Bench Points

The NBA Playoffs OR What The Hell Is Going On Here?

2006-05-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

So is it just me or are the NBA Playoffs not going at all like we thought they would?

Lets see...

The Lakers are up 3 games to 1 on the Suns.

The Spurs and Kings are tied 2 to 2.

The Clippers are dominating the Nuggets, up 3 games to 1.

The Bucks cleaned the Pistons clock the other night and won a game to the Pistons 2 wins.

Chicago and Miami are tied 2 apiece.

Nets and Pacers tied 2 to 2.

Cavs and Wizards also have 2 games each.

Wow. So the Clippers doing well is not much of a surprise, but them dominating the way they are against the Nuggets?

I did not expect the Spurs to drop even ONE game against the Kings, but TWO?!

Didn't think the Pistons would drop even one game.

Miami should have K.O'ed Chicago.

Finally, to me, the most surprising series: The Lakers and Suns.

Now I have never liked Kobe Bryant, and similarly, have always hated the Lakers. So why do I find myself rooting for them? I honestly don't know. I have always like Steve Nash, but apparently he is getting the MVP this season, and I completely disagree with that.

LeBron and Kobe are both much better candidates for the award, it was so obvious it is sickening. LeBron has been putting up amazing numbers for his age, and Bryant has been absolutely AMAZING this season with literally almost no help around him.

Now case in point, look at the Lakers and Suns series. Kobe has really been making everybody around him better, while Nash is playing well, he is not getting it done for his team, who were clearly the favorites when this series started.

With Kobe's POSTERIZING dunk on Nash the other night, and Bryant's amazing clutch shots last night to take the game to overtime and then win, well it was just awesome.

A caveat though on last night, Nash was absolutely fouled by Luke Walton last night, and to make it a jump ball with Nash against a guy A FOOT TALLER THAN HIM. Let me just say I hate NBA officiating sometimes.

All in all the NBA playoffs have been much more exciting than I could have ever imagined. I can't wait for round two.

(P.S. ESPN's Playoff "Rituals" commercial has some great music, music I liked so much I started a quest to find it and did! It is called Noah’s Arkestra by Mountains In The Sky, and is a really cool song. I suggest everybody "acquire" it.)

Hey Guys I Heard There Was An NFL Draft Or Something?

2006-05-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

In case you did not know from it being HAMMERED INTO OUR SKULLS THE LAST MONTH.

The 2006 NFL Draft was this weekend, and boy, between Chris Berman's obnoxious jokes, drunk J-E-T-S fans, and Marv Levy's senility showing. Well, it was a hell of a ride.

So The Texan's picking Mario Williams? Dumb. It's like picking Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan.

The Saints getting Reggie Bush? Awesome, I can't be happier for the city of New Orleans, and with Drew Brees, Joe Horn, and a backfield with both Deuce Mccallister AND Reggie Bush? Scary.

Titans getting Vince Young? Good for them, and they got Lendale White to boot.

Oh the lowly Jets. With your walking disaster area Chad Pennington as your supposed starting quarterback......you don't draft a quarterback. Even with sad sad Matt Leinart sitting in the green room. Did anybody else think Leinart might jump off the top of Radio City Music Hall at this point?

Green Bay taking A.J. Hawk? Solid.

Was Vernon Davis really crying out of happiness at being picked by the 49'ers? I don't know, but I hear last years number one pick has "small hands".

Al Davis must of been in the bathroom emptying his catheter when the Raiders made a good decision.

Next pick? Buffalo Bills! Wait, I'm sorry Bills fans. Somebody put Marv Levy out of his misery.

DETROIT DOESN'T TAKE A WIDE RECEIVER?! Amazing.

The 10th pick is the reason the Vikings should never have let Denny Green go and replace him with freaking Mike Tice. Green is no dummy, and much how he got Daunte Culpepper to the Vikings, Matt Leinart falls into his lap. With the best young receiving corps in the NFL, a solid running back in Edgerrin James, and an awesome new stadium....well I feel really bad for everybody else in the Cardinal's division.

