Tebow a Top Five Pick? I Think Not.

Former Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy said today that Florida Gators Quarterback Tim Tebow is a top five pick.  My how far we've come.  It seems only yesterday that good 'ol Timmy was in his first year with the Gators, back when he used to split time under center with Chris Leak.  I'll be the first to admit, that I'm biased.  When it comes to "MY" teams, I am very biased.  I think logically, but i still have that chip on my shoulder because they're "MY" team.  No, the Florida Gators are not "MY" team, and they never will be.  I'm a Seminole through and through.  Those Florida State boys might not be doing that great this year, but that's alright.  It pains me to sometimes watch them, but I still watch, and I still cheer.  Like I said, I think logically, and I have an idea of when they're going to get beat, and I'll admit it, but it hurts. 

The Florida Gators, the Miami Hurricanes, and any other team for that matter inside of the ACC I despise.  Tim Tebow is the one player in college football that, when I watch him, I want to throw up.  I will not deny that he is one of the most athletic players ever in college football history, and will probably end up being the 2nd player since Archie Griffin to win two Heisman Trophy's (Note-Only because Tony Pike went down for UC.) But still, as a Nole, I despise him.  I know Tony Dungy knows a helluva lot more of football than I do, but I think logically.  I don't see Tebow doing a thing in the NFL.  If he goes into the NFL, and he will, mark my words, Tebow will not amount to Ryan Leaf. 

Remember Reggie Bush?  I think Reggie is a great player, and one of the most versatile and athletic guys in the NFL with his ability to block, rush, and receive coming out of the backfield.  The reason he dominated in college at USC?  He was faster than pretty much everybody and had the Barry Sanders type cutbacks.  But not in the NFL.  He might be able to break a few here and there, but Reggie is way too small to be an every down back in the NFL.  Tim Tebow isn't the fastest player in college football, but he's extremely fast for quarterback.  How many quarterbacks in the NFL that came out of college being known more for their legs than their arms are still around?  One.  Michael Vick.  Donovan McNabb can run, but he's got the big arm.  Besides Mike Vick, nobody has come out of college and succeeded in the NFL who, in college, was known more for their ability to run than their ability to pass besides Mike Vick.  A case can be made that Mike Vick hasn't been as successful because in the NFL, you have to have the ability to pass, and Mike Vick has that, just not a very good ability. 

Tebow could probably be a decent back up running back or maybe a slot receiver, but more likely as a 4th or 5th receiver.  I don't think either will happen, and thus, Tebow will not amount to anything in the NFL.  Again, I'm a little bias, but who isn't.  I still look at it logically.  Being athletic and having the ability to run might help you as a quarterback, but when you don't have the arm like most, you are going to probably flame out worse than Ryan Leaf and dare I say, JaMarcus Russell. 

I won't say that I hope Tebow breaks his leg, because as a fan of all sports, I hope that every college player has the chance to prove themselves against the best in their sport.  But I will say this, as a hater of the Florida Gators, I hope that Tebow does not pan out as expected.  If he proves me wrong, so be it.  I've been wrong before as everyone has.  I won't be mad if he does, unless he goes to an AFC North team not named the Cincinnati Bengals and dominates the way Big Ben did with Pittsburgh. 

Florida State Seminoles Forever, Tim Tebow Never!!!

The Easy

Three for the day; Running Back Trouble

I was thinking to myself, "What is the matter with athletes today?"  I realized, that was too broad.  I then asked myself, "What is the matter with NFL Players today?"  Again, take it down a notch.  "What is the matter with the NFL Running Backs today?"  Running Backs, it seems, get into way more trouble than any other position in football.  And not just small testing for marijuana charges, but even bigger charges.  Taking away "Plastic" Burress, yes, I called him Plastic, as I have since his days in Pittsburgh, and also the accident involving Donte Stallworth, the NFL's biggest problems of late have come from the backfield the last few years. 

Prime Example #1
Maurice Clarett

Maurice Clarett, if he stayed in school just one more year, he could've entered the draft and I wouldn't be including him in my blog.  Actually, considering he's a head case, I probably would be.  Clarett, left school after one year, was denied entry to the NFL and had to wait until the 2005 NFL Draft.  He did, but things didn't get better.  Exactly one month after signing a contract with the Denver Broncos, he was released and out of football. 

After a robbery charge in which he held up two suspects with a .45 caliber handgun, in which he only made away with a $150 cell phone, Clarett made an illegal U-turn, led Police on a chase, spit in an officer's face, and had a katana, a loaded AK-47, two other loaded handguns, and an open bottle of Grey Goose Vodka.  Now Clarett is in jail for seven and a half years, and a possibility of getting out in three and a half. 

What a screwjob.

Prime Example #2
Travis Henry

Where do you start with Travis Henry?  Do you start with him fathering at least 11 children with 10 different women.  These women and pregnancies have occured in 4 different states.  'Nuff said right?  Nope, there's more.  Always is.  Besides being a pothead, Henry is apparently a coke head also.  In the fall of '08, he was arrested for "being the greedy "Money Guy" of the deal."  In July of '09, he was sentenced to three years for financing a cocaine trafficking operation.  Pretty good considering he was facing 10 years to life at first.

Henry was supposedly named the "Most Prolific Father" in the first annual Open Salon Father's Day Awards.  Pretty funny considering at one time, he was estimated at paying $170,000 a year per child, and was in jail for failure to pay child support.   

Henry apparently did not know that A.) Condoms existed, and B.) Being the money guy in multi-kilogram cocaine deal is illegal.

What an Idiot. 

Prime Example #3
Jamal Lewis

Besides looking like a criminal and serial killer in every team photo for him, Jamal Lewis pretty much is a criminal.  In 2004, he was arrested and charged with trying conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 5 Kilograms of Cocaine and using a cell phone to do it.  He only served four months, and he never did actually complete the deal, but still, that's just as bad.  Consider this, at one time, Ray and Jamal Lewis were the faces of the Ravens franchise for a few years in the early 2000s, and lots of kids watch and love football.  What a great example for those kids. 

What a moron.

Just a thought I was having.  Henry's in jail, Clarett, who has family post his thoughts on a blog, is in jail, and Lewis definetely should be in jail. 

Comments?  Condoms forever, 11 kids and 10 women NEVER!!!!

The Easy

Titans, Pedro, Delhomme and more...

