Just over two months ago, I wrote a piece on steroids and how football is getting a free pass the day after the Mitchell Report was released. In that previous article, ESPN Baseball writer Jerry Crasnick seemed substanitally peeved that the N.F.L. got somewhat of a "free pass" in the 'roids investigation:
"Sprung, Don't get me started." Crasnick said in my December, 14 article "The Steroids Saga: What About Football??" Crasnick went on to say, "I think it's ridiculous that the NFL gets such a pass. In fact, the presence of so many 350-pound behemoths dying young is way more of a health threat than steroids in baseball. It's not a health issue -- It's a matter of managing PR, and the NFL is much better than baseball at that."
I'm sure it's more than a matter of public relations, but there has to be some sort of reason why baseball is being dragged through the mud and football seems to be getting off almost scott free. People have been saying that pro football has more steroids testing and everything, but some people can't even come to admit that HGH is a huge problem in all sports, especially football. "The HGH crap, save it for a doctor." Said Scouts INC's Marwan Maalouf in my earlier piece. Can an insider like that be so naive as to say that HGH isn't a problem in football? I'd bet a large amount of money that HGH is far more of an issue in the NFL than it is in baseball. And that brings me to Yankee VP Hank Steinbrenner's comments on steroids in sports:
"Everybody that knows sports knows football is tailor-made for performance-enhancing drugs." Steinbrenner told the AP. "I don't know how they managed to skate by. It irritates me. Don't tell me it's not more prevalent. The number in football is at least twice as many. Look at the speed and size of those players."
There's no doubt in my mind that there's a PED problem in football, but N.F.L. spokesman Greg Aiello is adament that no steroids have been used in the league:
"We've had year-round random testing with immediate suspensions since 1990 and we conduct approximately 12,000 steroids tests a year."
Unfortunately for football, they have no testing for HGH. And even when people have been caught using PED's like Shawne Merriman and Rodney Harrison, not many people even batted an eyelash. But the backlash that players such as Andy Pettitte have received has been absolutely astronomical. It'd be foolish to say that some sort of double standard was not clearly in play. Floyd Reese was the GM of the Houston Oilers-Tennessee Titans franchise for 13 years and he was adament that the steroids testing has been rock solid in the game:
"I think if you look at the number of tests that players get in the NFL, it's more than for recreational drugs." Reese told SprungOnSports. "Players will get tested anywhere from 4 times a month to 15 times a month. Keep in mind, these tests go on year round. It's not something that you're going to get away with. You'll still see people get suspended and it might be because they haven't looked into what's in what they're taking." That's all well and good, but then Reese went into the HGH problem that Maalouf implied wasn't there:
"Now, HGH is something else. That's something that everyone is trying to address. I have no clue as to what percentage uses that."
But it certainly seems to be a problem that even football executives are aware of, just like baseball owners and GM's were aware of it during the early to mid 1990's. But some really wise baseball writers like ESPN's Rob Neyer is just fed up with the treatment that football gets:
"My guess is that most NFL players simply know how to beat the testing regimen. The NFL is a big fat hairy American money-making machine, and a lot of non-fans would be shocked by what's going on."
I think everyone has been shocked by the developments over the previous months, and it will continue to get worse as time goes by. But to think that it's an isolated issue in one sport is as stupid as getting injected with these steroids knowing that you run the risk of ruining your reputation. This is certainly an issue that won't be misremembered.
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Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
N.B.A. Today Deadline Countdown
Two more days until the deadline, and the Jason Kidd to Dallas deal has finally been completed, according to ESPN's Marc Stein. Kidd, bench player Malik Allen and young F Antoine Wright were sent to Dallas for rising star PG Devin Harris, the expiring contracts of DeSagana Diop, Trenton Hassell, and Keith Van Horn, young G Maurice Ager, first round picks in 2008 and 2010 and $3 million in cash. A 2nd rounder going to the Nets for Wright couldn't be worked out. SOS NBA Insider Cameron Berns talked about what Kidd will bring to the Mavericks: "Kidd will bring veteran leadership to this mavs team, and will give them a better chance to make a run for the finals, than origionally constructed."
