Injuries not excuse but reason for Yankees fall

While no one will be pulling out the world’s smallest violin any time soon and playing a sympathy song for the New York Yankees, the fact of the matter remains that the massive amounts of injuries this team has incurred are the main reason they will break their streak of 13 consecutive playoff appearances.

Yankee haters will turn to the “injuries are no excuse” or “every team has injuries” cards, trying to diminish the extent and effect that these have decimated the team. Instead, they will argue that it is the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox who will ultimately be responsible for the demise of the 2008 Yankees.

I am here to tell the Yankees critics one thing: You’re wrong and the Baby Boss is right.

That’s right, amidst all the comments by the media that Hank Steinbrenner is a blow-hard (or worse), he has been right more times than he’s been wrong since taking the reigns of the Yankees.

He was right to choose Joe Girardi over Don Mattingly (as a Mattingly fan it pains me to say that), right that Joba Chamberlain should be a starting pitcher, right that Mike Mussina needed to pitch “more like Jamie Moyer” and right that, “There’s only so much you can do. They’re not supermen. (These injuries) would kill any team.”

Injuries are expected when your roster consists of men with such a high average age, but no one could anticipate the extent they occurred this year with 20 trips to the disabled list—20!

Let’s start at the top. Ace and consecutive 19-game winner Chien-Ming Wang starts the season 5-0 then injuries his foot on June 15 in an interleague game while running the bases—something he shouldn’t be doing in the first place. Out for the season.

Veteran newly re-signed catcher Jorge Posada injuries his right shoulder early in the season and never recovers—now out for the year. Starting left fielder Hideki Matsui and starting pitchers Phillip Hughes and Ian Kennedy have also been out for the majority of the year, forcing the Yankees to sign Sidney Ponson and deal with a combination of Daniel Rasner/Dan Giese to fill the fifth rotation spot.

Aside from the fact that the Yankees lost the bats of Matsui and Posada, more importantly they lost Posada’s ability to manage the Yankees stable of veteran and inexperienced pitchers. What could be more important? Oh, I forgot, losing your ace. Give the Yankees a moderate 8 more wins to this point from Wang and they’re battling for the division lead.

GM Brian Cashman has done an adequate job of replacing the offense in making spectacular trades for outfielder Xavier Nady and catcher Pudge Rodriguez though, at this point, it looks like too little too late. While not an excuse, it is inequitable to ignore the Yankees massive amount of injuries as the primary reason for their 2008 failures.

Steinbrenner placates to media about Bonds

Let me start by saying that I hope I don’t lose what few readers I have by posting two New York Yankees columns in a row. Some “news” stories hit me a certain way that I feel the need to comment and with the Yankees, well, what could be bigger?

Anyway, back to topic. Now that we’re over 100 games into the 2008 MLB season and former San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds is still unsigned by any club, just the mention of his name is sure to grab headlines. And, like him or not, Hank Steinbrenner has already learned the media-suaveness of his father and is using it to his and his team’s advantage.

Chances are every team at one point or another has had someone in their front office make a mention of Bonds. Whether it was in passing, a serious discussion or what-have-you, his name has been brought up in every front office around the league. The only stories we have heard about Bonds up until this point have been, “Nobody is going to sign him” even though everyone has discussed him. And nobody will sign him.

Following their normal annual meeting after the All-Star break at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa to discuss franchise and personnel decisions through the end of the season, A reporter asked Steinbrenner what issues were covered. His response?

"We covered everything, including Bonds."

Genius. Five words that in reality meant nothing but for sports writers meant an article with a headline of “Yankees may bring in Barry Bonds,” “Yankees talk about Bonds,” “Yankees to add Bonds?”

It is the non-story of all non-stories. Instead, they should be writing about how the Yankees are interested in trading for San Francisco Giants catcher Bengie Molina, Seattle Mariners pitcher Jarrod Washburn or Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Xavier Nady. But no, those are reserved for the last two paragraphs, with the prior being about a story that doesn’t exist.

At some point the media changed. It switched from reporting news stories about facts and rumors to reporting and inferring stories from quotes. Steinbrenner easily could have said, ‘We covered everything including trades and free agents.” But he didn’t, because he knew how to get the story, and it only took five words to do so.

Jorge Posada done behind the plate?