I wasn't going to go any farther than the 10th pick, but a few notes:

Was Denver sending a message to Jake "The Snake aka The Mistake" Plummer by drafting Jay "I Look Like A 12 Year Old" Cutler?

The Vikings made a solid pick with Greenway, but in my heart I wanted them to take Laurence Maroney, especially with the question still floating around about their running back situation.

Finally, I'm glad Maroney went so high, and to such a solid team in the Patriots.

So the craziest weekend in sports is over, and thank god. If I ever see Mel Kiper Jr's hair again I will seriously consider shooting somebodies dog.

(BTW if anyone has a vid cap of the really lame ESPN draft intro with Matt Leinart as Neo, please let me know.)

Bush Controversies, No Not The President.

2006-04-19T15:47:00.000-07:00

So there are continuing swirling rumours after a NFL.com story (which I couldn't find) about the Houston Texans not picking Reggie Bush with their number one pick.

I find this very hard to believe, even with the fans in Houston, apparently, clamoring for the Texans to draft hometown hero Vince Young.

First off, NFL gm's have been known to forever create smokescreens and use subterfuge to gain any advantage they can before the draft. GM's are always looking for the foolish franchise that might trade several good players for a single number one draft pick, it has happened before (see Herschel Walker).

Next, the new head coach of the Texans is Gary Kubiak who last season was the Offensive Coordinator of the Denver Broncos. Now anybody who knows the Broncos style of play in the recent past knows that they love running backs, and a run first offense. They successfully used a two back tandem last season also. So I find it hard to believe that Kubiak, depending on his pull within the organization, would allow management to NOT draft Reggie Bush.

Following up on that last point, what was the hardest problem the Texans faced last season? In my eyes it was how many times David Carr was getting sacked. Now that might have been a result of their not very good offensive line, but also a good way to defeat blitzes and quarterbacks getting sacked, is to have an effective running game.

So I think the likeliest answer is the ever present maneuvering and deception that general managers use to confuse the hell out of other teams before the draft.

Mark my words, Reggie Bush will go number one and to the Texans.

Unless they are foolish enough to give up on an incredibly explosive running back who can possibly win you a game single handedly.

(On second thought, gee I hope I'm right or I'll look like an idiot.)

Seventy-Sixers' Fan Appreciation Days Can't Be Beat!

2006-04-19T15:27:00.000-07:00

By now you have probably heard about Allen Iverson and Chris Webber missing the 76ers last home game last night.

Yes, missing their last home game on fan appreciation night. What a way to appreciate the fans eh?

There are lots of ways to look at this, but let me get something out of the way: Chris Webber had no justifiable reason to do this. I'm really starting to hate this guy, who has never won anywhere he has been in the league. Moved around a lot, and complained about the past teams he has been with.

So Chris Webber can eat it.

As for Allen Iverson, well we know he is unhappy, he has been with the Sixers for 10 seasons and taken them to the playoffs 6 times. That's not entirely bad, and not being able to get it totally done is not his fault.
He is coming off his best season averaging 33 points a game, and yet that is not enough because his team is not playing as a cohesive unit.

Who is to blame for this seasons failure? Certainly not Moe Cheeks, he does what he can, I mean look at what the guy went through in Portland with that group of miscreants, and now he moves to a new team and has to deal with all this drama? I just feel sorry for the man.

Which brings me to Billy King, who got really irate last night about the whole Iverson/Webber thing, and the clip has been all over the news. Well guess what Mr.King? You brought Webber to Philly, you brought a guy to Philly to help A.I. and they ended up being 5 and 1 when he DOES NOT PLAY.

King has done nothing to majorly restructure the team, nothing. I believe he thinks he can get away with it too as long as he has Allen Iverson to draw the fans and make money. I also believe he might have known Allen and Chris were not going to show up and his little tirade was a way to cover his ass.

Continuing with Allen though, he is unhappy, this was probably a way to show his unhappiness by embarrassing King. I don't necessarily disagree with Iverson, but I question his methods, not his motives.

Who Allen Iverson really ended up hurting was himself, and all the faith and goodwill he built up with Sixers fans. There is a time and a place to show your unhappiness Allen, but for god's sake, NOT ON FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT.

