The much maligned New York Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez is “fatigued,” so he will be taking tonight and tomorrow off when the Yankees go down to play the Florida Marlins. Rodriguez, who played high school ball in South Florida and almost attended the University of Miami before the Seattle Mariners signed the then 18-year-old, is quite a celebrity in the Miami area and his playing against the Marlins is considered somewhat of a homecoming… only, unless he pinch-hits, won’t happen until Sunday.
However, let’s call this rest period what it really is, a benching. For the month of June, A-Rod is only batting .145 in 55 at-bats and is mired in an 0-for-15 slump, mostly coming at the hands of the powerful pitching arms of the Washington Nationals… and, yes, that was sarcasm if you missed it. It could be argued in this day and age and considering Rodriguez’s admission of not knowing he used steroids for however long, that without the PEDs, Rodriguez won’t perform up to par. Well, it certainly seems so, doesn’t it?
However, in 38 games thus far, he does have nine dingers and 26 RBIs, which in a full season would put him at about 37 HRs and 105 RBIs, which aren’t too shabby numbers. Personally, I don’t like A-Rod and I’m a Yankees fan. Yes, I’m one of those that doesn’t feel like he’s earned his stripes yet and unfairly or not, I’m going to juxtapose him to the greatness of Derek Jeter, whom I’ve followed since day one when he played with the big club. Do I think that A-Rod is still juicing? No. Do I think he’s going to be as great as he was? No. But, I also don’t think he’s this bad. Remember, there was a period where we can assume he wasn’t on steroids or used PEDs and was still a pretty good hitter. I think right now, he’s in a slump as every hitter goes through and he is just coming back from hip surgery.
But enough with the double-talk. Haven’t we learned from Alex Rodriguez’s preseason press conference that the double-talk doesn’t work when it comes to A-Rod? He’s being bench because he stinks right now. If anyone is fatigued is those of us that know about semantics and reading between the lines.
Digg ThisAdvertisement
I’d Much Rather Have Donte Stallworth In The NFL Than Michael Vick
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Editorial, News, NFL
Cleveland Browns WR Donte Stallworth was suspended indefinitely by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell pending a meeting between the commissioner and Stallworth’s representatives. Stallworth pleaded guilty to a DUI manslaughter charge for killing Mario Reyes on March 14 after a night of drinking in Miami Beach, FL. Stallworth has started serving a 30-day sentence in jail, which will be followed by two years of house arrest, provisions for which Stallworth will be allowed to play football, and then eight years of probation.
Considering the indefinite suspension leveled on former NFL superstar QB Michael Vick for dogfighting and killing dogs, Goodell had to come down harshly on Stallworth who actually took a human life, however, by accident. Stallworth acted stupidly and he knew it and knows it now. There has been nothing but remorse on Stallworth’s part, even agreeing quickly with the deceased’s family on financial compensation, although, all the money in the world cannot replace Mr. Reyes. From the beginning, Stallworth has been cooperative with law enforcement. On the other hand, Vick tried to keep his illegal doings on the down low and has shown remorse only insomuch as to be able to get back on the football field.
Yes, what Stallworth did was incredibly stupid, incredibly dumb, and incredibly irresponsible. However, there was no maliciousness in his action (and I pray for Mr. Reyes’ family), however, you cannot say the same for Vick. I’m hoping Goodell allows Stallworth to take the field a lot sooner than he does Vick because despite being a Vick fan before all of this dogfighting mess and still believing he has useful talent in the tank left, I wouldn’t miss having an NFL without Michael Vick. It’s been just fine without him. What the NFL needs are more Stallworths that take responsibility for their actions no matter how stupid they were.
Los Angeles Lakers Win The NBA Championship
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Championship, Editorial, Kudos, NBA, Playoffs
The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Orlando Magic four games to one in the NBA Finals, earning the team’s 15th NBA title. Put in a historical perspective, they are now 15-15 in NBA Finals match-ups and are second only to the Boston Celtics and their 17 NBA titles for most championships by a franchise. Phil Jackson also moved ahead of Red Auerbach for the most titles by a head coach, winning his 10th NBA title, the fourth with the Lakers. His other six came with the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls. Perhaps, most importantly, Kobe Bryant won a title with Shaquille O’Neal… okay, it’s only important to all those that hated on Kobe and said he couldn’t win a title without Shaq (this group includes Shaq himself), well, in your face!
Bryant was a symbol of will and determination and getting the job done. In fact, such ferocity and competitiveness hadn’t been seen since Jordan took the court. And now, the monkey is off his back and if the Lakers can somehow sign both Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom, the Lakers could win a few more championships. Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum are locked in and provide great interior presences, Derek Fisher looks as if he can still play for a few years and it looks like Jordan Farmar will be ready to take up the PG mantle. Contractually, Jackson only has one more season left, but if the core group of players can stay intact, don’t be surprised if he signs another extension. This season, Jackson seemed less stressed because of team chemsitry and the lack of two alpha males (Kobe and Shaq) going at it.
