Brady unphased by contracts, wants W's

So I'm browsing the internet on this lovely Tuesday afternoon, going through all my regular sites: Gmail, BarstoolSports.com, BostonDirtdogs.com, Facebook, ESPN, blah, blah, blah. And it was when I came to ESPN that I read a very well written article by Tim Graham that got my blood to boil.

To sum up the article, Graham had asked Patriots QB Tom Brady about the new mega-deals given to his understudies, Eli Manning (6 years, $97.5 million) and Philip Rivers (6 years, $93 million). "It's great for those players. They've worked hard to deserve those," Brady said. "Any time a guy gets a contract, it's a pretty cool thing. I've had that experience a couple times."

God, even his responses are perfect. But that can't be what he's actually thinking. Brady, 30, has two years left on a six-year $60 million contract (coming off of his second Super Bowl MVP in 2005, I might add).

And what did Eli do to become the highest paid NFL player? He threw for over 3,200 yards, 21 TDs, 11 INTs, a 12-4 record and a first-round loss in the playoffs. Do I get a Viagra with that? Because those numbers certainly don't turn me on. And to be honest, if it wasn't for the gum on David Tyree's helmet, Manning would probably not be a quarterback in New York.

San Diego QB Philip Rivers enjoyed undoubtedly his best year of his career; throwing for 4,000 yards, 34 TDs, 11 INTs and leading his team to the AFC Championship game. But this will be Rivers fourth year starting.

In 2004, Manning and Rivers were the dandies of the draft. Manning was drafted first overall by the Chargers only to be traded to the Giants for the number four overall pick, Rivers. Their careers will forever be compared to each others.

But Brady? They can't even sniff his jock strap. Let's take a look at what Brady accomplished before trading in his rookie contract (a modest 6th-round contract) and see how he matches up against Manning and Rivers:

• 58-20 regular season record
• 18,029 passing yards
• 123 TDs
• 66 INTs
• 62% Completion
  
• 3 Super Bowls
• 2 Super Bowl MVPs

It's not even comparable. Brady was far-and-away the better player through his first five years. He was arguable the best quarterback in the league then, let alone now. And what did he do to prove he's the ultimate leader? Took less money, that he undoubtedly deserved, so that the Patriots could re-sign top defensive lineman, Richard Seymour.

If these QBs are getting those type of numbers, what does that mean for Brady? Is he going to be the first $200-million man?

But in this day-and-age the fountain of youth holds all the change. Sports agents have done a really good job at getting top rookie talent top of the line money; something that veteran players are not pleased with. How can Matthew Stafford get $72 million before taking a snap in the NFL? And with all that money, Lions management expect him to start. What does this do to a player's drive to be the best?

For players like Manning and Rivers, it's going from something to nothing. Brady? He earned his spot over a HOF-QB and never looked back. Yeah, I'd say that's from nothing to something. (Don't believe me? Just check out his workout for the 2000 NFL Draft Combine).

Wagner Added to sure up Boston Bullpen?

ESPN.com- Billy Wagner is on his way to the Boston Red Sox, leaving the New York Mets for the chance to pitch in a pennant race as a setup man for All-Star closer Jonathan Papelbon.

The AL wild-card leaders had claimed Wagner on waivers, and the teams worked out a deal that persuaded Wagner to waive his no-trade clause. Wagner's main motivation, according to agent Bean Stringfellow, was his "overwhelming desire to pitch in a pennant race."

"He woke up and decided he wanted to join a team in the middle of a pennant race to have a chance to pitch in October and to have a chance to get a ring, which he's never done," Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein said. "There were some ups and downs and turns in the decision, but in the end he told us he woke up today and really wanted a chance to win a World Series, and came here for all the right reasons."

Boston agreed not to pick up his $8 million option for next season. The Red Sox can still offer salary arbitration to Wagner in the offseason, Stringfellow said, meaning they would be entitled to draft picks as compensation if he signs elsewhere. The 38-year-old Wagner will join the team in Boston on Thursday. (For the rest of this story, go here).

But was it necessary? We have had one of the top bullpens all year and a great lefty in Okajima, why Wagner? Do we really need a reliever over a starter? I don't know but, this one really left me scratching my head. I'm not against the trade, I just don't see the upside to it. And for the downside...

...Just ask Eric Gagne how an unnecessary trade can work out for a team. In 2007, the Sox traded for Gagne despite having the best record in baseball. Many experts believed that the trade happened to keep him out of pinstripes. Well, in 20 games for Boston he had a 2-2 record, 0 saves, 6.75 ERA, and 14 earned runs.

Boston closer, Johnathan Papelbon was also perplexed by the Wagner deal. "What has he done? Has he pitched this year?" Jonathan Papelbon told WEEI.com. "Is he ready to pitch or is he not? ... I think our bullpen is good where we're at right now. Don't get me wrong. But I guess you could always make it better. It's kind of like the [Eric] Gagne thing, I guess."

And his job is not even in jeopardy! See what soft-spoken setup man, Manny Delcarmen thought about the deal. "We loved Gagne coming over here, just the stuff that he had, but it was an awkward situation this late in the season," Delcarmen told WEEI.com. "I think our bullpen is fine right now. It is what it is. If [Wagner] comes and helps us win, that's what we want. But sometimes, shaking things up this late might work out different. We'll see what happens."

Since the deal went final both Papelbon and Delcarmen both have rescinded their thoughts and welcomed him with open arms today. But the damage was already done. We will only have to wait until night fall on Thursday to see if his newly-repaired left elbow will be able to handle the Boston spotlight.

'Til then...In Theo We Trust!

Fantasy Football Week Day 5: Kickers/DEF

Kickers and defense round out most fantasy drafts. And that's for a reason. Kickers should not be the number one option on the field and shouldn't be the number option on your team, either. What I like to do with kickers and defenses is to watch the waiver wire week to week. If Baltimore and Pittsburgh are playing mid-December football, I'd put money down that it will be a low-scoring game. So I search the wire for one of those two kickers and keep your fingers crossed.

I'll tell ya one thing though. If you're looking for an all-around fantasy player, hope fantasy engines make Bengals WR Chad Ochocino kicker eligible. Did you see him kick that extra point against the Patriots last night? Did you see that form? He may have a better year at kicker than wide receiver. AND we'd get to see a lot more celebrations from Ochocinco. It's win-win.