So for the record, I still like Iverson, I think him along with Kevin Garnett have the most heart of all the players in the NBA, he made one mistake last night and had his reasons.

Let's not crucify him for one misstep.

As for Chris Webber, please attack him all you want. Maybe he'll try to call a timeout he doesn't have.

BREAKING NEWS: Morrison To Go Pro

2006-04-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

Various sources are reporting that Adam Morrison is leaving Gonzaga to enter the NBA draft.

While I have mixed opinions about players leaving school early to go pro, I can only wish success for Morrison in the NBA.

As I have said before, I fully believe Morrison will be a better player than J.J. Reddick because he is a more all around better player than Reddick.

Plus, the hair and "moustache" are a nice touch.

(For a 70's porn movie.)

Barry Bonds Is Not Funny Anymore, But This Picture Is!

2006-04-17T20:15:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to lie, I like making fun of Barry Bonds.

I mean with all the crying, the ESPN show, the steroids, and hideously deformed body, I get a lot of humor mileage out of Bonds.

Not anymore though.

Recently I just feel sad for him, he has zero home runs so far this year (yes I know its early), and all the continuing pressure from the steroid allegations and perjury charges. Did you see him hit that ball the other night all the way...to the warning track. You could just see it in his eyes, he thought it was going over the wall, sadly, no.

Meanwhile, Albert Pujols has been hitting them out of the park on a regular basis, and as Buster Olney has pointed out, why doesn't he get the scrutiny that Bonds does?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not becoming a Bonds apologist, but watching him is like watching an old dog try to do all the things he used to.

Two Players Indicted In Duke Lacrosse Scandal

2006-04-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

Nothing funny about this one, but it is news, and as such I will report it.

Two players on the Duke lacrosse team were indicted today in the alleged rape of an exotic dancer at an off-campus party.

Apparently the two players indicted were neither the team captain, nor the player who sent the infamous email to fellow players.

Full story here: Lawyer calls indictment of his clients 'a tragedy'

Thoughts On The NBA Playoffs, Kevin Garnett, and Allen Iverson

2006-04-17T19:51:00.000-07:00

Playoff Thoughts

Now that the NBA playoff seedings have almost solidified, there is one question I've seen asked more than any other.

What will be the big first round upset?

Well, for my part I think the Los Angeles Lakers have the best chance against the Pheonix Suns (if that indeed will be the matchup), if only because the Suns lineup has been a little shaken up due to injury. While Steve Nash has overcome these setbacks to lead his team into the playoffs, the absence of inside play due to the injuries of Amare Stoudemire and Kurt Thomas leaves them with a serious offensive flaw.

The Lakers, on the other hand, do not live or die by Kobe Bryant as many people believe. Kobe will do what Kobe does no matter what his teammates do. Namely, put up an ungodly number of points by himself, but what will really decide the outcome IS what his teammates do!
Without solid defense from everyone on the squad, and offensive contributions by players NOT named Kobe Bryant, will be key to keep up with the Suns' "run the floor" offense.

Plus let's not forget who is coaching the Lakers, a man who has plenty of playoff experience, Phil Jackson.

"The Big Ticket's" Chances Of Punching That Ticket Out Of Minnesota

I'm tried of NBA writers and on-air analysts proclaiming that the "Kevin Garnett Sweepstakes" has begun.

If I had a felony charge for each time I've heard that I'd be...well I'd be the Portland Trailblazers.

I've heard Garnett talk about being upset about the Timberwolves not being able to get it done before and after the regular season many times, and well he's never requested a trade (that I know of). From what I can tell Garnett really would like to stay in Minnesota, and all he asks is that management gets him a little help.

To be honest though, there is always the possibility of him being moved, but the questions are really "when?" and "how?".

I've heard rumors of Stephon Marbury wanting to reunite with KG, but to be honest, that didn't work too well the last time and Marbury's ego wasn't even as large back then as it is now. Being a Timberwolves fan, I'd hate to see this happen, I fully believe that any team with Marbury on its roster is doomed (see New York Knicks).

