Redemption

I love sports for the fact that anyone, at anytime can receive redemption. Miss a kick, next week you get a fresh start. Miss a pitch, next one you see..... gone good-bye. I have been away for a while for personal problems but all I ask for is redemption. And why not?! Ali got his with Foreman. Wilt received his with Russell. The Red Sox exercised their demons with the Yanks. Sports are alot like life when it comes to things. Redemption, redeem. Get a second chance. I may have thrown a bad pass, but heck, next one is going for six. Unitas was a classic when it came to redemption. He had his bad moments, but when it was all on the line he would look you in the face and tell you he had. Pride is gone, it is down to who wants it the most. Why do I want to be the best? Good, better, best, I will not rest until my good is better and my better is best. I have seen it a thousand, no a million times over. Times are down, things are tuff.... who cares we have all been there. It is what you do when you have the chance, the game moment. Life and sports are like a ballet of opportunities. They are interchanging, more over then over. The question is what will you do for redemption? How far will it take you? How far will you go? 1-2 curveball, will you swing? If Unitas let Rooney off the hook we may never know he was the greatest, the better. Give me 5 guys who need it the most and we can take down anything. It is not about what you do when things are down but what do you do when things are bleak. Quit? That is the easy way out. The Bills did that, they are 0-4 in the big game. The Mets choked down the stretch, why? Who wants it more?! It is not the dog in the fight but the fight in the dog. My bite is not as big as my bite, but I will never quit. I want to raise up the trophy. Ask the Pats, ask them. The Giants wanted it more. They needed the fight. The spotlight. I love sports, they are the most realistic glimpse at life. Where else can a person go from happy, to sad, to defeated, to "Oh man!! We won!!". I am back. I am here. I want to report what I think and feel (I know, bad rhyme, but who cares. Redemption.) Good, better, best. I will not rest. Until my good is better and my better is best,

I Thought I Knew, But Who Does?!

Ok, were to begin:
1)Brady done for the year..... no problem we will just start some guy that hasn't started a game since high school and win!!
2)Did somebody switch the Jags team with the University of Jacksonville? Can we wake up and do what you do best, pound the ball and make people wish they were playing anybody else.
3)Minnesota needs a fix in the passing game. Adrien Peterson is going to waste up there don't ya know.
4)I know the refs blew the game San Diego, but come on you shouldn't have been in that spot to begin with. You are way better then Carolina and Denver, wake up and stop crying.
5)The Rams, Seahawks, Dolphins, Bengals, Browns, Chiefs, 49ers, and Lions stink. I know the 49ers won yesterday but they are awful. These teams are a combined 1-15! Who is gonna get that number one choice? The next question would be, would you want to play for any of these teams if you were drafted?
6) Hello Bills! I called this one, probably one of my few good picks. They are 2-0 and coming off a big come from behind win at the Jags. Trent Edwards has a lot of moxie and guts. That D also plays with an enormous chip on it's shoulder. Good for the Fightin' Dick Jaurons!
7) Can the Jets get some guts and throw a pass when you are at the goaline? You only have Brett Farve at QB! Man, they let the Pats win even though they knocked Matt Cassell into next week.
8) How about Justin Tuck! Two sacks, an interception and a TD. Man, this guy is a true talent and think he is doing it with nobody on that line, besides him, who is worthy of a double team.
9) Romeo, Romeo, where for art thy fourth down try? Down 7 with 3 minutes to go and you send in the field goal team?!?! Great now the score is 10-6 and you need to stop the Steelers from running the ball to score, get this, a TD?!?! Have some balls and go for the zone. What faith they showed in their own Offense.
10) Good call by the NFL to postpone the Texans v. Ravens game in Texas. Not only did nobody want to watch this game, I am kidding Texan and Raven faithful, but Ike took out part of the Stadium's roof and made it a dangerous venue. Also, there are more important things then football. Good job for once putting people first and not the money.
I know I stole this bit from Peter King at Sports Illustrated, but I would like to think of it as a homage to him because he is one of my idols. I wish I could write half as good as the stuff he throws out. That is the NFL 10 Things I Thought I Knew.

NFC Picks

NFC East: I have to pick the Cowboys. I hate saying this but what is there not to like? There are complete on Offense, the D front 7 is as good as anyone in the league, and they, well, their just lighting fast everywhere. The addition of Adam "Don't call me sophisticated" Jones is a great one as long as he keeps his nose clean (don't hold your breath). I really hate giving the Cowboys credit so I am making this short. Marion Barber is a beast at RB. Done.
NFC North: The Vikings. I know they already lost to the Packers, but something tells me this team will get better over the year. I love the ground game with Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor in the backfield. The QB needs to get better but I think he will do enough to win. The D is one of the top 5 units in the NFL. They are so stubborn against the run and the pass D will get better with a pass rush. One of their receivers needs to step up his game and help Tarvaris Jackson mature as a QB. This team can make a nice push by taking positive steps in their offensive game.
NFC South: The Saints. I love the offense. Brees is so underrated I think I may start to reference the word by saying "Man, he is so good he is Breesed." The D is revamped but getting better. This division, except the Falcolns, is a crap shoot. I chose to go with the Saints. In the end I just like their QB better then Carolina's or Tampa Bay's. A lot of my pick has to do with Reggie Bush and his ability to become the impact player he was suppose to become when he was draft 2nd overall. Sean Payton might be the best mind when it comes to coaching the Offense side of the ball.
NFC West: Do I overrate the Cardinals and count out the Seahawks? Maybe I take the safe bet and go with the Seahawks? I am gonna go with my gut, I just think that the Cardinals will shine and make the quantum leap into the leader of this rag tag pack. The Cards have a former NFL MVP as their QB and the best, without a doubt, WR tandem in the world. Boldin and Fitzgerald are so gifted. You would need an extra 4 guys to cover them both. The D will be hit or miss. They are too inconsistent on that side of the ball to really contend but they will make enough big plays on the Defensive side of the ball.
Wild Card Teams: The Panthers and the Giants. Did you really think that I was gonna leave the G-men out in the cold? The Panthers are always a playoff team when healthy, but that is the problem. They are never healthy. Finally though, they are. Delhomme is due for a bounce back season, the O-Line is revamped and talented and that D is young and feisty. John Fox is still a great NFL mind, but can he still coach? Julius Peppers is due for a great season and that Jon Beason is a tackle machine.
Now, my Giants. I love the Offense. Eli is ready for a breakout season so is Brandon Jacobs. The O-line is one of the best in the NFL with Chris Snee as the anchor (and the underrated Shawn O'Hara). Justin Tuck is posed for an overall dominant season. The Super Bowl wasn't a fluke, he is ready to make the leap to the Pro Bowl. Aaron Ross is a stud CB and Webster is very solid on the other side. I am not ready to predict them to make another run at the Lombardi trophy, but I just don't think they will miss the playoffs.
I will be back very soon for my post-season picks. I have just been very lazy and nobody reads so what is the rush.