Seeing how it's Friday, let's do the top 5 fantasy kickers:

1. Stephen Gostkowski, NE
2. Rob Bironas, TEN
3. Ryan Longwell, MIN
4. Kris Brown, HOU
5. David Akers, PHI

Drafting defenses can be a little more complicated. When you go to draft a defense remember that special teams is apart of the scoring too. Keep that in mind when you're drafting your wide receivers. There's little doubt about the Bears defense or Devin Hester's return ability. So drafting a Bears defense to compliment Devin Hester as a wide receiver will not only double your points, but double your football ego amongst friends. Here are some more defense/WR combination. (See Philadelphia/DeSean Jackson, Minnesota/Bernard Berrian or Percy Harvin, New York Jets/Leon Washington).

Other than that I like to watch the match-ups week to week to see who's drawing a favorable match-up. Arizona squares off against Kansas City, I'm going to pick up a Cardinals defense that was fifth in the league in defensive TDs with 5. See where I'm going here?

Top 5 Fantasy Defenses:

1. Baltimore Ravens
   
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
   
3. New York Giants
4. Philadelphia Eagles
5. Minnesota Vikings

Fantasy Football Week Day 4: Tight End

And tight ends indeed! I apologize for a lapse in the 1st annual Fantasy Football Week, but I was suddenly ill after seeing the end of the Brett Favre Saga. And I must say, I wasn't too impressed with the end. It was definitely lacking something...in the end.

Anyway today we come to the tight end position. Grab a good one and he can be more important than some of your receivers. Unlike the receivers however, the tight end position is not as deep. So keep that in mind on draft day. Complete your championship team with a high quality TE.


But the question is "who do I draft if I miss out on the top guys?" Well let's start in the AFC East. Miami TE Anthony Fasano put up big numbers in the inaugural year of the Wildcat offense. It is even more effective in the red zone and Chad Pennington loves to play it safe with his tight ends.

Chicago's Greg Olsen will become buddy-buddy with new QB Jay Cutler very fast. With no established receiver on the Bears, Cutler will enjoy Olsen's size and speed. Olsen will love Cutler's big arm and improved accuracy. Do I smell a bromance brewing in the Windy City?

The Houston Texans offense has finally struck...oil? Yes! Matt Schaub will not only be throwing to Johnson and Walters, but TE Owen Daniels too. Last season he had 70 receptions and 862 yards under the radar. This year he's going in 7th round in most Yahoo! Sports Drafts. Don't sleep on this guy.

New Orleans TE Jeremy Shockey is an interesting situation. He has the potential to be a big time fantasy end, but injuries and attitude have stunted his numbers. He's healthy and in a potent offense, so he could be worth the risk. In most Yahoo! Sports drafts Shockey has been taken in the 11th round. The Improper Truth? Take the risk.

But the truth is that if you happen to get a bad tight end, don't fret it. Tight end is a luxury position. If you can afford one, great. But if you miss out on the can't-miss players it's not the end of the world. Here are my top ten fantasy tight ends for the 2009 season.

1. Tony Gonzalez, ATL
2. Jason Witten, DAL
3. Antonio Gates, SD
4. Dallas Clark, IND
5. Owen Daniels, HOU
6. Jeremy Shockey, NO
7. Greg Olsen, CHI
8. Anthony Fasano, MIA
9. Chris Cooley, WAS
10. Zach Miller, OAK
    

The Saga Continues...

I can't believe its August 18th and we're still talking about this arrogant fuck. I'm mad at myself for feeding into this shit. But I can't help myself, it's everywhere. CNN is covering this story like the President was just assassinated. I go to the bank and two jerkoff Jet fans standing behind me are talking about it. ESPN is mid-orgasm as we speak. This is ridiculous. Brett Favre has the single biggest ego on the planet. Only a megalomaniac of epic proportions would hi-jack the NFL off-season two years in a row and not blink while doing it.

Before I get too ahead of myself, I will not be spending a lot of time of this. I would much rather be gauging my eye balls with glass shards before falling completely in the trap. Three weeks ago, Vikings coach Brad Childress and Favre said that he would stay retired. Did anyone really expect him to stay at home? Maybe long enough to avoid training camp, which all NFLers agree is the bane of their existence.

I wrote on April 1st that Brett Favre is the biggest joke in sports while everyone said I was crazy. How dare I say on of the all-time greats is the biggest joke in sports? Well, he just proved me right. Anyone else care to change their opinions?



In other news Minnesota fans need to get a pulse, aye? You just entered the fast-track to the Super Bowl. Show some excitement for Christ's sake.

Fantasy Football Week Day 3: Receivers

First thing to remember about wide receivers in fantasy: you can never have enough of them. You never know when an no-name receiver is going to bust out for 7 catches and 113 yards like Detroit's Shaun McDonald did in Week 11 of the 2007 season. Every week there will be at least 2-3 receivers bursting on to the scene, and it's up to you to watch the waver wire for them. If you develop a keen eye in the waiver wire, you don't have to waste high picks on brand name receivers.

However, if you choose to go for the brand names you can certainly reap the benefits. Receivers come a dime a dozen in the NFL, but there are about a dozen dimes amongst them. Grab one these studs and he'll produce week after week.

The great thing about wide receivers is that they are usually used for kick/punt returns as well. And if your league allows for individual players to receive points for their special team duties, well, then you're in luck. This strategy makes a player like Devin Hester more valuable. Grab a versatile receiver and you'll be thanking me for the tip. (See Hester-CHI, Percy Harvin-MIN, DeSean Jackson-PHI, Santana Moss-WAS).

• The Improper Truth- OAK 3rd-year wideout Johnnie Lee Higgins raised eyebrows in the final four games catching 14 receptions for 196 yards and 3 TDs. He also led all fantasy wideouts with 4 return TDs.
  

An easy way to double your points is to get a great QB-WR combo. In 2007, Tom Brady(422) and Randy Moss(322) combined for 744 fantasy points in my league. If you can get your hands on a good combo don't think twice about it. Do it. You won't regret the spontaneity. (See Moss/Brady-NE, Larry Fitzgerald/Kurt Warner-ARI, Reggie Wayne/Peyton Manning-IND, T.J. Houshmandzadeh/Matt Hasselbeck-SEA).

• The Improper Truth- Despite going 6-10 in his first year as a starter, Aaron Rodgers & the offense was the not problem. Rodgers found a favorite target in WR Greg Jennings; hooking up for 1,300 yards and 9 scores. Expect the bond to grow and the numbers to show in year 2.

