http://speakingofsports.org/index.php http://speakingofsports.org/index.php?entry=entry090808-173319

--Enjoy the rest of CC vs. the Sawx.]]> http://speakingofsports.org/index.php?entry=entry090731-164232
Peavy, who is still recovering from an ankle injury, should be a very nice piece that is added IF he is healthy enough to be the Peavy of old. Either way, the AL Central was very busy today, with this trade, along with the Twins adding SS Orlando Cabrera and the Tigers trading for SP Jarred Washburn.]]> http://speakingofsports.org/index.php?entry=entry090731-145709
This is an absolute slam dunk for the Sawx, as they have solidified their lineup without giving up Clay Bucholz. With this deal, coupled with the Cliff Lee deal they made a few days ago, the Indians may now win the battle of the basement teams in the AL Central.

In my mind, the Indians got robbed if this is all they are getting in return. ]]> http://speakingofsports.org/index.php?entry=entry090730-163157 http://speakingofsports.org/index.php?entry=entry090730-162704

(that is where Cortland, NY is located)

Ok football fans, we all have to take a deep breath and realize that we are still a month and a half away from meaningful football, but you can't help but get excited with the news that training camps are opening.

The Jets opened theirs today in Cortland, NY, which is a major change from the site of many previous training camps, out in Hofstra University on Long Island.

The Giants open up Saturday at SUNY Albany. That is a trip that I make annually, and it is a blast. I recommend it to anyone that is within a decent driving distance of Albany. ]]> http://speakingofsports.org/index.php?entry=entry090730-161631
That said, a lot has gone on the sports world lately. Quick recap, shall we?



---Michael Vick is officially free to sign with a team. Who will sign him you say? As of this afternoon, Vick has stated he is close to signing with a team. The Vikings seem like a logical place to me for him to wind up, but they are still a franchise recovering from the whole 'love boat' incident. Unless Tony Dungy is tied at the hip to Michael Vick, it'd be hard to implement him on this team, especially with a very impressionable (and troubled) rookie wide receiver, Percy Harvin.


---Cliff Lee was traded to the Phillies for four minor leaguers. This throws my entire Q & A that I did with our partner site, SNATCHSPORTS.COM for a whirl. Lee is no Roy Halladay, but he certianly helps put the Phillies into the forefront of the NL Pennant Race. A pretty lefty-heavy rotation once you add Lee into the mix, with Hamels, Moyer and Happ all being southpaws.

Speaking of that Q&A, you can access it by clicking the link below...

Trade Deadline Q & A with SnatchSports.com


---More on the trade deadline tonight and tomorrow. So far the biggest winners have to be the Giants (Freddy Sanchez and Ryan Garko)and the Phillies (Cliff Lee). We have already seen more movement of decently-talented players than we have in years past. Hopefully some more action will go down tomorrow.
]]> http://speakingofsports.org/index.php?entry=entry090730-161042
Hope you can sense the sarchasm in the subject... Not like most didn't think it already, but suspicions were confirmed this afternoon, with the New York Times reporting that David Ortiz as well as Manny Ramirez tested positive for performance enhancing drugs back in 2003. Both are on the same 'secret' list that A-Rod was on.

As of this afternoon, Boston Red Sox fans who attributed all of the Yankees' rings to having juicers on the team do not have any ground to stand on. Manny and Ortiz were the biggest reasons for the great comeback and subsequent World Series title in 2003.

In all likelihood, no championship team from the mid-90's to 2006 or 2007 is completely clean. ]]> http://speakingofsports.org/index.php?entry=entry090727-175507 In my mind, Omar Minaya wrote his ticket out of town with his press conference today. I tried to set these posts up in two parts...One, to give the Mets credit for making the right move in firing the cancer that seems to be Tony Bernazard.

Here's part two...

The Mets have found ways to make almost every decision they make into complicated disasters. From the firing of Willie Randolph and the way that they handled Ryan Church's concussion problems last year, to something as simple as trying to erase Doc Gooden's autograph from the walls of their new suite at Citi Field, right on through to today, the Mets have been a Classless joke of an organization.

Don't get me wrong, this isn't a Yankee versus Met argument from me...The Yankees have done PLENTY of stupid things in the past, but at least with them, there are also some positive moves that are made.

After listening to sports-talk radio all day, I have gotten sick of hearing how they have to clean house, fire everyone, trade everyone and start fresh. But I truly feel that the only way for the Mets to start making better decisions, is to in fact clean house, and not only with the manager or their shortstop or the sixth reliever on the depth chart.

And with all of the controversy with Omar's comments about Adam Rubin going after Tony Bernazard's job, thus writing slanderous things about him, Omar sounded and looked like an utter jackass.

If this town wasn't calling for Omar's head before today's press conference, this defintely seals the deal. Omar, you have failed this team miserably, and whether you were behind all of these rediculous personnel moves or not, you have to go. ]]> http://speakingofsports.org/index.php?entry=entry090727-174626
This guy is an absolute clown. From his run-ins with players such as K-Rod and Johan Santana, to his supposed strip-down at and rant to the Mets' Double-A team, enough was finally enough.