News and Rumors
-The main rumor is not of a trade that may happen this week, but something brought up by Peter Vescey of the NY Post. He said that after last season's collapse to Golden State, Mavericks coach Avery Johnson wanted to trade Dirk Nowitzki because he wasn't the leader Johnson wanted. Avery was overruled and Dirk is still on Dallas. The Post also reports that the Nets are not likely done trading. Denver GM Kiki Vandeweghe has dangled Nene among others in trades for Jermaine O'Neal, Mike Miller, and Jamaal Tinsley among others. Denver, Cleveland, and Houston are interested in Andre Miller but the Sixers are going for quality over quantity. Boston is in front for Sam Cassell, but the Clippers will want more than a first round pick and an expiring contract. The Nuggets have no interest in either Zach Randolph or Ron Artest, but are interested in Tyronn Lue or Anthony Johnson. Isiah Thomas has been talking up Randolph and Eddy Curry in what perhaps is a desperate attempt at trying to build up their values.
-The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that the Heat could use the expiring contracts of Jason Williams and Ricky Davis for players like Mickael Pietrus, Mike Miller or Kyle Lowry but not Eddy Curry. The Heat would also like to deal Smush Parker. The Palm Beach Post suggests a sign-and-trade with Shawn Marion after the season.
-The NY Daily News reports that Isiah Thomas is denying his interest in the Indiana University job.
-The Bulls are shopping Ben Wallace and Ben Gordon, says the Chicago Tribune.
-The Houston Chronicle reports that the Rockets are trying to trade Bonzi Wells, but don't expect Artest or Mike Miller to come to the Clutch City.
-According to the Akron Beacon Journal, the Cavs are talking about Mike and Andre Miller with Ira Newble the most likely trading piece. The Medina County Gazette reports that Cleveland is after Delonte West of OKC and Jarrett Jack of Portland.
-The Orlando Sentinel reports that the Magic are looking at a backup defensive big like Kurt Thomas, Chris Wilcox, Brian Skinner, Mark Madsen, or Udonis Haslem. They could trade players like Carlos Arroyo, Maurice Evans, Pat Garrity, James Augustine or Keyon Dooling. They will not trade JJ Redick.
-The Philadelphia Daily News reports that the Sixers are shopping Gordon Giricek.
-Gerald Green, Antoine Walker, and Theo Ratliff could be traded before the deadline, says the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
-The Racine Journal Times reports that Bucks GM Ed Harris has been overruled by superiors on trades (including one for Zach Randoph) and will be fired by Milwaukee after the season.
-The Sacramento Bee reports that Denver doesn't want to move Kleiza in an Artest trade, and the Rocky Mountain News reports that the Nuggets are in play for Mike Miller and Sam Cassell.
News and Rumors
-The main rumor is not of a trade that may happen this week, but something brought up by Peter Vescey of the NY Post. He said that after last season's collapse to Golden State, Mavericks coach Avery Johnson wanted to trade Dirk Nowitzki because he wasn't the leader Johnson wanted. Avery was overruled and Dirk is still on Dallas. The Post also reports that the Nets are not likely done trading. Denver GM Kiki Vandeweghe has dangled Nene among others in trades for Jermaine O'Neal, Mike Miller, and Jamaal Tinsley among others. Denver, Cleveland, and Houston are interested in Andre Miller but the Sixers are going for quality over quantity. Boston is in front for Sam Cassell, but the Clippers will want more than a first round pick and an expiring contract. The Nuggets have no interest in either Zach Randolph or Ron Artest, but are interested in Tyronn Lue or Anthony Johnson. Isiah Thomas has been talking up Randolph and Eddy Curry in what perhaps is a desperate attempt at trying to build up their values.
-The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that the Heat could use the expiring contracts of Jason Williams and Ricky Davis for players like Mickael Pietrus, Mike Miller or Kyle Lowry but not Eddy Curry. The Heat would also like to deal Smush Parker. The Palm Beach Post suggests a sign-and-trade with Shawn Marion after the season.
-The NY Daily News reports that Isiah Thomas is denying his interest in the Indiana University job.
-The Bulls are shopping Ben Wallace and Ben Gordon, says the Chicago Tribune.
-The Houston Chronicle reports that the Rockets are trying to trade Bonzi Wells, but don't expect Artest or Mike Miller to come to the Clutch City.