Run far away from damaged goods. While you may be sure that Braylon Edwards will learn how to catch a ball this year, you'll be kicking yourself when he doesn't. It's a high risk/high reward for this year's crop of damaged goods. These guys have miles of talent but their legs can't last after the first lap. (See Edwards-CLE, Marques Colston-NO, Deion Branch-SEA, Chad Ochocinco-CIN).

• The Improper Truth- In '07 Colston was assumed to have a stellar year, but after missing 6 weeks due to a thumb injury he was still able to put up 700 yards and 5 TDs. He's off to a healthy start this year so I'd take my chances on his damaged goods. Plus, he graduated from Hofstra University so the kid knows about adversity.
  

Did you miss out on all the brand name receivers? No worries, there's plenty of under-the-radar guys you can pick up in the later rounds. These are the receivers who take advantage of their superstar better halves and thrive in single coverage. So you took QB Matt Hasselbeck in the 4th round, passing up Reggie Wayne? No problem. Slot receiver Anthony Gonzalez is building quite the report with Peyton Manning tallying 20 more receptions and a 100 extra yards in 2008. Here are some more under-the-radar guys. (See Steve Breaston-ARI, Lance Moore-NO, Donnie Avery-STL, Dominick Hixon-NYG, Kevin Walter-HOU).

• The Improper Truth- Under the large shadows cast by Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, slot receiver Steve Breaston was able to steal the spotlight long enough to get 77 receptions 1,006 yards and 3 TDs. Hey, defenses can't cover all three of them and Breaston comes a lot cheaper.

It's easy to get caught up in the antics that wide receivers do for attention, but it's up to you--the coach--to see past all that. Receivers need attention just as much as they need they ball, but don't fall for it. Terrell Owens should be getting to know his offense and get of the same page as Trent Edwards. Instead we are blessed with VH1's The T.O. Show. Anyone who spends their off-season filming a reality TV show is going to be a bust. Here's more. (See Brandon Marshall-DEN, Dwayne Bowe-KC, Santonio Holmes-PIT).

• The Improper Truth- I will never forget the job that Matt Cassel did filling in for Brady, that's not what this is about. I just think that Cassel was a career Belichick-system guy who flourished when given the opportunity. But with a lackluster ground game and an o-line that gave up 37 sacks last year, will he have time to get the ball to Bowe? Not when d-backs are double covering him. Pass.You got the breakdown now here's my top ten fantasy wide receivers. Get your notebooks ready because tomorrow we delve into tight ends.

1. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI
2. Andre Johnson, HOU
3. Randy Moss, NE
4. Calvin Johnson, DET
5. Greg Jennings, GB
6. Reggie Wayne, IND
7. Steve Smith, CAR
8. Anquan Boldin, ARI
9. Marques Colston, NO
10. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, CIN
    

Fantasy Football Week Day 2: Quarterbacks

The running back may be the backbone, but the quarterback is the single most important position on the football field. Period. The quarterback is the on-field leader. He must know where every player is and what they are doing on every down. He must have the respect of every player on that team and be able to look them in the eye and say, "Hop on my back. I'll lead you to the promise land".

Not only must a quarterback be the emotional leader, but he must have the tools to back it up. He must take risks (Brett Favre), be a playmaker (Donavan McNabb), enthusiasm (Philip Rivers), the will to win (Tom Brady). All of this is crucial on the gridiron. But does it all translate on the fantasy field? Certainly.

If you're down 30 points going into the Monday night game, would you rather have Peyton Manning or Sage Rosenfels? A great quarterback can turn your team from a pretender into a contender.

But in 2009 the quarterback field is loaded; chock-full of champs, chumps, gunslingers, game managers, boomers and busts. It all depends on how you want to build your team. If you landed big with a couple stud running backs and quality receivers, why not play it safe and go with Donovan McNabb in the 5th or 6th rounds? A mid-round QB selection tells your league you know what you're doing. Going with a dependable brand name at quarterback can explode for the big game every now-and-then, but--more importantly--won't kill you come the stretch run. (See Kurt Warner-ARI, Matt Schaub-HOU, Ben Roethlisberger-PIT, McNabb-PHI).

• The Improper Truth- McNabb was a top ten fantasy quarterback last year despite a sub-par receiving core and being benched Week 12 against the Ravens. WRs Kevin Curtis, DeSean Jackson, & rookie Jeremy Macklin are the weapons McNabb's been missing. Don't let the Michael Vick signing scare you, it's still McNabb's team.

You know, Tom Brady isn't the only QB looking to make 2009 a comeback year. And if you don't want to use one of your first two picks on a QB there are a few going for a bounce back year. This, much like a dependable brand name QB, can give you a great bang for your buck. Pluck Carson Palmer out of rounds 7-9 and you may just be the darling of your league. These guys have proven they can hang with big boys, but due to injuries have been tossed aside like your Razor scooter. Buyer Beware: Yes these comeback players do have a lot of upside, but the chances of failure are higher. Be sure to draft these players in the later rounds. (See Palmer-CIN, Matt Hasselbeck-SEA, Mark Bulger-STL).

• The Improper Truth- In 2007 Hasselbeck threw for over 3,900 yards and 28 TDs before playing seven games in '08. In 2009 he has a healthy tandem of receivers in Deion Branch and Nate Burleson. Oh, and let's not forget FA signee T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Expect a bounce-back year for the BC kid.

Who doesn't love a breakout quarterback? A young, energetic guy jump-starting your team to greatness (Tom Brady circa 2001, Matt Ryan circa 2008). Draft these guys for your bench watch your plants blossom into great trade bait or fill-in. Buffalo QB Trent Edwards has all the fixings of a breakout year. A strong arm to compliment a great receiving core (Terrell Owens & Lee Evans) and a superior ground game to bail him of trouble. (See Shaun Hill-SF, Joe Flacco-BAL, Jason Campbell-WAS).

• The Improper Truth- Hill showed some flashes of brilliance towards the end of last year sporting a surprising 94.7 QB rating, throwing for 1,656 yards, and accounting for 12 scores in the 49ers final seven games. WRs Josh Morgan and Michael Crabtree should help.

While everyone may love a good sleeper QB, nothing hurts a team more than a big-time bust. It always happens, especially with quarterbacks. The glitz of these high-priced quarterbacks can be blinding. But usually, these players are a wasted pick and will ruin your chances of going to playoffs. Sue, Jay Cutler was great with All-Pro Brandon Marshall and the thin Mile High air in Denver, but he has no one to throw to in Chicago. Who will be catching Romo's balls in Dallas (and the answer isn't Jessica Simpson)? Don't be tricked into these trap picks. (See Cutler-CHI, Romo-DAL, Eli Manning-NYG, Jake Delhomme-CAR, Matt Cassel-KC).

