With the results of the Mitchell Report revealed today, players across Major League Baseball can breathe a sigh of relief. Clearly, lots of players got a free pass.

Hours before the press conference, rumors were rampant about some of the names to be released. It was then in which I started to believe we were in for a bigger bombshell than originally expected.

A New York television station released a leaked list of players that were believed to be mentioned, but that list was later retracted after discrepencies were reported. In retrospect, the list was way off base.

George Mitchell provides evidence in his report that several players, including Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, Miguel Tejada, Paul Lo Duca, Eric Gagne, Gary Sheffield, and Troy Glaus purchased or used steroids or HGH. A number of other players were also listed.

The report changes nothing on my view of steroids or Major Leage Baseball, and I'm not quite sure what the investigation accomplished, except ruining the reputation of several ball players. Now, Roger Clemens gets a shadow over his career, while other players who have used performance enhancers - but were able to keep their name off the list - won't.

Only 1% of ball players were on the list, while around 7% tested positive a couple seasons ago. Many players went unnamed, and a select few will take the heat for them all.

In his press conference, Mitchell stated, "Baseball cannot afford to engage in a never-ending search for the names of every player who used illegal substances.'' Having said that, I'm not quite sure why he felt the need to release names at all.

So what's next? Andy Pettitte and Miguel Tejada have never tested postive. Will they be suspended for the first 15 games? Will this change the opinion of fans who support some of these players? Commissioner Selig said he would act appropriately for each individual case.

The evidence against Barry Bonds is quite underwhelming, but the public still ridicules him. If you don't support Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, or Sammy Sosa, will you now not support Roger Clemens?

Let's take a personal step back: if you don't believe Bonds is worthy of the Hall of Fame, then Roger Clemens isn't, either.

Gut check: either admit you were wrong about Bonds and change your opinion, or denounce every other player on this list, as well. Against what politicians say, you're entitled to change your mind.

If you think steroids is cheating, be consistent. You all know where I stand.

---

Photo courtesy of Richard Drew of the Associated Press.

Labels: Baseball, Sports, Steroids

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 12:18 AM | Permalink | Comments

Today, the Astros made a trade for Miguel Tejada. In return, Houston sent Luke Scott, Matt Albers, Troy Patton, Dennis Sarfate, and Mike Costanzo to the Baltimore Orioles.

5 for 1. Lopsided? It's probably a push.

My logic is simple. Let me explain.

Luke Scott is a fan favorite in Houston, probably because the fans don't believe he was given a fair chance to play everyday. With the arrival of Hunter Pence and the trade that brought Michael Bourn to play center, it was clear that Scott was on his way out. Rather the front office believed he was worthy of a starting job is irrelevant. With Carlos Lee intrenched in left field, Pence moving to his natural position in right field, and Michael Bourn's speed in center, Scott was the odd man out.

Troy Patton was our top prospect, but even he was expandable for the right deal. Was this the right deal? That remains to be seen.

Patton is a lefty with a fastball that tops out around 92 mph. He has a good command of his pitches, but his stuff doesn't blow you away. He's probably a third or fourth starter over his career, and it seems to be the general impression that he's never reached his full potential. With a history of slight shoulder problems, I wonder if the Astros organization was concerned with his durability.

Matt Albers is the pitcher that I'm concerned with losing. We've heard about his maturity issues over the years, but seen flashes of brilliance. He has great stuff, but it appears his work ethic won't allow him to completely develop. If he can gain better control, he can be a true stud in this league.

Dennis Sarfate was decent in the minors, but brilliant in his short time in the majors last September. 14 strikeouts and one walk over 8.1 innings had people asking if he could step in as the Astros closer. His control problems probably won't allow it this early, but with a fastball near 100 mph, the potential exists. It appears neither of his two former teams (Brewers & Astros) were convinced he'd be an impact player in the majors.