-According to the Akron Beacon Journal, the Cavs are talking about Mike and Andre Miller with Ira Newble the most likely trading piece. The Medina County Gazette reports that Cleveland is after Delonte West of OKC and Jarrett Jack of Portland.
-The Orlando Sentinel reports that the Magic are looking at a backup defensive big like Kurt Thomas, Chris Wilcox, Brian Skinner, Mark Madsen, or Udonis Haslem. They could trade players like Carlos Arroyo, Maurice Evans, Pat Garrity, James Augustine or Keyon Dooling. They will not trade JJ Redick.
-The Philadelphia Daily News reports that the Sixers are shopping Gordon Giricek.
-Gerald Green, Antoine Walker, and Theo Ratliff could be traded before the deadline, says the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
-The Racine Journal Times reports that Bucks GM Ed Harris has been overruled by superiors on trades (including one for Zach Randoph) and will be fired by Milwaukee after the season.
-The Sacramento Bee reports that Denver doesn't want to move Kleiza in an Artest trade, and the Rocky Mountain News reports that the Nuggets are in play for Mike Miller and Sam Cassell.
College Hoops Tuesday
Fidel Castro is out and the tournament is inching closer, can it get any better? Well, that depends on who you like in this great sport. The AP Stock Market will be followed by a recap of last night's games, the conference leaders, and the coming week's best games.
AP Stock Market
Stock Up
Tennessee- The Vols got wins over Arkansas and Georgia to go up to 2nd in the rankings and set up this week's Memphis showdown. They play Auburn tomorrow.
UNC- A sweep of the VA teams has the Tar Heels back up to 3rd. They play at NC State before hosting giant killer Wake.
Texas- There's no denying that the Longhorns are on the rise after wins over Kansas and Baylor last week and a rout of TAMU last night. They also have to host Oklahoma this week.
Xavier- The Musks beat Charlotte last week and Rhode Island last night, but they still have to play Duquesne and Dayton this week.
Wisconsin- The Badgers beat Indiana and Minnesota last week and will be at Illinois and Ohio State this coming week.
Stock also up- UConn, Purdue, Wazzu, Louisville, Vanderbilt, Saint Mary's, Marquette.
Stock Down
Duke- The 13 point loss to Wake knocks the Blue Devils down to 5th. They'll be at Miami and will host St John's on Saturday.
Stanford- A hard fought loss to Arizona State knocks the Cardinal down 2 spots before a showdown with rival Cal.
Georgetown- They lost to Syracuse last week, but could already be on the right track after a win at Providence. They also host Cincinnati this week.
Indiana- The two point loss to Wisconsin brings them down two spots, but they can redeem themselves by beating Purdue and by winning at woeful Northwestern.
Drake- The loss at Southern Illinois also bring the Bulldogs down as well, they play Bradley before their huge game at Butler.
Stock also down- Michigan State, Texas A&M, Kansas State, Pittsburgh.
Monday Recap
18 points and 8 rebounds allowed Georgetown to come back strong with a 68-58 win at Providence. Louisville outrebounded Syracuse 53-34 and ironically had 19 offensive rebounds in a 61-50 win over an almost desperate Syracuse team that was looking to build off their win over Georgetown. The Orange had a good chance to win this game, but shot 16-55 (29%) from the field. The deeper, hungrier Cardinals fed off the Freedom Hall frenzy to take what would have been a huge Orange win away from Jim Boeheim and co. Josh Duncan had 23 points as Xavier got an enormous 81-77 win at Rhode Island that pretty much solidifies the A-10 regular season crown for the Muskateers. Parfait Bitee had 25 points and 7 assists for the Rams, who is still in good position for a bid, but they could have solidified it last night. Niagara remains in a 4 way tie atop the MAAC after a 2 point win over St Peter's. Loyola knocked off the leaders Rider to bring both teams to 11-5 in the conferece, and Siena's loss at Manhatten makes the 4 way tie. Just below the pack is Fairfield, who knocked off Marist in a 2OT thriller. Hampton is only a game back in the MEAC after a win over Winston-Salem behind Morgan State and Norfolk State who both got wins last night. It was a bad loss for St Joe's who fell 90-89 at home to Philly rival LaSalle. Austin Peay still leads the OVC by 2 games, but fell at Tennessee State last night. Texas A&M started off ice cold, Texas began white hot and the Longhorns never looked back in a 77-50 destruction of the Aggies in Austin last night in the Lone Star Showdown. DJ Augustin had 27 points and 9 assists in the win for a quickly ascending team. Saint Mary's still rules the WCC after a 100-64 rout of Pepperdine at Malibu, but Gonzaga kept pace with an impressive 4 point win at underrated San Diego.