• The Improper Truth- Eli Manning signed a typical New York-sized contract in the off-season and faces his most disappointing season, in my eyes. With no clear cut no. 1 receiver and a plethora of receiving projects, expect Manning's INTs & sack totals to rise.
  

So you got running backs, and now quarterbacks. You're two-fifths of your way to building a championship-caliber fantasy team. Here are my top ten quarterbacks for the 2009 season. Be sure to check in tomorrow for day 3 of Fantasy Football Week: Wide Receivers. Enjoy!

1. Peyton Manning, IND
2. Drew Brees, NO
3. Tom Brady, NE
4. Aaron Rodgers, GB
5. Kurt Warner, ARI
6. Philip Rivers, SD
7. Donovan McNabb, PHI
8. Matt Hasselbeck, SEA
9. Trent Edwards, BUF
10. Carson Palmer, CIN
    

IS Presents Fantasy Football Week: Day 1 RB

Nine-to-five cubicle dwellers rejoice! Fantasy football has given you a reason to get up in the morning. But you still can't get over your supervisor's three-year stranglehold on your office pool? Relax. The Improper Sportsonian is devoting a whole week to the fantasy world. Because let's face it, is there anything more satisfying than beating your friends and then rubbing it in their noses the following Monday morning?

Now all league's differ on their scoring and roster settings, but traditionally a fantasy football league is made up of 15 positions:

• 1 QB
• 2 RB
• 2WR
• 1 TE
• 1 W/R
• 1 K
• 1 DEF
• 6 BENCH

While the scoring differs from league to league, the consensus is that the backbone of a champion fantasy team is at running back. In years past, drafting at the running back position has been...well traditional. Fantasy studs were a team's feature back that can handle 350+ carries. (See Larry Johnson-2006, Shaun Alexander-2005, Eddie George-2001). But now pro offenses have fallen in love with a RB tandem, making it a little more difficult to predict who will get the bulk of the carries. (See 2008 Panthers, 2007 Jaguars, & 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers).

So when it comes down to draft day and you got Titans RB Chris Johnson queued up save a spot on your bench for his red zone counterpart LenDale White. Don't be naive enough to shy away from the number two guy on the depth chart because chances are he'll get the brunt of the offense's red zone touches. (See Johnathan Stewart-CAR, Tim Hightower-ARI, Jerious Norwood-ATL, Fred Jackson-BUF, Felix Jones-DAL).

• The Improper Truth- White was T-3rd in the NFL with 15 TD with only 200 attempts (Brandon Jacobs was T-3rd with only 219 attempts)
  

Or a RB may be useful out of screens or lining up in the slot, creating mismatches with slower safeties and linebackers. When healthy, Reggie Bush is great for the wide receiver/running back position for your team because of his phenomenal hands. Despite playing in only 10 games, Bush was 7th among RB in receptions with 52. (See Matt Forte-CHI, Brian Westbrook-PHI, Steve Slaton-HOU, Marion Barber-DAL).

• The Improper Truth- The rookie Forte led all RB in 2008 with 63 receptions. Fantasy owners were rewarded with an extra 477 yards and 4 TDs in the air to go along with his 1,238 yards and 8 TDs on the ground.

Running back is one of the few skill positions where young players can flourish. NFL teams are always looking for a pair of fresh legs and with the sudden obsession of a tandem backfield, rookies are now eased into the spotlight. But be wary of the young buck. Fantasy owners tend to fall in love with a player's upside and forget about their learning curve. Just ask the Bears how well 2005 No. 4 overall pick Cedric Benson worked out for them. Here's a little hint, if you're trying to be the next Bill Walsh and field a smug all-sleeper team be my guest. But don't come crying to me when you 3-13 because you drafted Donald Brown 4 rounds to early. Here are some promising rooks.(See Knowshon Moreno-DEN, LeSean McCoy-PHI, Shonn Greene-NYJ).

• The Improper Truth- Last year's no. 4 pick, Darren McFadden was tabbed as an instant fantasy stud but turned out to be a flop: 499 yards, 38.4 yd/gm, 4 TD.
  

Do not--I repeat--do not judge a book by its cover. Yeah, LaDanian Tomlinson was a sure-fire number 1 pick two or three years ago. But he's 30 and breaking down. In fantasy football it's a "what have you done for me lately" world. Don't be the guy who gets suckered into drafting Fred Taylor in the 5th round because you're "positive" that the Pats will rejuvenate him. Stay away from anyone over 30, let them be someone else's problem. (See LaDanian Tomlinson-SD, Willis MaGahee-BAL, Jamal Lewis-CLE, Larry Johnson-KC).

• The Improper Truth- After holding out of training camp for 25 days Johnson was given a six-year $45 million extension. He repaid the Chiefs by playing only 12 games while rushing for fewer than a 1,000 yards and 6 TDs for the second year in a row.

Amidst every group is the elite. The few and the proud. These players are just down right bullish. They can handle the majority of the carries, catch the ball, score, run to the outside, run between the tackles, they can even paint your fence and walk the dog while getting your kids ready for Sunday school. Adrian Peterson has been nothing shot of sensational since leaving Oklahoma and for the second straight year is the consensus number one pick. (See Maurice Jones-Drew-JAC, Michael Turner-ATL, Matt Forte-CHI, Brandon Jacobs-NYG).

• The Improper Truth- Jones-Drew was all over the field in 2008. He rushed for 12 TDs while piling up 565 yards receiving at an impressive 9.1 yards per catch. But Jacksonville is finding even more ways to use him in 2009.

Hopefully that helped in breaking down what type of running back you're looking for. But now without further adieu here is my top ten fantasy running backs. Check in tomorrow for Day 2 of Fantasy Football Week: quarterbacks.

1. Adrian Peterson, MIN
2. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC
3. Michael Turner, ATL
4. Matt Forte, CHI
5. Brandon Jacobs, NYG
6. Marion Barber, DAL
7. DeAngelo Williams, CAR
   
8. Stephen Jackson, STL
9. Clinton Portis, WAS
10. Steve Slaton, HOU

Brady, Remy return to the spotlight on Thursday

Aahh all is right in the world. Tom Brady is back on the field, ladies and gents! And looked quite polished in his first game back, I might add. Brady threw two touchdowns to TE Chris Baker while getting back together with the hottest couple in the league. No I'm not talking about him and Gisele Bundchen. Do you remember a little record-setting season in which Brady threw for 50 touchdowns? Well 23 of those touchdowns were to Randy Moss. And how refreshing was it to see Brady-to-Moss again?