Another tidbit I've heard about concerns everyone's favorite "one man team", Kobe Bryant. Bryant has in the past tried to woo Garnett to Los Angeles without much success, but with Kobe needing just a little help to make the Lakers a contender, and Phil Jackson being back on the bench, this might be the opportunity that KG would like to possibly get a ring.

Trade rumors About Allen Iverson? I'm Shocked!

See the beginning of the Garnett commentary, again an over-hyped situation that has happened a lot in the past.

Iverson isn't happy, Iverson hasn't been happy for awhile. The 76ers have tried to get him help, but to no avail as they are missing the playoffs this year.

About all I have to say about this is: Trade him. Let him go be happy somewhere else where he has the chance to be a winner, and use the trade to help restructure your team with some good, young talent.

"Quick Hits For Wednesday April 12th" or "I'm Too Lazy To Write An Article."

2006-04-12T16:22:00.000-07:00

Boosters and families of the Duke lacrosse players hire former Clinton lawyer.

Coco Crisp (at this point writer laughs out loud) signs an extension with the smelly Red Stockings.

Coach Calipari "agrees" to an extension with Memphis.

Yes I know this is old news by now, but this story about the Alabama booster being killed is just plain weird.

Get ready for some fireworks! Pedro takes the mound against the Nationals tonight.

From the "not surprised at all department", some Minor League baseball players get in "trouble" for taking steroids.

That's it for now, but enjoy this funny picture of Randy Moss!

WHAT?! YEAH!! Lil Jon Gets New "Crunk Cup", Unfortunately It's Lord Stanley's

2006-04-12T15:50:00.000-07:00

I know Deadspin already posted this, but I had to mention it here, if not for the hilarious photo.

Look for Dave Chappelle to make fun of this photo op when he gets back from Africa.

What? He's back already?

Sigh, still no new episodes of the "Chappelle Show."

1,000 Dollar Mint Juleps: Bourbon From Kentucky, Mint From Morroco, Ice From The Arctic, and Horse Steroids From Barry Bonds

2006-04-12T15:37:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I couldn't resist the Barry Bonds joke.

So this year at the Kentucky Derby rich white people in nice hats and dresses can buy Mint Juleps for 1,000 bucks a pop.

Besides all the ingredients coming from the finest stock (actually I didn't know Morocco was the hub of mint), it will be served in a golden cup.

The proceeds, apparently, go to a charity for retired horses.

Wow.

It's like some dates I've had, a fortune in alcohol and 2 minutes of excitement.

"Savor The Flavor" (SI.com)

The Case For The NBA MVP

2006-04-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

Ever since Michael Jordan left the game (well he left, like, 3 times) the decision of who to give the MVP award to has gotten tougher.

Back in the days of Jordan, we pretty much just handed it over to him. I mean everybody knew he would get it before the season even started.

As much as the media calls this or that player the "next Jordan," there still isn't any player in the NBA as dominating as he is.

This season the race is even closer, but in my view there are three players who stand above the rest. Although they don't necessarily stand over each other, the choice between these three really depends on what your definition of a Most Valuable Player in the NBA is.

Lebron James is averaging 31.7 points per game, 7.1 rebounds per game, and 6.7 assists per game. Those numbers put him in league with some of the most famous players in NBA history: Oscar Robertson and Jerry West to name a couple. Lebron has carried the Cleveland Cavaliers to a winning record this season, and a playoff berth. All this without much of a supporting cast, while Dwayne Wade has Shaq, and Vince Carter has Jason Kidd, Lebron has pretty much done most of it on his own, and yet does get his teammates involved.

Kobe Bryant is the NBA's leading scorer at 35.2 a game, and has numerous games of 40 or more points. Not to mention the spectacular performance against the Toronto Raptors where he racked up a stupendous 81 points! In my mind the Lakers only have a chance at the playoffs now because of Bryant. No matter his personal flaws, the man can ball. All this without any help from his fellow Lakers. Lamar Odom has never really found his role in the Lakers offense, and Kwame Brown sure hasn't helped.

