Free Radical

My thoughts on the Anniversary of the Fire Bombing in Dresden

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 07:30:00 -0800

I have never been so sickened reading Woodfins finest war hawk description of the controversial bombing of Dresden in the AC-T this morning. Dresden was the Florence of Germany- an old cultural capitol, full of art treasures and architectural masterpieces that the bombing left untouched throughout the war. So the city was full of refuges and practically undefended when the British attacked on February 13, 1945. The Stated intent behind the attack was to stop German troop transport, this could have been accomplished if they destroyed the railway bridge over the Elbe. But in the end, the bridge remained intact. In fact, it was not even cited as a target.

The other stated purpose was to " show the Russians what the Bomber command can accomplish" They succeeded in this. The temperature rose to above 1800 degrees. In the cities largest Hospital 45 expectant mothers had been killed. The precise number killed is impossible to settle since so many bodies couldn't be identified or separated because they turned to semi-liquid then to dust. Out of this violence, both that which is dormant and has already been committed, the century dreams of genocide emerge. And we create a life that must always be limited to a few.

Jason Treadway

Tim Tebow a Panther?

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:29:00 -0800

The ideal of him wearing a Panthers uniform is gaining momentum. Don't be surprised to see Panthers drafting him with there 2nd round pick.

Tim Tebow probably the most decorated college football player in recent memory. 2 Heisman trophys and would have probably won a third if the Gators beat Alabama. 88 passing touchdowns and 57 touchdowns are incredible number for a QB in the SEC.

Tim Tebow the person is another story unfortunately. In July he said he was a virgin and was saving himself for marriage. In these intense and probing interviews with coaches, general managers and scouts I think out loud if this question comes up. Does it matter? I don't know but his strengths are his toughness, leadership, integrity and goodness. All qualities that are endearing, but would you follow a virgin into battle?

As for his game on the field former Falcons and Oilers coach Jerry Glanville talks about his mechanics. "

From my point of view what Tebow is the best at is diving between the tackle and guard for 4 yards. And hiding the ball from the defense for enough time to give his legion of protection space to block and catch.

Where he ends up and how he is used is the biggest story of this years draft. What a gift in the second round he would be for any team. Anyone who drafts him the first round are of unsound mind and need an intervention.

But what do you think? If he falls to the Panthers should they draft him?

Crap

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:59:00 -0800

Last night I had a dream of a big pile of shit. I was in London drinking with my mates out on the piss etc. I walked in the Bathroom to see hundres of turds piled high on a stinky toilet. The meaning of this dream I soon discovered was twofold.

1. I have a dirty mind and I am trying to face it. True true and true.

2. I am presenting ideals to the world that are hard to swallow and relate to.

The meaning of all this you ask. Well I think it accuractley describes this Blog. With that I hope you have a better understanding of me.

Top 10 PGA Golfers in 2010

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:09:00 -0800

Prediction Special!! World Golf Rankings only, no fed-ex or any other complicated formulas apply. If Tiger comes back at any point he woulde take the top spot, but I don't see him coming back this year. So here it goes and lets hope for another exciting year in Golf.

10. Anthony Kim look for him to rebound this year. A star in the making and he has the best belt buckles on tour. He closely edges out Angel Cabrera.

9. Camiio Villegas. My Favorite golfer. He had high expectations after the Buick Open in 2008 but struggled closing out tournaments. Outfitted by Jlindeberg he is a cut above the rest in the fashion department. And he is a work out freak, with arms of a UFC champ he can crush the golf ball. I hope he ends up with the top spot.

8. Kenny Perry. Old sausage head from Kentucky had a great 2009, with a chest breaking overtime loss at the Masters left the poor cuntry boy so close to greatness. Would rank him higher but he is turning 49 soon.

7. Sean O'hair. Sean looks about as average as they come but can play with the best. His cool demeanor will not endear him to the media. I saw him play and win at Quail Hollow last year and would never have guessed he would excel like he did.

6. Zach Johnson the grittiest player on tour. He knows how to grind it out. He wrecked his face last year and didn't miss a beat.

5. Rory Mcllroy. Young, from Northern Ireland ( not Ireland?!), great hair and finished 11 in 2009. All the ingredients for success to me.

4. Lucas Glover. I love the fact that young Lucas isn't a AdWhore like the rest of the players. He looks like a weekend warrior and he was one of the Tours hottest young players last year. Bring the beard back Lucas!!

