A Little of This, A Little of That Pt. 2

None of this deserves its own full posting, so I present a smattering (smorgasbord, even?) of some sports related information.

(ed. note:  maybe I really am this dense, but it took me nearly a month to figure out the "NOT funny" comment after the last post in response to an opposite day video. well done, sir.)

• According to the New York Daily News, the formerly inaccurate throwing and dog-slaying Michael Vick is looking for a book deal.  A memoir, of sorts.  First of all, I never got the idea of people trying to write stories about themselves before they've finished their careers (or, in his case, life in the public eye as a future playing career remains up in the air).  Second, who wants to read about this guy, or his life?  Chapter One...Why Didn't Roddy White Catch Like That For Me?...Chapter Two...Fido Had It Coming...Chapter Three...Pretend Remorse in an Attempt To Get Out Of Bankruptcy...
• I never could stand Mark Cuban, ever.  I realize what he does that is good, that if he was the owner of my favorite team, I'd love him.  But, he owns the team I hate, he's constantly running his mouth, and he never shuts up about the referees.  This time, it came on Twitter, where he complained about something else the refs screwed up for him.  Here's what I want.  I want Cuban to go out there and ref a game of any kind, at any level.  Rec basketball, high school, college.  A quarter, a half, a game.  Anything.  Go and do that, and once your done, let me know how much complaining you want to do.  I'm not saying referees are infallible, but, jeez already, give them a break.
• You can look at Dontrelle Willis' recent DL-stint for a blood related anxiety disorder in two ways.  First and foremost, it's a bit sad how far he's fallen, if only because he's a guy that not much was expected of when he first started playing pro ball, and then in a few short years won 22 games.  And, unlike so many other pro athletes, Willis legitimately seems like a really nice, likeable guy.  The leg kick, the smile, the fact that he could hit better than most Marlins at the time.  The whole bit.  So, if only for those reasons, to see a guy that was dominating the National League only a few years ago not be able to get guys out in Single A is a bit depressing.  The other side of things is, I wonder how much of his recent DL trip is a "I walked nearly twice as many guys as I struck out last year" thing, as opposed to a disorder thing.  Not that I doubt the results of the test, but, somehow I feel like if he had rediscovered his command, he'd have found a way into that 5th spot this year, and not on the DL.
• I love the guy, but, shouldn't this be a good thing?
• Saw this on the BLS on Yahoo.  Not sure who Fredi Gonzalez thinks he is having all of his players get hair cuts, but I guess I see the point of trying to make the clubhouse a bit more professional.  Then again, I think it's fair to say that if a player (ahem, Hanley) decides wearing a "I'm Sick of This S**t" t-shirt is the grown-up way to handle things, maybe Gonzalez isn't so far off base.

Hump Day Headlines

In this week's Hump Day Headlines, we discuss the Netherlands shocking upset of the Dominicans, LaDainian Tomlinson's choice to stick with San Diego, Roger Clemens' roiding, and what Cleveland State's win means for the NCAA bubble...

• Apparently they play baseball in the Netherlands. Who knew? Actually, the team is comprised of a lot of players from Dutch Territories and a couple players who's ancestry may have included someone who knew someone Dutch. Either way, their stunning upsets of the Dominican Republic have sent La Republica home and Rik Smits' countrymen to the second round in Miami. The Dominican team had a team loaded with major league superstars, such as Jose Reyes, Hanley Ramirez, David Ortiz and Miguel Tejada. The Netherlands had, who, exactly? Some guy named Kingsale, Sidney Ponson, and a man better known for beating running sausages than anything else. Talk about your David vs. Goliath type match-up. La Republica's roster was collectively making more than $83 million, while the Dutchmen were making a combined $0.4 million. There were 23 major-leaguers on the Dominican team, and just two on the Netherlands. The fact that David was able to win twice though really is something. The Dominicans were a favorite to win the World Baseball Classic, and why not? They had a team full of stars! How is it that a team with six pitchers I've never heard of combined to shut down a lineup filled with not only major league players, but star players last night? Unreal. Maybe the Dutch will start playing more baseball, which I guess is one of Bud Selig's goals: globalize the game.
• Ladainian Tomlinson is returning to the Chargers after all. The star running back must really love playing in San Diego, because I'm not sure I could work for an arrogant jerk like GM A.J. Smith. Then again, with the weather and the Pacific Ocean in the backdrop I could probably be persuaded. So could Tomlinson too, apparently, as team president Dean Spanos was apparently able to smooth over the strained relationship between the running back and the organization. This ultimately allowed the restructuring of Tomlinson's contract to happen. He'll make a bit more than back up back Darren Sproles, who was franchised this off season. This deal had to happen for the Chargers. If Tomlinson wanted out the Chargers just wouldn't be as good. Granted, Tomlinson's numbers weren't all-world last year like they usually are. But he's crucial to a team that has flirted with greatness in the AFC for awhile now. Good job by the Chargers, and by Tomlinson for getting the deal done.
• Here's a story that's not surprising. Federal authorities found that the syringes, vials and gauze pads used on Roger Clemens that Brian McNamee supplied investigators all had performance enhancing drugs on them. Shocking! As we have mentioned before, there was no reason for McNamee to lie, because the man just doesn't want to live his life behind bars. Clemens on the other hand, could end up behind bars, since he has denied steroid use under oath. The Rocket still maintains that he was only injected with lidocaine and B-12. Apparently that's not the case, according to these tests, and the DNA found in the blood on the syringes (reported February 6th int he Washington Post). "I assumed, and I am not surprised, that the tests were positive for both DNA and for performance-enhancing drugs, because that's what Brian said all along, and there's not much doubt that Brian's been telling the truth," Richard Emery, the attorney for McNamee told the AP. "The confirmation of that fact, once again, just seems to me to be another significant step towards jail for Clemens." I agree.
• With Cleveland State's win over 17th-ranked Butler, two Horizon league teams will be heading to the NCAA tournament. That means bad news for the bubble dwellers, who can only hope this week that as few surprise teams as possible force their way into the field of 65. Other than their big win over Syracuse on that 60-foot 3-pointer in December, Cleveland State's tournament resume wasn't good enough to make the dance otherwise. Their other quality wins were against...well, nobody. So now teams like Florida, South Carolina, Kentucky, Northwestern, San Diego State and the like will need to make big moves in their conference tournaments, even more so now than before. And they'll have to sweat out every conference championship the rest of the week. The next few days are why we love college basketball. Teams are fighting for that chance to dance. And then next week begins the glory that is the tournament, with non-stop basketball action for four straight days. Ahh how I love it.
• Bonus Point: Did anyone see that Tennessee football coach Lane Kiffin told a recruit that if he goes to the University of South Carolina he'll end up pumping gas like everyone else there? I've said in the past Lane Kiffin is a moron. I don't think I need to say it again, do I? This guy better win a lot of games for those rocky toppers down there. If he doesn't, what a total loser this guy is.