AFC Picks

Football started last night as the Giants beat the Redskins 16-7. With that said, I have my AFC picks for 2008. I will have my NFC picks and playoff picks soon.
AFC East: The Patriots will win the division again, yawn. They are still loaded on offense and we all know that no matter what they lose on D, they find a way to replace. They have the best QB/Coach combo in the NFL. They retooled the D with some youth and you would have to believe they may try to run the ball a little more this year.
AFC North: The Steelers will win by default. I don't think Cleveland is ready to contend, the Ravens stink, and well, the Bengals are about ready to implode. The Steelers will win with an old formula, Defense and pounding the ball. When the temperature drops in Pittsburgh the last thing you want is to have the ball crammed down your throat and the Steelers are known for this. They have played "Smash-Mouth Football" the best, historically. They have a tremendous RB combo with lighting (Fast Willie Parker) and thunder (Rashad Mendenhall). They have a tremendous and underrated LB corp and speed at the WR spot.
AFC South: The Jaguars will finally dethrone the Colts. Best unknown QB is David Garrard. Good ground attack and explosive depth at the WR position. They are the "No-Name-D" reincarnated. Stubborn defense, very good secondary. Coach Del Rio doesn't get enough credit. They challenged the Patriots, in case you forgot, in the playoffs last year. They can beat you many ways, either pound it on the ground, through the air, or flat out with D. Got to love the culture being built in Jacksonville, even if nobody shows up to watch them.
AFC West: The Chargers will win another division title. They might have the most all around talent of any team in the NFL. They are looking to make the next leap, and that is the Super Bowl. They fought tooth and nail, with out LaDainian Tomilinson, with the Patriots in New England last playoffs. The D will pressure you into mistakes if you let them. Phillip Rivers, their starting QB, grew up in the playoffs last year. Back up RB Darren Sproles is a slippery, quick back that can hit the home run with one touch. Great secondary, lead the league in interceptions last year. They get at the QB with the best of the D's in the NFL. If anyone can dethrone the Pats I feel it will be them, they are just so talented that it would be a waste if they never take the next step.
Wildcard Teams: Colts, and the Bills.
Colts will never be counted out with Eli's brother at the helm. Too much talent on the offense and they play on that turf (turf for the offense equals super hero speed). The D has too many questions. Dwight Freeney is coming off knee surgery and a guy who relies on his speed can really hurt his performance.
The Bills are my special pick. I just love the D and the RB is gonna be a special player. Marshawn Lynch is gonna explode on the scene this year with a breakout season. The D line is anchored by well over a quarter ton of beef with the two defensive tackles. Kyle Williams and Stroud are big old "Hog Mollies" in the middle. Trent Edwards will have growing pains at QB but he will do enough to get the Bills in the playoffs. Also, the best left tackle in football, Mr. Jason Peters, ended his holdout and will play this year.
These are my AFC picks. I will be back before the end of the weekend to finish up with my NFC and postseason picks.

My Captain, My Captain.......

Earl Morrall, former Baltimore Colt and John Unitas friend and teammate: "One of my best memories of him," Morrall said, "was after a game when he threw five interception. There were so many writers around John that I almost squeezed out of my own locker. I leaned in between arms and legs, straining to hear him. ' I threw five interceptions today,' he said, 'but we won. I'll be glad to throw five interceptions any day, if we win.' I wanted to cheer". Johnny U.

My Captain, my captain..... The quarterback is mythical. They stand 9 feet tall, 600 pounds, able to knock down buildings with their passes. Immortal, top dog, my captain. I love when all the talk about quarterbacks is brought to the stats argument. Marino would be the best, but that isn't how you weigh a quarterback.

After the Giants defeated the Packers on their way to the Super Bowl:

Michael Strahan: "Thank you for getting me there."

Eli Manning: "Now we have to win you one."

A quarterback has to be the most accountable individual on the field at all times. Everything is his fault even if it isn't. They must play with instinct, a sixth sense. Check off and make changes, they have to know where every player on his offense must be at all times. When they make a mistake, you can't throw your arms up and call out your teammates in clear sight. You do that quietly, then when the cameras and reporters ask you have to suck it up and say, "It was my call. The pass was thrown to the wrong place. I made the mistake." Quarterbacks have to be the leader, the Moses. He has to make you feel that your 11 can beat a whole army, navy, air force, and the Steelers all at once. The greats don't do it with robo-mechanics, they do it with instinct. John Unitas was asked once what the defense did on a certain play, he looked dead into that man's eyes and said "Shoot, I just threw to the open guy." Joe Cool, that was Joe Montana's nickname, not because he liked ice cream. Once (this is a true story) with the game on the line in the Super Bowl against the Bengals, in the huddle before the game winning touchdown, Joe got back to the huddle. Now this is what makes him cool, like a cucumber, instead of yelling and screaming or telling the play, the first thing he did when he got back to the huddle was look over to the endzone stands. Look back at the guys in the huddle and say, "Hey, isn't that John Candy over there?". The game is on the line and all he can do is try to ease the stress and the magnitude of the moment. That is a leader. John Elway, at the tender age of 39, decided to jump head first into two defenders just to get a first down in a Super Bowl. They will do whatever it takes for you to believe. As robotic as Peyton Manning may seem, he still checks off and calls plays he thinks will work when he has to. Great quarterbacks aren't built or grown on trees, they are natural born leaders. When you look at them, they make you feel like anything can be done. Look at what Eli did last post-season, you think the Giants didn't believe in him? They are the franchise, my captain. 9 times out of 10 you aren't winning the big game without them. Check back tomorrow for my football picks, and I promise I won't be a homer and pick the Giants to win it all just because they are my team. I will have solid reasons for my picks. Something tells me that the quarterback play will have alot to do with my picks.

"Do you need anything? How can I help? What can I do?

Johnny U

Who Left The Door Open And Let The Dog Run Off?

