Bravo, Tony LaRussa, Bravo.

I would just like to salute Tony LaRussa for an outstanding managerial job in the All-Star Game last night. Let's take a look inside the thought process of a baseball genius. Now, I understood why he used Dmitri Young off the bench as the first pinch-hitter of the 9th. 'He's saving Pujols for an at-bat where he could win the game,' I told myself. After the Soriano home run and back-to-back walks to put the winning run aboard, I saw LaRussa's strategy paying off. Everything was set up for a legendary showdown: one of the best closers in the game against arguably the best hitter in baseball today.

Strangely, Orlando Hudson stayed in the game. Tony couldn't be worried about Pujols defensively, he had talked for the whole game about the fact that Pujols can play nearly any position (even SS in spring training!). When Hudson drew a 2-out walk to load the bases, I finally saw the wisdom in Tony's plan. Load the bases, then bring in Poo-holes to smack in two runs (at least) and win the game in classic style. Finally, the streak would be broken! No longer will we endure jokes about being AAAA baseball! When the Braves make it to the World Series, they'll win Game 7 at Turner Field!

The moment arrived. K-Rod stood nervously, glancing at the three runners on base. Into the batting box steps...

Aaron Rowand???? The NL finally has a chance to break a 11 year winless streak, and you're putting it all on the shoulders of a Philly? Come on! Clearly it wouldn't make sense to bring in a clutch hitter with a history of big hits against great closers (Brad Lidge, anyone?).

I know some people will argue that LaRussa was being conservative, saving his last position player for the chance that the game went to extra innings. Really? The bases are loaded with 2 outs, down one run in the 9th and you're playing for the tie? Nice work.

Now I'm not saying that Pujols would have definitely won the game. Hell, he could have struck out on three pitches, who knows? All I'm saying is that we, the faithful National League fans, deserved to see the best hitter in our league get a chance to do something great at the Mid-Summer Classic. Your Cardinals may not have much of a shot at the World Series this year, Tony, but the rest of the National League is still in the hunt.

I guess we'll have to wait one more year to get our redemption...

Is it too early to start hating on Greg Oden?

Is it too early to start hating on Greg Oden?... No. Seeing as how I think I should be GM of the hawks I'll tell you why I think he was a bad #1 pick.

First: (and honestly) from a business standpoint only, he is really ugly. Which means it will be hard to market him and put his ugly mug on billboards and the like. Durant (no, I am not gay) is not an unattractive man, and has a much better chance of selling jerseys and tickets (to women, who do in fact go to games to look at attractive men, not Greg Oden) Unless old men with wrinkly faces make an amazing comeback, which they most likely won't, Mr. Oden will always be hard to market.

Second: Is Greg Oden really that special... No. Wow he is 7ft tall. Remember when that was really special. I don't. My uncle is 7 ft tall. (not really) But 7ft is honestly not as rare as it used to be, there are a lot of terrible 7ft players in the league (candy man). And don't give me the "you can't teach height" shit. Cause you know what you can do, genetically create height. I don't know how, but China does.

Third: He uses both hands.... Not impressed. I can use both hands. I am using both hands right now!!! If he startd heading the ball in, then I'll be impressed. Every post man should be able to uses both hands, they are getting payed a lot of money.

Fourth: Rule: Don't say think something just cause someone said it. They tell me that Greg Oden "is going to be" an amazing rebounder. Really, why would you say that. Durant had more rebounds then him in college. 11.something DURANT, to 9.something ODEN (look it up if you want to get exact numbers) There is no reason to assume, other then height, that Oden will be a good rebounder. And now adays height really doesn't cut it for redounding (ask Boozer and B.Wallace)

Fif: In a deep draft, such as this. 5 years from now, 5 or so players that may not have been such a big deal during the draft will be REALLY REALLY GOOD/ MUCH MUCH BETTER then some of the bigger name players. I say this because people get caught up in the hype around some player, and do not draft blindly. EXAMPLE: If you pick a no-name guy who could be really good and he is a bust, your GM ass is toast... But if you pick a player with a lot of hype who turns out to be shit, then your job is safe and its the players fault. Basically, do you want to keep your job and feed your kids, or not.

Finally: Durant, Yi (who I like) or any number of other players in the draft. Will likely be "better" players then Oden. Don't believe me, that's fine, wait a couple years then lets talk. (haha, by then you will have forgotten all about this blog, so really I can't lose by saying that. But if I am right I will yell it all over town)

Oh yeah you see Odens first game in the summer league, playing against a bunch of flunkies. 10 fouls 8 pt and rebs.

I could talk about this forever, but I have to go work on my left handed hook shot.

The Decline of Baseball

So how many of you know when the MLB all-star game is? For the matter how many people know who is all on the all-star team. Show of hands....(cricket....cricket). OK now that we've gotten that out the way let me get to my point. Baseball, once viewed as America's pastime has past its time in the limelight its no longer interesting, fun, or exciting to watch. The average renaissance sports fan who enjoys a little bit of everything probably enjoys baseball about as much as having a bone spur removed from his left eye socket. OK so I'm sure someone reading this is thinking that this is only one mans opinion and I have no basis behind my claim but lets look at the facts. I checked the TV ratings for the four major sports big games for the past year (Stanley Cup, NBA finals, Super Bowl, and World Series) and found that last year's World Series was second in ratings past only by the Super Bowl which beat out all competition by about 15 points. Now this may not show definitively that baseball blows but it does indicate that its mouth is somewhat close to the proverbial penis. Its not living up to its nickname.

