Month: October 2008 (Page 6 of 88)

      Chiefs release statement about Larry Johnson

      October 30, 2008 /

      The Kansas City Chiefs say that Larry Johnson won’t be in uniform on Sunday, regardless of whether or not he’s suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

      Larry JohnsonEarlier in the week, Chiefs president Carl Peterson released a statement that revealed that Kansas City has no plans to play Johnson Sunday or probably anytime soon.

      “The case with Larry Johnson has been and continues to be in the hands of the NFL office in New York. We will defer further comment on the matter until that process has run its due course and the league has concluded its own independent investigation.

      “As we have previously indicated, it is in the best interest of both Larry and the Chiefs that Larry focuses his attention on addressing his personal issues. At present, we do not believe Larry can contribute to our team on the field until those issues are resolved.”

      Johnson still might play again this season. But it will not be before he can get his mind and focus squarely on football. Right now, the Chiefs feel like that is to difficult to do.

      You have to appreciate the way the Chiefs are handling this situation. They’re not allowing a star to receive special treatment and they’re making an example out of him. The Kansas City franchise is a mess right now, but they’re taking the right steps to hopefully insure a brighter future. Whether that future contains Larry Johnson is another story right now.

      Fantasy Football, NFL

      World Series Morning After

      October 30, 2008 /

      – Phil Sheridan writes that 28 years later, the Phillies are again baseball’s best. (Philadelphia Inquirer)

      – J Posnanki says that even as winners, Philadelphians stay in character (and that’s not a compliment). (Kansas City Star)

      – Kevin Blackistone writes that baseball needs a shorter season. (AOL Sports)

      – Jim Caple calls for more suspended Series games. (ESPN)

      – John Romano writes that in just one year, the Rays changed everything. (St. Petersburg Times)

      – Marc Lancaster notes that just two days later, the Phillies finished the job. (Tampa Tribune)

      – Tim Brown says that the Rays just can’t grasp losing. (Yahoo! Sports)

      MLB

      Take Five: Phillies win 2008 World Series

      October 29, 2008 /

      Philadelphia PhilliesThe 2008 World Series had a little of everything. It had a team that hadn’t played in the Fall Classic in over a decade, another that was making its first ever appearance and two starving sports cities dying for something to finally cheer about. Throw in not one, but three separate weather delays and baseball fans were treated to one of the more bizarre Series in some time. And thanks to their 4-3 Game 5 victory, the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays four games to one to win the 2008 World Series.

      Below are five observations from the 2008 World Series.

      1. The team with more momentum didn’t win. After beating the Boston Red Sox in a thrilling seven game ALDS, the Tampa Bay Rays steamrolled into the Fall Classic with all of the momentum. But maybe the ALDS took too much out of them, because the big “mo” didn’t play a factor in this Fall Classic. The Phillies disposed of the Dodgers rather easily in the NLDS and obviously had no issues getting back up for the Rays.

      2. The AL didn’t dominate in the end. Baseball pundits liked to wax poetically throughout the season about how the American League has more dominant pitchers, better lineups and more complete teams. But the Rays, who arguably had the better pitching, the better lineup and more complete team, couldn’t measure up. While Philadelphia might not have had the better club according to all the so-called experts, they proved it all comes down to execution.

      3. The Phillies had to deal with the weather too. Obviously the weather had an effect on the Rays’ performance. They weren’t used to playing that late in October and especially not in cold climates like the ones they faced in Philly. But it’s not like the Phillies played in that kind of weather year round. The rain and cold could have had an affect on both teams, but only one was in the end.

      4. Cole Hamels is unbelievable. Hamels played the role of Josh Beckett in this year’s postseason in that he was absolutely un-hittable. He rebounded from a shaky 2007 postseason and shined like a true ace when the Phillies needed one the most.

      5. Phillies-Rays killed the causal fan. The Phillies and Rays deserved to play in the Fall Classic because they earned it. They were the best teams in their respective leagues and nobody can take away their accomplishments. That said, this was a boring Series for the causal fan. While it was fun to root for the underdog Rays and a Phillies team that was going after their first title in 28 years, there wasn’t much to tune into. There was no team to root against like the Yankees or Red Sox. There was no crazy character to follow like Manny Ramirez. This Series flat out lacked some luster, but then again – too bad. The Red Sox didn’t deserve to be there; nor did the Yankees. The Phillies and Rays did and in the end, that’s all that matters.