30 Teams in 30 Days

Florida Marlins: The Young and the Talented

(Over the next 30 days, BERNing on Sports will be previewing every team in the Majors, yes, even the Royals. Only one a day, every day, so try not to get too hooked)

Don't Do It Again

Every year experts seem to discount the Marlins as legitimate playoff contenders, because they're "too young" or "too inexperienced" to compete. And while the Marlins haven't appeared in the playoffs since the 2003 campaign (yes, I know who they beat to get there so I'll spare you from having to take that obvious shot at me) they competed for a playoff spot until the end despite expectations in 2008. Last year they went 84-77, and finished 5.5 games out of the Wild Card, and they hit the third most home runs in baseball (208). This team has a ton of power (more on that in a minute) and a young pitching staff. It never seems like they're going to compete, but don't count them out.

Bombs Away

As previously mentioned, last year's Marlins hit the 3rd most home runs in Major League Baseball. And that's impressive, especially when you consider the cavern that is Dolphin Stadium where they play 81 home games. Three Marlins hitters clubbed more than 30 home runs last year (Hanley Ramirez, Dan Uggla, Mike Jacobs) and Jorge Cantu ripped 29 homers. Jacobs has moved on to baseball's abyss, err, the Royals. But this year's group still seems poised to pack some punch. They'll still have Ramirez, Cantu and Uggla in the lineup and Cody Ross too, who hit 22 dingers last year. And I have a feeling that Jeremy Hermida is going to have a breakout year. Maybe 30 home runs from the former 1st round pick. Not my only bold prediction for this preview, by the way.

Pitching Fishy

Last year the Marlins pitching staff was in the bottom 11 in ERA, posting a 4.43 team ERA. That mark also pegged them the 11th best pitching staff out of 16 NL teams. Not so great. Other concerning facts? They walked the 10th most batters in the majors (586) a year ago. They lost their closer to the Cubs bullpen (Kevin Gregg) and now have Matt Lindstrom moving into the role after he comes back from pitching for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. With that name you'd think Lindstrom plays hockey, but in fact he is a relief pitcher. The starting staff is young, and each of their guys has shown promise at one point or another, but for the Marlins to make the playoffs this year they'll need to get these guys to win more games than they ever have. Lead by 15-game winner Ricky Nolasco, the other young guns will have to follow his lead. Assuming health, Josh Johnson could rack up 15 wins this year, considering in just 14 starts last year he went 7-1. After that though, that's where it gets shaky. Anibal Sanchez really struggled last year, and has just four wins over the past two injury plagued years. Chris Volstad and Andrew Miller will need to be solid on the back end as well.

Maybe Maybin

Cameron Maybin has been a top ten prospect in Baseball America for a couple of years now. So it's time to see how good this guy really is. He's going to get the chance to start in center field, by all accounts, and is supposed to be a five-tool guy. I know, I know. Most of these so-called five-tool guys don't ever work out. But maybe Maybin will be the shot in the arm that Florida needs if they want to make a run at the post season in 2009. I wouldn't be shocked to see a batting average around .280, an on base percentage around .360, and maybe 15 homers and 25 steals.

Bold Prediction

Ricky Nolasco will finish in the top five in the National League Cy Young voting at season's end. Trust me. This guy is dirty. He's going to have a monster year.

Up Next...Monday, Nationals