Conference Leaders
UMBC, Xavier, Duke, Belmont, Kansas, Georgetown, Portland State, Winthrop, Purdue, CS-Northridge, VCU, Memphis, Butler, Cornell, Niagara, Kent State, Morgan State, Drake, BYU, Robert Morris, Austin Peay, UCLA, American, Tennessee, Davidson, Lamar, Alabama State, Oral Roberts, Western Kentucky, Saint Mary's, Boise State.
Games of the Week (major, mid major)
Tuesday- Purdue @ Indiana 7pm ESPN, UNC Greensboro @ Davidson 7pm ESPN2. Wednesday- UNC @ NC State 7pm ESPN, Houston @ UAB 7pm.
Thursday- Pitt @ Notre Dame 7pm ESPN, South Alabama @ Western Kentucky 8pm.
Friday- BracketBusters- Davidson @ Winthrop 7pm ESPN2, UC Santa Barbara @ Utah State 9pm ESPN2.
Saturday- Tennessee @ Memphis 9pm ESPN, Drake @ Butler 5pm ESPN2 (BB).
Sunday- Louisville @ Pitt 12pm Full Court, Wright State @ Illinois State 6:30pm ESPNU (BB). Monday- Texas @ Kansas State 9pm ESPN, San Diego @ Saint Mary's 10pm.
AP Stock Market
Stock Up
Tennessee- The Vols got wins over Arkansas and Georgia to go up to 2nd in the rankings and set up this week's Memphis showdown. They play Auburn tomorrow.
UNC- A sweep of the VA teams has the Tar Heels back up to 3rd. They play at NC State before hosting giant killer Wake.
Texas- There's no denying that the Longhorns are on the rise after wins over Kansas and Baylor last week and a rout of TAMU last night. They also have to host Oklahoma this week.
Xavier- The Musks beat Charlotte last week and Rhode Island last night, but they still have to play Duquesne and Dayton this week.
Wisconsin- The Badgers beat Indiana and Minnesota last week and will be at Illinois and Ohio State this coming week.
Stock also up- UConn, Purdue, Wazzu, Louisville, Vanderbilt, Saint Mary's, Marquette.
Stock Down
Duke- The 13 point loss to Wake knocks the Blue Devils down to 5th. They'll be at Miami and will host St John's on Saturday.
Stanford- A hard fought loss to Arizona State knocks the Cardinal down 2 spots before a showdown with rival Cal.
Georgetown- They lost to Syracuse last week, but could already be on the right track after a win at Providence. They also host Cincinnati this week.
Indiana- The two point loss to Wisconsin brings them down two spots, but they can redeem themselves by beating Purdue and by winning at woeful Northwestern.
Drake- The loss at Southern Illinois also bring the Bulldogs down as well, they play Bradley before their huge game at Butler.
Stock also down- Michigan State, Texas A&M, Kansas State, Pittsburgh.
Monday Recap
18 points and 8 rebounds allowed Georgetown to come back strong with a 68-58 win at Providence. Louisville outrebounded Syracuse 53-34 and ironically had 19 offensive rebounds in a 61-50 win over an almost desperate Syracuse team that was looking to build off their win over Georgetown. The Orange had a good chance to win this game, but shot 16-55 (29%) from the field. The deeper, hungrier Cardinals fed off the Freedom Hall frenzy to take what would have been a huge Orange win away from Jim Boeheim and co. Josh Duncan had 23 points as Xavier got an enormous 81-77 win at Rhode Island that pretty much solidifies the A-10 regular season crown for the Muskateers. Parfait Bitee had 25 points and 7 assists for the Rams, who is still in good position for a bid, but they could have solidified it last night. Niagara remains in a 4 way tie atop the MAAC after a 2 point win over St Peter's. Loyola knocked off the leaders Rider to bring both teams to 11-5 in the conferece, and Siena's loss at Manhatten makes the 4 way tie. Just below the pack is Fairfield, who knocked off Marist in a 2OT thriller. Hampton is only a game back in the MEAC after a win over Winston-Salem behind Morgan State and Norfolk State who both got wins last night. It was a bad loss for St Joe's who fell 90-89 at home to Philly rival LaSalle. Austin Peay still leads the OVC by 2 games, but fell at Tennessee State last night. Texas A&M started off ice cold, Texas began white hot and the Longhorns never looked back in a 77-50 destruction of the Aggies in Austin last night in the Lone Star Showdown. DJ Augustin had 27 points and 9 assists in the win for a quickly ascending team. Saint Mary's still rules the WCC after a 100-64 rout of Pepperdine at Malibu, but Gonzaga kept pace with an impressive 4 point win at underrated San Diego.