3. Padraig Harrington. A ugly and boring man who claims to be the greatest thing since sex, claims the number 3 slot only because i dislike Garcia more.

2. Steve Stricker. Tigers only competition last year. Steve does it with his putting and consistency. I was shocked to see him on top of the leader board week after week. Don't be shocked this year Steve can play.

1. Phil Mickelson. Number 2 last year i know this isnt a strech but I have a feeling this is his year. Was on a roll last year before his wife's cancer forced him to take time off. A popular player because of his accessibility and candor, Phil is the second most talented player on tour and with his repertoire of tricks he could win it all.

Atlanta Braves .42 % season report

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:58:00 -0700

What a week for braves fans! It appears the braves brass has reached a critical mass of popular support with regard to competing for a pennant now. The announcement that Tom Glavine was cut from the team, a savage trade that brings in Nate Mclouth and his gold glove, cheap salary, 26 sb and 46 doubles. And finally Tommy Hansen has pitched his first game, a potential # 1 starter. So how does this put the Braves in a position to be playing some meaningful games in September?

Oh woe is the athlete who is past his prime and refuses to copilate . My thoughts when I heard the Braves signed Glavine to a one year incentive laden contract was that it was good insurance. With so many injuries to last years rotation he was well worth the money. And possibly mentor some of the young pitchers. The problem was he was not healthy and the rotation was a strength so far this year. And with Jo-Jo Reyes, Kris Medlen and Tommy Hanson all competing for the # 5 spot on the rotation there was no place for you. I doubt your wife wants to move Mr. Glavine just stay close to Atlanta and and give until it hurts. Atlanta needs you, its just business baby.

Lets analyze the Nate Mclouth trade now. I think the GM's thought " we could of have had this guy" From the pirate perspective it just gets worse and worse. They think now they can make intelligent moves? They think they can turn it around now? The pirates have been over 500 one time past June 10 in the last 10 years. And now the GM acts as if he is reading to much of the Pirates message board.Pirates GM letter to the fan .The Bucs certainly stops with you. You traded Xavier Nady, Jason Bay and Nate Mclouth ( a much better outfield than the braves) away and what do you have in return? Adam Laroches little brother, a big stupid looking outfielder in Brandon Moss. Kudos for Frank Wren for pulling the trigger early in the year. Once in a Braves generation we have a speed\power hybrid. All year long I have been bemoaning the lack of speed and pizzaz and with Nate Mclouth we now have it. He was tight with Adam Laroche, the former brave was very troubled to see him go, so bitter he openly chastised Pirate management for letting him go. Bobby Cox says he is the type of guy who doesn't say much unless you ask him a question. Then he will smile and you will get a good conversation. Does anyone think this sound familiar? The braves roster is full of theses painfully awkward maladroits , type B personalitys and artless players. i.e. Casey Kotchman, Garrett Anderson, Kelly Johnson. When instead I would like to see a little more passion from my players. More players who hate losing. i.e. Escobar, Chipper and Infante. I do wish him much success. And he has the best steal % in Basbeall over the last 2 years. But to compete in the playoffs and for a title you need two stars at the top of your pitching staff and a dominating closer , Unless you are the 88 Twins and there 4.67 Minnesota Twins.( but even they had Viola and Blyleven). With a semi proven solid to good CF is great but the Braves need star pitching. The Atlanta Braves think Tommy Hansen can answer the call to be that #1 or # 2.

A lavender sky was overhead when Tommy Hansen cut down the first 10 hitters he faced. The second time around the hitters timed his fastball and Ryan " the Hebrew Hammer" Braunhn the 2007 ROY crushed 2 home runs. In his second start he showed strength through adversity giving up 9 hits and 5 walks and ONLY 2 runs in his first major league win. With the overtly symbolic gesture of dropping Braves icon Tom Glavine and starting and pitching 100+ pitches for Tommy Hansen, he has a lot of pressure. Does anyone think he can handle it? With his A-ball roomie Kris Medlen pitching succesfully for the Braves he has a trusted friend to talk to and with a torrent of confidence, the futures is so bright I have to wear shades. For those who care....Thomas J. Hanson was a draft-and-follow pick in the 22nd round by the Atlanta Braves in the 2005 amateur draft out of Riverside Community College. Hanson is a 6'6", 210-pound right-handed pitcher with a mid-90's fastball, curve ball and an improving change up. Hanson spent his first year of pro ball in Danville in 2006, where he compiled a 4-1 record with a 2.09 ERA. Even more impressive, in his 51 2/3 innings at Danville, he had 56 K, nine BB, and a 0.99 WHIP. And after 4 starts in the mlb he is 3-0 3.13 e.r.a. 16 walks and 15 s.o. He is giving up a lot of base runners but he is getting the outs that count. His best start was facing the Yankees when he held them to 5.2 scoreless innings. And the best stat of them all is his 13.2 consecutive scoreless streak. Watch out Orel!