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH, GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD AFTERNOON EVERYBODY!! HOW ARE YOU TODAY? MIKE AND THE MADDOG HERE TO JOIN.

Chris "Maddog" Russo

Love them or hate them, Chris "Mad Dog" Russo and Mike Francesa made up the most popular talk show and reinvented how sports were talked. They would chat about anything sports worthy from 1-6:30 on WFAN 660 on the radio and were simulcasted on YES via tv. But, Doggie is gone, splitvilles. Oh man, will I miss him. Don't get me wrong I love Michael, but Doggie was the best. He would rant and scream, mispronounce names, and predict the Yankees wouldn't make the playoffs every stinking year. He was great. I actually got into a fight with Chris on the phone once about Ichro. I don't know what to do with myself. I loved listening and watching them. I loved when Chris would cry to Mike about how bad his Giants where or when they would just tease the producers of the show about anything. He was great. He had a way of making you hating him but still wanting to listen. He always made predictions that would never come true, he ranted about his kids, and he stepped all over the New York areas teams (his audience is primarily New York). But at the end of the day you just loved him. He was good for radio, he grilled guys in interviews. He once had a argument with Brian Cashman (New York Yankees G.M.) live on the air about some of his personnel moves. Doggie, doggie were will you surface. Rumor has it that it will be satellite radio, but that is just a rumor so far. What is Mike gonna do? I didn't get a chance to listen today to the show, first with the new developing news, because I am on a bus. I heard that Mike actually didn't care that he was solo, man I hope that isn't true after 19 years. I have been a devote fan for about 9 years, and I am broken up by this. I found out late last nite around 11:04 when I was playing Madden. Here I am riding high because the Mets are in first by a half game, full after the Phillies lost late last night, and I get this bombshell. If anybody is wondering why this is big news and why I even bloged about it then you don't get sports talk radio. They pioneered the whole method. They made the careers of alot of people. Go ask Mike and Mike what they did or see if the idiot in your town would be without these two. Love them and most people hate them, they made sports talk radio. They are part of New York pride, they are icons. Doggie, doggie where are you? So from now on I will never hear a grown man cry about his San Francisco Giants on the air, or hear about his weekend tennis outing. Below is a great clip from Doggie. It is a very amusing video, but the issue is very bad. It is when Adam "Pacman" Jones paralyzed somebody. The video is funning just because of how Doggie rants, the issue is very awful. To me, Adam "Thug" Jones should be in jail, but that is a whole nother can of worms. Trust me I will approach that topic now that Mr. Man has joined "America's Team", the Convicts or I mean the Cowboys. Just watch his anger, this was Doggie. These rants happen very often, especially when Michael wasn't in. Doggie, doggie.......



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zy6ShZYlj68

The Dog Days.....

"What you have to remember is that baseball isn't a week or a month but a season - and a season is a long time."

Chuck Tanner

Baseball takes forever. The season is a marathon, not a sprint. You could be leading the league in hitting or homers leaving April in the minors by May, just go ask Carlos Delgado and Chris Shelton. The season starts in Spring and ends in Fall! Think about that the next time you sip you lemonade on a hot summer day. I love it, I can't get enough baseball. I watch the Caribbean World Series in the winter. Baseball is the greatest gift to sports. I know, I know football is the new hotness. Give me baseball any day. I can watch the Mets over and over again ,even when they lose, and never tire. The stretch run, August is upon us. Last August I was coasting with the Mets in first place, then came September. Oh, September you bitch. What a collapse, I was in a month long nightmare. I didn't want to speak. I tried everything, I changed the way I watched, I tried lucky socks, I ate chicken (Ask Wade Boggs, that was all he ate before games. He landed in the Baseball Hall of Fame.), name it. Now I have this new season, but somehow that bitter taste is still there. It is official, the Phillies are my worst hated team. I actually rooted for the Braves against them, THE BRAVES!!!! Jimmy Rollins is public enemy. Chase Utley, I would walk straight up to him and punch him. I hate Philly, I truly do!
The "dog days", August is a long month. This is when arms start to tire and new heroes are made. Rookie call ups, or journey men flash in the pans. The win/lose column is broken down in every way imaginable. One game here or there and start making golf plans for October. So enjoy the last month in a half, and i will be there at the end to write about the start of the playoffs.

Madden Release Day!

Today is a holiday to all sports nerds lives. Madden 09 has hit the shelves! I remember when I was a kid and I use to play it on my Sega Genesis, that is how far I go back. Over the past few years, say maybe 6 or 7, people have turned this game into an event. Now you can get the game at mid-night the Monday before. Man, things have changed. When I was in high school me and my friends would run to the store once we got out of class. We use to have leagues, we would draft a team and then play a whole season with them. We would have sleepovers and Christmas vacation meant Madden Bow-naza Time! We would rip into each other if we lost and I mean do it when we were out grabbing a drink. We would call each other about trades. Girlfriends had to wait, if you had a game you had to get it out of the way before you went anywhere. I will be honest, if my buddies wanted to start up a league tonight I would be in. I will always have Madden in my life. When my children are born, boy or girl, daddy will introduce them to the world of Madden. I can't wait til they are good so that I can actually play them. I woke up and went straight to the store. When I was a bit younger I would be first in line, now I don't feel like dealing with all the nonsense. I would have been there at mid-night, I once slept in a K-Mart parking lot for a Playstation 2. I slept about an hour, went home, played Madden, went to class, and then straight to my friends to see what team I would get in our league. I once won 40 dollars because some senior thought he could beat me. I was a sophomore, he sent his friend to get me and challenged me. I wooped up on him and collected. Madden is and will always be a big part of my life.

Football, It Is Still Summer But, It Is Time

"If my mother put on a helmet and shoulder pads and a uniform that wasn't the same as the one I was wearing, I'd run over her if she was in my way. And I love my mother."