Congratulations to the Lakers and their fans. And to all the Kobe haters, bite it!
Veteran Rhodes Traded To Florida
Posted by Milo Taibi Categories: Athletes, Editorial, MLB, News, Trades
Arthur Rhodes was traded from the Seattle Mariners to the Florida Marlins on Thursday in exchange for minor league pitcher Gaby Hernandez. Rhodes, who’s composed a 17 year career, is 2-1 on the 2008 season with 26 K’s in 22 IP’s. The more important statistic for the veteran southpaw Rhodes is the .195 BA left handed batters have suffered against Arthur this season.
“We wanted to add some depth to the bullpen, some experience,” Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said. “It’s a deal we started talking about last weekend, and it came together this morning.”
Click to continue reading Veteran Rhodes Traded To Florida
Ken Griffey Jr. will play out the remainder of the 2008 season with a contending ballclub, the Chicago White Sox. On Thursday, the day of the MLB trading deadline, the Cincinnati Reds dealt the Hall of Fame bound Griffey to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Danny Richar and Nick Masset.
“One of the things that factored into this was a guy who has had a great career but has not won a championship and how motivated he’s going to be to get on that stage,” White Sox GM Kenny Williams said. “That is a factor and will always be a factor for me.”
Click to continue reading Ken Griffey Jr. Traded To Chi-Sox
Jason Bay Headed To Red Sox, Manny Ramirez Shipped To Dodgers
Posted by Milo Taibi Categories: Athletes, Editorial, MLB, Trades
In a blockbuster trade, Manny Ramirez has been dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Jason Bay has been traded to the Boston Red Sox and the Pittsburgh Pirates received four top prospects. Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti explained his reasoning.
“We figured we had to do it,” Colletti said. “There was obviously a point in time that you have to make a major decision. We did and we were glad we did it. Hopefully it pays dividends. We’re confident we’ve got one of the best hitters in baseball coming in here—one of the best hitters of his generation from the right side.
Click to continue reading Jason Bay Headed To Red Sox, Manny Ramirez Shipped To Dodgers
Randy Wolf Shipped to Houston
Posted by Milo Taibi Categories: Athletes, Editorial, MLB, News, Trades
Randy Wolf was traded from the San Diego Padres to the Houston Astros on Monday in exchange for 26 year old pitcher Chad Reineke. On the season, Wolf is 6-10 with a 4.74 ERA and an unimpressive 1.42 WHIP. Houston Astros GM Ed Wade hasn’t given up on the 2008 season (The Astros are 46-54 this season), and acquired Wolf to shore up the rotation.
“Randy is an experienced starter and a great competitor,” said Wade, who had Wolf during part of his time as general manager of the Philadelphia Phillies. “We tried to sign him as a free agent during the off-season, but the chance for him to pitch close to home prevailed. I’ve known Randy since the day he signed his first professional contract, and I can say without hesitation that he brings every quality that you’d want in a member of your team, both on and off the field.”
Jeff Weaver Finds New Home in Milwaukee
Posted by Milo Taibi Categories: Athletes, Editorial, MLB, News
On Wednesday Jeff Weaver passed his physical examination to complete his signing with the Milwaukee Brewers. Weaver will likely spend 10 or so days in the Brewers minor league system to prepare himself physically for the season. Last season was one to forget for Weaver; he went 7-13 with a 6.20 ERA with the Seattle Mariners.
Click to continue reading Jeff Weaver Finds New Home in Milwaukee
The Oakland Athletics are in 1st place, 13 games into the season. On Monday the A’s defeated the Chicago White Sox by a score of 2-1 to improve to 8-5, 1st place in the AL West standings. The win for the A’s went to rookie Greg Smith, who made his 2nd career start. He held the Sox to just 1 earned run with 6 hits over 7 innings pitched. After Santiago Casilla and Alan Embree combined to pitch a scoreless 8th inning, Huston Street notched his 4th save of the season. The loss put the White Sox at a 7-5 record, 2nd place in the AL Central division.
Click to continue reading Red Hot A’s Beat White Sox
Team Preview: Detroit Tigers
Posted by Milo Taibi Categories: Athletes, Editorial, MLB, Site Announcements
One thing is for sure with the 2008 Detroit Tigers, they’ll hit. The 2007 Tigers finished in 2nd place in the AL Central division, with an 88-74 record. If their starting rotation can hold up, you can bet Detroit will give the Cleveland Indians a run for their money this season.
Click to continue reading Team Preview: Detroit Tigers
Recent Galleries
Recent Users
Statistics
- Total Posts: 882
- Total Comments: 385
- Total Trackbacks: 20
- Total Members: 15615
- Members Online: 0
- Guests Online: 25
- Anonymous Members: 0
- Most Visitors Ever: 5394
- Current Members Online:
Advertisement
© Gear Live Media, LLC. 2007 – User-posted content, unless source is quoted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Public Domain License. Gear Live graphics, logos, designs, page headers, button icons, videos, articles, blogs, forums, scripts and other service names are the trademarks of Gear Live Inc.