Hell, how refreshing it was to just see Brady back in a Patriots uniform. After the "Super Bowl That Shall Not Be Named", Brady has been amidst a media shit storm. From ESPN's over-exposure of the Spy Gate coverage, to E!'s over-exposure of his relationship with Gisele the guy just couldn't get away. Since when is a 15-second clip of Brady walking in a boot considered breaking news anyway?

I mean, Brady did look great on the silver screen. He absolutely killed it on Entourage last week. But I'd much rather see him suit-up in a Pats uniform than a three-piece suit. Expect another MVP-caliber season from the GOAT.

Can someone remind me who Matt Cassel is again?

In other Bostonian news, Red Sox legend Jerry Remy returned to the booth yesterday for the Sox's day game against the Tigers. Remy, the color analyst for the Sox over the past 22 years, has been recovering for lung cancer and a battle with depression since the start of spring training. Remy is no doubt a legend in and around Fenway, and everyone welcomed him warmly.

His return came at a perfect time. I don't know how many more road games I could listen to the mundane voice of Dave Roberts before I put a gun to my head. God that guy needs to grow a personality. Don't get me wrong, I love and respect everything he's done for the Sox, mainly that stolen base in Game 4 of the ALCS. But perhaps he's better suited for NPR than RSN.



This is a tough story for me to write. While I love the enthusiasm Remy brings to the booth and the undeniable chemistry with Don Orsillo, I hate Jerry Remy the person. For the 2006 and 2007 seasons I worked at Fenway Park as a supervisor for the facilities department. (Basically I would bullshit with people and watch the game for $16 an hour.) I would constantly be in the media rooms because reporters are the filthiest slobs I have ever met. And I can't tell you how many times Remy and I have crossed paths I simply say "Hey. How ya doing?" and he looks down and pretends I wasn't there. Or I'm washing my hands next to him, and he doesn't say a word. Instead opting to wash his hands in an awkward silence.

But it doesn't stop there. A few years back my friend's dad was at his autobiography signing and he picked up on his arrogance. As fans went up to his table with their ecstatic children, Remy's face stared blankly, making zero conversation.

What an asshole! It's your job as a public figure to give back to the people who allow you to do your job. Instead he keeps his head down and his mouth shut. A real class act if you ask me. He's got a great TV personality, but hopefully after this life-threatening event he'll get off his high horse. Glad to see you back Remdawg.

Bourne wins CCBL Championship; Brings joy to town

Cape Cod Times- The Bourne Braves didn't want to make their fans wait any longer. Twenty-one years was enough. The Braves were ready to deliver the town of Bourne its first Cape Cod Baseball League championship. They defeated the Cotuit Kettleers 5-1 to complete a two-game sweep and give Bourne its trophy.

The Braves were savoring what they'd given Bourne, a town most of them had never even driven through before the month of June. “Believe” was the team's motto this postseason, and though Bourne certainly wasn't an underdog heading into the championship series, it was a mantra that came in handy yesterday. The Braves fell behind Cotuit 1-0 in the second inning after a monster double by Tony Plagman (Georgia Tech) scored Kevin Keyes (Texas).

But Bourne didn't worry – the Braves believed they'd come back. After a dramatic ninth-inning come-from-behind win over Orleans in the second round of the playoffs, they knew they could always fight back. (For the rest of the story go here.)

If you call yourself a baseball fan and haven't heard of the Cape Cod Baseball League...get a f**cking clue. The Cape League has been responsible for over 1700 Major League players, 207 who played in the 2008 season.

A non-profit organization, the Cape League has been the preeminent amateur baseball league since 1885 producing cream of the crop Major League Talent. (i.e. Tim Lincecum-Harwich '99, Evan Longoria-Chatham '05, Frank Thomas-Orleans '88, Lance Berkman-Wareham '96, Kevin Youkilis-Bourne '00, Todd Helton-Orleans '94, Carlos Pena-Harwich '96, Jacoby Ellsbury-Falmouth '04, Nomar Garciaparra-Orleans '93)

But talent isn't the only thing the league attracts. Summer after summer fans of all ages come to catch a game (for free!) while soaking up that old time baseball feel. Guys, gals, geezers, milfs, teenagers, purists, tourists they all love it. It's become an equally the must-see attraction as the Cape's picturesque beaches.

I couldn't feel more love for the Braves. Living only a 10-minute drive away from where the Braves played, I grew up with them. There's really nothing better as 9-year-old spending the day at a ball field playing pickle and Wiffleball with your friends imitating the stars of tomorrow. I recall at the painfully awkward stage of 14 my mother enrolling me into a Bourne Braves baseball camp. Sounds great, right? She failed to realize that it was a camp for kids ranging from 6-12. You think it's embarrassing striking out? Try striking out against someone half your age! Despite the discomfort I still had a blast. When I was 15 my dad took me to the Cape League All-Star game in Falmouth (to show you how far the CCBL has come, this years all-star game was at Fenway). We watched the home run derby and I met my idol and Cape League enthusiast, Peter Gammons. I was in awe. Not only did I meet the man I want to become, but-at 15-I was already taller than the guy!

And now, at 22, I should've been able to say I saw Bourne's first championship in their 44-year existence, but instead I was in New York! Blah! The worst decision made since "stumbling" across the Jonas Brothers in 3-D continues to bite me in the ass.

Yet I couldn't be happier for the town of Bourne. Over the summer this quaint town has been tortured by tragedy. On July 19 Danny Cardoza, 22, was stabbed to death at a local gas station. The assailant was also in critical condition after being stabbed as well. Four of my classmates were involved in car accidents, one of whom died. 10-year-old Patric McCarthy passed away in 2003 after getting lost in the woods on a New Hampshire camping trip. The McCarthy family, who own a couple of Dunkin Donuts in town, reopened the case after new evidence of possible foul play was involved.

Sports have always been the perfect escape from the real world. And the Braves have given the people in this town a much needed escape. Congrats guys, you've earned it.

Jets Scrimmage at Hofstra University

NYJets.com- The New York Jets officially open their 2009 training camp with two practices on July 31 at SUNY Cortland and announced details of a training camp schedule that feature practices open to the public in three different locations - Central New York, Long Island and New Jersey. On Aug. 12, the team will hold a special Family Night Practice brought to you by Verizon FiOS on Long Island at Hofstra University’s James M. Shuart Stadium.