Bo Jackson

Ah, I know that I have been very lazy and haven't been on my blog for a while but it is summer and I am trying to enjoy my time off. You know what can make the summer feel like it is over? Football. That time of year when the injury reports start to pile up, the fantasy football chatter starts, and you watch as players fight for a roster spot. 53 spots for about 80-90 guys. The journey can be long to get to the NFL but once you get there you can be out in a second. All it takes is a pop and there goes the knee. The average career span for a NFL player is 3.5 years. Can you imagine your boss telling you that before you accepted a job? Some guys are willing to do anything, some may cheat to make it. The saying goes, "By hook, or by crook". I heard a story the other day, I can't remember the guys name or what team he is trying to make. He graduated top of his class from Brown, he could be making a fortune on Wall Street (he was offered a job where the money was going to be great). He chose to give that all up, put it to the side, and give it a shot. That is passion. He wanted to prove the stigma about Ivy League athletes, and prove they weren't just brains in shoulder pads. That is a man's man. Those are the great stories you want to hear. Kurt Warner was a after thought for the Rams, a blown out knee and he took his opportunity. He went on to win a Super Bowl and two MVPs and he is still in the NFL. This summer story was about the world's most famous number 4. I will use his name once, Bret Farve, and then he is number 4 the rest of the way. Number 4 was my favorite player, until now. He acted like a spoiled brat and caused drama for the Packers all summer. He forced a trade to the Jets and now I must deal with him for the rest of the year (I live in the New York area). Number 4 is a baby and I have lost all respect for him. The Packers went back to him 3 times to make sure he didn't want to come back. Oh, and then he finally got the itch and decided that he was ready to take back the keys to the corvette. Not so fast the Pack said, they had already named Aaron Rodgers the starter. So what did Number 4 do? He demanded a trade to a division rival. I am glad that the Packers stood pat and traded him to the place they could get the most. Number 4 acted like a baby, so why should he get his demands? But, alas football is coming. Can't wait for my fantasy football draft, oh and there is something else I can't wait for...... My New York Football Giants get to defend their crown atop the NFL!!

"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog."

Archie Griffen

Firestarter!!

“When you have speed, you have to put the pressure on the other team. That's what I try to do all the time.”

Jose Reyes

They put the pressure on. They start the rallies. One hit, an inch of room and.... off to the races! They put the heat on the other team. At the beginning and the end of the day they leave you talking. "Man, I did everything right, but how did he get loose." I was watching the Super Bowl replay the other night and I noticed that Bradshaw loosed up the defense of the Patriots, he kept them on their toes. This allowed for Manning to pick apart the defense. Reyes bluffs down the third base line trying to cause a balk all the time. Fire starters, give them an inch they will take a mile. They are the instigators. Spark a match and they will blaze into an inferno. Speed kills, always and forever. Check the gauge, they fly above speed limits, they fly by their own speed. They are the firestarters. The 1982 Cardinals were full of these guys. They only had two guys in double digits in homers, but seven guys with double digit stolen bases. You can make smores with their back draft. They start rallies with their legs, not their bats. Jose Reyes is the catalyst for the Mets. He doesn't even need a hit to start a rally, just his legs. They bring the heat with their legs, not their arms. In the fourth quarter they are the ones who are still galloping like they just started to warm up. You look at them and think, "Man, I can't even stand but yet he is running full tilt." They run with ease, with grace. They make you look slow when you are full throttle. Mach 4 isn't even close, try Mach 24. A Navy jet couldn't catch them, a linear jet is walking compared to them. Don't let them out of their boxes, they will make you pay. Barry Sanders was one of these guys. He would have 5 yards on 10 carries then boom.... 70 yards and the end zone is in sites. Speed can not be taught it is a gift, it is a blessing. Lift all the weights you want. Give me a bunch of guys under sized with speed and I will beat any team any day and week. I am the Firestarter, I am the instigator. Try catching me, try it. I will give you a mile head start, I could run across water, that is how fast I run. I dare you, I double dog dare you, catch me..... I will wait up, I promise.

Breakout The Time Machine!

"A team is where a boy can prove his courage on his own. A gang is where a coward goes to hide."

Mickey Mantle

Not since April 19th, April 19th have the lovable Mets been in first place. That is until around 3pm today! The Mets are back were they belong! Get out of our spot Philly, go worship some more fake sports figures ( they have a statue of Rocky, Rocky, on their City Hall stairs! What a joke!). The city of chumps, not champs. Now it is time for the Mets to turn up the heat and see who wants to stay in the kitchen. Who knew that the Mets had this fight, this gumption to stare the enemy in the eyes and get slammed to the cam pass. Stand right up wipe the blood, smile and ask "Is that all you've got?". Heart is the end-all-and-be-all in sports. The Mets gave up 6 runs in the ninth on Tuesday night, but just like that, they are in first after taking two straight in less then 24 hours. Only can you taste the sweet, after you have tasted the sour Mets' fans. Do not quit this year, it has a feelin' to it, the season that is. It only took a little over 3 months for the Mets to reclaim the top spot. Man, who would have thought that would have been the outcome after the debacle that was Tuesday night. Up 5-2 the Mets let up 5 runs before they were able to get one out, but boom! Now it is late Thursday night and everybody can careless about Tuesday, because we are in first. Man, it was a great felling today to watch Delgado get the game winning hit against a tough lefty who had allowed something like 5 hits to 66 lefty batters, give or take a few. Well, we are back in first and lets hope for long. Let the push begin, now if only we could get some re enforcements for the lineup, maybe Raul Ibanez from the Mariners?!?!?! One can only wish, but for now. Stick those tongues towards Philly, believe you me they can see them all the way from Jersey. Lets Go Metssss!!!!!!

Awful, Just Down Right Awful

In light of the "Most God-Awful Thing Of The Year Award" (the ESPY Awards), I thought that I would hand out my anti-awards:

Anti-MLB Player is ............. Barry Bonds/Roger Clemens: how naive do you honestly think we as Americans are? Yes, yes, this is the same country where Paris (How am I famous) Hilton could have an album and movie out in the same year. The same nation were 90% of Americans know more about K-Fed v. Brti-Brit then say....... the election. But, you really think that we are suppose to believe that the older you get the bigger and better you get without help. America might open their arms up if you weren't laughing in our faces.

Anti-Coach: Tough choice but I have to give it to Isiah Thomas over Bill Bellicheck. Honestly, Billy Sweatshirt is not the only coach to have video taped games illegally. Don Shula shut up and and get back to the retirement home, it's warm cereal time. Isiah, Isiah were do I begin. Tolluca Brown, brotha, brotha at least make the mistake pretty ( ask Kobe). You coached one of the highest regarded franchises in NBA into a cemetery for high priced Prima Donnas. Thank God you are finally out of town. How was it that this was your third team to ruin? David Stern bar him for life, for the life after, how about his kid's life? Banish him to the CBA............ oh wait, he bankrupt that league also. He may get the life time unachievement award.