Quail Hollow coverage

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Wed, 6 May 2009 08:52:00 -0700

What a intimidating task to share my Quail hollow experience. Everyone just called it the Tournament. And they all wanted to see Tiger. ( more on him later) but 9 straight pars on the back nine killed his chance to catch the fair haired 26 year old Sean O'Hara. Never have I felt so out of place yet no one bothered to go out of there way to make me feel unwanted or uncomfortable. Let me take you to the beginning now.

Quail Hollow Tournament is a major golf tournament located in Charlotte NC. It was won last year by Anthony Kim a exciting young golfer who wears the best belt buckles on the tour. The Tournament started on Friday and we got our tickets for Sunday the final day of the tournament. We bought our tickets on craigslist from a young woman in Charlotte who i guessed to be 8 from her phone voice but turned out to be a 5.5. She brought muscle with her in case i tried to snatch her tickets and run into the woods. We arrived at the tournament via a bus with ESPN around 10 a.m. I brought 2 Thespian happy and sad mask to wear and told as i was entering the bus that i probably wasn't able to wear it. He asked me why i was wearing and I said it was just a accessorie. And that was the last time anyone asked me about the masks unless it was a compliment or general curiosity. My partner in crime was Benjamin Combs. We both hoped and anticipated major agitation from the golf community because of theses masks, so we devised several plans to shield us. i.e. " I am going to take fashion advise from you?" or " Now look what you've done!" ( this is said after a crying fit from Benjamin once they took the masks from us) But everyone loved the masks , i would were the happy during a great shot and a sad mask during a bad shot. Very happy i brought them next tournament i will push the boundaries a little more.

The first thing i wanted to watch was watch my favorite golfer Camilo Villegas play. I was wearing pants from a clothing line called j. Lindeberg and i wanted to see what he was wearing, he fell out of the tournament the day before shooting 3 under 6 shots of the leader. We weaved through the crowd and finally spotted him looking stellar in a white shirt , white pants, red hat and red belt. We followed him around for 4 or 5 holes. We then watched Phil Mickleson for a couple holes. He was a cartoonshly tan and the most engaging golfer on the tour. And a huge pleasure to see. We watched the leader Zach Johnson hit a tree and instantly melt under the pressure and fall hard on his face, he never recovered. At 130 Tiger Woods was Teeing off and around 1 o'clock spectators and media were scrambling around to get a good spot to see Tiger. We found a spot about 3oo yards form Tiger were a dorky couple were waiting all day at this same spot hoping Tiger would land a ball next to them. But Tiger hit on the opposite side of the fairway. Heartbroken they daydreamed aloud how wonderful it would have been. We followed Tiger around for 4 or 5 holes.

Tiger is a cult figure. He is a very aggressive player. Super Intense. He brings African Americans, Asians and young people to the tournaments in droves. He is tall and thick. A bad dresser. A Pissy rock star. I always rooted against Tiger. Not anymore. The excitement he brings is unparalleled. If he had won the tournament the place would have went berserk. And I love his golf game. He hit a ball 348 yards on the green and if he would hit his put he would have tied the leader on the 10th hole. But he 3 putted. The drive he hit though was the most aggressive shot of the day. And on the back he 9 he was so pissed he scared everyone off and the huge crowd following begun to gravitate towards the leaders.

Sean O'Hara turned pro when he was 16. His Dad made him quit high school and would make him run a mile for every bogey. He severed his relationship from his dad and his grandfather bought him and his wife a RV and with 2,000 $ in his account he hit the road playing golf tournaments. This was his 3rd major and he becomes the youngest player on tour to win 3 majors. He is a handsome kid with a aw shucks but cool disposition. I was happy for him but really wanted Tiger to win. There was a chance for a playoff on the last hole but Grover missed a chip shot.

The course was stunning. I felt like i was on a different net planet like mars or Venus. Or a Moon traveling around a grassy planet. Any where the players hit the ball you could see it. Even if you were 600 yards away. The 18 th hole looked like a ancient roman style gladiator match. The crowd frenzied and hovering over a perfect patch of grass.

