FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Just a few observations:

The Red Sox blew tonight's game against the O's, but they were fortunate just to be in it.  Wily Mo Pena got lucky on two two-strike calls with two outs in the 8th.  On the first call he definitely went around on a check swing, but the first base ump let it go because he was making up for a blown check swing call the pitch before.  The next pitch was strike three, but was called a ball.  If either of these pitches is called a strike, the inning ends and the Sox are down 1-0.

I have more respect for umps and how difficult their job is.  Alot of pitches that I think are strikes are called balls.  And these are calls favoring the Red Sox, so I'm not being biased saying the Sox are getting screwed.  I'm saying they're getting favorable ball calls that I'd call strikes.

I am not impressed with Eric Gagne.  I'm not sure he can close in Boston.  Let me make this clear:  This is not the same Gagne that was dominant in L.A.  That Gagne could close anywhere, in any situation.  The Gagne of 2007 might be able to have success in Texas, but he may not be able to pitch in the pressure cooker that is Boston.  It probably doesn't help that he's started out by giving up runs in 3 of this first 4 appearances since coming to Boston.  Confidence plays a big part in this game.

I'm excited for the Celtics in I don't know how long.  I never missed a game in the 80's through mid-90's and I don't know that last time I even paid attention to them.  You can call me a band-wagon jumper if you want, but the Celtics have been irrelevant for WAY too long. 

If you get a chance, find the article by NBA Hall-of-Famer Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe where he writes about missing the rule change that made the NBA a 3-on-3 league.  Ryan's take is that while yes, they have 3 great players, the Celtics are woefully built beyond the new Big 3.

I think Reggie Miller should come back just to piss off Spike Lee.  (Spike's most hated player going to Spike's most hated team).

Like it or not, Barry Bonds is the all-time home-run king.  He may have done it via 'roids, but he's still hit more homers than anyone to throw on major league uni.  I don't have to agree with how he did it, but he did it.  So deal with it.  They're not going to take away any homers.

I read where the kid who caught the ball has to pay taxes based on the estimated value of the ball.  In this case, with values up to $600,000, he'd have to IMMEDIATELY pay taxes of $210,000.  That, my friends, is total BS.  You should be able to catch a baseball at a game without having to worry about going bankrupt.  I don't care how much they say the ball is worth, there's no way the government should be able to say it's worth X amount, so pay us.  I heard one argument where someone said, well if you go on a game-show and win, you have to pay taxes on the prizes.  Well, on a game show, you've agreed to be on the show and you know you might win big money or prizes worth big money.  Don't penalize someone because they were in the right place at the right time at a ballgame.  That is total BS and if it is the law, please, please will someone in Congress come to their senses and change it. 

I was given the Fordham football media guide.  In looking through it, they have a player named Fonzie.  Yes, Fonzie.  Now I thought that his parents must be huge Happy Days fans, but I was wrong.  Fonzie's dad's name is Fonzie, which means Fordham's Fonzie is actually Fonzie Jr..  And Fonzie Jr.was born in 1986, which means that Fonzie Sr.was born long before Happy Days became a hit. I'm kind of interested to know how Fonzie Sr. was named.

They also have a player named Bruce Lee.

The NFL's Rams (originally the Cleveland Rams) are named after the Fordham Rams.  I did not know that.

More Fordham - Assistant coach Mark Michaels coached for the Helsinki Roosters in 1991.  How the hell does anyone ever end up coaching American football in Finland? 

Final Fordham - Team captain Michael Breznicky looks like a super-sized version of Kevin Youkilis (or uncle Fester).   

Congrats to Thorr Bjorn, who was recently named athletic director at the University of Rhode Island.  Thorr's a great guy, a true first-class human being.  Here's to much success at URI. 

My non-sport comments:

I don't know one parent who is happy that their child likes Barney.  Sorry, but Barney sucks and should be banned from TV. 

I love the show Ace of Cakes.  They make some unbelievably amazing cakes.  The only thing is, I've never eaten a cake that needs a user manual.  "This part is edible, but make sure you don't eat the metal spikes supporting the cake."