Tennessee Titans Head Coach Jeff Fisher announced today that Quarterback Vince Young will start Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Big deal, they'll lose anyway.  Yes, somehow, VY will somehow give it up to the Jaguars, and Titans fans will be roaring at halftime for Collins to be in for the second half.  Same drama, different game.

NEXT!!!

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Pedro Martinez said today that he regrets throwing former Yankees Bench Coach Don Zimmer to the ground in the 2003 ALCS.  He went on to say how he was treated by the New York media following the altercation, and how much he was against it.  I can understand the part about picturing him as the devil, but the rest?  Come on Pedro, it's the media, and more specific, the New York media.  If you're mad, they did they're job. 

NEXT!!!

Shaquille O'Neal has applied to be a Sheriff's Deputy in Ohio, and if approved, Shaq would be allowed to carry a weapon, and make arrests, but not be a paid, full-time employee. 

Comments?  The Cavaliers are 0-2.  Yes, there are still 80 games left, and things can happen.  But, the way you looked the last two nights, you need to get back to practice and out of the police station.  I am happy with the fact that he's on the other side of the cage in the police cruiser, but with an 0-2 start, I'm not happy his mind is not where it needs to be.  Come on Shaq. 

NEXT!!!

Free Agent LHP and Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman has met with the Boston Red Sox.  Previously, Chapman and his Agent were in New York to meet with the Yankees.  With Stephen Strasburg and Daisuke Matsuzaka esque stuff, Aroldis Chapman could be a high priced talent.  But, you must take into effect that he is very raw, and does need some work in the Minors.

NEXT!!!

Matt Moore will not be taking over Jake Delhomme's starting spot at quarterback, at least not yet.  The Panthers need to start getting their act together.  They have one of the best wide receivers in the game in Steve Smith, even though he hasn't done much this year, and they have Dwayne Jarrett, who was a stud at USC and has a chance to be a stud in the NFL with Steve Smith to help mentor him.  If you include DeAngelo Williams, who last year averaged over 5 yards a carry and Jonathon Stewart, the Panthers have the talent on offense.  It's just getting all that talent on the same page that is the hardest. 

NEXT!!!

Nascar driver AJ Allmendinger was arrested for Driving Under the Influence early Thursday morning.  A driver for Richard Petty Motorsports, Petty is very much known for being against alcohol sponsorships, and previously wouldn't allow his drivers to participate in Nascar's second-tier series when it was sponsored by Busch.  Who cares.  Nobody outside of the Carolinas watches Nascar.  Making left turns is more boring than watching golf.  Besides, all Nascar fans know how to do is sit on the couch, watching cars make left turns, drink some beer, scratch their asses and use their beer belly as a cup holder. 

NEXT!!!

The Boston Celtics absolutely destroyed the Charlotte Bobcats.  A routing of 92-59 proved that, well, the Bobcats are probably the worst team in the NBA, and even though the team still says that they are "rebuilding," it looks as if they're built, just not very well.  Michael Jordan is the part owner and managing member of baseketball operations.  Jordan may have been the greatest basketball player ever, with "The Big-O" making a push to be number one, and LeBron quickly rising to the top to face-off with "His Airness."  But as "General Manager" of the Bobcats, he stinks.

 In a recent interview, Larry Brown stated that he saw a friend of Jordan's, and said, "Hey, if you see Michael, let him know that I'm trying to get ahold of him."  Interesting, considering Michael is the "Managing Member of Basketball Operations" and Brown is the Head Coach of the Bobcats. 

NEXT!!!

Sidney Crosby scored a hat trick last night to give the Penguins their tenth win of the season.  Unfortunately, now the Penguins will be without their other star in Evgeni Malkin, the MVP from last years playoffs who is currently tied for the team lead in scoring with 14 points.  Malkin will be out 2-3 weeks, missing 7-10 games in that span with a Shoulder Strain.  The Pens are already hurting, as last week, they lost All-star defenseman Sergei Gonchar to a broken wrist for 4-6 weeks. 

If the Penguins have any thought of repeating as Stanley Cup champions, Sidney Crosby will need to be better than he already is.  Alex Ovechkin to the Pittsburgh Penguins anyone?

NEXT!!!

The Cleveland Browns have hit a new low this week, and no, Brady Quinn did not file a grievance against Head Coach Eric Mangini, just his Real Estate Agent.  Two longtime season-ticket fans have decided to protest the teams abysmal 1-6 start, and are rallying the troops to enter the stadium late for the November 16th Monday Night Game against the Baltimore Ravens in an effort to send a message to team owner Randy Lerner to put a better product on the field. 

Comments?  At least Cleveland has the Cavaliers to bring them the playoffs and the hopes of a title every year.  If not for LeBron, Cleveland would be the worst city for a sports franchise.  'Nuff said! 

NEXT!!!

 As we near the halfway point of the NFL season, there is a slew of really bad NFL teams stinking up the joint. The 0-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers obviously qualify. That means it's time for a bunch of delusional people to start making claims about how so-and-so could beat the Bucs. You know, college teams, "my rec league team," high school teams and, of course, UFL teams. Usually these claims are tongue-in-cheek, but Tatum Bell of the UFL's Florida Tuskers seems pretty serious.

Michael Pittman, a running back for the Tuskers who used to play for the Bucs, said something about how some of his teammates probably thought they could beat the Bucs. Bell immediately said he was one of them. When given a hypothetical score of 24-14 (Tuskers over Bucs), Bell went a bit too far.

"That's how much credit you give our defense?" Bell said, smiling.....I see more than that. I see our offense putting up more than that and I see our defense shutting them down for less than that."

Of course you guys could, Tatum.  That's why you are playing in the UFL, not the NFL, right?  By choice?  It's good to be confident, but sometimes a little reality check would work.

The Buccaneers scored 21 points on the Cowboys, 20 on the Bills, 14 on the Eagles and 21 on the Panthers. But, you know, I'm sure the mighty Tuskers are better defensively than those four teams. I'm sure they could easily handle the talented Kellen Winslow and Antonio Bryant. I'm sure they have to deal with tackling players as talented as Derrick Ward and Cadillac Williams in the UFL. You know, the league where J.P. Losman is their biggest star.

Not that there's anything wrong with the UFL. There isn't. But it's not even remotely in the ballpark of the NFL in terms of talent. Any NFL team would beat a UFL All-Star team. It wouldn't be close. The people running the league likely wouldn't even argue that at this point.

