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.

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!