Love or hate them, the New York Yankees are never void of interesting news stories. In an offseason met with a lot of questions, the Yankees decided to keep a number of their veterans signing Andy Pettite for a season and Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada to multi-year deals.

As is often the case with older players signing these types of deals, Posada has been injured all season. The most recent diagnosis is that his right labrum is deteriorating and will require surgery. A catcher without a labrum is useless.

During spring training and in rare bouts this year, new manager Joe Girardi had Posada practicing and playing at first base, giving him another option to contribute aside from staying behind the plate. While not his natural position, Posada played well, but nevertheless fought the move:

"I want to catch. I'm a catcher; I'm not a first baseman," Posada said.

Now, with the only two options being to play first and DH or sit out the remainder of the season, Posada has thankfully changed his tune.

"It's not about me. It's about the team now," Posada said. "How can I help the team? That's why I'm going to go through the rehab. If I'm able to hit, I'm going to try to do that. If I'm not able to hit, I'm going to have surgery."

I love Jorge, let’s not get it twisted. He had a career season last year. Nevertheless, the quote disturbs me. “It’s about the team now.” Now? What about before? If Girardi, your manager, former teammate and catcher-in-arms thinks it is best for you to play first, you do it.

Considering the Yankees haven’t had an everyday first baseman since Tino Martinez, Posada should see this as a welcome move and a way of making his career in pinstripes last longer. On the other hand, the Yankees now need to find Posada’s replacement and find it before next season. Jose Molina is great defensively, but a Yankees catcher needs a strong bat.

On a seven-game win streak and now only 3.5 games out of first while missing both Posada and Hideki Matsui, perhaps the Yankees have finally righted the ship. Now if Posada can start hitting the ball like he did last year, he can fuel them back to the top.

MLB Delivers All-Star Game Present for My Birthday

It is my birthday so, needless to say, I’m taking the day off from the blog. More importantly, MLB gave me the best birthday present I could ask for last night with a touching tribute to Yankees Stadium, the New York Yankees and principal owner George Steinbrenner.

Even better was the game, a fantastic display of pitching, clutch offense and even cluthcer (yes, I know it’s not a word) defense in the extra innings. Am I exhausted today? Sure. But it was all worth staying up until 1:37 a.m. this morning. Maybe it was a little extra gift to have it last into the morning of the 16^th.

What is the most interesting is how the circumstances of this game came about. Bud Selig screwed up by calling a tie in the 2002 All-Star game, leading him to adopt the slogan, “This time it counts” and make future games decide home field advantage for the World Series. In effect, he is the reason last night’s game lasted 15 innings.

Of course all of the players want to play hard and have their team win, but if the World Series HFA wasn’t on the line, that game would’ve ended a helluva lot earlier. Instead, we had players like Brandon Webb and Scott Kazmir who never should have been in the game (because they pitched on Sunday) chancing injury to help their squad win the game. Interesting turn of events, huh Bud?

So much for not writing today! Be back tomorrow and please keep reading and start posting comments!

Who Does Papelbon Think He Is?

Honestly, who does this guy think he is? Lips-pursing Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon made an ass out of himself on Monday, stating to reporters that he deserves to close the 2008 All-Star Game at Yankees Stadium for the American League rather than future Hall of Famer and New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera.

"We've both earned that right; us, by winning the World Series and having the opportunity of having our manager there and our team being represented, and Mariano by what he's done for this role, we're in Yankee Stadium and blah, blah, blah," Papelbon said. "It's not that easy."

Then he recanted.

"I feel I owe a lot to this game and that's one of the things I owe to this game, to let an elder statesman go ahead of me."

It’s not that easy? Yes, it is. Winning two World Series in your career is nice, especially if one of them was last season. Let me know when you win FOUR and play in SIX. Let me know when you are the best closer in the history of the game and have 466 saves.

Let me know when you’re a nine-time All-Star selection and World Series MVP. Let me know when you hold the MLB records for lowest postseason ERA of all-time (0.77), most postseason saves (34), most consecutive scoreless innings (34 1/3), most appearances in postseason history (76), most…do I really need to continue?

This is all not to mention the fact that the game is at Yankees Stadium, and it is the final season of its existence. But...it’s not about age, last season or who is managing the team. What it's about is who is the best closer in 2008.

