If you scroll down to my post last night about interleague play, I called the Chicago series "one worthy of paying attention to". Boy did I hit that one on the head -- or wait, did Michael Barrett do that for me? I love me some drama!!
Am I wrong or am I wrong?
Last night I also said Barry Bonds would be stuck on 713 until after Astros reliever Russ Springer returned from his 4-game suspension for plunking Bonds. Well, was I ever wrong on that one! Bonds blasted a leadoff HR in the second inning on a 1-1 delivery from Oakland's Brad Halsey. Now he sits tied for No. 2 with the Babe, one away from the goal he has strived for since he starting juicing back in 1998.
If Barry can ever relax -- and after one more HR I figure he will -- look for him to start deliver mammoth, dare I say Ruthian, blasts over the fence once again.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Some things just can't be explained
I read the tragic story of Kyle Ambrogi this morning. I can't lie and say this story didn't touch me. I can't stand suicide. Hate it. Perhaps it's because I don't understand it. This kid seemingly had the whole world at his feet, but there was something desperately wrong with his life that it caused him to commit suicide. Just let this be a sign to all of us that we need to enjoy every minute we get to share with our loved ones. We don't know how many more we're going to get.
Friday, May 19, 2006
King James Coronation Postponed
"Nobody thought we would be here"
The world's witnessing of the rise of a superstar unlike any other in basketball will have to wait one more game.
LeBron "King" James, despite another sterling performance with 32 points and 11 boards, couldn't muster enough to close out the defending NBA champion Detroit Pistons Friday night, falling at home 84-82.The Cavs improbably, miraculously beat the Pistons 3 straight games -- something nobody had been able to do before all season long. However, they couldn't make it 4 in a row, and now must go back to The Palace to try to close out Detroit in Game 7 to advance to face Miami in the Eastern Conference Finals. Can it happen? Sure. Will it happen? It's not likely. However, LBJ has done stranger things. Call me crazy -- but I'm predicting something simply amazing from the 21-year-old phenom, a ridiculous individual performance, but more importantly a team victory.
BONDS WATCH
Barry Bonds is still stuck on 713. After going o-3 Friday night as a DH against the A's, it has now been 9 games since his last jack. Meanwhile, Central Louisiana (Pollack's) own Russ Springer was suspended 4 games for intentionally throwing at Bonds. Here's guessing Springer will be back before Bonds hits his 714th jack. The Curse of the Bambino lives!!!
Interleague Play
Tonight that great bastion of baseball tradition returned -- interleague play. It was a great concept when it was first introduced. For years and years and years, teams from the opposite leagues only faced each other during the World Series. It was part of what made the Series so special. It was also why interleague play was so intriguing.
Now for the most part, it lacks drama. Like when teams from the AFC and NFC play each other, it doesn't really mean anything. It's just another series. But there are some good games this opening interleague weekend.
The Battle for the Angels. Sure the Dodgers are L.A. And the Angels really are Anaheim, although they claim to be the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, or as Dan Patrick famously says, the Los Angeles Angeles of Anaheim's Starbucks on 22nd Avenue. But it does present a regional rivalry, one that many fans in Los Angeles have an interest in.
Chi-Town. Sure the Cubs are losers, even if they aren't so loveable anymore. And the Sox are the defending champs, and once again one of the better teams in MLB. But it's still one of the best interleague series out there, and one worthy of paying attention to.
Subway Series. No interleague series, however, carries quite the drama of New York, New York. And David Wright's walk-off single over Mariano Rivera, who at 36 might not be the game's most dominant closer anymore, is just what this Yankee hater loves to see. Then again, with the Mets tearing up the NL East, any game they win is another dagger in the heart of my beloved Braves. But the season is long (too long, if you ask me, but that's another posting for another day) -- and any temporary damage to the Yankees is enough to cheer for!
QUICK HITS
Out with one Sutton, in with another. Hopefully Sean has learned some hard-luck lessons from his father over the years -- both in coaching and in life.
Pujols is quickest ever to hit 20 homers. The Latin Launcher is on pace to absolutely shatter Bonds' single-season record. If it ever comes out Pujols is juicing, I will lose all hope in baseball. The guy seems to have it all together.
Never, ever count out Timmy Duncan. Just when it looks like the Spurs are done, finished, caput -- back comes the Big Fundamental with a quiet 24 points and 8 boards. Manu Ginobili stepped up and led the Spurs with 30 points and 10 rebounds. It's back to San Antonio, where the Spurs will win their 3rd straight to wrap up the series.
Remember Danny Almonte? He's the kid who first became news by cheating his way to Little League glory. Now he's a high school All-American with a 90-mph fastball, a wicked curve and a 30-year old wife (what???). It appears his saga never ends. While expected to be picked in next month's MLB draft, if not he will attend a junior college in New Mexico to pitch and play first base.
Ryan Moats shares his thoughts on the Eagles latest mini-camp.