I think they should set up an exhibition game. The only problem is that poor Tatum would probably start stealing Bucs' luggage after his Tuskers lost.

NEXT!!!

Tatum Bell, you are an IDIOT!!!

The Easy

Quick Spin

LeBron scored a triple double last night with a line of 23-12-11, but this was not enough as his Toronto counter part Andrea Bargnani had 28 and the Raptors drove the Cavaliers to an 0-2 start.  Shaq had 12 points and 7 rebounds, and the problem here for Cleveland, Delonte West is still gone, and Mo Williams isn't as involved, with the addition of Shaq.  No worries, the Cavs will still win the Finals.

Larry Johnson has been suspended for two games for his comments earlier this week.  His Agent told reporters that they have a "collective bargaining possibility of appealing, and that's what they'll do."  This won't help.  Still suspended, Johnson will lose $660,000 and is no longer a superstar.  My prediction, he's cut before the end of the season, or traded after for 7th round draft pick.  Remember, he is that bad now. 

Andre Agassi admitted "mistakenly taking crystal meth" and that he "hates his father" in his new book.  Whoop-di-doo.  Agassi's a tennis star, 'nuff said.  NEXT!

Dez Bryant won't be playing in the NCAA anymore, as he has been suspended by the NCAA until the 2010 season.  Bryant doesn't care, he's going to exactly what he planned on doing this year in the first place, being the best wide receiver in the draft, and getting selected within picks one through ten.  Let's just hope that Deion Sanders doesn't give him the same advice Michael Crabtree received from Sanders.  I'm hoping MC Hammer doesn't sit in on the contract negotiations, because I'm still reeling from the effects of hearing the PTI guys debate over the topic. 

Former NBA Referee Tim Donaghy's tell-all-book "Blowing the Whistle: The Culture of Fraud in the NBA" was cancelled by the Publisher, Triumph Booksand it's parent company Random House.  Why?  Random House supposedly received a letter from the NBA stating that the NBA would "pursue legal action following the release of the book."  Random House also found out that the proceeds from the book would go towards Donaghy's gambling problem, as he wants to visit Vegas once he is out of prison. 

Mark McGuire is back as the hitting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals, and just like the past, he's not here for the past.  When his first interview arrives, reporters will jump the gun at the chance to ask him what substances he took, and which butt cheek he enjoyed injecting more.  McGuire turned his back not only on the city of St. Louis, but on the entire sport of Baseball and everyone involved, and if he gives the same response as he did in Congress, the "I'm not here to talk about the past" crap, then expect him to fly back to Southern California not too long into the season, and never leave his home again. 

"Big Mac, admit your use.  Two days.  It will take two days for the PTI guys, Around the Horn, Jim Rome, SportsCenter, MLB Network, Scott Van Pelt, Mike & Mike, Doug Gottlieb, and Colin Cowherd to thank you for finally coming clean so the SportsNation stops talking about it.  Come on, you lived through years of silence since your retirement in '01, and besides that little show you put on in Congress, I don't remember a thing from your career.  Why?  Your appearance in Congress sums it up.  You took steroids, just like almost all MLB players during that time, and you're the only one in denial.  Americans know you did, and we know you know you did, so unleash the truth, and we probably won't set you free, but you won't have to live in silence.  This time, instead of turning your back, and donating money to a foundation against children using steroids in silence, you can donate in public.  You're Mark McGuire, I'm sure other dopers that have already come clean or been caught, (see Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez, Jason Giambi, Jose Canseco, or David Ortiz) would be more than happy to donate also.  Ok, so maybe not Canseco because, well, he's broke.  But the others, I'm thinking will. See ya Mark, and remember, don't turn the cheek on us again, or you'll receive a fan letter stating,
'You can take your two 70 home run seasons back through the arch, back to Southern California, and back to golf.  The PGA can have you now, because the MLB is done with your crap.  You may have saved baseball, but with the way things are going now, You, Canseco, and Bonds have tarnished this game single handedly more than others.  Congratulations and Go to Hell.'
Sincerely, St. Louis Cardinals fan"

The Easy

Week 8 College Football

For the first time, I'm going to make some picks for College Football, just to see if I should go to Vegas or not.  We'll start with tonight's matchup and move through the weekend:


-Florida State will jump back on the winning ship with tonight's game against North Carolina
-Rutgers will beat Army
-12. Georgia Tech is too much to overcome for Virginia
-Minnesota with the upset over Ohio State
-Pitt over South Florida
-UCONN will unite and defeat number 23 WVU for "Jazz"
-2 Alabama over Tennessee and Lane Kiffin
-5 UC over Louisville
-10 The U over Clemson
-Oregon over Washington
-Michigan over Penn State
-Sooners over 25 Kansas
-Notre Dame over Boston College
-Utah over Air Force
-UCLA over Arizona
-Iowa over Michigan State
-South Carolina over Vanderbilt
-1 Florida will beat Mississippi State
-TCU will beat up on BYU
-Texas over Missouri
-USC will beat Oregon State, although OSU will give USC a run for it's money
-and Boise State will beat Hawaii

Tomorrow, my NFL picks.  We'll see how I do. 

The Easy

October Baseball in Full Swing

On to today's topics right away, let's just get it out of the way, as the Phillies are headed to the World Series for the second straight year.  I'm not a fan of the Phillies, but there's no denying that they are and were the best team in the National League.  The biggest thing Phillies GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. did this year, dealing for Cliff Lee.  Now, instead of using just Cole Hamels in big games and to strike fear in the other team, you can use Cliff Lee also.  This Phillies team may strike out quite a bit, but what they also do, is hit tape measure home runs.  This team is the ONLY team in the MLB that resembles an NFL team.  Imagine a team made up of six Matt Kemps, and six Adam Dunns, and you have yourself a Philadelphia Phillies ball club. 

Whether or not they'll beat the Yankees, assuming that the Evil Empire takes out the Angels tonight, remains to be seen, but even with the dreadful "Curse of the Rings," I'm going to have to go with the Yankees.  I want to see them win.  The Yankees make baseball better and they draw more fans.  This Yankees-Angels series has averaged a little over six television rating, while the Phillies-Dodgers series averaged a three television rating.  Maybe it's because I feel as if the Phillies have been shoved down the Fan's throats not only last year, but even more with this year.  It's too much, and I am looking forward to the end of the World Series.  Unless of course the Phillies win the World Series, because then I'll have to sit through six months of commercials on TV congratulating the Phillies and offering a Sports Illustrated "Hard Back Edition." 