So as opposed to giving reason for the decline of baseball I'm proposing two solutions. One: Concede defeat to the more popular football and allow football to become America's new favorite pastime or Two: Feed their players steroids and other enhancement medications under the table while still publicly criticizing and condemning the use of said drugs. OK so maybe you're thinking that's ridiculous or a little far fetched but hear me out first.

The last time, as far as I'm concerned, that the general public took an active interest in baseball happenings was during the years of the Sammy Sosa-Mark McGwire home run title race. And at least one of those two has indirectly (by pleading the fifth when questioned) admitted to using enhancing drugs. If you don't know much about baseball right now you at least know the controversy Barry bonds and other players and possible use of illegal "supplements".
My point being if the commissioner or baseball were to look the other way and allow the use of the aforementioned drugs there would probably be an increase in home runs, scoring and random violence all of which would entice the average sports fan to take a more serious interest in the sport. Think about it a beefed up bobby cox rushes the umpire to argue a call gets a little to angry and suddenly drop kicks him into the first row. Its classic. And when critics and sports analysts started noticing the change and speculating about the cause the commish could start up another witch hunt for 'roid users which would create more controversy and scandal and what American doesn't love a good gossip story. Come on its a win win for everyone....just think about it.

Why I Hate Landon Donovan

Landon Donovan is a self righteous prick...I could stop there, but let's explore the depths of my hatred for this rusty trombone loving, deusche bag . First off, I hate his bitch ass penalty shot preperation dance / exorcism ceremony. I can't tell if he is trying to raise the dead or pull his panties out of his ass before he makes an attempt on goal. Kissing his wrists, kissing the dirt, crossing himself with both arms. I tried to find better clips but seeing as how USA soccer is not exactly a top priority for the American Sports Fan, these are the best I could do. And before anyone tries to get on me for knocking his religion, THIS IS NOT RELIGIOUS, its called being an asshole. There is a fine line, but also a big difference between the two.

Secondly, leaving Bayer Leverkusen to play for the LA Galaxy...Are you kidding me? You left a decent side in Europe where you were almost guaranteed Champions League soccer every year to go play in front of oh i dunno...9 maybe 10 people a night. I know that's a bit of an exaggeration and Alexi Lalas the gm of the Galaxy would surely point out their numbers clearly indicate an average of 11 to 12 supporters per contest.

Landon Donovan is supposed to be the face of American soccer. As Americans we like our stars to be the All-American hero, but still have a little edge to them. You know the type of guy who will walk your grandma across the street, but kick your dog, and stab you in the stomach with rusty railroad spike if you disrespect the stars and stripes. It's simple, if there is one thing Americans don't like it's p%$#ies, no not the kind that you hope to bring home after a night on the town. I'm talking about the kind that cries when he is in Germany cuz he misses his girlfriend. If Landon were a true American hero he would cheat on his girlfriend with random German hoe's like the rest of our top notch athletes do here in the states. Cee-lo Green once said "My heroes have the heart to live the life I wanna live". I would never cheat on my girlfriend or wife, therefore I expect my sports heroes to do it enough for the both of us.

If this sounds like an unwarranted personal attack, you can bet your ass it is. I'm an American! and unleashing hateful, unwarranted personal attacks is one of our favorite past times. If Landon doesn't like it he can leave, Jozy Altidore will be better than him in 2 years anyways.

The Vicks are idiots

Being a born and bred Atlanta sports fan you get used to certain things. Things like losing streaks, poor drafting procedures, losing top free agents, never getting top free agents, while still always finding that silver lining in that proverbial cloud of death, that hangs over most of our sports franchises. However, in the case of Michael Vick there is no silver lining...its more of a doo doo brown.
Whether you call him Mike Vick, the Michael Vick Experience (NIKE), or Ron Mexico at the end of the day it all adds up the same, Michael Vick = F'ing idiot. In fact after extensive research, I have concluded that in Swaziland where the Vick blood line traces back to in Africa, the name Vick does in fact mean F'ing idiot or taint face in SeSwati the national language. So can we really blame Mike for any of his actions? it's hereditary.

It boils down to genes and luck ladies and gentlemen. We all put our name on a piece of paper, throw it in God's gigantic Braves hat, and in the end some of us are winners, and some are losers in the genetic lottery. Vick is an exceptional case, because although he is clearly blessed with unfathomable athletic ability, He also seems to have been too busy fighting dogs, or contracting herpes to stand in line when the brains were passed out. I mean it's almost textbook Vick Behavior, always jumping the gun and never patient enough to check down to the open tailback, or wait and see how things develop down field.

Originally I thought Marcus, Michael's brother was the only loser in the Vick family. It has now become clear that somewhere in the Vick genetic code, there is a gene for overall lack of common sense, and being an ass clown. It was reported today that the FEDS are digging up Vick's backyard or should I say "bone yard" in Virginia, where they expect to find more than 30 dog carcases. To be fair although this is a felony the ONLY reason the feds are involved is because Vick is a celebrity. I'm not advocating abuse of animals in fact i hope Vick is severely punished for this, but facts are facts. As for how it effects the dirty birds this year we will have to wait and see. If there is a trial it will be long and drawn out and the ball probably won't even get rolling till some time after the Super Bowl.