Hofstra University was the home of the Jets training facility and training camp from 1968 until the team moved into its new facility in September 2008. At the conclusion of this special practice, the entire team will head to the sidelines to sign autographs for fans. Three more practices will be open to the public on Aug. 22, 26 and 27 at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, N.J. At each location, fans attending can enjoy Generation Jets Fest and the Jets Shop Merchandise Tent.

Not a bad way to spend a dreary Long Island evening. Besides, Hector--my meth dealer-- just got pinched and is doing 10-20 on Rikers. To get back on track..I'm not a Jets fan. But I don't hate the Jets. I pity the Jets (at this point, you should get that I'm a Pats fan). And their fans. The only thing worse than a second-rate franchise are the fans of that second-rate franchise (this goes for you too Mets fans). The Jets aren't even the best team in the city of New York--Buffalo could be better than them this year!

Despite my distaste for the Gang Green and , all I wanted was to give rookie QB Mark Sanchez a tiny interview. I had spent hours preparing and carefully constructing my questions. I knew exactly how to get under his skin.

• Do you think you will ever be better than Brett Favre?
• Can you handle the media coverage like Brett Favre did?
• What'd you think of Brett Favre unretiring again?
• Are you interested in do Wrangler commercials now that Brett Favre won't being them?

You can see where I was trying to go with my line of questioning. However, I never got the chance to ask him because that pretty boy piece of shit was too busy being hounded by deranged homoerotic males shrieking over Number 6's jockstrap. I mean who do these guys think Sanchez is anyway, Tom Brady? I mean c'mon! Even Giants fans fall in love with Brady's baby blues!

So since I couldn't get the proper interview I did get some good footage of their scrimmage. Don't worry Jets fans, I already shipped the video out to Foxborough. It'll be in Belichick's hands by Thursday morning. That's what you get for screwing over the Improper Sportsonian!

BOSTON MASSACRED; SUFFERS 4-GAME SWEEP IN NEW YORK!

ESPN.com- Johnny Damon and Mark Teixeira hit back-to-back homers in the eighth inning Sunday night, and the New York Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox 5-2 to finish their first four-game home sweep of their bitter rival in 24 years. Victor Martinez hit a two-run homer off Phil Coke (4-3) in the top of the eighth, snapping Boston's 31-inning scoreless streak and making it 2-1.Daniel Bard (0-1) retired the first two hitters in the bottom half before Damon drove a 98-mph fastball over the right-field fence, bringing the fourth consecutive sellout crowd at Yankee Stadium to its feet.The fans didn't have a chance to sit down, either, before Teixeira went deep to right two pitches later and untied it. It was the sixth time Damon and Teixeira have hit consecutive homers, the most ever for a pair of Yankees in one season.

The crowd began chanting "Sweep! Sweep!" after Nick Swisher added a two-run single off Hideki Okajima later in the inning, which made it an easy night for Mariano Rivera.

They've done it again. The f**king Yankees have done it again. Take a short trip back to August 15, 2006. Alex Gonzalez was the starting shortstop. Wily Mo Pena was still wondering how to hit a curve ball. My God, Matt Clement was our their fifth starter! Despite all that, the Sox were only a mere 1.5 games back of the Yankees before a monumental 5-game showdown at Fenway Park. After five grueling, gut-wrenching days the Yankees left town with a 6.5 game lead. The Sox were never the same. The offense was hampered by injuries. The pitching staff fell apart. They missed the playoffs AND finished by Canadia's finest, the Blue Jays.

Well after the late-inning heroics by Johnny Damon and Mark Teixiera tonight, the 2009 season is looking very similar to the season in 2006. This series was absolutely abominable. The Red Sox offense apparently never left Tampa. In the series Red Sox hitters were 3-for-38 with runners in scoring position (they had 21 opportunities alone in game one and let Joba work out of jam after jam) and went a remarkable 30 innings without touching home plate. The bullpen was worked more than Malaysian sweat shop baby, pitching 15.1 innings while giving up 14 runs in the process.

The Red Sox have now fallen to 0-9 against winning teams since the All-Star break. The Victor Martinez trade hasn't provided the spark that Theo has created in past trading deadlines. If the Red Sox have any fight left in them, now is the time to show it. The rest of August is make or break for the season, with series against the Tigers, White Sox, and a 3-game stint against the Yankees at Fenway Park.

Terry and company have the next seven games to get themselves back on track, but it's not going to be easy with a starting rotation that features two aces and three number 5 guys. And this not scoring with runners in scoring position shit needs to end too. I can't tell you how many times I saw guys make first-pitch outs with runners on base. Take a pitch or two. They have to get back to working these starting pitchers and stretching out their bullpen.

Whatever they do, the Sox need to do it at home tomorrow against Detroit. I'm not sure how much longer I can have this sour taste in my mouth. I don't want to have to deal with the nauseating Yankee propaganda for any longer than I have to.

If I can find any solace from this weekend it's that I could watch these four games without the constant bullshit spewing from New York Mike's mouth. Mike spent the weekend in Atlantic City for a wedding and actually passed up tickets to the 15-inning instant classic on Friday. The things you do for your girlfriend....But sure enough in the bottom of the ninth inning with Mariano Rivera on the mound (New York Mike's favorite player post the A-Roid scandal) I hear a knock on my door. "How about them f**king Yankees? F**k the Red Sox!"

Yup. That pretty much sums up the weekend.

Blackhawks F Kane arrested for robbing cab driver

Yahoo! Sports.com- Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane was charged with attacking a cab driver in his hometown Sunday, a beating that police said was triggered when the driver did not have 20 cents in change to give the player and his cousin. Buffalo police said the 20-year-old Kane and his 21-year-old cousin, James Kane, had apparently caught a cab from the city’s downtown nightclub district at about 4 a.m.

The cab driver suffered cuts to his face and his glasses were damaged, police spokesman Michael DeGeorge said. Both men were charged with felony robbery and misdemeanor counts of theft of services and criminal mischief. Patrick Kane pleaded not guilty in City Court on Sunday, WIVB-TV reported. It was not immediately clear when James Kane will appear in court. The driver said he was punched and hit by both men because he did not have 20 cents in change to give them, according to the police report.

He said at the time he was happy to have time “to hang out back home in Buffalo.”

