The Rant 7/29 (Special Saturday Edition)
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by user Ufgators
Hello everyone and welcome to the special Saturday edition of The Rant! It is here where we review the crazy occurances within the past week in the sports world and TV world. So, without further ado, lets take a look at the week in review:
- On America's Got Talent with Regis Philbin...wait! The Reege didn't refer to himself in third person! Maybe he has been reading my column? The bright spot of the evening was when Jurassic 5 performed. They are not thugs; they don't rap about how many women they've hooked up with, all the money they've got, etc. Jurassic 5 is a great hip-hop group that dresses great and puts on an even greater performance.
- Wilson Betemit was dealt to the Dodgers for Danys Baez. Some say this was a bonehead move for the Braves, but I say it was a fine move for a wildcard contender with a depleted bullpen. With the recent acquisition of Bob Wickman, the move further solidifies the one thing that has plagued the Braves for years. I say it was a good move, you say that Wilson Betemit was on the verge of a breakout. Right. The man has a .281 average, 9 homers, and 29 Ribbies in 88 games. In his last six games, he is 2-19 with two walks. The numbers prove that I'm right.
- K.C. Chiefs tackle Willie Roaf plans to retire. Roaf has protected QB's since 1993, and protecting the Chiefs since 2002. The 14 year veteran from Louisiana Tech has protected my Madden team for quite some time, and I think I speak for all of us when I wish him the best of luck in the future.
- There has been a lot of bashing towards Chris Berman this week. I think everyone needs to show some respect. There is no denying that he is a great broadcaster, as evidenced by such acheivements as: 12 CableACE Awards; 7 Emmy Awards; National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association National Sportscaster of the Year (1989, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1996, 2001); American Sportscasters Association Sportscaster of the Year (1995 through 1997); The Cable Guide Best Cable Sportscaster 1987, 1988, 1990; 1997 "TV's Most Fascinating Stars" from People; and 2001 Maxwell Football Club of Philadelphia Reds Bagnell Award. We all know he was the cause of the internet-phenomenon "You're with me, leather", and he has a nickname for every athlete EVER, but he has made great contributions to the sports world, and if anyone deserves to be bashed, its...
- Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick. He is an Idiot. Listen to me: When you are arguably the most exciting and recognizable quarterback in the NFL, you DO NOT date women with myspace accounts. Vick needs to grow up and set a freaking example for his younger brother. At least with Marcus Vick, you get a player who is willing to change his position to benefit his team (and he is being coached by Nick Saban, which is a plus). At the end of both of their careers, if the Dolphins use Marcus the right way, then Marcus Vick will have had a better career than Michael Vick.
- ACGM just recently made an article about the Top Ten Hitters Of All Time. Beloved user SteakSammich commented to me that "Power is a big part of hitting. Power is probably the biggest part of hitting. Rose and Gwynn do not deserve to be on this list." With all due respect to him, I believe that he couldn't be more wrong about Rose and Gwynn. Pete Rose, nicknamed the Hit King compiled a few hitting stats that should be recognized, such as:
- Most career hits (4,256)
- Most career games played (3,562)
- Most career at bats (14,053)
- Fifth in career runs (2,165)
- Most career total bases, switch-hitter (5,752) (sixth overall)
- Second in career doubles (746)
- 44-game hitting streak (tied for 2nd longest in history)
Tony Gwynn hit well above .300 in 19 STRAIGHT SEASONS and .289 in his first year (54 games) with the Padres. If these guys do not deserve to be among the top 7 hitters of all time, then something is wrong here.
- If I could impart some wisdom to the GM's of the Oakland A's and Washington Nats: Do not trade away your star players! The Oakland A's are by no means a bad team, and are even the division leaders! By trading away Barry Zito, you immediately throw away any hope of reaching the postseason, all the while continuing a streak of not retaining key players that have developed over the years. The Washington Nationals have a good, young core of players, and Alfonso Soriano is a fan favorite. Name one other player who is capable of going 40-40 this year? Soriano has a sexy swing and tremendous mechanics, and you can be sure the Nats won't get full value for him should they decide to trade him away. With the recent trade they made with the Reds, I think the Nationals are headed in the right direction, and are a few pitchers away from making a playoff push in the next few years.
I hope you've enjoyed the Saturday edition of The Rant, and hope you will continue to look forward to it each week as much as I look forward to writing it. Take care everyone, and have a great weekend!
Date
Sat 07/29/06, 6:07 pm EST
