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      Berkman willing to approve trade

      June 5, 2010 /

      According to Jon Heyman, the Astros’ Lance Berkman would accept a trade. Of course, Berkman’s recipient would need to be cool with picking up his $15 million option for next season, which doesn’t appear likely. There aren’t many teams in need of a mediocre first baseman with dipping power numbers.

      Nevertheless, Heyman states the Angels might bite if Berkman drops the option. Yeah, he looks like a lummox, but I don’t think Berkman is that dumb. If he’s fine with leaving Houston he can just play for a new contract next year while earning a ridiculous sum.

      Still, the Angels scenario is intriguing considering the injury to Kendry Morales. If Morales is indeed out for the year, the Angels will need somebody to replace his power at first base. Although Berkman is hitting a discouraging .260, he’s starting to pick it up and should finish with around 25 home runs.

      In the end, I say Berkman is good for a couple of solid Angel prospects. If the Angels decide to go this route, the Astros would emerge the real victors given their feeble farm system.


      Photo from fOTOGLIF

      External Sports, MLB

      Garrett Wittels hit streak put on hold

      June 5, 2010 /

      Florida International’s Garrett Wittels extended his Division 1 hit streak to 56 games today, which brings him within two of Robin Ventura. However, FIU’s 15-9 loss in a Coral Gables elimination game means the team’s season is over. Wittels will have to wait till next year to restart the streak.

      From The Miami Herald:

      Infielder Garrett Wittels doubled in the top of the first inning to extend his history-chasing hitting streak to 56 games.

      Wittels, who hit in every game he played this year, will go into the offseason two games shy of the Division I record hitting streak, set by Oklahoma State’s Robin Ventura in 1987.

      I’ve always been a fan of the hit streak because it’s plainly remarkable that so few players are able sustain one for any dramatic length of time. I often like to examine baseball’s peculiarities with the way someone apathetic toward baseball might think about the game.

      Apathetic Friend: You mean they get about four chances a game to get a hit?

      Me: Yeah, four. Maybe five.

      Apathetic Friend: Five? Are you serious? And all they have to do is just hit the ball far enough away from the other team and touch one of those bags?

      Me: Pretty much.

      Apathetic Friend: That seems so easy.

      On paper, it does seem easy. Really, how the hell do some of these guys hit under .250 when half their job is learning how to become a better batter? It’s quite unsettling when you look at it in Laymen terms.

      In the history of professional baseball only one player has recorded a hit streak over 50 games (Joe DiMaggio, 56). Only four have hit streaks in the forties. Obviously, it’s difficult to even connect for a simple single when facing pitchers with the nastiest stuff with a game. It’s not like hitters get to face Kevin Millwood each time they step into the batter’s box. It just doesn’t happen.

      So Wittels streak, even at the collegiate level, is commendable. We’ll have to wait and see if all this recent attention propels him into the MLB Draft.

      External Sports

      2010 Belmont Stakes Predictions

      June 5, 2010 /

      I’m feeling pretty good after nailing Lookin at Lucky to win the Preakness and predicting that First Dude would finish in the money. So let’s see if I can’t flub up my picks for the Belmont Stakes, which starts tonight at 6:30PM ET.

      Win: Fly Down (5/1)
      The more and more I look at this horse and his odds, the more I love him to win tonight. He’s already beaten First Dude (who I loved as a sleeper in the Preakness) twice in his career and is coming off a victory at Belmont Park on May 8 (the G2 Dwyer). He also has three wins in his last four races, although it’s worth noting that he finished ninth the only time he didn’t win in those four outings. Still, all of Fly Down’s races have come on dirt and he obviously knows Belmont well. He’s my pick to click tonight.

      Place: First Dude (4/1)
      I have a soft spot for First Dude, who I picked to come in third at the Preakness even though he was a 22/1 long-shot. As I wrote a couple of weeks ago, I think there’s something special about this horse and if he isn’t worn out from his excellent outing at the Preakness, then I think he’ll finish in the money. Will he beat out a well-rested Ice Box (second at the Kentucky Derby)? It’s tough to say, but I think First Dude will be out in front at some point and if he has enough left in the tank, he should make the board.

      Show: Drosselmeyer (12/1)
      This is my dark horse (pun definitely intended, which is why I wrote it) for tonight. He’s improved in each of his last three outings dating back to the G2 Risen Star at Fair Grounds Race Course on February 20, and is coming off a sharp prep at the Dwyer (where he finished second to Fly Down). I think his running style suits the Belmont and as long as there isn’t a quick pace set early, I think he’ll hang at the end.


      Photo from fOTOGLIF

      External Sports, horse racing

      Hornets hire Monty Williams

      June 5, 2010 /

      Portland Trail Blazers assistant coach Monty Williams will be the next head coach of the New Orleans Hornets, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein.

      The New Orleans Hornets quickly reached an agreement Friday night with Portland Trail Blazers assistant coach Monty Williams to be their next head coach after Boston Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau withdrew from consideration earlier in the day, according to sources close to the situation.

      Sources told ESPN.com that Williams’ deal will be made official no later than Saturday after Thibodeau, who was offered New Orleans’ job last week, informed the Hornets that he plans to pursue opportunities with the Chicago Bulls and New Jersey Nets.

      Williams’ coaching stock has risen quickly after he got his start in San Antonio under Gregg Popovich during the Spurs’ 2004-05 championship season. He joined the Blazers in August 2005 as an assistant to Nate McMillan and took on added responsibility this season when an Achilles injury restricted McMillan’s mobility on the bench during games.

      ESPN.com reported Thursday that the Hornets, even had Thibodeau accepted their offer, were hoping to hire Williams as an associate head coach to Thibodeau.

      Well, hopefully this makes Chris Paul happy, because the near-term success of the franchise depends on him.

      External Sports, Fantasy Basketball, NBA, News, Rumors & Gossip

      Ricky Rubio still on track to join NBA

      June 5, 2010 /

      Kurt Rambis and GM David Kahn traveled to Europe and met with Rubio. Apparently, Rubio and Rambis hit it off, at least according to Kahn, who wants this to work in the worst way.

      Ricky Rubio was impressed with Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis when they met for the first time last week, and the 19-year-old point guard told friends that “he can envision playing for Kurt.”

      That’s what Wolves Vice President David Kahn said on Friday after returning from a weeklong scouting trip to Europe.

      Rubio’s arrival won’t happen for at least another year, but he told the Associated Press in Barcelona, Spain, that he has warmed to the notion of playing in Minnesota: “They have the best possibility because they hold my rights, and they’ve shown me how much they want me,” he said. “And for that, I have to be thankful toward them.”

      Rubio still plans to join the NBA after next season. It looks like the chances are pretty good that he eventually plays for the T-Wolves.

      External Sports, Fantasy Basketball, NBA, NBA Draft, News, Rumors & Gossip

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