Oh, and Jon, why don’t you take this into consideration: Rivera is having a BETTER SEASON than you are—1.06 ERA, 0.64 WHIP and 23 saves for Rivera compared to your 2.43 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 28 saves.

Pathetic. Shut your mouth, stop blowing saves and start worrying about whether or not your team can hold onto that AL East lead after the break...or at least what flavor your next chapstick is going to be.

R.I.P. Bobby Murcer: 1946-2008

As a lifetime New York Yankees fan, I've seen and read about plenty of great players that have come in and out of the Bronx. For some it is merely a stop during their career, for others, it is the perfect place to end theirs. For Bobby Murcer, the New York Yankees were his life.

While I barely remember seeing him play, Murcer holds an important distinction as the only Yankee to play with both Mickey Mantle and Don Mattingly. He was immensely popular and hit .277 with 252 home runs and 1,043 RBIs in 17 seasons in the majors.

A five-time All-Star, Gold Glove winner and three-time Emmy Award winner, Murcer dealt with a malignant brain tumor for years; it never stopped him from continuing to help the team as a broadcaster even up to the middle of last season. All-in-all, Murcer spent nearly four decades in pinstripes as a player, executive and announcer. He spent his whole life as a great human being.

"Bobby Murcer was a born Yankee, a great guy, very well-liked and a true friend of mine," owner George Steinbrenner said. "I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Kay, their children and grandchildren. I will really miss the guy."

"Bobby was a gentleman, a great ambassador for baseball, and a true leader both on and off the field. He was a man of great heart and compassion," Commissioner Bud Selig said.

"If there's a Hall of Fame for people, he's in it," Reggie Jackson said. "He was such a good person, and he was appreciative of the people who cared so much for him."

"Just a wonderful person, a great teammate and a heck of a baseball player," ex-Yankee teammate Lou Piniella said. "It's a sad day."

"I've never met a more genuine person," Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay said. "What he went through the last couple of years no one should ever have to go through, but he went through it with such grace. He was an amazing, amazing guy. He was a piece of work in the best way possible."

Clemens Better Not Drop the Soap

In a story that for some reason is not getting the coverage it deserves, it appears as if baseball great Roger Clemens' next destination will be prison, rather than Cooperstown. According to a court brief filed by Brian McNamee's lawyers, the syringes and steroid paraphernalia turned over to federal agents will test positive for Clemens' DNA.

Uh-oh.

Clemens has had plenty to deal with over the past few months including questions about his achievements, statistics, credibility and marital fidelity. While the latter has all but left Clemens to look like a cheating husband, many continued to defend him in the trail against his baseball identity--after all, guilty until proven innocent, right? But at this point, there is no defending The Rocket anymore.

The paraphernalia, including syringes and bloodied gauze pads, "will test positive for Clemens' DNA," the brief states. "Once the DNA results are revealed, there will be little dispute about who is telling the truth."

McNamee's attorney, Richard Emery, said McNamee kept the items from as far back as 2000 because he "had this inkling and gut feeling that he couldn't trust Roger and better keep something to protect himself in the future."

If these reports are true, Clemens is a cheater. Worst of all, he's a lying cheater. Say what you will about Andy Pettite, Jason Giambi and some other athletes that have admited their wrongdoing and asked for the public's forgiveness. At least they were honest.

McNamee's lawyers will again motion for a dismissal of Clemens' suit. With this evidence, they will probably get just that sometime in August or September. The question will then turn to the federal grand jury and how Clemens will have to face and potentially pay for what will amount to be a serious perjury charge.

A-Rod's Affair with Madonna? Davis and Brand Opt Out, Ronaldo Not Re-Signed by AC Milan

New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is no stranger to publicity and the media inciting rumors about his professional career and love life. Neither is singer and worldwide pop icon Madonna. Are both so used to the spotlight and controversy surrounding them that they are fueling it even more with an alleged long-time affair? The New York Post and Us magazine say so. All I can say to A-Rod is: Your wife's hot, Madonna's ugly, you have two kids, you just signed a record deal that you could lose half of in a divorce settlement...are you really that stupid?