Steve Nash, everybody's favorite Canadian, won the MVP award last year with his pivotal part in a high-speed Pheonix offense. He currently leads the NBA in assists at 10.4 a game. A selfless player, he finds the open guy and is not afraid to give up the ball. This season was even harder on Nash with a wholly revamped Pheonix Suns that did not include standouts from last year like Quentin Richardson, not to mention Amarie Stoudemire's injury problems. Yet they are still going to the NBA playoffs.

These players are clear examples of three different playing styles, and also might represent the three differing opinions of MVP ballot voters.

Lebron James is a cross between a high scorer, and a playmaker, while Bryant is (at least to me) pretty much a scorer, and finally Steve Nash is a pure playmaker.

Whatever your opinion is, all three of these guys are certainly deserving, and the main reasons for the success their teams have had this season.

Chris "Boomer" Berman Is Now Chris "Boom-Boom" Berman

2006-04-11T15:05:00.000-07:00

As seen on Deadspin. Chris Berman is apparently not only a "fun to laugh at" sports broadcaster, but something of a "don juan" and "sex machine."

I think I might puke.

I....COULD....GO...ALL....THE...WAY...TO...THE...TOILET....TO...RETCH!

Matt Leinart Fires "Superagent" Leigh Steinberg, Also Fires "Superfriend" Batman.

2006-04-11T14:53:00.000-07:00

Earlier today the story broke that "superquarterback" Matt Leinart dismissed his "superagent" Leigh Steinberg.

Steinberg is one of the most highly successful sports agents in recent history, with a roster of current and former NFL players that includes Ben Roeth(I hate your last name)lisberger, Mark Brunell, Steve Young, Troy Aikman, and Warren Moon.

Leinart already had the agency CAA (Creative Artists Agency) in charge of his marketing. Recently, Tom Condon, who represents Peyton and Eli Manning left IMG to go to CAA.

I've heard some speculation that Leinart wants to be more than a successful quarterback, and wants to be a household name and branch out into many different areas besides pro-football. Apparently, CAA has been fairly successful with athletes in the past who have the same goals, and now with Tom Condon there (who did a very good job promoting the Manning brothers) might have had much to do with Leinarts decision.

"If The Glove Doesen't Fit, You Must Acquit!"

2006-04-10T15:23:00.000-07:00

This just in:

DURHAM, N.C. -- There is no DNA match between members of Duke University's men's lacrosse team and an exotic dancer who told police she was sexually assaulted at a team party, attorneys for some of the team's players said Monday.

That's from ESPN.com, the full story is here.

Ok....well somebody must have raped her, right? Right?!

Personally from reading things about those Duke lacrosse players, they seem like a bunch of jerks. Or most of the college athletes I've met, especially those in the sports that don't draw the crowds (e.g. lacrosse, golf, swimming, etc.), because they feel like they have to overcompensate for the lack of popularity in their sport.

So take this as you will, all I know is that something happened.

"BOOM!" Happy Birthday John Madden!

2006-04-10T15:14:00.000-07:00

Yep it is Madden's birthday.

Football Commentator, Video Game Innovator, Former NFL Head Coach, Former College Football Player, and he's from Minnesota!

Oh wait I forgot one: He's hilarious!

In honor of John Maddens birthday, here are some of my favorite "Maddenisms":

"It's great to see... Kids... At a football game this late!"

"When you celebrate always keep both feet on the ground!"

"Some people call it Tampa Bay and some will tell you it's Tampa and some call it Tampa and some will tell you it's Tampa Bay. I personally always add the bay!"

"Now he has a ball in both hands!"

"Boom!"

"The Rams better block that Warren Sapp guy."

"You never want to go backwards in the end zone."

"Donovan McNabb is doing the things Donovan McNabb does."

"First down is a good down."

League Reminds The Mets And Nats That You Arn't Supposed To Hit The Batter

2006-04-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

The Mets and Nationals meet three times starting tomorrow, and Major League Baseball doesn't want any funny business.

After a game where Pedro Martinez and Felix Rodriguez hit several batters in a game last Thursday, including Pedro hitting Jose Guillen twice!

After being hit for the second time, Guillen charged the mound, bat in hand, ready to do some damage. He (thankfully?) was restrained, the bullpens also emptied, but no other violence erupted.