Mike Constanzo was acquired in the Brad Lidge trade, and the knock on him was terrible defense and a high strikeout rate. He's a power hitting third baseman with Adam Dunn-type potential: he'll hit a home run, strikeout, or walk in most of his at bats.

Miguel Tejada is 32-years old (9 months older than Adam Everett), and by no means has he lost his ability to hit. Last season was the first he's missed a single game in several years, meaning he's durable. When you get 140 less at-bats, your numbers are going to go down.

He brings energy to the clubhouse, helps the Astros with the Hispanic market, and should bring an element to the diamond that the team could use. He'll make everyone around him better.

Don't forget, Adam Everett had 8 errors in 66 games last season. Those numbers aren't very good, and translate into a bad defensive year. While he had one of the best defensive seasons in baseball history in 2006, he's an out machine at the plate.

Stop reading the message boards and get your information from a real source, like ESPN.com, FoxSports.com, or local papers. The Astros get knocked for giving up a lot. I say we gave up a couple good prospects (Albers, Sarfate, & Patton), a major league-ready outfielder who should be a role-player (Scott), and a throw-in (Costanzo).

The Astros got a lot better this week. Now lets find a proven pitcher.

Labels: Baseball, Houston Astros, Sports

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 1:09 AM | Permalink | Comments

On a day of thanks, I have plenty to appreciate.

I'm thankful for Tony Romo, Terrell Owens, Jason Witten, Marion Barber, and the Dallas Cowboys defense. Thank you, Jerry Jones, for putting together a team that wins.

Thank you, Jason Garrett, for running an offense that's exciting.

Thank you, Wade Phillips, for managing a team of stars, and helping build a defense that's improved week after week.

I'm also thankful for CBS, NBC, Fox, ESPN, and the NFL Network for broadcasting most of the Cowboys games across the country, and the local Denver affiliates for picking them up.

Finally, I'm thankful that the Cowboys are fun to watch again. It's been a while since we've had a quarterback that's entertained me, and a running back that's brought excitement to the Dallas backfield.

It's good to be a Cowboys fan.

Labels: Dallas Cowboys, Football, Sports

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 10:07 PM | Permalink | Comments

It appears I owe Alex Rodriguez an apology.

After Game 4 of the World Series, I blasted A-Rod for the announcement made by his agent to opt out of his record $252 million dollar contract to pursue an even bigger payday.

While the annoucement was disrespectful to baseball and all parties involved, new information has come to light, and it appears his agent Scott Boras was at the helm, not Rodriguez.

I'm still giving A-Rod some accountability - but does anyone really care about my opinion?

The bottom line is that we don't know what discussions went on between Boras and Rodriguez leading up to the moment in which he chose to opt out. Did A-Rod give his agent the green light to inform the Yankees? Did he tell Boras to wait until after the series, but his request wasn't heeded?

It was ultimately Alex's decision, and I still believe it's his responsibility, but the combination of Scott Boras and a leaky Yankees front office appear to be the biggest culprits.

On to other news of late:

• Continuing with Scott Boras, it appears he isn't having a good week.
  
  After A-Rod negotiated the outline of a contract with the Yankees without him, Kenny Rogers has decided he no longer needs his services.
  
• Ohio State and Michigan are about to kick off. Outside of Michigan, Ohio, and Bristol, Connecticut, does anyone care?
  
• What people should care about: just more than 24 hours away - Washington Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys!
  
• Everyone knows how I feel about Barry Bonds, but I'm not going to get worked up over the indictment -- yet!
  
  When Barry testified to the Grand Jury, he was given the opportunity to testify honestly about his steroid use and not be prosecuted, meaning he was offered immunity. According to the charges, he chose to lie instead.
  
  Forget the steroids - the government is claiming Bonds lied under oath. Not good.
  
  Here's my problem: Rafael Palmeiro was under oath in front of Congress and vehemently denied ever using performance enhancing drugs. Five months later, he was suspended for using steroids.
  