The former Tech running back appears to be more comfortable in the Eagles' system and is primed for a much bigger role in his second season in the NFL. Paired with all-purpose back Brian Westbrook, the Eagles have a talented duo that is capable of making a lot of noise in the NFC this season. Hopefully, the quiet, humble kid from Dallas is ready to shine when called upon this year. For some reason, I'm positive he will be.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
The big day
Obviously, today is a big day because of the release of The DaVinci Code in theaters. Haven't read the fiction. Meanwhile, here in Alexandria-Pineville, many are planning to protest the film's opening on Friday.
Just remember it's fiction. It's meant to be enjoyed in its element and context. Brown created -- well borrowed -- a fictional concept about Christ's divinity and a relationship with Mary Magdalene. But it's fiction. Enjoy it for what it's worth, and only what it's worth.
Now onto more important things ...
Finished reading Last Dance by John Feinstein tonight. Good book. It takes an in-depth look at the Final Four, starting with 2005 and UNC's national title run. However, the book is so much more than that. Feinstein gives his readers an in-depth look behind the scenes at Final Fours in years past. Feinstein, like many of my favorite writers, is simply, easy to read and a dogged reporter. While he doesn't hesitate to give his opinion, Feinstein will give you facts, facts and more facts. Part of me wants to become Feinstein, along with many more of my favorite sports journalism figures. He just loves covering sports -- something I'd like to be able to do myself some day.
Like I mentioned yesterday, the next book is Game of Shadows -- chronicling Barry Bonds' use of steroids, as told by two reporters from the San Francisco Chronicle. I'm very much looking forward to delving in to the dirty aspects of my once-favorite sport. For so long I was young and naive about baseball, thinking about the game in its purest form. Now I know it's changed, and I'll never look at the same way again.
Somehow, someway, I'm still fighting in my fantasy baseball league. Despite a recent slump -- well if you can call 3 weeks "recent" -- Hoss' Heroes are sitting pretty in a second-place tie, eight "games" out of first. If we can keep plugging away, Vlad Guerrero, Mike Young and Lance Berkman will heat up and start carrying the team like they are supposed to.
Apparently the ACC, upset over getting just 4 bids last year, wants to expand the NCAA tourney field. One option -- which I favor -- is adding 3 teams to make the field 68, then having 4 play-in, or "opening round", games. An option which I vehemently oppose would be to expand to 80 teams -- far, far too many. However, my proposal goes a step further. Unlike the current play-in game, my system would exempt all conference tourney champs from the play-in game. The 8 lowest at-large teams would square off in the opening round, then be placed in the bracket with a normal seed.
Sad to hear about Albert Belle. Belle was elected into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame last year. Buddy Davis, a former colleague of mine who covers the La. Hall, told me it seemed like Belle had genuinely recuperated from his bad attitude that he carried with him during his playing days. But it seems the Shreveport native can't shake his bad rap, and trouble continues to haunt him.
Just remember it's fiction. It's meant to be enjoyed in its element and context. Brown created -- well borrowed -- a fictional concept about Christ's divinity and a relationship with Mary Magdalene. But it's fiction. Enjoy it for what it's worth, and only what it's worth.
Now onto more important things ...
Finished reading Last Dance by John Feinstein tonight. Good book. It takes an in-depth look at the Final Four, starting with 2005 and UNC's national title run. However, the book is so much more than that. Feinstein gives his readers an in-depth look behind the scenes at Final Fours in years past. Feinstein, like many of my favorite writers, is simply, easy to read and a dogged reporter. While he doesn't hesitate to give his opinion, Feinstein will give you facts, facts and more facts. Part of me wants to become Feinstein, along with many more of my favorite sports journalism figures. He just loves covering sports -- something I'd like to be able to do myself some day.
Like I mentioned yesterday, the next book is Game of Shadows -- chronicling Barry Bonds' use of steroids, as told by two reporters from the San Francisco Chronicle. I'm very much looking forward to delving in to the dirty aspects of my once-favorite sport. For so long I was young and naive about baseball, thinking about the game in its purest form. Now I know it's changed, and I'll never look at the same way again.
Somehow, someway, I'm still fighting in my fantasy baseball league. Despite a recent slump -- well if you can call 3 weeks "recent" -- Hoss' Heroes are sitting pretty in a second-place tie, eight "games" out of first. If we can keep plugging away, Vlad Guerrero, Mike Young and Lance Berkman will heat up and start carrying the team like they are supposed to.
Apparently the ACC, upset over getting just 4 bids last year, wants to expand the NCAA tourney field. One option -- which I favor -- is adding 3 teams to make the field 68, then having 4 play-in, or "opening round", games. An option which I vehemently oppose would be to expand to 80 teams -- far, far too many. However, my proposal goes a step further. Unlike the current play-in game, my system would exempt all conference tourney champs from the play-in game. The 8 lowest at-large teams would square off in the opening round, then be placed in the bracket with a normal seed.
Sad to hear about Albert Belle. Belle was elected into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame last year. Buddy Davis, a former colleague of mine who covers the La. Hall, told me it seemed like Belle had genuinely recuperated from his bad attitude that he carried with him during his playing days. But it seems the Shreveport native can't shake his bad rap, and trouble continues to haunt him.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Guess who's back ...
Well, it's impossible to catch you up with what's happened in the last SIX MONTHS since I posted to my blog, so I won't even try.