As if that wasn't enough, Felix Rodriguez was ejected from the game after hitting Mets catcher Paul LoDuca. Nats Manager Frank Thomas was then also ejected from the game for arguing Felix's ejection.

I don't know about you, but I can't wait for the Mets and Nationals game tomorrow!

Ricky Williams On Trial, Asks Judge For A Recess At 4:20

2006-04-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

Today is a day of judgement for Ricky Williams.

His appeal is going before the NFL, an appeal against charges that he again violated the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Apparently, the last positive test that triggered this was last December, but apparently it may have not been marijuana that he tested positive for. In his appeal Williams contends that he ingested an "herb" that produced a red flag.

An "herb"? This reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where Elaine eats the muffins with poppy seeds on them and tests positive for opium.

Unless he and his counsel can persuade the commissioner and Ricky is suspended for a year, he would be reinstated as a 30 year old running back who has played in only 12 games in the last 3 years.

I don't know about you, but that sounds like a bad end to what could have been a great career for Ricky, but he just couldn't get away from that Mary Jane or those darn "herbs".

On a related note, Miami Dolphins head coach Nick Saban doesn't think that Williams has a substance abuse problem, and said that they are going to be "very supportive of Ricky."

He is going to need all the support he can get at this point, and I'm not talking about a few quick hits off a blunt before his hearing.

Phil Mickelson Wins Hideous Green Jacket

2006-04-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

Honestly, that jacket looks like something you'd find at a Salvation Army.

Seriously though, it seems to me that Mickelson won the Masters simply because he made no mistakes on the back nine of Augusta, and everyone else screwed up.

Yeah I said it, Mickelson won because everybody else lost.

I mean did you see all the short putts that Tiger Woods and Fred Couples missed on the back nine?

Even if Tiger hadn't taken the lead, he might have been at -5 or -6, and that may have had an effect on "Lefty's" performance.

Everybody knows that Tiger Woods being near the top of a leaderboard at an event is disconcerting. It could of gotten Phil of his game.

If Couples had made some of those putts it might of also have thrown Mickelson off his game, especially since he was partnered with Freddy and they were the last group.

Some other interesting things about yesterday:

Miguel Angel Jimenez's freaking ponytail, I mean, come on.
Rocco Mediate's score of 10 on the 12th hole (which is a par 3 by the way). He hit it into the water, not once, but twice.He also must of hit it into the water again, but CBS decided to have mercy on Rocco and not show it. It does not end there though, when Mediate finally got it over the water, it blasted over the green and right into a bunker. I don't think I've even gotten a 10 on a par 3 hole!
Tiger Woods obviously cussing after bad shots, it's why we watch.
At one point Freddy Couples was standing to the back and left of his caddy and put something into the caddy's left pocket. What the hell? Was he tipping him?
Tim "The South African Bulldog" Clark sinking that awesome shot out of the bunker on 18 to take sole command of second place.

Well I'm looking forward to the rivalry between Tiger and Lefty developing, and hopefully it'll create some excitement at the U.S. Open.

Mother Nature Leads Masters By Six Strokes With A 70% Chance Of Rain

2006-04-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

Well if you have been watching the Masters on CBS since their TV coverage started at 3 pm, well I wasn't watching so much as reading a book, you have probably been as bored as I am hearing talking head Jim Nance (sp?) drone on and on about nothing as he flounders about waiting for the rain delay to be over.

The most interesting thing has been watching the players waiting for the rain delay to be over, warming up at the driving range tees. Well in retrospect, that is really not interesting or entertaining at all.

Anyway, Chad Campbell is in the lead at -6. The restart in play is at 5:15 EST.

Other than that, tune in and watch alot of rain and soggy pictures of grass!

Exciting!

The Steroid Era: Or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Hypocrisy: Part One

2006-04-08T10:37:00.001-07:00

"Origin Of The Problem"

First off we have to ask ourselves "What is wrong with using steroids in baseball?"

I know, I know, you're thinking that that is a pretty stupid question, and maybe even qualifies as rhetorical.