I do not know why everyone is so surprised about Baron Davis and Elton Brand opting out of their contracts. Both play for sub-par teams with low market shares and neither gets the respect they deserve. All staying under contract does is limit their chances of winning a championship and earning their worth at the present market value. I hope both wind up in better situations, though Davis claims he is focused on Brand's former Los Angeles Clippers but prefers to re-sign with the Golden State Warriors. Speaking with ESPN's J.A. Adande via e-mail, Davis wrote: "Clipps r possible. G State is where I wanna b." Good thing the contracts don't take into account their grammer.

Three-time FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldo met with AC Milan over the weekend, only to be told his contract with the club would not be renewed. After severing a tendon in his knee playing in a Serie A match against Livorno in February, Ronaldo has been recovering from surgery and is expected to return in early 2009. The non-renewal is interesting as Milan is said to be considering re-signing El Fenomeno if he can prove his health. Prove his health? Besides winning World Cups and league titles, I do not see what he has left to prove. If the man says he will return, he will return. Chances are he will not be re-signed and while he could go to Brazil and play at home, I would not be surprised to see a lucrative offer come his way from the MLS in the next six months.

Mets a Gangsta's Paradise?

We all know the story by now. The New York Mets went ahead and pulled a Baltimore Colts, taking out the dirty laundry in the middle of the night when they fired manager Willie Randolph a few mornings ago. One is to assume GM Omar Minaya did this to shake up the clubhouse and, let's be honest, save his job for the time being. But nobody thought he would replace Randolph with 50 Cent.

In his first game as interim manager of the Mets last night, Jerry Manuel met resistance from shortstop Jose Reyes when he wanted Reyes to leave the game after his left hamstring tightened.

"I told him next time he does that I'm going to get my blade out and cut him. I'm a gangster. You go gangster on me, I'm going to have to get you. You do that again, I'm going to cut you right on the field," quipped Manuel.

Is this guy freaking serious?

Where is the media on this one? Then-Miami Hurricanes TE Kellen Winslow, Jr. says he's a f'n solider and everyone goes crazy. A man in a position of authority says he's a gangster and "going to cut you right on the field" and nobody bats an eye?

Even the author of the article where the quote is originally published doesn't react to it. Besides, wasn't Manuel's rap when he managed the Chicago White Sox that he was too laid back?

It is not that I have a problem with the quote; simply the hypocracy of the media. Has Manuel been dooping us all along? Seeming mild-mannered while he's been spendin' most his life, livin' in a gangsta's paradise?

MLB to Institute Replay Aug. 1

I found it interesting that after all of the hissy fits commissioner Bud Selig threw after being told instant replay was instantly necessary in MLB, it is now looking like we will miraculously have it working and instituted by Aug. 1.

Two months too late but good progress nonetheless for a league that historically takes the longest to make the least. As I have already written in these four posts, if the NHL could make a brand new rule and institute it during their playoffs, why couldn't baseball get this done as quickly or at least in, you know, a month? Especially considering the league's owners had already agreed to look into instant reply nine months earlier.

USA Today reported Friday on its Web site that MLB had approached the World Umpires Association about implementing replay on Aug. 1. However, it appears that's merely a tentative target date. While it's possible a system could be in place that soon, some baseball officials merely want to get some form of replay system up and running before this year's postseason. -ESPN

All's well that ends well, I suppose. Except, that is, for the outcomes of those ten games that were already affected this year by botched home run calls and the ten more that will occur over the next six weeks.

Yankees Surge; Red Sox, Rays Tussle

The AL East is always a topic of conversation when talking about MLB. Usually the conversation is whether or not a team other than the New York Yankees can win the division. In recent years, especially this season, that conversation has changed. It has become, "Can the Yankees come back to win the division or get a Wild Card?" and "Are the Tampa Bay Rays for real?"

I'll answer the latter question first. Yes, the Tampa Bay Rays are for real. Any team with Carl Crawford, B.J. Upton, Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena stands a solid chance to win a division, especially when their young pitching and supporting cast is playing well.

As far as the tougher Yankees question goes, it is looking like it might get a little easier to answer. Looking back over the last week in baseball, it seems the tides may be turning a bit in baseball's best division. The Bronx Bombers are 12-6 in their last 18 games and have won four of the last five. Alex Rodriguez's return from the DL, coupled with the reemergence of Johnny Damon and Jason Giambi has propelled the Yanks offensivley. They are averaging 6.5 runs a game over the aforementioned span and put up eight or more runs in six of those games (one extra inning loss). Their pitching is struggling a bit, but Joba Chamberlain and Dan Giese's recent appearances should give them some hope.