Bernazard is also known by most to be the main reason for the firing of Willie Randolph. Well, what goes around comes around Tony.






]]> http://speakingofsports.org/index.php?entry=entry090725-220103 Miller was offered a one year contract by his former team the Philadelphia 76ers, but reneged because he desired a long term deal above the league’s mid-level exception. Miller has found a team with a core of young talent that will help extend his career.
In Miller, Portland found the veteran point guard they have been looking for over the past few seasons. After missing out on Jason Kidd, Kirk Hinrich among others, the Blazers have found the anchor to their team. Miller will undoubtedly provide leadership off the court and rare toughness on the court.
Miller has played in a NBA high 530 straight games missing only three games throughout his career. His ability to play through the grind of the season year after year will help educate Portland’s young talent on how to play through pain. Miller will also help the Blazers take further steps away from their dark past filled with drugs and legal problems.
While the signing of Andre Miller will make the Portland Trail Blazers a playoff contender, it is highly unlikely they will be able to match up with other Western Conference powerhouses like the Lakers and Spurs.
]]> http://speakingofsports.org/index.php?entry=entry090723-162243

One of the rare feats in baseball has just been achieved in Chicago. All-Star pitcher Mark Buehrle has just completed a perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Part of the story here is Dewayne Wise's catch in the ninth inning. Great stuff.

Buehrle becomes the 24th pitcher in baseball history to throw multiple no hitters, joining recent pitchers such as Randy Johnson and Hideo Nomo, (Buerhle threw his other one in 2007).]]> http://speakingofsports.org/index.php?entry=entry090723-121918

I would never admit to being a supporter of the New York Mets (it's a long, complicated story). That said, it would take only the obvious for me to declare this team dead and out of things completely. Well, the obvious has happened and this team is finished.

Omar would be wise to start selling whatever he can. Unfortunately, anything worth selling is on the disabled list. Gary Sheffield is an obvious candidate, but he isn't even healthy enough to get on the field, thus eliminating any value at the moment. There are reports that the Mets have received several phone calls about Pedro Feliciano, who would be someone where it would make sense to move.

Younger guys like a Mike Pelfrey defintely have trade value, but for the Mets, they see themselves as getting back into things right-away next season, so trading a young pitcher with that much upside is not the route to go.

Bottom line, Omar and the Mets are in a complicated situation. They should sell whatever and whoever they can for the right deal. Their minor league system needs a complete overhaul and it needs to be run by someone other than Tony Bernazard who just continues to look like the biggest jackass in all of baseball these last few days...]]> http://speakingofsports.org/index.php?entry=entry090722-174523

Despite earlier reports, Minnesota’s first round pick, Ricky Rubio will not be staying in Spain for an additional year even if he and the Timberwolves are unable to reach a contractual agreement. Immediately after the draft, Rubio believed that he would be forced to stay another year in Spain because of his inability to pay the $8.2 million buyout.

Rubio was projected to be the second overall pick, but as he fell to number five he lost millions, making it more difficult to escape the contract with Joventut.

Almost two months after the draft, Ricky Rubio is still not pleased with the way his Spanish club has handled the situation, so Timberwolves’s GM Davis Kahn flew to Spain in an attempt to help settle the dilemma. According to NBA rules, Minnesota can only contribute $500,000 to the buyout, so the two sides have been not been able to come to a resolution.

Rubio’s future remains unclear, whether he will sign with the T’wolves, be traded to another NBA team or possibly sign with another Spanish ball club like Real Madrid or Barcelona.


To read the full story... ]]> http://speakingofsports.org/index.php?entry=entry090722-143328
After falling out of first place for the first time in about two months, this move helps bring in another bat to the lineup but more importantly protects the team against any major setbacks that the injured and struggling Mike Lowell may have for the rest of the season.

With the addition of LaRoche, it looks like Kevin Youkilis will see some more time at third base.


]]> http://speakingofsports.org/index.php?entry=entry090720-230049
In what was a carbon copy of yesterday's win over the Detroit Tigers, the Yankees relied on stellar starting pitching (Andy Pettitte) and two solo home runs (Eric Hinske & Hideki Matsui). These close wins that the Yankees have been having can have a bigger impact on the team as a whole than winning by landslides. There is something to be said for hard-fought victories.

With some bad news coming out of Chien-Ming Wang's side session, Sergio Mitre could give this team a real shot in the arm with a decent performance tomorrow night. In Triple-A Scranton, Mitre was 3-1 with a 2.42 ERA.


Meanwhile in our Nation's Capital, Livan Hernandez finally got back on track and gave the Mets his first decent outing in almost two months. The banged up Amazins' beat the Nationals 6-2 but were not able to gain any ground on the scorching-hot Phillies, who blew out the Cubs in Philly tonight.