Think about it though, what is the essence of professional baseball players using a performance enhancing drug?

Why its cheating of course...

cheat
v. cheat·ed, cheat·ing, cheats
v. intr.

1. To act dishonestly; practice fraud.
2. To violate rules deliberately, as in a game: was accused of cheating at cards.
3. Informal. To be sexually unfaithful: cheat on a spouse.

Let's take a look at the second definition there, "To violate rules deliberately, as in a game."

I think one facet of the definition of cheating that is missing in those definitions listed is this: To violate the rules of a game deliberately in order to gain an unfair advantage.

I mean that pretty much sums up the reason why baseball players have, and might continue to use, performance enhancing drugs. They can hit better, stronger, and farther with the help of a little syringe.

Of course lately whenever the topic of steroids and performance enhancing drugs in pro baseball is brought up, I'm surprised by the fact that nobody ever saw this coming.

Now I'm a sports fan, but I've never really been that big of a baseball fan. My lack of love and knowledge for the game though has not prevented me from knowing that cheating in some form or the other, has been a part of the game since its inception.

During my research for this article I came across many instances of cheating in pro baseball, the earliest? Well it wasn't so much an act of cheating as a scandal, but in its pure essence the 1919 "Black Sox" incident is in fact cheating. Members of the 1919 White Sox were supposedly bought off by gamblers, with ties to organized crime, to throw the 1919 World Series.

Now you may say: "Gee they didn't cheat in order to give themselves an unfair advantage."

Well no, of course being paid off a great sum of money, to me, is gaining an "unfair advantage." The biggest travesty here was the members of the team cheating themselves, their manager, their fans, the opposing team, and the game of baseball itself!

So, wow, 1919 eh? That's a long time ago. Unfortunately, it is only the first in a series of dominoes that have fallen to bring us to the point where we are now.

Corked bats, tar pitch, spitballs, scuffing and cutting, sharpened spikes, stealing signs etc. etc.

Oh no my friend, steroids has never been and never will be the "be all, end all" of cheating in baseball.

In 1944, Nels Potter was the first pitcher to be suspended for throwing a "spitball."

Let's take a look at a list of pitchers who were known or proven to cheat while on the mound:

Mike Scott, scuffed balls.

Gaylord Perry, used spitballs and vaseline balls.

Joe Niekro, used pine tar, and was caught scuffing balls when a file fell out of his pocket while on the mound.

Whitey Ford, used wedding ring to cut ball, placed mud around the pitchers mound to load ball.

Preacher Roe, threw spitballs.

Rick Honeycutt, was caught with thumbtack taped to his finger for cutting balls.

Don Sutton, scuffed balls.

Kevin Gross, scuffed ball with sandpaper.

Brian Moehler, used sandpaper taped to thumb to scuff ball.

Lew Burdette, threw spitballs.

So that's 10 players in pro baseball history to have been known or caught cheating while on the mound. It would be foolish to think that they are/were the only ones.

How about modified bats?

Albert Belle, corked bats.

Norm Cash, corked bats.

Graig Nettles, used bat filled with "superballs."

Amos Otis, used corked and superballed bats.

George Brett, used bat with more pine tar than legal on it.

Billy Hatcher, used corked bat.

Wilton Guerrero, used corked bat.

Sammy Sosa, used corked bat.

Again that is only 8 of the players we know of.

Some other various instances of cheating in pro baseball's history:

Bossard Family, famous for abusing their groundskeeping duties to give an advantage to their employers.

Pete Rose, bet on baseball games while manager of the Reds, bet on his own team.

Kent Hrbek, pulled Ron Gant off of first base and tagged him out in Game 2 of the 1991 World Series.

John Mcgraw, hid balls in the outfield, spiked opposing players, watered down base paths, and grew infield grass to deaden bunts.

Ty Cobb, got extra stolen bases because infielders were afraid of his sharpened spikes, might have bet on baseball, and thrown games.

1951 New York Giants, used elaborate sign stealing system at Polo Grounds.

John McGraw, held baserunners by the belt, tripped them, spiked them.