The driver didn't have his change and -God damnit-he deserved that beating! We're in a recession here, people. I'm not sure if you knew that, but every dime adds up. And I'll be damned if I'm going to get conned out of two dimes. Eight more of those bad boys and Kane could have gotten a 4-piece nugget to satisfy his drunken munchies.

Look, Kane obviously had to have been wasted to pull a stunt like. He's a new, young star in his hometown out for a night with his buddies and probably had one too many Pabsts. But the timing of this embarrassing moment is quite ironic; coming just two days after taking part in a ceremony with Buffalo Mayor, Byron W. Brown, to announce funding for a new skating rink. Mayor Brown even went out on a thing limb calling Kane a "hometown hero". How many cabbies has newly retired Jeremy Roenick hit in the streets of Boston? While I'm thinking of it, how many bum fights has Mario Lemieux been apart of? Maybe Mayor Brown should wait until Kane grows up a bit before anointing him a "hometown hero".

Big Papi Breaks Silence After Yankees Break Sox in 15

ESPN.com- David Ortiz believes then-legal supplements and vitamins likely caused him to land on a 2003 list of alleged drug users seized by the federal government, and Major League Baseball and the players' association said some of the players on the list never tested positive for performance-enhancing substances.

MLB said in a statement Saturday that 96 urine samples, at most, tested positive in the 2003 survey -- and the players' association said 13 of those were in dispute.

The government seized the samples and records of 104 players from baseball's drug-testing companies in 2004 as part of the BALCO investigation into Barry Bonds and others. The list of players said to have tested positive, attached to a grand jury subpoena, is part of a five-year legal fight, with the union trying to force the government to return what federal agents took during raids.

"I definitely was a little bit careless back in those days when I was buying supplements and vitamins over the counter -- legal supplements, legal vitamins over the counter -- but I never buy steroids or use steroids," Ortiz said during a news conference that began about 3½ hours before his Boston Red Sox played the New York Yankees.

"I never thought that buying supplements and vitamins, it was going to hurt anybody's feelings."

I don't know about anyone else, but does something smell kinda fishy here? Where was the MLBPA's defense for Alex Rodriguez or Sammy Sosa? Because from what I saw today, Ortiz used the same "I've made some mistakes in my past" act as everyone prior to him. And at this point, I don't believe anything these athletes say. In this day and age we might be able to get every angle of access to an athlete, but we never know what they do behind closed doors. Everything Michael Weiner had prepared for the press conference was completely plausible.

So at the end of the day Ortiz apologized for making mistakes in his past but, denied using or ever buying steroids. He effectively turned himself into a walking contradiction. Amazing.

Going from bad to worse...Alex Rodriguez was hero in last night's epic 15-inning duel at the stadium. Nothing like October baseball in August to really get you jacked up. Despite the loss, the game totally lived up to the bill of a heavyweight bout. Two friends and former teammates, now leading their teams in the biggest rivalry in sports, face off under the bright lights and brutal scrutiny of New York City. That shit is right out of a movie! But Beckett and Burnett did not disappoint as they both masterfully carved through their opposing lineups.

But the outcome was hardly one of Hollywood story-book endings. The Evil Empire came out victorious behind the prodigal son of the Dark Side, Alex Rodriguez.

A depleted pitching staff, anemic offense, surging Yankees, lying heroes, repressed memories of the 2006 Boston Massacre returning. I think we all could use a little pick me up from Brazilian bombshell, Adriana Lima. You're welcome.

Epstein, Sox Give Smoltz an Assigment

ESPN.com- John Smoltz may have thrown the last pitch of his storied career.

The Boston Red Sox cut the struggling Smoltz on Friday, a day after the New York Yankees sent the 42-year-old righty to yet another early exit.

Smoltz is taking some time to mull his options -- and one option is returning to the minors for Boston, in an effort to transition into a relief role, ESPN baseball analyst Eduardo Perez reports.

Smoltz, 42, met with Red Sox GM Theo Epstein. His base salary is $5.5 million, and on top of that, according to the terms of his contract, Smoltz was receiving about $35,000 for every day he's on the roster. The Red Sox have the option of passing Smoltz through waivers and assuming he won't get claimed. He could conceivably be called up late to pitch out of the Boston bullpen. (for full story go here: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4384410)

What's the assignment Theo gave him? Pack up your shit. Grab your cane. Move to Florida and reap the benefits of your AARP card. I'm sorry but this has been long over due. The guy just doesn't have it anymore. Smoltz and the Red Sox claim that he still has it mentally, but the transfer physically just isn't the same.

Well he can pitch a perfect game in his mind for some other team because he hasn't been pulling his weight since he's been called up. The only start that resembled even a glimmer of the John Smoltz of the '90s was a rain-out game against the Triple-A Orioles.

The Red Sox are in the middle of 20-game stretch that features some of the top teams in the AL (2-Tampa, 7-New York, 4-Detroit, 3-Texas, 4-Chicago). They need all the help they can get. With Matsuzaka still waiting to come off his 3-month period, Clay Buchholz searching for his balls, and Brad Penny thriving in the world of mediocrity our once hearty pitching staff is looking rather emaciated.

A suggestion? Bring up stud pitching prospect Michael Bowden. C'mon we didn't get Halladay, and no one else is stepping up. Why not hand the ball over to a young gun, where it is a little harder to get scouting information for opposing hitters? How many times have the professional hitters in the Red Sox lineup been fooled by young pitching? Some of the pitchers haven't even been good! Stick the kid out there and let him earn his licks. Hell, it can't be too hard to match Buchholz's numbers.

And as far as Smoltz goes: Hey, it was a good try. Theo signed him knowing he was going to be a project, and got a former Cy Young winner and a pitcher with the most postseason wins for next to nothing. There's been a slew of pitchers to change teams at the twilight of their careers and not produce. He just can't perform at a level that is expected out of the fans of the Nation. But who knows, maybe he has a future in the 8th inning...

The Fall of the Greatest Right-Handed Hitter of My Generation

After a heated debate with my roommate and New York counterpart,let's cal him New York Mike, I've come to a conclusion. Despite the sorrow of seeing such a likable guy such as Ortiz dragged down by PEDs, Manny Ramirez testing positive twice in a span of 6 years is insulting. Ramirez, a sure-fire first ballot Hall-of-Famer, was suspended 50 games earlier this season for PEDs and now this. Yes, we already knew he was using before the New York Times broke the story, but does that mean he should be getting a free pass?