Worst Sports Network: Do you really need to ask? ESPN, once the best now a circus. You are so enamored with the high light reel and the low life story. You would rather have Stewart Scott scream BOO-YA one thousand times in a row rather then actually have a real opinion and try not to step on the toes of the athletes you cover because God for bid they heard the truth. Get back to the real things..... the sport! Knock off this nonsense of having a happy-go-lucky view on the sports and get to the facts. Ray Lewis was up for murder charges 14 monthes later he is on set saying how much he loved God and the world. Get a grip you are what is wrong with the sport. You make these children grow up thinking that this is what an athelete is all about. The look-at-me, look-at-me generation. Lets celebrate the team and stop having count down lists about "The In Now List" in sports. Get back to the sport and quit making the ESPYs.

Half Way Home

The All-Star game is Tuesday night, the summer classic. It means something now, the team that wins gets the extra game in World Series. The game is even extra special because it is at Yankee Stadium, the last year at the ball park. All that storied history with that ball park. Think about it, The House That Ruth Built, who played there. You get to stand in the same spot as Mantle. I already did my mid season report but I just like to reminisce about the All-Star game. I personally like watching the All-Star game. Some people don't like to watch the game. I get into the whole deal and the home run derby. I really hope that the National League will win. I will tell you what, I couldn't be in a better mood. The Mets have won 9 straight and the All-Star game is Tuesday. Baseball life couldn't be better right now. I see good things in the future for the Mets, good things. I know, I know, I have been up and down with them this year but they drive me nuts sometimes. The Mets will have two representatives, David Wright and Billy Wagner. I still think Jose Reyes should be on the team also. I hope that me saying that they will be okay doesn't reverse the streak. Man, I hope the Mets can keep it up. I can't wait for the game Tuesday night. The National League better wise up and stop the losing streak they have against the American League so that way when my beloved Mets make the World Series we can have the extra game at home. Can a brotha get an Amen!

"They invented the All-Star Game for Willie Mays."

Ted Williams

Reminiscing About The Miracle

“It was just a great catch by David Tyree. I found a way to get loose, and just really threw it up. He made an unbelievable catch and saved the game.”
Eli Manning

I was thinking today about the Super Bowl, I saw David Tyree in an interview. I still can't get over to this day! Eli Manning, what a hero. Justin Tuck was the Super Bowl's big time impact player. Did I leave anybody out? Oh yeah, there is that guy, whats his name? Oh yeah, David Tyree, for who without him we may not even be talking about this but rather our undefeated Patriots. Catch 42, that is my favorite name for the catch. How is it that an already fired coach, a bum for quarterback, and all was loss. Boom, 3 straight road playoffs victories, and the super win in Arizona. Man, who can ever imagine. How did they pull off the upset? Well lets take a big look at the big picture, they got to the quarterback and ran the ball well. They made the right moves. Jerry Reece, what a team he put together. Ahmad Bradshaw, what a steal. Kawika Mitchell, what a nice piece to the puzzle. Kevin Boss, what a great fill in, when Jeremy Shockey got hurt he filled in so well that he may have forced Shockey out of town. How did they do this? Eli was MVP and things just fell the right way that night. Me and my buddies, sat in the same seats the whole night, you got yelled at if you moved or left the room. Man, that might have been the happiest house in Vermont, we were vacationing. Everybody at the house was rooting for the Giants because they hated on the Patriots and their arrogance. Some guy in a liquor store had teased me and my buddies about how the Giants were gonna get killed. We went back the next day and he had the place closed up. Giants, what a team. They won, they really won. Maybe we can repeat, and start a dynasty. How did they do it?

No Harm, No Foul

"You see, you spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball, and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time."

Jim Bouton, Ball Four, 1970

I have been very unlucky with my Mets games when I attend them. 0-5, but alas, we won we really won! I think I know why, I was wearing "civilian clothing" (a.k.a. non team attire.). I am a genius, a genius. Also, I am sporting the Johan Santana goatee, maybe a little lady luck came to town. 4 in a row and 1 1/2 out of first, "civilian clothing". Baseball is full of superstitions, Wade Boggs had to eat a full chicken before he played, Turk Wendell brushed his teeth in between innings, and OliverPerez hops over the baseball lines.

Baseball players have a knack for that kind of quorkyness, I have to have the volume set on even numbers and everything is done in even numbers and also I have to arrange my cards in a certain way when I play solitaire. I swear I was built to play baseball, I was meant for it. I love hearing the stories about these things because now I feel like I can relate to them! "Civilian gear", that was all it took. Baseball in a funny way is all about these kinds of things. The 69 Cubs had a enormous game lead in the standings, funny how one black cat crossing the dugout can make that lead disappear. Welcome the Miracle 69 Mets, oh by the way it happened at Shea and nobody knows where, when and why the cat did it. Also, they never found the cat after the game. Athletes are weird like this. Hockey players don't shave during the playoff push, some wear the some underwear (ask the Minnesota North Stars of 1991 on there way to the Stanley Cup Finals, granted they lost). "Civilian clothing" that was all it took for a win.

The 6-4-3 Double Play......

"Playing baseball is not real life. It's a fantasy world... It's a dream come true."

Dale Murphy
I made some picks earlier in the season. I would like to have a mid season report and awards. First off, I have the White Sox right so far. Look at the Rays, they are in first place. But, then again, there are the Mariners, they stink. I was pretty accurate with my picks, except the Mets and the Mariners. The Red Sox aren't in first, but in the end they will be, trust me. I know baseball, I may not be the smartest person in the world, but I know baseball. I know the rules and what it takes to win. I can tell you who will be the star and who will flop. I live baseball, I know what baseball is all about. Right now, I think the Rays may fade away and the Tigers will prevail and win the wild card. I like the Mets to win the division still, I also like the Phillies. The Diamondbacks better watch their back. The Dodgers can get anybody they want via trade with their farm system. My mid season awards, MVP in the AL is Josh Hamilton. I mean the cat has 82 RBI's so far, heroin was his drug of choice but he kicked the habit and is now clean. In the NL, give it to Lance Berkman, Fat Elvis, he can hit. Best switch hitter since Mantle. CY Young in the AL is Cliff Lee, 11-1 and has an ERA of 2.26. That is great in the AL. Edinson Volquez is the NL CY Young, he is wicked good. He was traded for Josh Hamilton, how cool is that? Evan Longoria is the rookie of the year in the AL and the NL is, Geovany Soto. This kid in Cincinnati, Jay Bruce, may make a push but we have to see if he gets the at-bats. Well that is my two cents. I will see you at the end, LETS GO METS!!!!!!