  If you go after Bonds, go after Palmeiro. Then the world won't feel like Barry's being singled out.
  
  But let's be clear: Bonds isn't in trouble for using steroids - he's in trouble for lying under oath. That's a big no-no.
  
• Ed Wade, the Astros new GM, hasn't been scared to change the franchise, trading away our closer and center fielder in waiting. We began the season with many needs, but one glaring need: a true #2 starter.
  
  Now we need a #2 starter and a closer.
  
  Show me whatcha got, Ed!
  
• And does anyone care that the 2007 MLS Cup will happen tomorrow morning? The New England Revolution will take on the Houston Dynamo! Give the MLS some love.
  

Labels: Alex Rodriguez, Baseball, Dallas Cowboys, Football, MLS, Soccer, Sports

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 9:51 AM | Permalink | Comments

I hate Eli Manning.

I hate watching the Giants on TV, with the camera pointed at Eli between snaps, receiving the play-call. His mouth is always wide open, with the retard look on his face.

Normally, I wouldn't imagine I could beat up an NFL player, but I'm fairly certain I could kick (Sh)Eli's ass.

So today, I took great pride in watching the Cowboys beat up a Giants football team, that everyone thought had a chance to win.

Little Mannning is a puss. Pressure him, and he'll back-peddle in the pocket. If you sack him, it's a 15-yard loss. Wanna see a real quarterback play? Watch the poise Tony Romo plays with. Pressure him, and he steps up in the pocket, and completes a 20-yard reception to one of several receivers.

Next week, the Cowboys get the Redskins -- one of my favorite days of the year.

Labels: Dallas Cowboys, Eli Manning, Football, Sports

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 9:47 PM | Permalink | Comments

Working for a company that owns several professional sports franchises is fantastic, and it's making me appreciate sports I never thought I'd follow.

Mainly hockey.

The Colorado Avalanche are a blast to watch, and luckily, we have a successful history (it's nice to say "we" and actually be a part of it).

My knowledge of the sport, however, is that of a neophyte.

Luckily, hockey fans aren't reserved when talking about their sport. They're very proud of their history, and are willing to discus the past and explain the rules with much gusto.

But will I ever fully understand the sport?

I'm most comfortable with baseball - the history, strategy, rules, etc; but growing up, I played baseball, and followed MLB very closely.

The question becomes: can a person fully understand the ideology of a sport without having played it?

I don't believe so.

Aristotle once said, "One must learn by doing the thing, for though you think you know it, you have no certainty until you try." So if you haven't tried - or played - you'll never know.

I'll buy that. I may learn hockey, but I can't imagine I'll every fully grasp the sport.

Labels: Colorado Avalanche, Hockey, Sports

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 11:30 PM | Permalink | Comments

Alex Rodriguez announced today that he will opt out of the remainder of his contract with the New York Yankees.

...and Mr. Arrogance couldn't have waited another 24 hours?

To clarify, A-Rod has a clause in his current contract allowing him to opt out and become a free agent, as long as he does so within 10 days of the end of World Series. Since the Sox completed the sweep tonight, the clock was set to begin now.

He decided he didn't want to wait. In the middle of Game 4, the announcement was made.

Personally, I'm upset with the absolute disrespect shown by Alex Rodriguez and his agent Scott Boras towards Major League Baseball, the Boston Red Sox, Colorado Rockies, New York Yankees, and all the fans.

While the biggest story in sports will be the Red Sox second World Series Championship in four years, ARod has found a way to include himself.

I'm not a Yankees fan, but they have a history of showing respect to the game, their players (with the exception of the recent Joe Torre debacle), and the fans. The Yankees are a class organization, and were ultimately given the finger by one of baseball's best player.

"Alex's decision was one based on not knowing what his closer, his catcher and one of his statured pitchers was going to do," Boras told the Associated Press. "He really didn't want to make any decisions until he knew what they were doing."