Conference Leaders
UMBC, Xavier, Duke, Belmont, Kansas, Georgetown, Portland State, Winthrop, Purdue, CS-Northridge, VCU, Memphis, Butler, Cornell, Niagara, Kent State, Morgan State, Drake, BYU, Robert Morris, Austin Peay, UCLA, American, Tennessee, Davidson, Lamar, Alabama State, Oral Roberts, Western Kentucky, Saint Mary's, Boise State.
Games of the Week (major, mid major)
Tuesday- Purdue @ Indiana 7pm ESPN, UNC Greensboro @ Davidson 7pm ESPN2. Wednesday- UNC @ NC State 7pm ESPN, Houston @ UAB 7pm.
Thursday- Pitt @ Notre Dame 7pm ESPN, South Alabama @ Western Kentucky 8pm.
Friday- BracketBusters- Davidson @ Winthrop 7pm ESPN2, UC Santa Barbara @ Utah State 9pm ESPN2.
Saturday- Tennessee @ Memphis 9pm ESPN, Drake @ Butler 5pm ESPN2 (BB).
Sunday- Louisville @ Pitt 12pm Full Court, Wright State @ Illinois State 6:30pm ESPNU (BB). Monday- Texas @ Kansas State 9pm ESPN, San Diego @ Saint Mary's 10pm.
Monday, February 18, 2008
N.B.A. Today Rumors Special
The trade deadline is coming, so SOS2 will be the source for the latest dish until deadline day.
10:40pm EST
-Marc Stein of ESPN reports that Jason Kidd was held out of this evening's practice and will be on his way to Dallas tomorrow. The trade "appears to be a go" according to Nets GM Rod Thorn.
-The Jason Kidd deal will probably happen, it's just that Keith Van Horn has to approve of being signed and dealt to New Jersey.
-Sam Smith of the Chicago Tribune reports that the Heat may go after Elton Brand when he becomes a free agent. Miami may also be interested in Eddy Curry and could offer the expiring contracts of Ricky Davis and Jason Williams. The Lakers may be interested in Caron Butler, the Spurs want to deal Francisco Elson, and the Sixers would like to trade Gordon Giricek. The Rockets want to get rid of Bonzi Wells, the Bulls may be shopping Ben Gordon, and the Sonics are seeking offers for Wally Sczerbiak, Damien Wilkins, Johan Petro, and Mickael Gelabale. The Cavs may be interested in Ron Artest. Mickael Pietrus would waive his Larry Bird rights to get dealt from the Warriors.
-The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Sixers aren't interested in Artest, but the Nuggets could be in the market for OKC Sonics G Delonte West. Philly is interested in Kyle Lowry, according to the Contra Costa Times.
-The Sacramento Bee reports that there would have been more to the Mike Bibby trade. The Kings were supposed to send Justin Williams to Atlanta for the expiring contract of Salim Stoudamire, but Williams had the same Larry Bird rights that Devean George had, and the two sides were afraid that Williams would nix the trade.
10:40pm EST
-Marc Stein of ESPN reports that Jason Kidd was held out of this evening's practice and will be on his way to Dallas tomorrow. The trade "appears to be a go" according to Nets GM Rod Thorn.
-The Jason Kidd deal will probably happen, it's just that Keith Van Horn has to approve of being signed and dealt to New Jersey.