On the other side, the division-leading Boston Red Sox and Rays are struggling. Injuries have plagued both teams; David Ortiz and Daisuke Matsuzaka are out for the Sox, while Pena and Rocco Baldelli are out for the Rays. Fights are occurring for both teams on the field against each other as well as in each team's dugout. The on-field fights led to suspensions for both teams while match-ups of Kevin Youklis/Manny Ramirez and Matt Garza/Dioner Navarro have stirred up both clubhouses.

With the Yankees surging, this is the worst time possible for the Sox and Rays to start infighting. With over a month until the All-Star break, there is plenty of ground to catch-up before the Yankees have everyone dissecting them while they are in the spotlight and hosts of the game.

Supreme Court Declines Case on Fantasy Sports

In the vain of "What will the government waste their time with next?" finally comes a story about the Supreme Court declining to hear a case between Major League Baseball and fantasy sports about licensing rights. The MLB was sued for denying a fantasy sports company, C.B.C. Distribution and Marketing, a license to use the names of players saying they would be illegally profiting from the commercial use of a person's name.

With fantasy sports exponentially growing on a yearly basis, "A federal court and the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis ruled in favor of the fantasy baseball business, saying that enforcing state law rights would violate C.B.C.'s right of free speech protected by the First Amendment."

Of course, this answer wasn't good enough for MLB, who tried to take the case to the Supreme Court but were flat-out denied. Interestingly enough, the NFL Player's Association supported MLB's request that the case be heard.

Weird that the NFL and MLB want the government's help now but continue trying to keep them out of other matters much more important to the fairness and legitimacy of their games and call those an intrusion on their private businesses. Can't have it both ways, fellas.

Weekend Wrap-Up

Some stories from the past weekend, then a new post later today!

Prior injured, again: San Diego Padres pitcher Mark Prior has a shoulder tear, again, will require season-sending surgery, again and will go without pitching in another full season, again. All the talent in the world and this guy can't catch a break for anything.

Kimbo should box: The New York Post's Dave Willis writes a great article about Kimbo Slice following his so-so coming out party on CBS. Willis thinks Slice's fists would have been better off in boxing then MMA. I happen to agree.

Whose moving to L.A.? With Los Angeles still without a NFL team, many have begun speculating who will take the home of the new $800M stadium that has already been promised a Super Bowl? The San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers and Minnesota Vikings are all viable options. This article explores the issue.

Get over it! And finally...New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison is stuck in denial over New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree's circus catch in Super Bowl XLII. I guess Bill Belichick didn't have the Spygate film on that one. 18-1 is perfect to me.

Saturday News & Notes

Rose Won't Wither - Continuing the trend from two stories below, Pete Rose still can't keep his mouth shut. This time he claims he would have amassed 5,000 hits if he would have been on steroids. Pete, I thought we just went over this--stop.

Kimbo Slice Debuts - There is no more waiting as backyard brawler-turned-MMA superstar Kimbo Slice will fight in an EliteXC card tonight live on CBS. This is the first time MMA is being broadcast on network television and EliteXC is using Slice (real name Ferguson) as their poster boy for potential success. While his peers still question Slice's ability, there is no questioning his star power and potential to brutally dominate the sport.

I Thought Seau was Retired? - New England Patriots LB Junior Seau retired from football (and his Miami Dolphins contract) in 2006 by signing a one-day deal with the San Diego Chargers. Four days later, he signed with the Patriots and is now considering a third year with the team. What a stand-up guy, huh?

Dukies Hire Notre Dame AD - While Duke (outside of lacrosse and basketball) leaves little to be desired as far as a collegiate athletic program, hiring the AD that hasn't done much at all with Notre Dame makes you wonder if they are even serious about improving their programs?

More U.S. Friendlies with Euro Clubs - F.C. Barcelona has signed to play two friendlies in the United States by scheduling games in Chicago and New York against Mexican club Chivas Guadalajara at Soldier Field and the MLS's Red Bulls at Giants Stadium respectivley. This will be the club's third trip to the U.S. in the last five years.

Rose: I bet "like $2,000" per game

Enough already. Pete Rose is the greatest hitter in the history of Major League Baseball and nobody could care less. Proof of this fact is that his most recent non-news story has barely been picked up by media outlets. I, however, have my own piece to say about Rose and find this as the most opportune time.

Living in Boca Raton, FL, I've had a little more than my fair share of Rose over the years. He opened a restaurant here, his children went to the same lower and middle school as me and it was never tough to find him if that was your goal.

But, when you think about tarnished legacies in sports, Rose is one of two that immediately pop into your mind. The other is O.J. Simpson. The difference is that Simpson actually killed human beings (please, let's not get into semantics) while Rose simply bet on baseball. The similarity is that neither of them will STOP TALKING ABOUT IT!

Rose has wondered out loud for years if he will ever be allowed into Cooperstown. The debate has raged on for decades. The problem is as each year goes by, Rose continues to bring up the negatives instead of focusing on the positives. I've heard the following all come out of Rose's mouth:

I did not bet on baseball. OK, I bet on baseball. But, I only bet on my team. I bet on my team but never fixed a game. I only bet $1,000 on my team and $2,000 on football games. And finally...actually, I bet "like $2,000" per game.

There are two choices when confronted with a negative or difficult situation: Lie or tell the truth. You will probably end up in the same spot either way (like Rose) but telling the truth gives you the good graces of being honest and forthcoming. If Rose admitted gambling when he was banned in 1989 for life by then-commissioner Bart Giamatti with full disclosure instead of waiting until 2004:

Jim Gray's bash-worthy interview never would have occurred, Rose would have sold more books as people would be interested in hearing the real, true story and maybe, just maybe, there would be some consideration to inducting him into Cooperstown and preserving the positive aspects of his legacy...instead of none whatsoever.

Daily News Update

Outside of my individual posts, I thought it would be a good idea to provide a "Daily News Update" with other interesting stories to which I'm not necessarily going to devote a full post.

* Update: Noah's punishment? Six months probation and a $200 fine.

* SI.com's Tom Verducci realizes he's a week behind on the MLB instant replay argument.

* China has stopped airing NBA playoff games because they are too entertaining. Obviously they didn't watch the Pistons/Magic series.

* Our own Brian McBride returns home from Fulham after five years in the EPL. He cited the desire to play against better competition as his reasoning.

* Former Memphis forward Joey Dorsey "knows" the Chicago Bulls are NOT picking Derrick Rose.

* Former New York Knicks center Patrick Ewing is upset new GM Donnie Walsh did not interview him for the open head coaching position.

Sosa to Retire After World Baseball Classic

Former Texas Rangers outfielder Sammy Sosa announced today that he will retire from baseball following the 2009 World Baseball Classic. Sosa, best known for his 13-year stint with the Chicago Cubs, is a free agent and not signed to a MLB roster after posting 21 home runs and 92 RBIs last season.

"There's something that I wish to state very clearly: I'm not looking for a job," Sosa told Hoy, a Dominican newspaper. "In fact, I have told my agent that he should stop offering my services to MLB teams. I'm not retired. I remain highly focused and not begging for a contract."

Sosa's alleged involvement with steroids, coupled with his June 2003 corked bat incident, badly hindered the reputation of the only player in MLB history with three 60+ home run seasons. He will retire from baseball as one of only five players to hit 600 home runs and at number five on the career home run list.

"It would be great if folks can see me for the last time wearing the uniform of the [Dominican Republic] National Team," Sosa said. "It's always an honor to represent your country."

While Sosa has certainly had his ups and downs since 2003, I am still left wondering why he is not on an MLB roster right now. As a DH for an American League team or even a Tim Raines-like pinch hitter for a young team that needs a little extra pop, Sosa can still contribute as proven by his 2007 numbers.

I also find it interesting how all of Sosa's achievements are still overshadowed by the corked bat more so than anything else (including steroids.) People fail to remember one simple fact: Sammy Sosa was instrumental in the rebirth of baseball in this country. He, along with Mark McGwire, were responsible for some of the most exciting drama in sports history culminating with McGwire's (at the time) record-breaking home run and celebration with Sosa who was both his opponent in the race and during that game.

So while some may only remember Sosa for his faults, I choose to remember him for his glory and, most of all, his swing.

Home Run Mistake No. 5

For the fifth time this week, a questionable home run call was made in a MLB game that would have been changed with instant replay. Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Luis Rivas hit a long fly ball to left field that bounced off the top of the wall and dropped back into play. The ball was called a home run although, by rule, the ball was in play.

Dear Commissioner Bud Selig, we're waiting...

Saturday News and Notes

Where is Instant Replay?! Referring back to my post from yesterday, yet another home run was incorrectly called when Cleveland Indians OF Ben Francisco hit a four-bagger off of a railing above the outfield wall. Is this starting to add up or what? Stop stalling, MLB!

Back from Cancer: Arizona Diamondbacks P Doug Davis returned from thyroid cancer surgery on April 10 to pitch seven innings of five-hit ball with only one earned run. Nice story, but let’s hope he can do better than a 13-12 record this season.

Mr. Two-Face: San Diego Padres P Chris Young was struck in the face with a returned line drive and is suffering facial bruising and a small fracture. He’ll be out of action for two weeks. Houston Astros P Jose Valverde met the same fate during his save opportunity on Friday, however the pitcher was able to deflect the ball enough with his glove to prevent damage—he stayed in and got the save.

Bye Bye Grant: Chelsea FC fired manager Avram Grant on Saturday, three days after the Blues lost the Champions League final to Manchester United. Grant took the Blues to a 2^nd place finish in both the Premier and Champions Leagues; however the team’s “boring style and key loss to Tottingham” were blamed. I personally didn’t find Chelsea’s play at all boring, especially because Grant didn’t have the squad for a full year. A little premature in this case.

Zito Wins! Congratulations. It looks like that seven-year, $126 million contract is paying off.

Basebally "May Try" Replay in Fall Leagues

I never thought that I would find something, anything to commend the NHL on, until I heard the MLB's possibly planned plans for maybe, possibly trying out instant replay in their fall leagues--after the season has ended.

In a time with betting scandals in the NBA and blatant cheating (and cover-ups) going on in the NFL, why can't a league--or, more importantly, its commissioner--take care of an obviously prevalent flaw in the way its games are run and rules are constructed?

This is what the NHL did when Sean Avery found a loophole in the rules in the current Playoffs and blocked Martin Brodeur with his back to him in the crease while waving his arms in the air obstructing the view of the goaltender:

Incident occured Sunday night, April 13, 2008.
Response below occured Monday afternoon, April 14, 2008.

National Hockey League Senior Executive Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell issued a statement Monday to make the league's position clear going forward. The statement said:

"An unsportsmanlike conduct minor penalty (Rule 75) will be interpreted and applied, effective immediately, to a situation when an offensive player positions himself facing the opposition goaltender and engages in actions such as waving his arms or stick in front of the goaltender's face, for the purpose of improperly interfering with and/or distracting the goaltender as opposed to positioning himself to try to make a play."

It took the NHL less than 24 hours to change/add the rule and please fans, players and the media. At a time when the NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA sports and Pro Tennis all use some form of instant reply, the MLB is letting the FOUR incorrect home run decisions in the last week begin a trend rather than help find an immediate solution to one. This is 2008 not 1908--it is the standard in professional sports in this country.

How about the fact that seven months ago in November, the MLB's own collective general managers voted 25-5 to at least explore the possibility of using a form of instant replay to help decide disputed home run calls such as fair or foul (ONCE this week) and in or out of the ballpark (THREE times this week).

The NHL's problem popped up overnight. The MLB has seen theirs coming and, after seven months, should have done enough research to fix it and be able to do so immediately.

But, they won't. Nah, they'll just wait until one of these ill-fated calls occurs during Game 7 of the ALCS during the bottom of the 9th with a team down by one. And then they'll finally decide to test instant replay in their fall leagues and the World Baseball Classic and institute it on Opening Day next year with some dumb restrictions or decisions the umpires can't overturn--but should be able to. And then we'll have to wait another year until those are corrected and the system is ironed-out.

When it all could be done in a day.

(It is just now being reported by the Chicago Tribune that the system MAY be in place by the upcoming postseason but probably will not. The point is made regardless as the postseason is in six months.)