The crowd was typical Charlotte mouth breathers. Drinking 6$ Bud lites. And shirts that flatly state " I have gas and it cost to much" A scattering of interesting cats. No fuck-nuts, no long hairs or dread locks, no tattoos, no mow hawks, no clowns. Which was no surprise but it had a festive carnival atmosphere with no carnie freaks.

I recommend a visit to your local golf course. Its the greatest game ever played. And my experience at Quail Hollow was unforgettable.

Internationsl Association Of Blue Swedish Duck Fighting.

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:50:00 -0700

Very Funny. A real Moonbat. She had no promblems with me wanting to feed her ducklings narcotics and gunpowder and fighting them to the death. Crazy lady is remarkebly Funny. Moving to Itunes real soon. We talk about white and black magic too.

Blue swedish duck fighting.mp3

International Association Of Blue Swedish Fighting Ducks

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:43:00 -0700

Very funny, I just had to post it. Its going to be a a aspect of the sports podcast a break in the action. Moving to Itunes real soon. This Lady is sick.

blue swedish ducklings.mp3

Podcast # 6 Alexander Remington

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:01:00 -0700

Alexander # 6.mp3

Podcast # 5 Bob Berghaus Asheville Citzen Times Sports Editor!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:46:00 -0700

Bob Berghaus talking football. We are pleased to announce Bob Berghaus, a valued member of Asheville Citzen Times sport team on the Free Radical Show!!!!

001_A_035_jason Treadway_2008_06_25 (1) (1).mp3

Osho 2 for 2

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:10:00 -0700

Osho is 2 for 2 in his sports predictions. Boston and Detroit won in there series championship. Listen to the podcast for yourself if you do not believe me.

Jay Gibbons Letter to all 30 MLB teams concerning his blacklisting from baseball.

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 23:11:00 -0700

Writing this letter is both painful and humiliating. It has been almost six weeks since my release from the Orioles and I am still unable to land any opportunity at a second chance to play the game that I love.

I am young, healthy and determined. I have acknowledged and apologized for the mistake that I made and writing this letter should be proof enough that I have indeed suffered for my mistake.

I have faith and hope that some team will give me the chance to prove that I can not only be a productive player but also be a stellar member of their organization. My faith in a second chance has inspired me to work harder than I have at any time in my life. My faith has gotten me through this most difficult period in my life.

All I need is a chance -- any chance -- anywhere. I am more than willing to begin the process of proving that I can and will be a productive major league player by playing in the minor leagues.

As you know, I have played seven seasons in the big leagues and have hit 20-plus homeruns in three seasons and have hit .277 in three seasons (2003, 2005 and 2006). At 31 years old, I have NO DOUBT that my best baseball is ahead of me.

I know that my agents at ACES have tried to land me an opportunity in the minor leagues but have been met with negative responses by each and every Organization. I am not blind to the fact that I have made a mistake and that mistake has raised doubt about my character and ability. It is important that you know that my indiscretions, while regretful, were made in an effort to heal a nagging wrist injury. I would encourage you to speak with anyone in this game, including players, coaches, front office etc. who know me. I am confident that everyone you speak with will vouch for my character.

I respectfully and humbly request that you grant me the chance to play for your organization.

I am so willing to prove myself as a player, and a person, that I will donate ALL of my minor league earnings to your Club's charity. In the event that I earn the right to play at the major league level, I will gladly donate a significant sum to that same charity.

Once again, all I need is a chance and I will prove that I can be an extremely productive player and a great addition to your organization.

Please feel free to contact me directly [phone numbers redacted].

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jay Gibbons

YouTube - skinnyboxer's Channel

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:42:00 -0700

YouTube - skinnyboxer's Channel

Here is a link for my Video Blog.

Podcast # 4 ( Micheal Procton Carolina Panthers Blogger/ Fanatic/ Rebublican)

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Wed, 4 Jun 2008 11:40:00 -0700

The Long anticapated interview with much maligned blogger Micheal Procton is finaly here! Procton gives us startling insight into the Carolina Panthers and his Life! God save us!!