Maury Williams, while manager of the Seattle Mariners 1980-81, told groundskeepers to enlarge batters box toward the pitcher by a foot.

What is my point in listing all these incidents, supposed, proven, or otherwise?

My point is partly informative, because as we all know, you can't understand the situation you are in today without examining the past.

It is also partly to point out the irony that with all this cheating going on in Major League Baseball, that the so-called "Steroid Era" blindsided us, and took us by surprise.

Well, I'm not surprised.

I'm also not surprised with the MLB's difficulties in addressing the problem. All the cheating I listed has been punished fairly softly, with the exception of the 1919 "Black" Sox, and Pete Rose.
So why is anybody surprised that when the issue of steroids began to creep into the game of baseball, that Major League Baseball themselves took a very soft stance on it.

It took a scandal, a book, and congress, to finally light a fire under the collective butts of the MLB. Let me tell you though, it was a pretty small fire.

You see if the MLB had addressed the general notion of cheating with harsher punishments and admonishment in all these decades of cheating, then maybe they wouldn't have to deal with the current pot of boiling water that they are sitting in.

Maybe we wouldn't be hearing about Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, BALCO, Jose Canseco, Game of Shadows, and everything else that we are bombarded with everyday in the world of sports media.

Or, maybe not. Maybe it was inevitable.

Whatever the case, those of us who cry foul at players using performance enhancers, also turned a blind eye to the whole enormity of cheating going on in professional baseball since it started.

This article was not meant to lay blame though, although there might be some of that in the next installment.

Again, the best way to start a story is to examine the background, so consider this a "prologue" in a book.

Or more succintly, the "prologue" to the story of steroids in professional baseball.

References used in this article:

"Biggest Cheaters In Baseball (Fan List)"
"Biggest Cheaters In Baseball"
"Cheating: Baseball's Oldest Profession"

Brett Favre Holds Press Conference, A Collective Packer Nation Holds It's Breath

2006-04-08T06:53:00.000-07:00

Hope they have strong lungs.

I just saw LIVE on the Worldwide Leader, Brett Favre holding a press conference about his decision to play this season.

What did 'ole Brett have to say?

That he is still undecided, has to go play golf now, and to "Enjoy baseball right now."

Gee thanks for the advice Brett.

Seriously, what the frack?

This is quickly becoming the longest, most drawn out joke, with no punchline.

Maggie Dixon, Pedro Hits Some Guys, Bittersweet Beltran, Football Players And Their "Balls", And Mike Davis

2006-04-07T15:23:00.000-07:00

Rest In Piece Maggie Dixon (story)
Man, I'm sorry I missed that Mets and Nats game last night. Pedro hits a bunch of batters (note to hitters: stop crowding the plate and wearing that sissy body armor), Carlos Beltran has to be coaxed out of the dugout to receive applause, and Frank Thomas gets tossed. What a barnburner!
Peyton Manning and Tom Brady get together and talk about "playing with their own balls" , special appearance by Brett Favre (as if we hadn't heard enough about him lately).
The start of Mike Davis' redemption?

Now This Is A Goalie Mask: Eat It Jason!

2006-04-07T15:12:00.000-07:00

I've seen some college goalies wearing masks like this, so I did a little research and found one of the designers who makes them.

What can I say? Fricken' awesome!

Miska Designs

Maybe They Should Have "Slow Clapped" For Barry.

2006-04-07T15:05:00.000-07:00

So Bonds gets a standing ovation yesterday in front of the home crowd.

Am I surprised by this? No.

Did everyone in the crowd get suckered in by "Bonds on Bonds"? Hopefully not.

Does Barry Bonds cry more than Dick Vermeil? No, but its getting close.

I fully believe that the biggest bastard in the world could be on a sports team, and be cheered by his home fans.

This also goes on to prove that fans (San Francisco Giants or otherwise) are pretty ambivalent about the whole steroids issue. If they were truly fans of the game of baseball though, they wouldn't be cheering.

Unfortunately, it's mob mentality in the sports world.

Stay tuned for my upcoming, multi-part series: "The Steroid Era: Or How I Stopped Worrying And Learned To Love The Hypocrisy."