in the 9th with a three-run shot by first baseman Shelley Duncan then the game went into extra inning. Aubrey Huff smacked a 2-run homer off Rivera in the 10th inning. That wrapped up the victory for Baltimore.

New York was outhit 12-10. Alex Rodriguez did go 4-for-4 with a run scored, but the rest of the lineup produced very little. They've lost 2-of-3 from the Orioles to close the series. At current the Yanks trail Boston 5 games in the AL East. Capturing the wildcard won't be easy either as the Mariners, Tigers, Indians, and Twins fight for position. It will most likely come down to the final week of the season in determining the final playoff spot. The Yankees may have a better shot at the pennant...who really knows now?

P.S. Interested in the Yankees? Hear what the Yanks fan over at Bronx Banter has to say about last night's game, players, and the season.