Procton #4.mp3

Podcast # 3 Osho Indian Mystic and Oracle

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Thu, 29 May 2008 14:26:00 -0700

Answers 10 burning questions. Will he be accurate or not? Tune in and find out.

podcast # 3.mp3

Podcast # 2. Ben the Browns Fanatic. ( press Link Below)

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Wed, 28 May 2008 07:47:00 -0700

A Follow up interview with Ben. We had so much fun we decided to do it again. More interviews soon to follow. Thanks for listening to the Free Radical Show !!!

podcast # 2.mp3

Click the Link below to listen to The Free Radical Shows first Podcast

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Sun, 25 May 2008 15:46:00 -0700

Sorry about the sloppiness ( nerves). Please forgive me. But it is still charming , dark, and informitive. I am having a lot of fun with the Podcast so far, and what I think is funny is always funny. I have been cutting and pasting articles so far, I would like to write something original on the next Post. Stay tuned and Thank you for Listening. Listen while you are surfing the Net or doing the dishes.

001_A_005_jason Treadway_2008_05_20.mp3

top 10 Offseason MLB moves

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Sun, 11 May 2008 16:56:00 -0700

Is there anything America loves more than a good old-fashioned baseball trade (OK, with the possible exception of a nationally televised Paula Abdul meltdown)?

Of course not. And never in recent memory have so many offseason trades left such a monumental imprint on a season.

Johan Santana. Dan Haren. Erik Bedard. Miguel Cabrera. Brad Lidge. Miguel Tejada. And we haven't even mentioned the American League's home run leader (Carlos Quentin), RBI leader (Josh Hamilton) and stolen-base leader (Carlos Gomez), or the National League's ERA leader (Edinson Volquez) yet. They were all involved in trades just this past winter. What a concept.

But not all those offseason deals are working out the way we expected when they hit the transactions column. So let's take a look at which trades have had the biggest impact so far:

1. THE DAN HAREN EXTRAVAGANZA

(A's send Haren and RHP Connor Robertson to the Diamondbacks for LHP Dana Eveland, LHP Greg Smith, 1B Chris Carter, OF Carlos Gonzalez, OF Aaron Cunningham and LHP Brett Anderson).

Haren

The whole idea of any trade, theoretically, is to make both teams better. So it's tough to beat this one. Arizona wouldn't have the best record in baseball without Haren. But this deal is just as responsible for the A's being 22-14.

Haren has ripped off six quality starts, so he's been as good as advertised. Meanwhile, the A's have gone 10-3 in games started by Eveland and Smith; Anderson is 5-1 in Class A; Gonzalez is hitting .343, with a .410 on-base percentage, in Triple-A. So this trade has set up the A's to be good for years -- just what Billy Beane had in mind.

"Billy knew we had depth that we'd probably talk about," Arizona GM Josh Byrnes said. "So they came out of this with quality and quantity. And for us to get a starting pitcher at Dan Haren's level without getting into free agency … was something that really fit."

Scout's View: "Probably as good a baseball deal as you'll see. Arizona did a hell of a job recognizing this was their chance to win and going out and getting a guy like Haren, and still keeping their top tier of prospects. And Oakland got guys who can help them for a long time."

2. SANTANA-MANIA

(Mets get Johan Santana from the Twins for OF Carlos Gomez, RHP Phil Humber, RHP Kevin Mulvey and RHP Deolis Guerra).

Santana

True, this deal hasn't propelled the Mets into first place. Also true: Santana is "only" 3-2, with a 2.91 ERA. But he's also tied for the league lead in strikeouts. And his bullpen has already blown two saves for him. And he left one of those two losses trailing the Braves, 1-0, in the eighth inning. So he ought to be 6-1. But even at 3-2, he's still been a definite upgrade on, say, Brian Lawrence.

It's a little tougher to judge the Twins' end, since Gomez -- the only player from this trade currently in Minnesota -- is still just an often-charismatic work in progress. On the one hand, as he proved Wednesday, he's a cycle waiting to happen. On the other, it took that cycle to nudge his on-base percentage to a measly .306. In terms of defense, one scout said, "I don't see a whole lot of difference between him and Torii [Hunter], other than name and reputation." But in terms of offense, the same scout said that he's "like a toolbox without a key."

And there's a sidebar to this story that has left its mark on the season, too. The aftermath of not trading for Santana still hangs over the Yankees -- and will keep on hanging unless Phil Hughes turns into an ace or Santana blows out a rotator cuff. Or possibly both.

Scout's View: "Think about where the Mets would be without Santana. If they didn't have Santana, they'd have been holding their breath, wondering if Pedro [Martinez] was going down, or how many times he'd go down. So just knowing you have a guy this good going out there every five days is a huge psychological advantage."

3. OUT ON A LIDGE

(Phillies get Brad Lidge and IF Eric Bruntlett from the Astros for OF Michael Bourn, RHP Geoff Geary and 3B Mike Costanzo).