In the words of New York Mike, "Absolutely, unequivocally no!" He cheated the system before there was a penalty in place, and he cheated the system after it was in place. Who's to say that he wasn't on steroids his entire career? We all fell for his overused act of "Manny being Manny", me especially.

When the story broke of Ramirez's 50-game suspension, I took a path of dejection. I wrote about how I grew up loving Manny and his care-free attitude towards the game. When he was disgruntled off-season after off-season, I was there to defend him. When he was put on waivers in 2003, no one was happier he stayed. Even when he left his bat on his shoulder in New York and faked an injury to get out of Boston I wanted him here. There was no doubting the guy's production, and that's what was most important to me. But when his production is based on sticking a needle in your ass (or however its done) I can't support that. Like a loose girlfriend, fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice, well it looks like I'm the dumb ass.

Manny has made his career out of fooling people. It's believed that he would purposely be "fooled" on pitches hoping to see the same pitch in upcoming at-bats only to crush them. Coincidentally, he was fooling everyone else as well. Of my generation (circa 1987) name me a more feared right-handed hitter than Manny. A-Rod? Perhaps, but also a user. Pujols? Probably. But Manny is arguably the best amongst them all. Look at his career stats:

• .314 batting average
• .411 on-base percentage
• 1.005 OPS (slugging + on-base)
• 539 home runs
• 1,765 runs batted in
• 20 grand slams
• Had more RBI (165) than games played (147) in '99
• 28 postseason home runs
• 74 postseason runs batted in

Why is Manny not the one getting the bad press? David Ortiz is a great player, but a Hall-of-Famer? No. Manny pulled the wool over our eyes with his lackadaisical antics and off-point anecdotes. He lulled us into a realm where we were dreaming of 2-out doubles off the Green Monster and opposite field homers wrapping around Pesky's Pole.

But it was all a dream. An artificially enhanced dream of a man who is only a caricature of his form self. Once able to look beyond his quirky off-the-field antics because of his superior on-the-field production, I cannot anymore.

Manny Ramirez is dead to me. Once my favorite player, Ramirez is now exiled from my heart. He not only betrayed the integrity of the game, but betrayed the trust and support of his fans.
Congratulations Manny, you have officially torn up your path to Cooperstown. It's just too bad it took bull-headed New York Mike to make me realize it.

David Ortiz: Summer of Sin

It's been a sad Summer for the Improper Sportsonian. The self-proclaimed "Masshole" has spent his summer vacation engulfed by obnoxious Yankee fans, delusional Met fans, 20-something Guidos who drink enough Redbulls to kill a baby elephant, and fake girls whose only worry of their summer is how bronze their skin tone is. Yup, that's right. I have chosen to spend my summer on Long Island. I swear I had to be free-basing meth when I thought that would be a good idea.

So what better way to recharge your batteries than to spend a few weeks in the little slice of heaven that is Cape Cod. It's going to be perfect. I'll see some people, go to the beach, watch the Sox, maybe even catch a Cape League game. It'll be just what the doctor ordered. Hell, even the ride back was at a brisk 3-hour, 45-minute pace. This was meant to be.

BUT I, and many sports fans alike, failed to see the dark storm brewing over 1 Yawkey Way. On the eve of baseball's equivalent to Christmas The New York Times played the role of the Grinch, breaking a story that in 2003, Red Sox sluggers Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz highlighted the list of about 100 MLB players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Wow. That hurt just typing the words. The story was a spring board for journalists, reporters, bloggers, and anyone with an opinion to bash a team that has been charmed this century with winning.

But this news was far more heinous for Ortiz, arguably the league's most marketable figure. Ortiz had painted himself into this larger-than-life teddy bear character, Big Papi. Lifted from the mediocrity in the midwest, Big Papi began bashing baseballs in Boston and did so with a smile on his face. He was loved by teammates, feared by pitchers, and jeered by opposing fans. It was his childlike approach to the game that helped the Red Sox turn the corner from lovable, hard-luck losers to perinneal pennant chasers. And on his way to winning a World Series in 2004, he became an ambassador of the league; being the top vote-getter in all-star games, endless commercials deals, visiting foreign countries to extend the game of baseball to the less fortunate.

This past February he even spoke out against steroid users, saying that all current users should be slapped with a one-year ban. He even went as far as to say that he was caught, he'd bring shame to his family name, team, and the league. Talk about foot-in-mouth syndrome.

Well, it looks like he learned his lesson of speaking too soon. Since the report came out he has yet to speak to reporters about such accusations, only saying "You know me. When I find out all the details you will know as well." I'm sorry David, but do we really know you? The David Ortiz I know didn't cheat his way to the top. The David Ortiz I know would not back down and cower when adversity would stare him in the face (I mean did you see Games 4 and 5?!?). But that's exactly my point. How well do we know our favorite athletes. The answer is we don't. We, as sports fans, fall in love with the athlete on the field, but have no idea who that person is when the jersey is not on. Or what they did to become that good with the jersey on in the first place.

I have been blessed to have not only seen two World Series victories, but to have seen them in my youth. And as a teenager watching these Red Sox teams of the new millennium I drew a lot of parallels to life during the awkward years: being bullied by upper classmen (the Yankees), losing out on a date with the hot cheerleader (Jose Contreras, Giambi, A-Rod, Texiera), and growing out of the pimply-faced nerd and in to a legitimate sex machine that can compete with the rest (2004 & 2007 World Series).

To hear that the most feared 3-4 combination in the league was juicing is hard to swallow. Despite the exaggerated efforts of Yankee fans, this does not and will not diminish the championships in '04 and '07. Granted Ortiz was the ALCS MVP and Ramirez the World Series MVP, there were many other intricate players involved: Dave Roberts and his stealing of second base, Curt Schilling and the folklore of his blood sock, the bullpen-anchored by Keith Foulke- pitching lights out, Johnny Damon's 2-homer performance in Game 7, Derek Lowe winning every clinching game of the postseason. It was truly a team effort and to take that away from those players is a disservice and a dis-justice to them.

Pedro Martinez, who has never seen a microphone he didn't like, had this to say on the topic: "There's no crying in baseball. We won in 2004. That's it. Are you going to tell me that the other guys, who used it on other teams are now whining? They used it, too." He's right, how tainted can the Sox be if everyone was using? If that's the case then everyone is playing on the same jacked-up field.

If this is story has told us anything, it's that no one can be trusted...except for Jose Canseco, of course. He seems to have been right about everything. Anyone who has played before the new steroid regime is suspect.