The Subway Series

“The next thing I'd like to experience, ... is the playoffs in New York.”

David Wright

I love watching the two teams battle it out. It is fun, the Subway Series that is. They met once in the World Series, it was 2000. I was in hell. I have all Yankee fans for friends. You must have seen how that played out. The Mets are the younger brother in New York, everybody knows it. We won the series this year for only the second time. We split the 4 game series over the weekend, that is like kissing your cousin. I mean, I wanted 3 out of 4 to spring board the season. I can't get a feel for this bunch, the Mets that is. What is wrong with them? I mean lets strap on our big boy pants and WAKE UP!!!! The Subway Series is a lot of fun, you get to see little bro take on big bro and try to turn the tide. Remember playing ball with your younger brother and next thing you know he just sank that jumper in the corner to beat you, he beat you! The torch being passed, it comes so quietly. You never know, well, that is what the Mets do when they beat the 27 time champs the Yankees. Little bro got the best of you. Yeah, I know, play it off as if you let him win. The Yanks feel the same way this season. The Series brings some fun to the ball park, a little energy. The two teams seem to take pride in the Series. They all want to win, it is almost bragging rights to win the Series. Take the back page, big bro lost to little bro. I love watching the Series, only when the Mets win. The Mets, what am I going to do with them? They are killing me, maybe it is time to turn it around. Just maybe..........

"If you're going to play at all, you're out to win. Baseball, board games, playing Jeopardy, I hate to lose."

Derek Jeter

Sitting In The Green Room

Lets talk NBA draft, time to improve our team shall we. The excitement, the angst, and the sadness. This thing, the draft, can make or break a franchise for years. What if I made the wrong choice? What if that throw in when I made that trade becomes is a superstar? You never know, it is Russian Roulette, the draft. We have seen it all, Sam Bowie before MJ?!?!?!?! Wow, can they get a do over. Tragic struck once, ask the Celtics. Len Bias, cocaine is a toxic that took a possible legend way before his time. Then you get the nice story. Agent 0 was a second round pick, but now, he is a man amongst men on the court. There aren't to many more clutch then him. Arenas, Gilbert Arenas. Agent 0 has the smoking gun ready to blaze. How funny is it that MJ was actually the 3rd overall pick, 3rd. I loved the Nets draft, Brook Lopez and then the steal. C.D.R., Chris Douglas-Roberts, he was suppose to be a 1st round pick but dropped to 40th. Do you hear me complaining. Bron Bron in 2010 is the rumor. Net pride is back. Lets go Nets! There are a few guys from the 2nd round I will keep my eye on. First off, Richard Hendrix in Golden State, then Sean Singletary in Sacramento, Kyle Weaver in Charlotte, and last Deandre Jordan with the Clippers. I see maybe two or at least one of these guys will be an all star. I have watched these guys play, I think my money might be in Hendrex. I don't think he is ment for Golden State but we will see. Singletary was 1 of the more clutch players in all of the land last year, if he would have come out last year he would have been selected in the 1st round. But, time will tell as it always has with the draft. Russian Roulette, welcome to the draft. Your guess is as good as mine, even the experts get it wrong. But, remeber the name Hendrix (baring injuries) I like his make up. Don't bite the bullet, time to pull the trigger.............

Living The Dream Man, Just Living The Dream....

I recently went down to Washington D.C. and started my dream, my life long journey. To see every ball park in the MLB. I know, I know it is a difficult task. But I will attempt the impossible, I dare the dare. I plan on doing this task. The journey begins in D.C. It was the first time I have ever been to ball park outside of New York, the stadium was fabulous. The Nationals lost, but it was fun. I have been to Shea and Yankee stadium. Add DC and I have 29 left. I plan on going to Boston or Philly this summer so away we go. This reminds of a story I once read in SI that some man had gone to every Super Bowl ever. WOW!! That's what you call determination, that is what being a sports fan is all about. You want to be there, at the game that is. I love going to the ball park, "Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks, I don't care if I ever get back.....". Who doesn't love going to the ball park. Tailgating is the best. Burgers, fries, throwing around the ball, and of course the beer. You dream of one day playing in the ball park one day, batting where Mantle stood. Run on the field Walter Payton ran. Shoot a hoop where Jordan did. Go to Edmonton, and skate on the same ice as Gretzky. The mission has started, lets get this thing going. Every man should do this feet. I want to make this work out, it would mean a lot to me. So, 27 up, 3 down.

Don't Fear The Reaper

“We make it hard for ourselves sometimes, ... and we go to the heartbreak hotel a little too much.”
Willie Randolph

He had it coming, walking on hot coals. You can't fire 25 players, but can fire the coach. Trust me, Willie wasn't great, but these bums deserved the be cut . Delgado, he is God awful! They, the Mets that is, did this firing in the most classless, heartless, selfish way. I have a feeling it wasn't Omar's choice for this, I think it was Jeff Wilpon who wanted it. He wanted it immediately, no questions asked. They had fired him after a win, after a stretch in which the Mets won 3 out of 4. That is not how we handle business. Are we not a big league team, don't we know how to handle business? God, for the first time ever I felt embarrassed to be a Met fan yesterday. I felt so bad for Willie, he is a man not a child. Willie deserves more respect. He has the 2nd highest winning percentage in Mets coaching history. Willie deserves better. I really hope he finds another job. Part of this mess was his fault, but come on the players aren't exactly innocent. Willie is one of only 4 managers to lead the Mets to the division title. He deserved better. Willie was a heck of a player but only an OK manager. You know what, the players didn't help. Delgado, he is lucky I am not the GM. He would have been out on his fanny about a month ago. I would have eaten his contract and say "Sir, I thank you for your time here but it is just time to part ways." I would have been very polite. I would have told El Duque, either we knock off this injury bull crap, or we can also part ways. Reyes, shout up and go play. I swear I would have sat him down at the slightest minute. The players need to stop this baby b.s. and go out and win. Willie, he deserved way more class. Well lets see when the time comes how much respect Jerry Manuel and Omar Minaya gets. The Mets better get the act together and start winning or else they are going to look bad about this Willie firing. Willie deserved better.

Can We Play Catch?

"My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person. He believed in me."

Jim Valvano

You have to love Father's Day. I talked about mom, but now it is dad's chance. Yesterday was the ideal day for a sports watching day with dad. The Mets played an old school doubleheader (one game right after another), the final round of the U.S. Open, Angels v. Braves, and Lakers v. Celtics game five. Man, mom may have been the glue but dad was the professor. He taught how to throw, pass, shoot, catch, hit and be humble. Some people aren't so lucky to have a father in their life. To those people, my heart goes out to you. Man, who remembers when Jordan won the title the year after he retired and his father had just been murdered. He grabbed the ball fell to the floor and cried for moments. Professor Jordan had passed but his best student graduated. Who doesn't remember playing catch or hitting the ball? My dad would come watch me practice when I played high school football. We would breakdown film after games. I loved it, watching film was our thing. Cal Ripken Jr. was coached by his dad. Father's Day is a time to celebrate with dad and watch the game. Me and my dad watched the U.S. Open and saw Tiger blow a 3 stroke lead to have to play in a playoff today, Tiger won. His father was so important to his success, he encouraged him, he gave him strength, he was his will. When his father died he was devastated, but he willed on, fight. Without dad would you have zip on the fastball? How nice is it that Ken Griffey Jr. was able to play on the same field as his father? Wow, that is awesome, imagine that. They are the professor, fathers that is. They, fathers that is, take their children to the game. Can we play catch?

"When I was a kid, I used to imagine animals running under my bed. I told my dad, and he solved the problem quickly. He cut the legs off the bed."

Lou Brock

Why We Want To Win So Bad

"Why did I want to win? because I didn't want to lose!"

Max Schmelling

In life there are ups and downs, in sports there are ups and downs. The downs are not welcome, they are shunned. I want to win not for the money, the fame, the extra camera time, or the individual achievements. We want to win because, well we just don't want to lose. It is that simple, we don't want to lose. Winning with the team is, well the best feeling. I remember when I won it was like I was in a heaven. When I lost, don't talk to me because I don't want to speak, eat, or live. But when I win, try shutting me up or taking my food. Why do we want to win, we don't want to hear the nay sayers have the story right. When you wake up in the morning, do you say "I feel like being miserable all day and not succeeding at anything.", I didn't think so. Win, win and at last win. Do what it takes, give every ounce of your existence, because well, it is worth it every time. Go back to it "Good, better, best. I will not rest. Until my good is better, and my better best." that is what it takes to find success. Hard, work, determination, heart, and just down right wanting it more then the other person. That is what I am hoping Kobe will do, because my stupid Mets have no heart. They should think of going to find the Wizard and Dorothy and make a request. I just don't want to lose. I love watching a team that is willing to put their heart on their sleeve and gut it out. I hate him but, Curt Schilling knows a little something about giving it all. Have some pride, put yourself out there. See if you lose, which you don't want, but you left yourself on the field then heck it just wasn't your day. But at least you left yourself on the field. Last team standing, the Alpha male, it just does not get better than this. Fight, no quit, keep going. My leg hurts, suck it up because when we win you will thank me so much. Kids don't wear t-shirts that say I almost won. So, why do I want to win? Because I don't want to lose.

"Victory has a thousand fathers, but defeat is an orphan."

John F. Kennedy

The 600 Club Welcomes A New Star

"As long as I have fun playing, the stats will take care of themselves."

Ken Griffey Jr.

Man, what a great ball player. I am a tad late he did it two nights ago. Griffey hit number 600 on Monday. There was a time when people thought he would have the home run record, then there was times when people thought he wouldn't hit 500. There are 6 members to the club. 2 juicers and 4 hard working individuals. I love Ken so much, when I didn't have satellite dish growing up I couldn't see him that often. I would watch him on ESPN or when they played the Yankees. He was so great in his prime, he still can rake a bit (for all you none baseball fans rake means hit). He was the best fielder, Willie Mays like. He was able to run like a gazelle. 13 time All Star, and 2 time MVP. He still has a bit left in the tank, but it is getting long in the tooth. But, he can still rake a bit. Everybody wanted to be like him, he was a God in the baseball world. He always seemed to have a smile on and brought life to the ball park. I saw him play once in person and countless ties on tv once we had our satellite dish or when the baseball package was offered on cable. He is a great, kids love him. He is a great role model, never once did he do anything to merit a fine, arrest, or suspense. No drugs or alcohol related problems. He is the best kind of athlete, well he was raised in the clubhouse. His father played and he would take his son Ken into the clubhouse all the time. He is a heck of a person, Mr. Smiles. I would give the world to meet him, just for 10 minutes. I own like ten of his rookie baseball cards. A nice salute for the player, Ken. He could still rake a bit.

"How can you not be excited about playing with Ken Griffey, Jr.? It's going to be fun."

Barry Larkin

Saying Good Bye With A Smile.

"I always have a lot of personal goals, but primarily my main goal each year is to obviously win a Super Bowl."
Michael Strahan
I say good bye to another one of my favorite sports figures, Michael Strahan, but I do it with a smile because he went out the right way. With a title in his last year. Just like John Elway did in his final two years. 141.5 sacks for his career, 216 games played, 667 tackles, 15 fumbles recovered, 24 forced, and one spot in my heart. He was a beast when he was healthy, he is the all-time sack leader in Giants history and 5th in NFL history. He was one of the most complete defensive end ever. Drafted out of Texas Southern in the 2nd round round by the Giants. He has played his whole career in New York. He will probably work for Fox doing football. He had some flaws, he would say the wrong thing sometimes, but he would make up for it plus we don't pay him to talk. Fox will. I loved him, he was the man. I wanted to be as good as him in my playing days. Man, he was a God to me. Now I get to watch Justin Tuck fill in, number 91 filling in for 92. Tuck is a heck of a player in his own right. He had 10 sacks and he only started 2 games. He was one of the Super Bowl heroes this past Super Bowl. Not too often do players like Strah come around, he is a first ballot Hall of Famer. He is going to go in with one of the best classes I can remember, Jonathan Ogden, Brett Farve, and Warren Sapp. That is ridiculous good, crazy good. He is football royalty, and it is funny that Farve is going in with him they are forever linked. Farve was the one that was sacked for the record breaking 22.5 sack in one season, I forgot to mention that little stat. So lets say good bye to a all-time great, number 92 Michael Strahan.

"I think this can be a championship team. But we do have to take it one game at a time. You can't look at the end of the road before you get the next foot in."
Michael Strahan

Lakers v. Celtics. Look Up Classic in Websters, Guess What You Find?