Lidge

There were lots of people who had their doubts about Lidge -- and his fit for a judgmental town like Philadelphia. Well, never mind. The Phillies, shockingly, have the second-best bullpen ERA in the National League. And it all starts with the closer.

Lidge has spun off 16 straight appearances without allowing an earned run. And since he found his arm slot for his slider two weeks ago, he has been ridiculous. He has faced 31 hitters in that span. Only three have reached base. Meanwhile, the pivotal figure from Houston's end -- Bourn -- is hitting .195 with a .272 OBP.

Scout's View: "Lidge looks like the Lidge of old. Bourn plays great defense. And when he gets on base, it's a double [because he's 13 for 13 in steals]. But is he going to get on base enough? Is he going to hit good pitching? The jury is out on that."

4. JUST JOSHING

(Rangers get Josh Hamilton from the Reds for RHP Edinson Volquez and LHP Danny Herrera)

Hamilton

Was there a more fascinating deal than this one last winter? Hamilton has made it all the way back from self-induced drug oblivion to rank, in one scout's words, as "one of the 10 most talented players in baseball, just in pure tools and raw talent." And clearly, he's located the key to his toolbox. He's leading the majors in RBIs (36), and he's third only to Manny Ramirez and Kevin Youkilis in the AL in extra-base hits (18).

But Volquez, whom Texas initially force-fed into the big leagues at too young an age, has been writing a spectacular comeback saga himself. He leads the league in ERA (1.06) and lowest slugging percentage allowed (just .238). And he has become the first Reds pitcher since the 1912 invention of earned runs to start a season by allowing no more than one earned run in each of seven straight starts. So the only thing that stops us from placing this trade higher on this list is that, despite these heroics, both teams have been massive disappointments.

Scout's View: "I'm not sure how to rate this one. It's a high-impact trade that hasn't impacted either team."

5. ERIK THE GREAT

(Mariners get Erik Bedard from the Orioles for CF Adam Jones, LHP George Sherrill, RHP Chris Tillman, RHP Kam Mickolio and LHP Tony Butler.)

Bedard

Here's another trade that's tough to measure. Outside of a short DL stint, Bedard has been terrific, allowing a total of only seven earned runs in his five starts. But maybe this deal proves there's only so much of an impact one starting pitcher can make. His team is 11-19 when he doesn't start.

Meanwhile, Sherrill is second in the league in saves; Jones is working his way toward stardom; the upwardly mobile Tillman is limiting the Eastern League to a .198 batting average against him. And maybe the biggest impact on the Orioles, said an official of one club, was the culture change: "After 10 years of being stuck in a short-term mind-set, just the commitment to trade Bedard and [Miguel] Tejada, and to bring back some young talent and finally rebuild, is a really important step they had to take."

Scout's View: "I love Erik Bedard. But honestly, I thought Baltimore kicked [Seattle's] butt in this deal. Sherrill has done an unbelievable job. Adam Jones has star potential. And Tillman … I mean, wow. Now if they take Sherrill and move him at the deadline and turn him into something else that can help them, the Orioles made a tremendous deal."

REST OF THE TOP 10

6. Braves-Tigers (RHP Jair Jurrjens and OF Gorkys Hernandez for Edgar Renteria): "At this point, Atlanta has won that deal," said one scout. "Jurrjens [4-2, 2.84] has been their most consistent starter."

TRIVIALITY
Only two active pitchers have started an All-Star Game one summer and then been traded in the following offseason -- and coincidentally, they were once traded for each other. Can you name them? (Answer later.)

7. White Sox-Diamondbacks (OF Carlos Quentin for 1B Chris Carter, who was later traded to Oakland): "He's made a tremendous impact on the White Sox in a short period of time," one NL executive said of Quentin. "He got logjammed in that [Arizona] system a little bit, so he got easy to overlook. But the talent was always there. In my experience, most evaluators look for reasons to cross guys off the list versus reasons to put them on. It's easier to say no than yes. And this guy was a classic case."

8. Orioles-Astros (SS Miguel Tejada for OF Luke Scott, RHP Matt Albers, RHP Dennis Sarfate, LHP Troy Patton and 3B Mike Constanzo): Baseball people are all over the map on the quality of the Orioles' return in this deal, although, as one executive put it, "the fact that they got anything good for that guy is amazing." But if the only thing you know about Tejada this season is that he aged two years, pay attention: He was last seen hitting .331. "He's been much better defensively than most people thought, too," one scout said. "Looks like a recharged guy."