      MLB

      All is Forgiven, Mitch Williams

      October 29, 2008 /

      WilliamsThe Wall Street Journal recently did a nice piece about Mitch Williams, the former Philadelphia Phillies closer who gave up the Game 6 homerun to Joe Carter of the Blue Jays in the 1993 World Series. The town scapegoat has since shaken off the persona in the wake of the Phillies’ current success. You can now hear “Wild Thing” on Comcast SportsNet in Philadelphia as well as buy his signature salsas and cheese dips.

      Mr. Williams has fared far better than many of baseball’s other well-known goats. In 1908, New York Giant Fred Merkle neglected to advance from first base to second on an apparent game-winning hit by a teammate, and was forced out at second base as he celebrated, costing his team the pennant. He was ridiculed for decades for his blunder, and didn’t attend old-timer celebrations at the Polo Grounds until 1950.

      Bill Buckner of the Red Sox let a crucial ground ball go through his legs in the 1986 World Series, leading to his team’s eventual loss. He has spent his retirement in Idaho. Only this year did the Fenway Park faithful forgive him, with a standing ovation when he threw out the first pitch at the home opener.

      Sometimes, the fallout is tragic. Donnie Moore of the California Angels gave up a ninth-inning home run in 1986 when his team was one strike away from advancing to the World Series. The Red Sox won that game and two more to take the pennant. Three years later, he shot his wife and committed suicide.

      Mr. Williams was not a classic closer. Most pitchers brought in late in games to shut down the other team have stellar control and allow few base runners. Mr. Williams’s pitching style didn’t inspire confidence. The rugged, 6-foot-4-inch fireballer had a mullet and a violent delivery. When he threw, the top half of his body went one way, the bottom half another. He nearly tumbled off the mound with each pitch.

      I remember watching that game as a kid. It was the first time I had really seen anyone “blow it.” Event at that young an age, I could sense the doom Williams was feeling. It’s good to hear that Philadelphia, one of the toughest cities in sports, has welcomed his return to baseball.

      MLB

      Garrett Anderson: World Series Champion, Potential Hall of Famer, Unemployed

      October 29, 2008 /

      AndersonThe Los Angeles Times is reporting that the Los Angeles Angels have failed to pick up veteran outfielder Garrett Anderson’s $14 million option for next season. At 36, Anderson has spent his entire career with the Angeles, and leads the franchise in numerous categories including games (2,013), runs (1,024), hits (2,368) and RBIs (1,292).

      The Angels will pick up club options for right-hander John Lackey ($9 million) and outfielder Vladimir Guerrero ($15 million). But Anderson, a Los Angeles native who has never played for another organization, will be bought out of his contract for $3 million — though the team has not ruled out re-signing him as a free agent.

      “We’re going to continue talking with him,” General Manager Tony Reagins said of Anderson, who hit .293 with 15 home runs and 84 runs batted in last season, when he made $12 million. “He still wants to play. He still thinks he can play a significant role, as far as getting 500 or 600 at-bats. We just need to determine whether we have that place for him.”

      That determination might not be made until well into the winter, depending on the progress of trade talks and free agency. So while friends say Anderson would prefer to stay in Anaheim, he might be faced with a deadline to accept a deal from another team before the Angels are ready to offer him a job.

      Anderson has always been one of my favorite ball players. In his 14 seasons, the three-time All Star has put up consistent numbers, been a solid fielder, and helped the Angeles win a ring in 2002. On top of that, he was never involved in any of the steroid discussion and has never been anything but an agreeable team player with a desire to win. His loyalty to his team is unmatched in professional baseball. These days, players rarely remain on one team for their entire career. Other than Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada, I can’t think of any others off the top of my head. Even when Garrett was really hot from 2000-03, he refused to jump ship after being offered better contracts from other organizations.

      Unfortunately, I doubt the Angeles will sign him as a free agent. Chone Figgins may move into the outfield to make room for Brandon Wood at third base. That leaves outfielders Juan Rivera, Gary Matthews Jr., Vladimir Guerrero, and Garrett Anderson contending for a position. Since the Angeles are reportedly in the hunt for Matt Holiday, Anderson’s chances don’t look good, even with Guerrero in the DH spot.

      Fact is, Anderson is not a $14 million a year player, at least not anymore. At his age, he’s no Manny Ramirez, but he can still hit for 15 home runs and 80 RBIs a year. I think he’ll stay in the American League, signing for about $9-10million with a team looking for a solid bat.

      MLB

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