-Sam Smith of the Chicago Tribune reports that the Heat may go after Elton Brand when he becomes a free agent. Miami may also be interested in Eddy Curry and could offer the expiring contracts of Ricky Davis and Jason Williams. The Lakers may be interested in Caron Butler, the Spurs want to deal Francisco Elson, and the Sixers would like to trade Gordon Giricek. The Rockets want to get rid of Bonzi Wells, the Bulls may be shopping Ben Gordon, and the Sonics are seeking offers for Wally Sczerbiak, Damien Wilkins, Johan Petro, and Mickael Gelabale. The Cavs may be interested in Ron Artest. Mickael Pietrus would waive his Larry Bird rights to get dealt from the Warriors.
-The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Sixers aren't interested in Artest, but the Nuggets could be in the market for OKC Sonics G Delonte West. Philly is interested in Kyle Lowry, according to the Contra Costa Times.
-The Sacramento Bee reports that there would have been more to the Mike Bibby trade. The Kings were supposed to send Justin Williams to Atlanta for the expiring contract of Salim Stoudamire, but Williams had the same Larry Bird rights that Devean George had, and the two sides were afraid that Williams would nix the trade.
Around The Majors- Monday
Happy Presidents Day to everyone, and congratulations on Kosovo's independence. Lots to get to today, the first being one of the greatest pranks in sports history. All I'm going to say that involves Phillies Pitcher Kyle Kendrick thinking that he got traded to Japan for an imaginary player, with Brett Myers, manager Charlie Manuel, Assistant GM Ruben Amaro, members of the media, and even Kendrick's agent involved in this hillarious prank. Check out the insanely good prank here.
3:20pm EST
-Curt Schilling will not have surgery on his injured shoulder, but it's unknown when he'll return. -Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus has come out with his Top 100 Prospects List.
-The Cubs have signed Alex Cintron to a minor league deal.
-In Brewers camp, Eric Gagne apologized for "a distraction that shouldn't be taking place." Well, sources close to me say that it would not have been a distraction if he hadn't taken 'roids when he was "cleanly" dominating baseball.
-Speaking of the Phillies, they were trash talked over the weekend by Mets CF Carlos Beltran. Beltran said that New York was the team to beat in the NL East this year, saying the same thing that reigning NL MVP Jimmy Rollins said last year. He can talk the talk but can he...
-It may not be big news now, but it could have a huge impact as the months go by. Angels shutdown closer Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez said that he expects to go into free agency after this season with no long term deal currently in place. K-Rod certainly seemed angry in this quote: "If they (Angels) wanted me here, they would have done something a long time ago. In the meantime, I have to put that out of my head and do my job."
-In Yankees/steroids camp, Andy Pettitte will report to Tampa today, with a large pile of mail and an enormous glut of questions to answer about his situation, not to mention getting ready for the 2K8 season. New York closer Mariano Rivera told the AP that he just wants to get back to busniess: "The sooner he gets here, the better it will be, to get it over, and just do what he has to do," But Pettitte should be prepared to see the red noses and big tops, because this week will likely be a media circus around his locker.
-It could have been a lot worse for budding Brewers ace Yovani Gallardo, but he'll be out a month to get surgery for torn knee cartilage. He'll probably be back at full strength in May, but Milwaukee needs every game it can get in a tight NL Central.
-Former Red Sox OF Trot Nixon is trying to make the Arizona roster, but it will be tough to break into a young and talented Snakes outfield. Nixon will be competing with Chris Burke and Jeff Salazar fot a spot.
-In great news for baseball, Miami-Dade County and the Marlins are finalizing a plan for a 515 million dollar, 37,000 seat ballpark on the site of the Orange Bowl. It will keep pro baseball in South Florida which is vital to the game and to the sport near Latin America.
-Mike Hampton seems optimistic that he'll be healthy for the Braves in 2008. Mark Prior felt good for the Padres after his forst workout.
-In ESPN's Spring Training blog, Jerry Crasnick reports that the Cubs are looking for a 3rd righty starter to put after Carlos Zambrano and Ted Lilly but before lefty Rich Hill. Jon Lieber, Ryan Dempster, and Jason Marquis are the candidates.
-The Reds are looking for a leadoff hitter in CF, and Dusty Baker loves his vets. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Reds could go after either Kenny Lofton or Corey Patterson, though Jay Bruce could probably do a great job.