MY NEW LIFE
Greetings from Alexandria/Pineville. For those of you who don't know, I have left Ruston and now am working at The Town Talk in Alexandria. Things have been a blur the past 3 weeks. Elizabeth is in Ruston for this one final week, and we close on our very own house this coming Monday. It's a very exciting time in the McCormick household.
CG BAND
Tonight I spent a few minutes with some buddies in The Commonground Band -- a praise and worship band based out of Ruston. It was good to catch up with old friends and relieve some old memories. When I was a student, I would travel around all over the place to hear these guys lead worship. They can simply lead people to the throne of worship. I enjoyed chatting with Brent, Chris, Josh, Jason and Jamie. If you get a chance to check these guys out, please do. They are about to embark on their annual summer schedule -- which keeps them bouncing from camp to camp every week.
I'M A WITNESS
Start believing! LeBron James is simply amazing. 32 points to lead the Cavs to a third-straight win over the Pistons. The defending NBA champs now sit on the brink of elimination. It's not supposed to be this easy for LeBron. Even Michael Jordan had to struggle his first few years in the playoffs. But here is LeBron, all of 21 years old, and he has his team on the brink of the Eastern Conference finals. I'm starting to believe the Cavs can win the whole dang thing. After all, if they can beat the Pistons -- and they have them on the brink of elimination with Game 6 in Cleveland -- then they can beat anyone.
While he didn't get named MVP, King James was named the top vote-getter on the All-NBA team.
BONDS WATCH
Why did Central Louisiana's own Russ Springer plunk Barry Bonds last night? That's a great question. It only took 5 pitches to do it, too! Barry is STILL stuck on 713 -- it's inevitable that he will catch and pass the Babe, and it makes for great drama the longer it takes him to get there.
Speaking of Bonds, Albert Pujols thinks we should all "give the guy a break". I can't ignore the signs anymore. Barry did steroids -- and the book I'm about to read will prove it!
But maybe we should all listen to Albert Pujols -- who, by the way, is the subject of a great story here . Don't we all just want Barry to disappear from the news? I know I certainly do.
WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN
The World Cup kicks off on June 9. I'm sure I'll talk more about this as it draws near. You can follow the latest developments of the team here. Just a quick aside -- the U.S. is not only in a tough group, but it also faces the stigma of trying to win on European soil, something the Yanks have always struggled with. While I think a quarterfinal run is not out of the question, it doesn't look good on paper going in.
SHAMELESS PLUG
To wrap up tonight's post, I want everyone to read about how great and wonderful I am!
Signing off for tonight -- I will see you later!
MY NEW LIFE
Greetings from Alexandria/Pineville. For those of you who don't know, I have left Ruston and now am working at The Town Talk in Alexandria. Things have been a blur the past 3 weeks. Elizabeth is in Ruston for this one final week, and we close on our very own house this coming Monday. It's a very exciting time in the McCormick household.
CG BAND
Tonight I spent a few minutes with some buddies in The Commonground Band -- a praise and worship band based out of Ruston. It was good to catch up with old friends and relieve some old memories. When I was a student, I would travel around all over the place to hear these guys lead worship. They can simply lead people to the throne of worship. I enjoyed chatting with Brent, Chris, Josh, Jason and Jamie. If you get a chance to check these guys out, please do. They are about to embark on their annual summer schedule -- which keeps them bouncing from camp to camp every week.
I'M A WITNESS
Start believing! LeBron James is simply amazing. 32 points to lead the Cavs to a third-straight win over the Pistons. The defending NBA champs now sit on the brink of elimination. It's not supposed to be this easy for LeBron. Even Michael Jordan had to struggle his first few years in the playoffs. But here is LeBron, all of 21 years old, and he has his team on the brink of the Eastern Conference finals. I'm starting to believe the Cavs can win the whole dang thing. After all, if they can beat the Pistons -- and they have them on the brink of elimination with Game 6 in Cleveland -- then they can beat anyone.
While he didn't get named MVP, King James was named the top vote-getter on the All-NBA team.
BONDS WATCH
Why did Central Louisiana's own Russ Springer plunk Barry Bonds last night? That's a great question. It only took 5 pitches to do it, too! Barry is STILL stuck on 713 -- it's inevitable that he will catch and pass the Babe, and it makes for great drama the longer it takes him to get there.
Speaking of Bonds, Albert Pujols thinks we should all "give the guy a break". I can't ignore the signs anymore. Barry did steroids -- and the book I'm about to read will prove it!
But maybe we should all listen to Albert Pujols -- who, by the way, is the subject of a great story here . Don't we all just want Barry to disappear from the news? I know I certainly do.
WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN
The World Cup kicks off on June 9. I'm sure I'll talk more about this as it draws near. You can follow the latest developments of the team here. Just a quick aside -- the U.S. is not only in a tough group, but it also faces the stigma of trying to win on European soil, something the Yanks have always struggled with. While I think a quarterfinal run is not out of the question, it doesn't look good on paper going in.
SHAMELESS PLUG
To wrap up tonight's post, I want everyone to read about how great and wonderful I am!
Signing off for tonight -- I will see you later!
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