By "not" making a decision, I suppose he made a decision.

Jerk. If you want to opt out, do so; but have the respect to give the Red Sox their time to shine.

Right in the middle of the World Series celebration? I've been an A-Rod fan for a while... but I may need to rethink that.

Labels: Alex Rodriguez, Baseball, Sports, World Series

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 12:02 AM | Permalink | Comments

Working in sports ticket sales, I've learned that ticket prices aren't the enemy -- Ticketmaster is the enemy.

You buy a $25 ticket, your hammered with $8 - $10 in fees, per ticket. Now, a family of four pays $140 instead of the face value of $100.

I've said recently, that if I'm going to sporting events, I'm buying a package from the team.

So tonight I was thinking, why am I not a ticket holder for the Rockies?

I don't need an entire 81 games, but something that'll get me to the ballpark a few times a month. Why not? That way, when the playoffs roll around, I'm not a part of the Rockies inability to handle order processing.

Onto other things. Here are a few notes of interest:

• If you watched the ceremony to begin Game 3 of the World Series in Denver, you saw Carrie Underwood sang the National Anthem. It's become tradition to include a fly-by from the Air Force before major sporting events, but I noticed there wasn't one tonight. Being literally 67 miles from the Air Force Academy, it didn't make any sense.
  
  Until there was a fly-by.
  
  Here's how it works: the team's Game Operations department coordinates with the Academy at precisely what time the fly-by should commence. The anthem singer prepares her timing, and usually the jets fly over during the line "and the land of the free..." *fly-by* "...and the home of the brave." Anthem finished.
  
  Someone screwed up tonight. Because I live a few blocks away from the ballpark, we hear the fireworks, see the lights, etc. The fly-by happened during the first commercial break. Keep in mind, there's also a 10-second television delay.
  
• Anyone want to explain to me how Texas found their running game? Oh yeah... they played Nebraska.
  
• I hate when people pick on the MLS, so I commented.
  
• Astros fans hate the trade that sent Willy Taveras to the Rockies. For Game 3, Willy was benched. Jason Jennings may have been a bust, but it wasn't as lopsided as the Jeff Bagwell/Larry Andersen deal.
  
• Matt Holiday is a stud, and when his current contract expires, he's gonna get paid... and leave Denver.

Fin.

Labels: Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros, Sports

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments

Not a Dallas Cowboys fan?

Jealous of their success?

Don't you hate it when they're called "America's Team?"

A new Harris poll was released earlier this month, in which nearly 2400 people were polled. Want proof that the Cowboys are more popular than your team? Here it is.

Even through the tough years, the Cowboys stayed amongst the top.

Don't get mad. We can't help it if we're the best.

Labels: Dallas Cowboys, Football, Sports

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 2:22 PM | Permalink | Comments

Baseball in this city sucks.

Live at Coors Field, we're down by one run, bottom of the ninth, and no one seems to give a shit. No one stands and no one cheers.

Denver is not a baseball town.

---

Edit: As I completed the blog entry, Todd Helton blasted a two-run walk off home run to beat the Dodgers 9-8, and complete the sweep of a day/night double header. That woke up the crowd.

Labels: Baseball, Colorado Rockies, Sports

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 9:49 PM | Permalink | Comments

Today was the Colorado Avalanche's annual Burgundy & White game played at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

A few of us were given the opportunity to work the event and provide information for our season ticket packages. We were asked by Game Operations if we'd be willing to help toss t-shirts between periods, and we gladly accepted.

I don't understand what people's obsession is with getting free t-shirts at a sporting event, but I learned a different perspective when it's me tossing them.

First of all, it's everyone's birthday. Second, you seem to notice all the kids in the crowd.

I felt bad for telling the younger fans 'no,' but there weren't enough to go around. I did, however, have the opportunity to pass one to a little girl who was unnecessarily sweet. When no one was watching, I passed her a shirt, to which she immediately lit up with delight.