---Anyone catch the T.O. show tonight on VH1? I am very proud (or ashamed) that I was able to stomach about five minutes of it before I HAD to turn it off. I don't know what Terrell Owens is worse at; being a good teammate or acting. Either way, those are five minutes I will never ever get back.]]> http://speakingofsports.org/index.php?entry=entry090719-220149

Photo Courtesy: Reuters


The story of the day as far as the New York sports scene is concerened is defintely Joba's tremendous outing and the Yankees completing the sweep of the Tigers on Old Timer's Day. A quick turn-around it must have been for Mike Mussina, as a year ago today, he was in the middle of a 20-win season and now he is considered an Old Timer.

Today's formula for success was simple:

A-Rod + Mark Teixeira + Joba Chamberlain + Mariano Rivera.

The Yankees continue their home stand against the Orioles this week.


Now for that other team...Add Fernando Nieve to the unbelievably long list of injured Mets. It has become quite the trend for the Mets to not only lose games, but lose players as well. Nieve had to be carted off the field with an apparent quad injury. His injury almost certainly buys more time for Tim Redding to be with the team, as most thought he would be released by the end of the weekend.

After losing three-out-of-four to the Braves this weekend, the Mets are nine games out of first place, and at this time, really have to be thinking Wild-Card, although that may become a distant thought within the next week or two.

During this horrid series in Atlanta, the Mets also lost Gary Sheffield. He hasn't been placed on the DL, but has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury.

The Mets are off to Washington for a mid-week series against the Nationals. With the lineup the Mets are throwing out each day, even a series against the Nationals can't be an easy one.


OTHER NOTES:

---After giving up an early run to the Red Sox, Roy Halladay was lights-out in the Blue Jays' 3-1 win. Aside from the Yankee fan dreaming of Halladay doing that in a Yankee uniform, it also helped them get within a game of Boston for first plcae in the AL East.


---Was really pulling for Tom Watson to pull off one of the great sports stories in recent memory but it just wasn't to be. Stewart Cink beat out Watson in a four-hole playoff to take the British Open. You still have to admire and give all the credit in the world to Watson for being that close to winning a major championship at the age of 59.


---It's unreal what ESPN Reporter Erin Andrews is going through. Not going to give this story any more attention. All I will say is that the party(s) responsible belong in jail.


---Enjoy the ESPY's ]]> http://speakingofsports.org/index.php?entry=entry090718-145156

The Yankees and Tigers are locked in a great pitchers duel at the moment as CC Sabathia and Justin Verlander have not disappointed.

Happy Anniversary to David Cone; It was on this day ten years ago that he pitched his very memorable perfect game against the Montreal Expos on Yogi Berra day. I can remember the game like it was yesterday...Don Larsen threw out the first pitch before the game as well as David Cone dropping to his knees in disbelief after the last pitch. What I think adds to the lure of his perfect game are the stories in Joe Torre's book, 'Yankee Years,' about that great day.


---Sergio Mitre will make his season debut with the Yankees next week against the Orioles as the team's fifth starter. Suffice to say Phil Hughes has undoubtedly cemented the role of the eighth inning guy after six strikeouts in two innings of work last night, which along with Mark Teixeira's huge home run, helped lead the Yankees to a 5-3 win.

---There are unconfirmed reports that Jose Reyes suffered a setback in his rehab in Florida while running drills. This can't come as a surprise to Met fans who have to be numb to any kind of injury news with this team at this point.


---The amount of stories giving up on the Mets in the local newspapers is on a sharp incline. There may be something to this idea, especially after an 11-0 loss last night. It may be a very quiet and lonely August and September in Queens. Anyone know how many days are left until the start of Jets & Giants Training Camp?


]]> http://speakingofsports.org/index.php?entry=entry090716-155035
Other injury updates for the Mets:

Carlos Beltran's bone bruise has not improved or gotten worse. No time-table for his return.

Carlos Delgado seems to be on pace to return in early August. He has been able to swing the bat as well as take ground balls.

Jose Reyes apparently had a very good day in Port St. Lucie and may finally be able to return to the Mets by the end of this month.

John Maine is on track to return to throwing within the next 10 days.

]]> http://speakingofsports.org/index.php?entry=entry090716-141127
The Bruins will take on the Flyers in this up and coming New Year's Day tradition.

With Wrigley and now Fenway being done, one must think that either Citi Field or Yankee Stadium is next. I personally think it will be Yankee Stadium, only because it would be more fitting for the Rangers to play there than in Queens (which is Islander country) plus the Yankees and the NHL have already had discussions about having a Winter Classic back at the old stadium.


Along with news of the Winter Classic, came the league and NBC's extension of their agreement for two more seasons. A rendering of what Fenway will look like for the game is below, thanks to Totalprosports.com

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One other note from last night; Hats off to Major League Baseball as they did a tremendous job with the all of the pre-game festivities.


Quick Hits:

---Pedro has signed his contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. Sure, his better days have passed him by, but you can't argue with taking on a chance on Martinez, who come late September and October, will be in mid-season form instead of dead tired, as he would most likely be if he had pitched the entire year.


---Damaso Marte (Remeber him?) is reportedly set to begin his rehab assignment after missing the last ten weeks with shoulder tendinitis. Hopefully more than just his achey shoulder will be fixed by the time he gets back. Before going on the DL, he only posted a 15.19 ERA.


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