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.
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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.
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
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.”
Jon Rauch will no longer be closing games, but he’s going to be a part of a competitive team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Though the D-Backs have a record at exactly .500 (50-50), they are on top in the NL West division. In exchange for Rauch, the Diamondbacks gave the Washington Nationals second base prospect Emilio Bonifacio.
“I’m extremely excited,” Rauch said. “Coming over to a ball club like this who is winning their division—tied for first I believe right now. It’s a good group of young and old. … I don’t think it could have worked out any better.”
Click to continue reading Jon Rauch Dealt To Arizona
Giants Trade Tight End Shockey To Saints
Posted by Milo Taibi Categories: Athletes, News, NFL, Trades
On Monday the New Orleans Saints acquired Jeremy Shockey from the New York Giants in exchange for two draft picks; one in the 2nd round, and one in the 5th round.
“I have had a relationship with coach Payton and I appreciate what he has done as a head coach,” Shockey said in a statement released by the Saints. “The Saints have a lot of weapons starting with Drew Brees and I look forward to joining my teammates at training camp. This will be a fun year.”
Click to continue reading Giants Trade Tight End Shockey To Saints
Morneau Wins Home Run Derby, But Hamilton Shines
Posted by Milo Taibi Categories: Athletes, MLB, News
Josh Hamilton won the hearts of New York fans on Monday night, crushing 28 first round home runs in the 2008 MLB Home run Derby. One of Hamilton’s 28 homers landed 518 feet from home plate, the third longest home run every hit int he history of the competition (The farthest coming from Sammy Sosa in 2002). Three of the Triple Crown candidate’s shots traveled over 500 feet.
Click to continue reading Morneau Wins Home Run Derby, But Hamilton Shines
Jim Hendry and the National League best Chicago Cubs made a huge splash on Tuesday, acquiring ace Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin from the Oakland A’s. In exchange for Harden and Gaudin, A’s GM Billy Beane received pitcher Sean Gallagher, outfielder Matt Murton, INF-OF Eric Patterson, and catching prospect Josh Donaldson.
“I don’t necessarily think we’ve taken a step back. I think we’ve taken a step forward for the next three to five years,” Beane said. “We were balancing that the club’s playing well but also keeping in mind that we’ve had numerous injuries over the last week.“
Click to continue reading Rich Harden Traded To Chicago Cubs
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
Above is a view of downtown Orlando, Florida from the Citrus Bowl Stadium. This will be the home of WrestleMania XXIV in just four days. I flew in, and am now in town. If any of our readers are out here and going to the event, feel free to let us know in the comments, and we will hook up. I’ve been here in Florida for three days now, just taking in the sights. In a few days, you may even be able to find our WrestleMania thoughts here.
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