"Basketball is like war in that offensive weapons are developed first, and it always takes a while for the defense to catch up. "

Red Auerbach

The rivalry, how classic. Yanks v. Red Sox, 49ers v. Cowboys, Steelers v. Raiders, Dodgers v. Giants......... I could go on forever. Get some coffee and a cake and we can talk. Lakers v. Celtics, it doesn't get much more classic. Bird v. Magic, Kareem v. McHale, Russel v. Wilt........ I could go on forever. The greatest players came from these two teams. Wilt and Russel alone are two of the top five players ever, easily. Cousey, one heck of a point guard. Jerry West, he is the model for the NBA logo for Pete's sake. They have 30 total titles, 16 for the Celtics and 14 for the Lakers.......... I could go on forever. The two areas hate each other, the Celtics fans chanted, "Beat the Lakers!" after the Celtics won at home against the Pistons. Imagine that, they still didn't finish off the Pistons yet, they already taste the blood of the Lakers. Imagine hating someone, something so much. Passion, the teams show it. Integrity is what they are all about. I try to figure out how some franchises are so good, but it is hard to point at it. Maybe they just draft right or maybe they just have the right pedigree to win or maybe they have the luck of the Irish in some point (a little tongue and cheek). Whatever it may be they tend to win. Rivals, God they jab you in the stomach. Ha ha ha we win! They needle you, they make you want to become the best. Grow up! Determination to ward off this pain in your side. Celtics v. Lakers,.......... I could go on forever. Classic.

"Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better."

Pat Riley

Draft Day

"I'd catch a punt naked, in the snow, in Buffalo, for a chance to play in the NFL"
Steve Henderson

The draft, it is so tremendous. I can't imagine the feeling. Getting out of class, sitting in the green room, at mom's place, or even after practice. The cell rings, "What is that. You're kidding. I got taken when? By who?." cue tears of joy. The one thing that you have been working for your whole life, the one moment. Here is that moment, pinch yourself all you want, it came true. How much time, energy did you put into practice, draft day it is the greatest feeling for that young man. You wake the next day and you now are a member of so and so team. Draft day, young man congrats, your dream has come true. The draft, teams screw up sometimes, Tonny Mandirich, but then the steal. Tom Brady 6th round, 199 pick of the 2000 draft. How fun is it to get drafted? The draft makes or breaks a franchise. Draft day is a treat for the sport fan. I love it when the first pick is said. The Giants have drafted two quarterbacks in the last 30 years in the first round, Phil Simms and Eli Manning. Wow, talk about a pair of good picks, two Super Bowl MVP's. The NFL and NBA draft are a big thing for me, I love to watch. I love all the hype. I love the draft. It is crucial to make the right pick. If not, welcome Ryan Leaf. Have fun with the draft. Draft day, congrats young man.

Some Sports Fun

"I play to win, whether it is practice, or a real game. And I will not let anything get in the way of me and my competitive enthusuam to win."
Michael Jordan
First things first, how about the Old Goat Pedro Martinez. He was great yesterday. Carry the Mets to a 9-1 victory. They are rolling along winning again today 5-3. Mad Dog, from Mike and the Mad Dog, said after the Giants won the first game, "The Giants took out the trash by beating the Mets." funny, didn't we win 2 out 3?!?!?! Doggy, can't wait for tomorrow, the Mets fans will be calling. Ah, the Mets, I will bash them and cheer them get ready. I get a little nutty with them. It's OK because I will always love them.

Next story, getting ready for game 1? Oh I can't wait, Kobe v. Pierce, Garnett v. Gasol. Lets get this thing going already. I really hope Kobe can pull it out, I really do. How classic to have the Lakers v. the Celtics? This is a match up of the two best franchise in basketball. It would be like Yankess v. Cardinals, or 49ers v. Steelers. Best versus the best. I really can't wait to watch. I expect a great series. I would be shocked if it didn't go at least 6. Some of the games biggest stars are playing, but the brightest is in yellow. Kobe. He is great. I read an article on him, in it I saw a great story. He was in high school, playing 3 on 3 at practice. His team needed one more bucket to win, he passed to one of his teammates, the kid missed the shot. What did Kobe do? He reamed him into new ass. That is a man who wants to win, he is willed. Lets go Lakers!!!!

Joba, J-O-B-A. The next desperate attempt at salvaging the Yankee season. This is not the right way to do this. He should be in the minors getting stretched out. Not wasting a game for the Yankees. He pitched 2 1/3 of an inning and sealed up another loss for the Yanks. It isn't right to play him and get a loss. It isn't fair to the other 24 guys or the manager. This is all because they couldn't land any of the high profile pitchers being dangled over their head. It is time for Cashman to except defeat and try to make another move. Joba cost them two games, one when he couldn't pitch in relief and one when he failed to get out of the 3rd inning. Make a move, put Joba back and make a trade. Failure is weak, truimph is strong.

Wake Up People We Need A Pick Me Up

"Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and you better is best"
Tim Duncan
You can't just walk through the motion. If you do that then, hell, have fun at home while the playoffs are going on. I liked the quote I chose, because it comes from a star player who I know gives it his all every time. Hustle, the small things. I was always yelled at when I played sports and I walked off the court or the field. Hustle, just take an extra step. All the greats worked harder, that is what made them the best. Determination, it is showing up for voluntary work out even though you are a vet of 10 yrs. I want to be the best. 100 extra free throws. Some extra cuts in the batting cages before and after games. Determination, it is what set the great from the good. You think Tim Duncan isn't working? He will probably take a few weeks off, and then get back in the gym. He will remember what happened in May when the Lakers bounced the Spurs from the playoffs. Michael Jordan would chew people out when they messed up during practice. You think Derek Jeter doesn't have heart? He jumped into the stands on a fowl ball against the Red Sox during, get this, the regular season. He has it, that extra factor. His face doesn't matter, it is all bout beating the rival. Guts, it is what allows wide receivers to go over the middle and leap for a pass. Sports, it is all about drive and determination. Keyshawn Johnson wide receiver, love him or hate him, he would always leap to jump for a pass over the middle exposing his body to a hit. He would get knocked around, but heck, just get back up. Guts, it is what Ryan Freel uses when he leaps into a wall. Have fun with that cast. They don't care, I am willing to bet you that next time they get the chance they are doing the same thing. Guts, will, determination, and heart, find me a player who doesn't possess these characteristics, and you will find average.

"Good things happen to those that hustle."
Chuck Knoll