I wish I would have seen her face when she noticed there were two tickets wrapped in the shirt for the fifth row (near the glass) to an Avalanche preseason game.

Labels: Career, Colorado Avalanche, Hockey, Sports

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 8:42 PM | Permalink | Comments

I'm so glad footbal has returned, but can't we find a better network than Fox?

It's official, I hate watching sports on Fox, including the NFL. Joe Buck makes me want to do a belly flop out of my second storey window.

Of all the networks, their graphics are the worst, their announcers are terrible (minus Troy Aikman and Daryl Johnston). I do like Terry, Howie, and Jimmy on the pre-game show, but Frank Caliendo ruins it.

Give me football talk, and give me guys clowning on each other. Remove the excess bullshit.

As a matter of fact, remove the NFL from Fox.

Labels: Football, Sports

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments

Since Barry Bonds began his serious chase to become the new home run king, my opinion has been significantly different than mainstream media. I've questioned my beliefs, revisited my feelings, but over the years, I've learned to trust my own judgement, and have stuck by my original opinion that I do not believe Barry Bonds is a cheater.

That doesn't mean I don't believe he's taken steroids -- I believe he has. I simply don't believe steroids is cheating.

ESPN.com has begun a series in which they explore cheating as it occurs in sports, as well as in our personal lives, and offers several interpretations on the subject. One particular article is very well written, and has brought my viewpoint back into perspective. Again, I have to reevaulate my beliefs.

Wayne Drehs, who is the writer of the article, makes several key points that refute my position.

If sports is supposed to be about dignity, respect, and character, where does that leave players like Barry Bonds and Terrell Owens?

My belief is simple: I don't believe steroids is cheating because it's a supplement taken to enhance ones performance. So are creatine products, protein shakes & bars, and estrogen inhibitors. Not all of them are legal.

It seems we have a double standard. Either you're enhancing your performance, or your not.

There's an ethical issue in sports that if it's not completely natural, then it's bad.

So why are cortizone shots legal? In Tommy John surgery, doctors take ligaments from other parts of your body and rebuild your elbow. Is that natural?

Did Hank Aaron break the record naturally? I don't know. I do know, however, that Mike Schmidt took "greenies" to enhance his performance on the field and accrue over 500 home runs. If there were a better performance enhancing drug, who's to say he wouldn't have taken it?

Why isn't Tiger Woods bombarded with criticism after having laser eye surgery to repair his vision? What's natural about having surgery to fix one's eyes?

My point is that any supplement can be harmful if abused. If you abuse alcohol or drugs, they're harmful, but drinking in moderation is socially acceptable, and even healthy! Steroids and hGH can both be benficial if handled correctly, and cause problems if misused.

What about the side effects? Steroids cause, among other things, "roid rage," liver damage, and shrinking testicles. I take a heart medication twice a day with side effects that include dizziness, mood swings, trouble breathing, and lots more. Each drug has side effects, but we weigh the risks of what the drug will do for us, versus the expected side effects. If it's a risk we're comfortable with, we learn to deal with it.

Don't try to tell me that people have died from steroids. There isn't a physician in the world who can speak with absolute certainty about the long-term effects of the drug. Lyle Alzado did not die from steroids, neither did professional wrestler Eddie Guerrero, though the causes of death may have been escalated by the abuse of steroids.

Again, notice the word abuse.

My favorite argument against steroids however, is simply the attitude that it's cheating, which is usually accompanied by a double standard in society today.

Before you call Barry Bonds a cheater, make sure you're not lying on your reports at work, cheating on your wife, or leaving the market after you know you've been under-charged. If you complain, make sure your life is in order first. It's hypocritical.

I believe there's a misconception in professional sports today. While little league and high school sports are about team building, growing one's character, and the effort put forth, professional sports is not. Major League Baseball, the NFL, and others are about entertaining its fans. If it were about character, "Pac Man" Jones wouldn't have the opportunity to be reinstated, Barry Bonds would have retired years ago, and much of the NBA would no longer be eligable to play.