Miller
9. Tigers-Marlins (Miguel Cabrera and LHP Dontrelle Willis for LHP Andrew Miller, OF Cameron Maybin, C Mike Rabelo, RHP Burke Badenhop, RHP Eulogia De La Cruz and RHP Dallas Trahern): We won't be able to judge Florida's half of this deal until about 2010. And Willis has been a mess. But the surprise is that Cabrera has been: (a) an offensive disappointment, (b) such a defensive disaster at third base that he had to be shifted to first within three weeks, and (c) so lackadaisical that players on other teams are privately questioning whether he flicked on his cruise-control switch after signing an eight-year, $153.3-million contract this spring. "I expected him to come in there and be superman," said one scout. "He's been anything but that."

10. Rays-Twins (RHP Matt Garza, SS Jason Bartlett and RHP Eduardo Morlan for OF Delmon Young, IF Brendan Harris and OF Jason Pridie): Six weeks into the season, the Garza-Young debate is still raging. "This was one of those change-of-scenery deals," said one scout, "because both clubs had about had it with the makeup issues of both guys. Right now, Garza looks like he's going to be a big rotation piece for that team as they go forward. But I'm not so sure about Delmon anymore. He swings at everything. And he's not a very good breaking-ball hitter. You spin it, and he can't lay off it. And if he hits it, he doesn't do much with it."

MLB widget

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Wed, 7 May 2008 19:06:00 -0700

Mauer breaks up Floyd's no-hitter in ninth as ChiSox win

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Wed, 7 May 2008 08:22:00 -0700

CHICAGO (AP) -- Another near miss for Gavin Floyd. Toying with a no-hitter for the second time in a month, the Chicago White Sox's right-hander watched his latest effort sail away with one out in the ninth.

Joe Mauer hit a high drive into the gap in left-center for a double, ending Floyd's no-hit bid and his outing Tuesday night.

What was he thinking as the ball left Mauer's bat?

No No-Nos

Gavin Floyd flirted with a no-hitter for the second time this season on Tuesday. Here are his numbers for his two gems:

"I hoped that it was an out," Floyd said calmly after ended a six-game losing streak with a 7-1 victory.

"I wasn't really looking at the ball and then I turned back and I saw Swish and Carlos coming after it. Swish made a great effort -- you know, Superman."

But the ball was too far between left fielder Carlos Quentin and center fielder Nick Swisher, who made a diving attempt but didn't really get close to the ball.

"Not close enough. I didn't make the catch, but you knew I was going for it," Swisher said.

"Unfortunately for Gavin, Mauer hit a ball that was just in a perfect spot," White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski said.

Floyd (3-1) was taken out to a standing ovation after Mauer's double, and Bobby Jenks came on to get the final two outs.

"It motivated me to keep making pitches and just attack," Floyd said of the crowd support. "Hopefully throw a no-hitter. It didn't happen today, but we got a win."

Floyd, who held Detroit hitless for 7 1/3 innings on April 12 before Edgar Renteria singled, walked three and struck out four. The only run the Twins could muster was aided by an error on Chicago left fielder Carlos Quentin in the fourth inning.

With the spirited crowd of 23,480 at U.S. Cellular Field cheering loudly, Brendan Harris struck out looking at a curveball to start the ninth inning. As the tension built, Mauer put an end to the suspense.

Manager Ozzie Guillen then popped out of the dugout and went to get Floyd, his 25-year-old right-hander, who threw 105 pitches.

"I was just trying to get on base and get a hit," Mauer said. "I got a pitch that was up a little bit up and tried to drive it to the gap. ... His ball was moving, his slider was cutting."

After Floyd walked Mauer to lead off the fourth, Justin Morneau hit a slicing liner to left that Quentin got his glove on but couldn't hold for an error. One out later, Jason Kubel's sacrifice fly gave the Twins a run without a hit and cut Chicago's lead to 3-1.

After Morneau reached on the error, the 6-foot-5 Floyd got stronger and appeared on his way to pitching the second-no hitter at U.S. Cellular Field in just more than a year. Mark Buehrle pitched the 16th no-hitter in White Sox's history on April 18, 2007 against Texas.

Asked if he was destined to throw a no-hitter, Floyd said: "Who knows? It's out of your control."

Pierzynski, who caught Buehrle's no-hitter and has been behind the plate for both of Floyd's flirtations, said it's so rare and so difficult to retire 27 men without giving up a hit.

"So many things can go wrong. He came close tonight. He had a great shot," Pierzynski said.

Floyd is a former first-round pick of the Phillies whose career never took off in Philadelphia where he was 7-5 with a 6.96 ERA from 2004-06 when he made 19 starts. He joined the White Sox along with Gio Gonzalez in a trade for Freddy Garcia in December, 2006.

He was 1-5 a year ago when he made 10 starts for the White Sox while splitting time between the majors and Triple-A. But he has found his confidence and his stuff this season as the White Sox's No. 5 starter.

Floyd took his first loss of the season in his previous outing against the Twins in the Metrodome on April 29 when he gave up five hits and three runs in six innings.

He survived a shaky first Tuesday night, walking two of the first three batters before escaping the threat.

And on a comfortable 70-degree night, he kept the Twins in check for most of the night. His only career complete game was a five-inning win over the Mets almost two year ago on May 11, 2006.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire missed his fourth straight game following the death of his brother last Thursday. He is expected to rejoin the team Wednesday.

Jermaine Dye hit his fourth homer of the season leading off the bottom of the sixth off Nick Blackburn (2-2), who gave up six hits and four runs in six innings. That put the White Sox and Floyd up 4-1. Quentin added a two-run single off Jesse Crain in the bottom of the seventh.

Game notes
The Twins had their five-game winning streak snapped. ... MRI results on Minnesota RHP Scott Baker's sore groin revealed a light strain but no inflammation. While the Twins are undecided on whether Baker will require a stay on the disabled list. It is unlikely he will make his scheduled start on Saturday.

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Tue, 6 May 2008 14:55:00 -0700

Black Magik in baseball again

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Tue, 6 May 2008 06:44:00 -0700

If anyone was offended by the White Sox having a pair of inflatable dolls surrounded by bats and a sign encouraging players to "push" in their clubhouse before Sunday's game in Toronto, don't expect an apology from manager Ozzie Guillen. "I'm sure it wasn't done to disrespect anyone," Guillen said Monday. "Everyone in the clubhouse, 100 percent of the people in the clubhouse, they are 18 years old and that's a private thing. If the players do it in the dugout so everyone in the public could see it, or did it in the hotel lobby . . . we did it in the clubhouse. A lot of worse things happen in the clubhouse. I don't really know why people are making it a big deal. If people got their feelings hurt because of that . . . they don't really know much about baseball." The gimmick, called a slump buster, apparently was put together to help the White Sox snap out of a recent losing streak. On Saturday, Sox players shaved the head of one of Guillen's coaches, another uneffective trick. "This was in the same spirit," Sox spokesman Scott Reifert said. "In terms of taste I think people would find it tasteless. They were just trying to get the bats going." Reifert said players have "burned bats, kissed bats, slept with their bats, blessed their bats, you name it." On Sunday, the bats were circled around the two naked female dolls, one of whom had a bat inserted in its backside to prop it up. Each wore a sign over her breasts, one saying "Let's Go White Sox" and the other reading "You've Got to Push," the National Post in Toronto reported. One group not amused by the prank was the Association for Women in Sports Media, whose members work toward ensuring a non-threatening work environment for all women in sports media. "The presence of those dolls creates an uncomfortable situation for any female journalist who enters the White Sox locker room simply trying to do her job," said Jenni Carlson, the group's president, in an e-mail. Official: Issue will be addressed Guillen was asked about the prank Sunday and said: "Well, whoever did it spent a lot of money. That's the type of guys we have. The clubhouse has been quiet the last couple days and I don't like to see that. We have to stay at the same level of enthusiasm, no matter what happens. Because you worry about the game during the game, before and after, you can't do anything about it. I know it's not easy to enjoy yourself when you're losing, but I expect the guys to stay with the same attitude no matter the results of the game.'' Reifert expects some dialogue about the situation when the team returns. "I'm sure when the team gets back from the road trip there will be some conversations," he said. Contributing: Joe Cowley, Roman Modrowski BY KARA SPAK Staff Reporter/kspak@suntimes.com

PODCAST Micheal Irvin interviews Adam " Pacman" Jones

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:56:00 -0700

The Free Radical show first Podcast! Just click the link above. Micheal Irvin in a exclusive interview. Looks like Adam Jones is going to Dallas. Listen here first.

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:45:00 -0700

Nfl top stories

noreply@blogger.com (radicaldad) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:29:00 -0700

This is a widget.