-Luke Hocheaver is going to the bullpen, says the KC Star. The Miami Herald reports that the Marlins are shutting down Anibal Sanchez for a while. The AP reports that Justin Duchscherer is ready to go into the A's rotation. Right now Josh Fields is the 3rd base starter for the White Sox until Joe Crede can prove that he's healthy.
-Daryn Perry of foxsports.com has a good piece on the big Spring Training position battles.
-Brandon Inge is back to getting time in at Catcher at Tigers camp, working on his new utility role.
-The Nationals have signed Brett Boone to a minor league deal. The chances of him making the team with their depth at middle infield is slim to none. The Washington Post reports that the team will likely trade either Nick Johnson or Dmitri Young. The Post also reports that the Nats and O's are trying to sign IF Alex Cintron.
-For an AL offseason review by SOS staff writer Jake Weintraub, click here
3:20pm EST
-Curt Schilling will not have surgery on his injured shoulder, but it's unknown when he'll return. -Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus has come out with his Top 100 Prospects List.
-The Cubs have signed Alex Cintron to a minor league deal.
-In Brewers camp, Eric Gagne apologized for "a distraction that shouldn't be taking place." Well, sources close to me say that it would not have been a distraction if he hadn't taken 'roids when he was "cleanly" dominating baseball.
-Speaking of the Phillies, they were trash talked over the weekend by Mets CF Carlos Beltran. Beltran said that New York was the team to beat in the NL East this year, saying the same thing that reigning NL MVP Jimmy Rollins said last year. He can talk the talk but can he...
-It may not be big news now, but it could have a huge impact as the months go by. Angels shutdown closer Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez said that he expects to go into free agency after this season with no long term deal currently in place. K-Rod certainly seemed angry in this quote: "If they (Angels) wanted me here, they would have done something a long time ago. In the meantime, I have to put that out of my head and do my job."
-In Yankees/steroids camp, Andy Pettitte will report to Tampa today, with a large pile of mail and an enormous glut of questions to answer about his situation, not to mention getting ready for the 2K8 season. New York closer Mariano Rivera told the AP that he just wants to get back to busniess: "The sooner he gets here, the better it will be, to get it over, and just do what he has to do," But Pettitte should be prepared to see the red noses and big tops, because this week will likely be a media circus around his locker.
-It could have been a lot worse for budding Brewers ace Yovani Gallardo, but he'll be out a month to get surgery for torn knee cartilage. He'll probably be back at full strength in May, but Milwaukee needs every game it can get in a tight NL Central.
-Former Red Sox OF Trot Nixon is trying to make the Arizona roster, but it will be tough to break into a young and talented Snakes outfield. Nixon will be competing with Chris Burke and Jeff Salazar fot a spot.
-In great news for baseball, Miami-Dade County and the Marlins are finalizing a plan for a 515 million dollar, 37,000 seat ballpark on the site of the Orange Bowl. It will keep pro baseball in South Florida which is vital to the game and to the sport near Latin America.
-Mike Hampton seems optimistic that he'll be healthy for the Braves in 2008. Mark Prior felt good for the Padres after his forst workout.
-In ESPN's Spring Training blog, Jerry Crasnick reports that the Cubs are looking for a 3rd righty starter to put after Carlos Zambrano and Ted Lilly but before lefty Rich Hill. Jon Lieber, Ryan Dempster, and Jason Marquis are the candidates.
-The Reds are looking for a leadoff hitter in CF, and Dusty Baker loves his vets. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Reds could go after either Kenny Lofton or Corey Patterson, though Jay Bruce could probably do a great job.
-Luke Hocheaver is going to the bullpen, says the KC Star. The Miami Herald reports that the Marlins are shutting down Anibal Sanchez for a while. The AP reports that Justin Duchscherer is ready to go into the A's rotation. Right now Josh Fields is the 3rd base starter for the White Sox until Joe Crede can prove that he's healthy.
-Daryn Perry of foxsports.com has a good piece on the big Spring Training position battles.
-Brandon Inge is back to getting time in at Catcher at Tigers camp, working on his new utility role.
-The Nationals have signed Brett Boone to a minor league deal. The chances of him making the team with their depth at middle infield is slim to none. The Washington Post reports that the team will likely trade either Nick Johnson or Dmitri Young. The Post also reports that the Nats and O's are trying to sign IF Alex Cintron.
-For an AL offseason review by SOS staff writer Jake Weintraub, click here
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