Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Some Random Sports Thoughts

Dan Patrick-- I was kinda sad when I heard DP was leaving ESPN. He's the last of the SC anchors that I grew up watching (Stuart Scott doesn't count). He's always pretty rational, and he's got that dry sense of humor that just makes you want to listen. Now, they need to bring back Kenny Mayne... permanently.

The Tigers-- Everyone's freaking out... and those people obviously became fans last year. I've been through about 18 losing seasons (of 20), so the losing doesn't bother me. But, they're almost becoming like the Pistons. They just don't seem to care. They become nearly unwatchable in a lot of losses. Most of these guys went through at least one rough season with the Tigers. Hopefully, they can remember the true excitement they brought to an entire state last year. I'm not too worried.. they're bound to turn it around. But, I would like to see a couple things happen. Jason Grilli needs to go. He's a liability when his accuracy is just a little "off". Bring back Jordan Tata. I LOVED this guy at the start of last year.. I never understood why he got sent back down. He pitched brilliantly the other day in his start, and he proved last year that he can come out of the bullpen with success.

Barry Bonds-- I think he's a complete prick. No, he is. But, he's gotten a raw deal. Barry is, in my opinion (and by far), the best player of this generation. You can talk about Griffey in his prime, but he was always more of a HR hitter. When it comes to going to all fields, he's not even close to Bonds. No one (perhaps ever) can compare to Bonds when it comes to seeing the baseball. His vision is truly remarkable. Oh yeah.. he stole 30+ bases routinely in his prime (something Griffey never came close to). Perhaps the only thing Griffey has going for him is his defense. Even then, Barry Bonds has 9 Gold Gloves. Back to Bonds getting a raw deal.. where's all of the outcry for McGwire, Sosa, Palmeiro, Pudge, etc.?? The evidence against these guys (and many more) is just as strong (if not stronger), yet they all seem to be getting a free pass. Even Bud Selig seems to be singling Bonds out. If this was Pudge breaking the record... would there even be a question if he was going to be there? Of course not. Barry is about to break the greatest record in all of sports. It's something, even without steroids, he would be approaching. Yes, he's a complete ass. But, he's one of the best baseball players ever. He deserves this moment. When A-Rod breaks his record in 10 or so years, I will be the first one to stand up and applaud.. but I will be applauding whenever Bonds breaks Hank's record as well.

Tim Donaghy-- Wait, the NBA is fixed!?!? Next you'll tell me that the Tour de France is dirty. Has anyone actually watched the last two years of the playoffs? The Pistons dominate two regular seasons.. but the two young, rising stars and faces of the NBA somehow beat them in the playoffs. Playoff officiating has been questionable for years. This is nothing new... just something independent of the NBA ordering it.

Michael Vick-- Another complete jerk--white, black, or purple. I can't stand when the race card is brought up in something like this. Do you really think we would condone Jim Tressel fighting dogs (my next suspicion)? Would we give Danny Crawford a break if he was betting on NBA games? This whole thing just confirms what I've always thought... NFL players are much bigger thugs than NBA players ever will be. And, ex-Michigan players never seem to be caught up in this sort of thing.

College Football-- Can't wait... the best sport period. If Michigan's secondary holds up, watch out.