Would I want my son taking steroids? No, but I also don't want him drinking alcohol until he's at a responsible age and educated about the consequences of doing so.

I want my son to play little league baseball and know what it's like to win and lose with dignity and respect, but by the time he's reached the pro's, his character should be built.

Labels: Barry Bonds, Baseball, Sports, Steroids

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 3:19 PM | Permalink | Comments

I had an experience today that made me proud.

In the office, I needed to make a phone call to a woman, but before dialing the number, I realized her e-mail address was wredskins80@____.com. At that point, great disdain came over my body, as I realized that I would not be able to speak to her.

Right or wrong, I can't call a Redskins fan -- not on the eve of a Dallas Cowboys preseason game set to kickoff any moment.

Someone with such poor judgement doesn't deserve my time.

Labels: Dallas Cowboys, Sports

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 7:10 PM | Permalink | Comments

Why isn't soccer as popular in America, as it is in Europe or Mexico?

I spoke with someone today who works for the Colorado Rapids, and he says, "30,000,000 people can't be wrong!"

While Major League Soccer works towards profitability, they're making the correct strides. It's believed that the MLS needs to spend more money on marketing it's superstars, and I support that argument; there appears to be no money spent on lifting it's best athletes.

ESPN advertises the games in broadcasts by telling us, "if you like ___ about football, you'll like ___ about soccer."

Trying to compare soccer to baseball or football won't work. It's futile; people need to appreciate soccer for what it is, not because it's better than another sport.

The Rapids tag is, "Experience the world's game." When I travel to Dick's Sporting Goods Park, I want to experience the game, just as I would in Europe (minus the riots). I want to hear the crowd chant during the match, and see the passion from the athletes.

The new stadiums are amazing and offer fans a place to enjoy a sporting event, but I need to know who I'm watching, and that I'm receiving an authentic soccer experience.

What would a baseball game be without "Take Me Out To The Ballgame," or a hot dog? Or college football without marching bands or rivalries?

When the MLS gives me a true soccer experience, then it will be successful.

Labels: Soccer, Sports

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 2:46 PM | Permalink | Comments

Major League Baseball set a single-day attendance record on Saturday, drawing 717,478 fans to 17 games in ballparks throughout the United States. With help from two double headers, more people attended baseball games today than any other day in the history of the sport.

With the milestones that ball players are surpassing this season, there's no surprise people are filling the seats. It's a great year to be a baseball fan, and we're seeing some of the best players in the history of the game.

We're watching the greatest closer of all time when Mariano Rivera takes the mound. Trevor Hoffman became the first closer to reach 500 saves, and Tom Glavine will soon reach 300 victories. After these two milestones are reached, it will likely be quite a while before we see someone approach these numbers again.

250 wins is in strking distance for Mike Mussina, while John Smoltz recently reached 200, with Andy Pettitte steps behind.

Home runs, on the other hand, are coming in abundance. We've seen Frank Thomas join the 500 Home Run Club, with Alex Rodriguez, Jim Thome, Manny Ramirez, and Gary Sheffield likely to follow. Sammy Sosa has surpassed 600, and Ken Griffey Jr. will join him with 12 more.

Craig Biggio logged his 3,000 hit in June and continues to extend his record of being hit by pitches. He's played 20 seasons in the majors, all with the Astros.

Ichiro reached 1,500 hits today, and became the third fastest player to do so.

Let's not forget about Barry Bonds, as he approaches the most revered record in all of sports. The only question becomes, "when will it happen?"

Through the high accolades and the controversies, fans are attending in record numbers. Major League Baseball is averaging 32,000 fans per game, each coming to watch a collection of the best players that have ever stepped on the diamond, knowing that we'll be able to look back and say that we were a part of one of the greatest era's of all time.