I think that the World Series, if it's the Yankees vs. the Phillies, will be an offensive showing of sorts, and the Yankees are no slouch when it comes to hitting home runs.  With seven players having 20 home runs or more, and in the New Yankee Stadium, the ball seems to just fly into the seats.  If A-Rod continues his hot playoff hitting streak, look for the Yankees to be unstoppable, for if anyone can shut down the Phillies, C.C. might just be the man to do it.

Week 7 in the NFL, BCS Opening Week, and the LCS

Hello to all once again.  This week has already been an interesting one, and it looks like it's getting better by the hour.  Let's jump in to some of today's topics.

-Finally, someone other than a player on the Cincinnati Bengals roster and Shawne Merrimane has been arrested.  Jeff Reed, who apparently thought kicking two field goals in a winning game against the CLEVELAND BROWNS was something to celebrate.  For the second time this year, Reed has been involved with the law, and this time, it was for simple assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and public drunkenness.  Wow, thinking about it, that's Merrimane and every Bengals arrest made in the last five years combined into one, except for the "Boating while under the influence" by Eric Steinbach.

-Tennessee Titans Head Coach Jeff Fisher was caught wearing a Peyton Manning jersey at a Charity Event.  He happened to be accompanied by Tony Dungy, and now fans what his head, along with his job.  Look, Fisher has been your coach for the last 15 years, and he still has a little over $14 million dollars left on his contract.  Fisher can and will do whatever it is that he chooses.  He's good friends with Tony Dungy and has been, and usually, when you do something for charity, you trying to raise money.  Fisher made a bold, and genius move by wearing the blue and white number 18 jersey, and was probably able to draw lots of money.  Get over it, we all wish we could have Peyton Manning as our quarterback, Jeff Fisher just happens to be the first head coach to show it.

- Mark Cuban came out today and said the only thing that I've ever agreed with him on, that under the proper supervision and administration to athletes by doctors, steroids and human growth hormone should be used in helping injury prevention and helping those that are injured come back healthier and quicker.  This makes perfectly good sense, as when Andy Pettitte admitted he used HGH twice, he did it because he felt "I owed it to the fans and the team.  I'm getting paid lots of money to do a job, and when I'm injured, I can't do that job.  So I did what I thought would help me get back on the field as quick as possible."  What happened?  We forgave him, and are still grabbing a noose when Roger Clemens is mentioned in the media.  Cuban did say also that he would only support them as long as the long term health effects can be found to be zero. 
***Breaking News***  Mark Cuban is not buying the Pittsburgh Pirates.  He didn't want the Cubs, what's going to make you think he's going to want the Pirates? 

-The BCS Rankings came out this week, and my Bearcats are number five.  That could change, due to Tony Pike having the plate in his arm fixed, and the possibility of him being out for a game or two, but I don't see much of a problem.  With the way UC Bearcat Head Coach Brian Kelly and the offensive staff were able to use each of the five quarterbacks that played last year, having Zach Collaros or Chazz Anderson come in to start isn't that big of a deal.  Brian Kelly is the best when it comes to using his quarterbacks to their strengths.  Tonly Pike is 6'6", and therefore, can stand in the pocket and look over the defense to find the holes.  But Collaros stands only 5'10", and isn't physically able to stand in the pocket to find the holes, he's going to have to do some rollouts and make plays outside the pocket.  The play-calling for Collaros in the USF game was extremely different than what we Bearcat fans are used to seeing, and that's a good thing, because Heisman Trophy Quarterback Candidate or not, our team keeps rolling. 

-When is Bud Selig going to add more Instant Replay to baseball?  I'm still on the fence on this, but it looks like Tim McClelland's brain lapse in the Tuesday night game was the last straw for baseball fans.  Umpires are human, and the wrong calls are made many times, but maybe the postseason is where the fans expect perfection.  If managers were given one challenge replay a game, they wouldn't be challenging first base calls or balls and strikes, but rather waiting till later in the game for a trap or catch, or whether or not a runner left a base early on a tag.  This, much to the chagrin of "Good 'ol Bud," would not slow the game down at all.  But where I'm on the fence at, is I would like to see better umpiring.  I'm sure that if it were my Cincinnati Reds in the game in question, I would be calling for Bud Selig's Head, Job, and the addition of instant replay.  But, in reality, umpires are human just like the rest of us.  If this were the regular season and not the playoffs, I bet nobody would hear about it unless they watched Sportscenter's "Not So Top 10."  Whatever is chosen, the game won't change in pace, and in my mind, no matter what he chooses, Bud Selig will always be an idiot. 

-Pete Rose forever, Bud Selig NEVER!!!!

The Easy

Vince McMahon and the WWE

As mentioned before, anything sports, I will blog.  Whether it be baseball, basketball, football or even the WWE, I'll do what I do best and write about it. 

For quite some time now, the WWE has been the top wrestling promotion, and yes, that means over TNA.  Even as the top wrestling promotion, there is no reason to back up and throw out a very weak product, but that's what the WWE is doing.  I have plenty of time to watch all of WWE's shows, RAW on Mondays, ECW on Tuesdays, Superstars on Thursdays, and Smackdown on Fridays, but I don't.  Why?  For the simple reason that it's not what it used to be.  I understand that times change, and Vince has to change his product to get the most money out of what is going to work best.  But come on.  The nonsense of having a PG program isn't working for me, or for the older fans that remember the Attitude era for that matter.  How can he fix this?  I've come up with a few solutions:

1. Stop treating the brands as if they are number one and number two.  I like the idea of having ECW as the stepping stone for new guys to get themselves face time and to get accustomed to the WWE, and I like having Superstars as a show where you can see performers from all three brands go against eachother.  But the biggest problem is treating RAW as if it is superior than Smackdown.  Yes, RAW has been on the air since the early '90s, but don't forget, at one time Smackdown was putting out a helluva better product back between 2003 to about 2005 or so.  Put the same amount of money and time in both shows, and you'll see a difference. 

2. Bring back Paul Heyman.  And why the hell not, bring back Eric Bischoff too.  Bring them back in a small role on screen, not as General Managers.  Let Paul write for Smackdown, and let Eric Bischoff write for RAW.  This will only help.  As Heyman and Bischoff are two very creative and intelligent minds that know how to get the people back.  You can still be drawing the under 15 audience, but with a little better of a show.  In a recent shoot interview, Heyman said that everytime he wrote a script, whether it was perfect or not, Vince would change it, and would encourage argument over it. 

I hope Heyman can handle that, because why would Vince not want you to fight for what you wrote?  Even if he is changing it, if you aren't showing raw emotion that what you're writing is best for the company and the right way to go, then you don't care about what you wrote.  If he changes it, and it flops, Vince will trust you a little more the next time.  You can't hate or blame Vince for being passionate about the product receiving his final word.  It's his baby, and ultimately, it's his decision. 

3. Work Randy Orton and Legacy together even more.  Randy Orton is not only the top heel, but the best wrestler at this moment in the WWE.  With how Randy and Batista grew and how much they learned just by being around Triple H and Ric Flair is amazing.  After spending time with Hardcore Holly, Cody Rhodes is now learning more by being around Orton.  Same as DiBiase.  Work in this Legacy group, and work the New Hart Foundation a bit more. 

These are just three small reasons that I think may help the WWE product, but are not even being close to being the only ones.  There is plenty more that can be done.  One thing the WWE can not worry about, is TNA.  Whether it's Dixie Carter running this ship, or Vince Russo steering, the ship isn't going into a great direction.  First, the World Elite, Main Event Mafia, and Frontline Coalition angle has Millionaire's Club and New Blood written all over it.  MEM has all of the older guys, except the Dudley's, that have made in the WCW and WWE.  Angle, Sting, Steiner, Nash and Booker, are all guys who have made millions of dollars and are veterans of the ring.  Throw in the younger up and coming guys in the other two groups, and you get the New Blood.  How did this work in the old WCW for Russo?  Not good at all.  Last time I checked, they were defunct.  You can not split the roster up this way.  There has to be a mix of ages in a group. 

Whatever TNA tries to do in the near future, no matter what happens, it won't mean anything to the WWE.  TNA will not be anywhere close to WWE unless they start traveling every single day and doing shows every single day.  At the present time, they do travel, just not even close to being enough.  TNA can not pay any of their performers the dollars that they would receive in the WWE.  Now, Carter may be paying out of pocket for the MEM, but that is a story in and of itself.  I do like the wrestling product that TNA is putting out there, but I don't think even with that working for them that they can hold a candle stick to the WWE.  Let's remember that again, with TNA's IMPACT! being taped down in Orlando, Florida every week, they only perform in front of maybe one thousand, if that.  'Nuff Said. 

The Easy

NFL Mid-season Trades

John P. Lopez, a contributing writer to Sports Illustrated and also a writer and sports talk show host in Houston, has posted a blog today titled, "NFL trades that would make sense."  The link is below:

sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/john_lopez/10/14/trades/index.html?eref=sihp

Those of note, Buffalo Wide Receiver Terrell Owens to the Chicago Bears for a second round draft pick, Texans DB Dunta Robinson to Baltimore for DT Brandon McKinney, and probably the biggest one in there, Brady Quinn for Vince Young.  The one I thought most interesting though, just because I'm a Bengals fan and happen to live in the "Jungle," was Packers OLB/DE Aaron Kampman for Bengals T Anthony Collins. 

Points he made included Kampman being lost in the 3-4 as an OLB with only one sack through four games, and the Bengals needing help on the line to pressure the quarterback more.  Kampman being the professional he is would also bring a lot of professionalism to the young Bengals core of players.  The other side, coincidentally, in the Bengals game, Clifton went down, which caused a few moves on the line, and in the Vikings game, Colledge went down.  Odom ran wild for five sacks in the game.  So, a 2nd year player like Collins with starting experience ultimately would help keep Aaron Rodgers off the ground.

What I would like to make known, is that I don't believe the Bengals need the help on the defensive line.  Sure, they could use a player of Kampman's caliber, and I would love to have him, and yeah, Robert Geathers hasn't been the sack machine since he had 10.5 in '06.  Also, I don't think that taking Collins off the line and allowing Dennis Roland, who has been rotating with Collins, to make all the starts is smart chemistry wise.  Whatever the offensive line has going on right now, they're doing a great job as their making the push for Cedric Benson to be crowned 2009 NFL Rushing King in two and a half months.  Don't forget about Andre Smith though, as he is making great strides to come back early from his broken foot, and is impressing coaches with his conditioning.

All this being said, Kampman for Collins would only make this defense probably the best in the league.  If Roland can handle himself on the line and wait for Andre Smith to make his debut, these two could rotate just as Collins and Roland are at the current time.  I'm not, and neither is John Lopez, saying this trade would happen.  Lopez just states that this is a trade that makes sense, and it does.  But as he did say, most teams don't dare make a mid-season trade.  Whatever happens, I hope for the best for all those involved. 

At the beginning of my post, I was on the end of the spectrum against this trade more than I was for it, but now, after re-reading my article, I've suddenly had a change of heart.  I do not know what it is, but the idea of having Aaron Kampman as a Cincinnati Bengal, on a line that is still young and only getting better, brings back memories of Justin Smith tearing through the offensive tackles and driving the quarterback to the ground.  Aaron Kampman could bring this defense over the top and wreak havoc like Tim Krumrie used to for the bengals in the 1980s.  The way the Ravens defense used to be feared, adding Kampman could do the same for the Bengals D. 

This is a rarity for me, as I've been lounging around all day with a lot of free time, and have had the chance to post twice.  I don't expect it again, but anything can happen.  You never say never. 

Until next time, come back for more. 
The Easy

First Annual October Rant and Rave of All Things Sports

Hello to all on this chilly October day, if you're in Cincinnati that is.  Whether it's the NFL, MLB, or College Football or any other sport or league, I'll rant and rave about it.  Being the first annual October Rant and Rave, I'd like to start off with what makes October special, Major League Baseball Playoffs.  For only the second time in Major League Baseball history, three of the four Division Series have ended in a sweep.  The Yankees swept the Twins in 3, the Angels swept the Red Sox in 3, and the Dodgers swept the Cardinals in 3.  The last time this happened, where three of the series ended in a sweep, it was 2007, and "Rocktober" was in full swing.  2009 has tied history this year twice.  Not only with the former, but since the Phillies have beaten the Rockies in four games, the amount of games played in this year's Division Series has tied the least amount in history at 13, which, again, happened in 2007 during Major League Baseball's Rocktober month.   Another interesting factoid for you, this is the first time in history that both American League Division Series ended in a sweep.

With the economy going the way it is, I guess it only seems fitting to prove that if you have money, you will succeed.  That applies to baseball also, as the four teams in the League Championship Series all have over $100 million payrolls(see New York Yankees 2009 Team Payroll), and unfortunately, even with the entire Rockies roster being injected with the steroid "Rocktoberfest," the Rox were unable to beat the Phillies and be the only under $100 million team in the LCS.

Going on to College Football, Notre Dame fans need to shut the hell up.  I'm getting tired of hearing their fans cry out the Uncle Charlie's finally got it this year and is going to take them to the National Championship.  Look Irish fans, I hate to tell you, but when you play teams like USC and Ohio State, you get killed.  Ran over.  USC has beaten Notre Dame every year since 2002 and Pete Carroll is something like 17-1 after a bye week with 14 or so of those being complete blowouts.  Last year, USC won 38-0, but this year won't be a blowout.  Going into Notre Dame, will be USC True Freshman Quarterback Matt Barkley who is now used to the big loud stadiums after visiting Ohio State and will be looking to keep USC on top.  It won't be until next year when Pate Carroll unleashes the dogs with Matt Barkley, but for now, he's going to keep him contained to help him grow more.  I don't see anyone but USC winning this game, although I do think it'll be close like it was in 2005 when USC escaped with their lives in a 34-31 game on their way to losing to Vince Young and Texas in the BCS National Championship.

What also really gets to me is those college football fans that don't think about what they say if and when their team receives their first "L."  First game of the season, a team losses, and for the rest of the year, their team is bad.  No matter if they win out and play in the Orange Bowl, they didn't go undefeated and didn't play in the BCS National Championship.  College football fans don't realize this, but if a team has say one, two, or even three losses, through September or October, the season is not over.  Teams are able to get better.  Since Pete Carroll has been the Head Coach at USC, he is 27-0 in games played in November.  What does that tell you?  Even if one or two of USC's losses happened before November, they're going to go undefeated in November, so let it go.  NFL fans understand this, but college football fans can not grasp this. 

Last year, my Cincinnati Bengals stumpled to level even low for them.  1-11-1.  A tie is just as bad as a loss, so I'm going to say 1-12.  The Bengals then one the last three games of the season, and if not for a miracle play that resembled the statue of liberty made famous by Fielding Yost during his coaching tenure at the University of Michigan, the Bengals would be on an eight game winning streak.  But, they are not, and since that loss in the first week, they have come to take out my pre-season pick to win the NFC North in the Green Bay Packers and sweep the first set of games against their division opponents.  Bengals fans, and NFL fans overall know that one game does not mean the end of the season, but we do realize it could be the start of a lost season. 

Whatever happens to the Bengals, or any other College Football or NFL team for that matter, the season is not over.  Unless you happen to be a fan of the Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, or Tennessee Titans.  If that's the case, start flipping out, call the season a disaster, sell your season tickets, and adopt a new team.  I here the Vikings are 5-0 and have Mark Sanchez's dad as their quarterback.  Wow, he must be old.  Just like years past, those bandwagon fans will all jump ship, and find a new team.  The past few years it's been the Pittsburgh Steelers and why?  "Oh, I used to watch Big Ben in college" or "I've been watching since The Bus crashed the Line of Scrimmage 30 times a Sunday for 16 weeks."  Don't lie, no you haven't.  You figure, "Hey, they're a winner, if I can just find one simple explaination for why I'm a fan, no one will harass me."  Wrong.  I will. 

This year, it's the Minnesota Vikings.  "Oh, I watched AP when he was in college or, I've been a Bret Favre fan since his days in Green Bay."  Again, don't lie.  No you haven't.  Every fan of the NFL knows that unless you were or are a cheesehead, you hate Bret Favre.  Why?  Because he's a regular old Joe, but a Joe with money, a golden arm complete with a biceps tendon tear, and three commercials with two of them poking fun at his indecisiveness and the other showing that apparently, if the teams equipment and uniforms get lost, he can play in Levi's.  Good God I'm glad to know that Bret Favre can play football in jeans. 

One of life's greatest philosophical questions in history has just been answered.  Yo Stuart and Scott, it's one lantern if he can play in jeans, and two lanterns if he can move without a walker.  Looks like it's the former, not that latter, maybe in 10 years, when he's in his 30th year of playing, he'll be playing while driving around a Scooter wearing Depends.  Whatever happens, Cedric Benson forever, Bret Favre NEVER!!!

Until next time, come back for more. 

The Easy

The "Jumping Ship Fans"

Hello to all.  How are we today?  Finally I have my first follower!  Ecstatic about that, but I do believe I will get more as long as the blogs keep coming.  Without wasting anymore time, let's just jump right into todays news.

Today's been a rather hectic day, as Michael Crabtree FINALLY agreed to a deal with the San Fransisco 49ers, and will hopefully be making some kind of impact for the team by Thanksgiving.  Shaun Hill has so far played good this year, and I won't lie to you, I thought Hill would've been worse than Alex Smith, but so far, I've been wrong, and for Hill's sake, I hope I continue to be.  Vernon Davis has finally stepped up this year, and even though it took a tango with Coach "Iron" Mike Singletary to get him on track, he's finally looking like the investment the 49ers made by selecting him with the sixth pick of the 2006 NFL Draft.  Add in Frank Gore, 'nuff said, and Michael Crabtree, this offense looks as if it could be good for years to come. 

You know what is interesting?  Getting into a fight with a city's, Cleveland, top star's, LeBron James, friend, a 130 lb. man, and you get thrown off a sinking ship only to be brought aboard the U.S.S. New York Jets.  Braylon Edwards showed every athelete how to get shipped from one of the worst, if not the worst team in the NFL to wash up with the 3-1 Jets.  What will help Braylon, is going against Darrelle Revis in practice, who, if you haven't heard, shut down not only Andre Johnson, but also Randy Moss.  Now, if you ask me, two Pro Bowl Wide Receivers, and Randy is in my mind a sure fire hall of famer in my mind, being shut down, two weeks in a row, that's no coincidence.  Just know this, if you're on a sinking ship wanting out, go after the city's star, and hopefully you'll be pulled from the wreckage by a good team, and not the Oakland Raiders.

On to the topic for today, the bandwagon fan.  The best example, the Minnesota Vikings fans.  For 16 years, the Viking faithful hated Bret Favre with a passion, and now, the same fans that despised him for all those years, are now cheering for him and wearing his jersey.  If you are a fan in any sport, and the most hated player on the most hated rival of your favorite team becomes one of yours, you're going to cheer him.  Why?  That is sports, and that's what the fan does.  All the fans care about is about winning, and that player wins, they're happy and wearing his number and on their backs. 

From around the 2003 to the 2006 time frame, Jim Edmonds was with the Cardinals, and he made the most amazing catches in the outfield.  Every time I went down to Great American Ball Park to watch my Reds play the Red Birds, I'd come away disappointed.  Why?  To no avail, Jim Edmonds either hit a home run, or Jason LaRue, now a Cardinal, would come up to the plate, and hit a for sure home run, or so I thought.  Edmonds would scale the wall and get any ball over the fence.  What am I getting at?  I hated Edmonds then, but if he would've been a Red, I would've loved him. 

If Derek Jeter decides he wants to play two more years after this season when his contract expires, but isn't offered a contract with the Evil Empire, I would expect him to go to the Tampa Bay Rays.  Why?  He lives in Tampa on Davis Island.  Why not play for a team that is within a few miles of your home.  Rays fans who hate Jeter now, would love to have him play shortstop for their team wear his jersey. 

You can see what I'm getting at, even if it's Mike Piazza behind the plate for the Yankees catching Roger Clemens, or in two years, if Mariano Rivera decides to retire, and Jonathon Papelbon becomes a Yankee, those Yankees fans that  have hated him the past few years, will welcome him with open arms.  It's the way and mind of the fan, and it'll never change.  If you can accept this, then I have no problem with you, but if you can't, then we all know who the liar is, and it's not me.  Time to accept the fact that we're all bandwagon at some point, whether it's a team, or a hated player signing with your team, we all do it at least once. 

Athletes make lots and lots of money.  A lot of athletes make millions of dollars a year, and as fans, we hate it.  We say to eachother, "What is the matter with him?  Tell him to get in to camp and accept the real low offer.  He'll earn the rest later."  But, do you have even the slightest idea of why athletes ask for so much money?  Not only to they have more talent in one finger than most people do in their body, but when it comes to football, your life expectancy in the NFL is nothing.  Go through some old NFL Draft results of the last five or six years, and tell me how many names you recognize and how many names are on an NFL roster.  Point is, athletes have to make their money, and they have to do that right away.  Nothing is guaranteed in the NFL, and unlike the MLB, the NFL doesn't have 6 or 7 Minor Leage Baseball teams. 

We as fans hate this, and always say, "That player is so ridiculous.  If I could take his place, I'd play for free."  No you wouldn't.  No one would play for free in any league.  What if a fan got that chance, say he's going to play in the NFL, and he's going to start.  When he goes to practice, and he's around all these players making a ton of money, millions of dollars a year, playing for free will last about an hour, maybe two.  It is what it is, and there isn't a thing anyone can do about it.  This has been fun.  Until next time...

The Easy

Week 4 in the books, and so is the Regular Season

Hello to all,

Once again, here we are, another week of football in the books, and the regular season over, but it seems as most of you could care less about baseball right now.  As all of your thoughts are on Brett Favre being a Viking, the Broncos being 4-0 and the Titans being 0-4.  I won't even get into the Titans situation, as I could spend all day on them, but we'll go with the Broncos.

It took a fluke Week 1, which they should have lost, and no matter what would have happened in week 1, and week 4, they were either going to be 4-0, or 2-2.  Playing Oakland and Cleveland, you are given W's, as Cleveland just cares about filing grievances against Eric Mangini for a $1,703 water bottle and giving up in the middle of a game.  Denver has the talent to be a very good team, but it's going to take more than 4-0 to make me believe that.  I honestly don't know who's going to win the AFC West.  LaDanian Tomlinson is no longer the elusive and explosive back he used to be, and Shawn Merriman is no longer the steroid raged Linebacker he was of the past few years.  That being said, San Diego can not survive solely on passing the ball all year.  You might be saying now, "But they have Darren Sproles, they can run the ball."  No they can't.  Darren Sproles is to small to be an every down back, and like Leon Washington from New York, when used too often, they become ineffective. 

Now, on to baseball.  For the second time in 2 years, the Twins are in a one game playoff with their postseason hopes hanging in the balance.  Hopefully the Vikings left some of that magic in the Metrodome, as the Twins are looking to bounce back from last years 1-0 one game playoff loss to the White Sox.  But I don't think that it's the Twins that need any help, I think it's the Tigers that are needing help.  The Twins are behind Scott Baker, tonights starter, as in the last 13 games he has pitched, they have won 10 of them, and since Justin Morneau went out, they are 16-4. 

The Tigers on the other hand, have a wife beater with a drinking problem, and Rick Porcello, who I believe is going to be a star in this league for years to come.  In 4 games this season, Porcello is 1-2, misleading, because his ERA in those games is 3.09 and the Twins are hitting him pretty good, with a batting average of .299.  It is also of note, that 2 of his last 3 games were against the Twins, in which he lost 3-0 and 3-2, with his total innings in those being 12.1, giving up 15 hits, 4 runs, 1 home run, with 2 walks and 2 strikeouts.  In Porcello they trust.  Looking for a happy ending to an odd relationship, the Twins and The Metrodome will surely be rocking tonight, as tonight could be the last baseball game played at the tarp dome in Minneapolis.

How about the Yankees?  Before Alex Rodriguez made his debut, the Yankees ended April 12-10, and were 13-15 when he made his debut on May 8 against the Orioles, belting a three-run home run on the first pitch of his first at-bat of the season.  Since that day, the Yankees are 103-59.  Best in baseball.  A-Rod makes this team better, as for the 12th straight year, and 13th year overall, he has hit at least 30 home runs and drove in 100 runs.  Of the 15 sports writers that I spoke with, all but 2 believe the Yankees will win the World Series.  But don't forget about the Curse of the Rings.  What?  You don't remember the Curse of the Rings?  What do you mean you've never heard of the Curse of the Rings?  It may not be big now, but it will be in a few years.  Do yourself a favor, go to Border's Bookstore, stroll over to the sports section, and grab yourself a copy of The Yankee Years by Joe Torre.  A great memoir along with great story telling by Joe Torre and one of my favorite sports writers, Tom Verducci.  In this book, you'll learn all about the Curse of the Rings. 

Following the 1999 World Series, the Scouts and Player Development group did not receive their '99 World Series rings until after the 2000 World Series, and when they did, they turned out to be fake.  Following their 2000 Subway Series win against the crosstown Mets, the scouts, about two dozen of them, were not receiving of rings.  Although, Billy Crystal and singer Ronan Tynan did each receive one.  Why?  Well, cheerleaders deserve a ring right?  Only 2 scouts received a '00 World Series ring, and the rest, consider every season since and future that they do not win the World Series as being from the result of the Curse of the Rings.  The Yankees, have not won a World Series since, and have not been in a World Series since 2003, when they were cooked made to order by Josh Beckett, AJ Burnett, and Dontrelle Willis.  Will the Curse be broken 9 years in?  Or will it end in 90 years when most of us are gone? 

Next up on the plattter, College Football.  Being the first big spot for College Football so far, I want to make this a good one and I'll do my best.  I love Florida State, they are my team along with the Cincinnati Bearcats, and this will hurt me to say it, but Bobby Bowden, I think it's time to move on.  Nothing personal pal, but it's time.  It's been a long, wonderful, heart-breaking, and heartfelt journey, that includes, but not limited to, The Choke at the Doak, five Wide Rights, one Wide Left, and a 2 National Championships.  Please Bobby, don't make this harder than it is.  You're still the all-time coach for the 'Noles and NCAA Football, but it's time.  The game has changed, but you haven't.  Don't let this turn into a Joe Paterno-Penn State situation.  JoePa died 15 years ago, he just hasn't fought out yet and Penn State won't let him ride off into the sunset and just pass already.  Time to let go Bobby.  I'll always remember those straw hats, and the memories, but it's time to go. 

Has anyone but me noticed that the past few years, the SEC Championship has destroyed the National Chamionship picture?  In 2003, the #5 Georgia Bulldogs went against the #3 LSU Tigers.  The Tigers won, and went on to win the National Championship...The Bulldogs, they beat Purdue in OT in the Capitol One Bowl.  In 2006, #4 Florida and #8 Arkansas and 2008, #2 Florida and #1 Alabama.  What I'm getting at, is that there are times when the 2 best teams in the nation that should play in the National Championship, are playing in the SEC Championship, to play in the Capitol One Bowl, the Peach Bowl(#3 LSU lost to the #13 ranked Georgia Bulldogs for the right to play in this one.) To stop this madness, the SEC needs to do what the ACC did in 2005, and split up the teams into divisions.  Then, there's a chance that Florida and Alabama could play in this years National Championship game against eachother, as #1 and #2. 

But, a huge but, if one loses, those in Cincinnati will be barking for the Bearcats to be thrown into the mix.  Let me put it for you this way.  If Florida loses 1 game, and Notre Dame wins out, and for some reason, the heavans rain down on Alabama, Ohio State, USC, and LSU, and Notre Dame is ranked high, which I don't see happening, and UC goes undefeated, you will see a National Championship game matchup of Notre Dame vs. Florida.  UC fans will riot before and after they defeat one of the teams above, and Notre Dame will get steam rolled by Florida. 

The Bandwagon will start dropping off fans down at Nippert Stadium, and ESPN will run a "UC Got Screwed" Special.  What's my point here?  The BCS is dying to throw Notre Dame, Michigan, Ohio State, USC, LSU and Alabama into the title picture against Florida, because, let's face it, they're probably all on Urban Meyer's payroll.  They do not care about the BYUs, the Boise States the UCs and the rest of the teams that have begun they ascent to the top.  All they care about, is making their money, throwing in the #1 and #2 when the #1 and #2 might actually be the #8 UC vs #12 Iowa, #11 Miami(FL), #10 TCU or #5 Virginia Tech. 

Whoever is in the game, if UC wins out, it may not matter, because, of course, it's whoever Urban Meyer chooses, as those who have the power to decide are on the payroll, and it doesn't look like it will end anytime soon.   

This is where I'll end.  In about 2 hours and 30 minutes, Detroit and Minnesota will square off for the chance to fulfill a dream of playing in the playoffs and the World Series.  Until next time. 

The Easy

The First of Many

Hello to all,

This is my first blog here, with many more to come.  I will do my best to blog once or twice a day, but do to my hectic schedule, I may not be able too.  But for today's first blog, I'll do what I can in making this a rather longer blog and include as much as I can.  Here goes, hoping this journey may lead to something into the unexpected.

Where shall we start?  Being a baseball fan, I think that may be the best place to start.  Now obviously, it's going to be either Tim Lincecum, Chris Carpenter, or Adam Wainwright.  A few that could and should be in the race, Matt Cain and Javier Vazquez.  Ok, maybe you're thinking exactly what I was when i saw his name, "Javier Vazquez?  Didn't he retire?  He's not that old, but I don't remember ever seeing his name on SportsCenter since his one year disappointing stint with the New York Yankees in 2004."  Vazquez, 33, spent some time with the Diamondbacks, White Sox, until landing with the Braves this year following a trade with the White Sox. 

Silently, Vazquez is on a train to the end of his best season in the Majors since he debuted with the Montreal Expos in 1998.  When looking at his record to date, it can be misleading, 15-10.  The 15 wins is one shy of tying a career high he set as an Expo in 2001 with probably his best season of his career.  In that year, he went 16-11, again misleading with career best 3.42 ERA with 5 Complete Games and 3 Shutouts.  This year, he is on pace to set a new career high in ERA with a remarkable 2.87.  Dipping more into the stat book, Vazquez has 238 strikeouts in 219 1/3 innings.  That is second to only Tim Lincecum, who is toting around 254, and Wainwright is right behind him with 204.  But here's the interesting part, Wainwright has pitched 7 2/3 more innings than Vazquez, with a total of 227 innings. 

Whatever Vazquez is doing, he better keep doing it, because not many 33 year olds can pile up a 2.87 ERA after 4 of his last 5 seasons he recorded an over 4 ERA.  The one year he recorded a 3.74, was in 2007 with the White Sox.  My last interesting fact about Javier Vazquez himself, not many pitchers with a career ERA of 4.19 end a season with an ERA under 3.  Well, Vazquez is about to.

I have plenty more to talk about, and I will keep it coming, but for now, my time is running short.  Be on the lookout, as there are some very good football games coming up, both College and NFL, and the NL West and AL Central races heat up.  Come back for more.

The Easy