Labels: Baseball, Sports

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 4:36 PM | Permalink | Comments

The Houston Astros traded relief pitcher Dan Wheeler to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for infielder Ty Wigginton. Shortly after, the Astros designated third baseman Morgan Ensberg for assignment.

This move likely means the Astros have their third baseman of the future, and could use Mark Loretta in a potential trade. Mike Lamb has played a number of starts at third, as well, and is a free agent at the end of the season.

The Astros are saving money in this move, hopefully to bring in a starting pitcher next season. As bad as Jason Jennings has been pitching lately, he's not helping himself if he's hoping for a big payday when he enters free agency after the season.

GM Tim Purpura faces too many questions as we near the end of the season. Can Chris Burke play second base every day? Is Luke Scott a long-term solution to the outfield? Will Brandon Backe come back from Tommy John surgery? Do we have a catcher?

It looks like third base has been answered, so let's hope it's the first of many moves. If the atmosphere of message boards is any indication, Astros fans don't trust Tim Purpura, but his track record doesn't give us a lot of faith.

Labels: Baseball, Houston Astros, Sports

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 3:15 PM | Permalink | Comments

Barry Bonds hit career home run number 754 on Friday, bringing him one long-ball shy of tying Hammerin' Hank Aaron. Rick Vanden Hurk became the 444th pitcher to give up a home run to Bonds, and was the first Dutch pitcher that the slugger has taken deep.

Personally, I'm surprised it came so quickly, but still expect the next two hits into the bleachers to take some time. Originally, I believed that teams would pitch around Barry for two reasons: there isn't a legitimate threat hitting behind him, and no pitcher wants to make the history books. I stand by those beliefs.

The Giants play two more games at home against the Marlins before heading on the road to face the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. To add a little spice to the chase, it'd be nice to see Bonds tie Aaron at Dodger Stadium in front of 56,000 raging fans, then break the record at home against the Washington Nationals.

I can't envison a situation in which Bonds is allowed to break the record on the road, but with the surrounding controversy, some might call it a convenient justice.

Labels: Barry Bonds, Baseball, Sports

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 12:44 PM | Permalink | Comments

Hell of a week. Here's what's on my mind:

• Gary Sheffield's comments on HBO's Real Sports didn't come off as bad as first reported, at least not to me. I didn't get the impression he was trying to be malicious, but in true Sheffield fashion, he sees the world through a racist tunnel. I have to ask, though: if Derek Jeter comes from a mixed family, "he ain't all the way black." What's the big deal?
  
• My wife is making more money than me, and likes to hang it over my head. She's officially my sugar-momma, and that ain't bad.
  
• If the charges against Michael Vick are true -- and he's innocent until proven guilty -- then he needs to fry. If I were coaching his offensive line, I'd have them open a wide hole for Shawne Merriman to have free access to Vick's blind side.
  
• A man tried to get into the Governor's office in Denver, but was shot by police rather quickly. The Denver Post reported the incident, and included a picture of the man shot dead inside the Capital, but it was later removed from the article.
  
• This is a great year for live music. In February, we saw George Straight; this Friday, we'll be in Cheyenne for Frontier Days to see Bon Jovi. Tim McGraw & Faith Hill will be in town on the 31st, we have tickets for Dierks Bentley and Gary Allen at Red Rocks, and Maroon 5 at the Pepsi Center. Texas Music sensations Reckless Kelly and Jason Boland will be in Denver soon, and we'll be there. Then we plan to score tickets to see some combination of Tracy Byrd, Mark Chestnut, Clay Walker, and Taylor Swift. That's a good year.
  
• I'm short. Sitting at my desk at work... my feet dangle from my chair.

Don't tell anyone about the feet dangling... that's embarrassing.

Labels: Baseball, Football, Life, Sports

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments

This is funny... I think.

Or sad. Maybe both.

Hell, just watch it!

Labels: Baseball, Sports

Posted by M. Derrick Davis at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments