3.12.2009
3.11.2009
Lex Luthor Wants a Bailout
"Lex Luthor Bailout" with Jon Hamm - watch more funny videos
Courtesy of the Huffington Post and Funny or Die
3.10.2009
Bunch O' Links: Apple TouchNetBook-thing?, Obama & Stem Cells, Lil' Fontenot, Alltop
• Rumor sites have been abuzz the past few days of an Apple Tablet/Netbook in the works for release this year. Yeah, it seems like there have been rumors of such a product for nearly the past five years, but it may be coming closer to fruition. This article (Mac Rumors), sites some sort of touchscreen order put in by Apple. I hope that such a revolutionary product comes out soon, for it would benefit a lot of people of my generation (students taking notes and having to organize numerous aspects of their lives both in digital world and with a pencil). Such a product could allow someone to organize handwritten notes, sketches, and diagrams among various elements of new digital media. It would allow people to actually enter the world on their computers beyond using a mouse, but to truly interact. We can only wait for now, until Apple one day decides to blow us all away with some revolutionary technology we'd never have dreamed of.
• On to politics: President Obama on Monday signed an Executive Order (link) that will reverse the ban on
embryonic stem cell research that restricted it to only 60 lines of previously existing stem cells. As a result of this being brought to the forefront of the news by the President's actions, hopefully scientists will continue to further their research of stem cells as a possible portal to curing so many diseases. Stem cells could help treat and cure so many ailments, such as regrowing heart tissue damaged by heart attacks, finding a cure for Parkinson's disease, and possibly even helping the paralyzed walk again.
• Lou Piniella and the the Cubs roll on in Spring Training from the Valley of the Sun. One of the positions where there appears to be a battle for playing time is second base, where Mike Fontenot and Aaron Miles are competing. After hitting his second long-ball of the spring, Lou had this to say per the Chicago Tribune:
❝ "I'll tell you what, the little kid at second base, he's after a job isn't he?" manager Lou Piniella say. Both Fontenot and Miles are listed at 5 feet 8 inches, but it was obvious after Fontenot's second home run that he was the one Piniella was
referring to as "the little kid." "What'd he have to say that for?" Fontenot said in mock protest. ❞
• And finally, I've been addicted to Twitter lately (who isn't?) and was brought to the attention of probably one of the coolest websites I've seen lately. Don't you wish that all the news, from all of the relevant websites, from just about any topic was all aggregated in one, easy to read, awesome-ly laid out website. Well, check out Alltop.com. It's amazing....seriously....click the link.... Below, I've also linked some of the best pages from Alltop.
"Ma! The Meatloaf!!!"
Announcers are a varyingly entertaining bunch (yes, varyingly is the proper form of vary...I looked it up). The famous ones all have their own unique styles, and provide us with endless entertainment (unintentional or not); to see this just visit Awful Announcing. Below are two YouTube videos of the various goal calls of Florida Panthers' announcer Randy Moller, and the seamless movie quote references.
What? Me? No, my stick's not illegal!
After the officials and Toronto coaching staff were heard discussing the possibility of Jason Spezza having an illegal stick, the hilarity of the cover-up and subsequent penalty ensues...
12.03.2008
Deep Thoughts
A lot of people all over the internet (and the world for that matter), always ask questions about their favorite sports team. On the Cubs, such never-ending questions could be asked like why Kerry Wood hasn't been retained, or if Jake Peavy will be on the North Side next year via trade...the list goes on and on of common "talk-radio" type questions wondered aloud by the masses. However, some very important issues often go undiscussed and fade into a black hole of very important topics that never will get addressed, only to be overshadowed by improbably trade proposals, and other minor matters. Well here, in this post, will be collected some very important questions that never do seem to get answered. They will mainly include the Cubs, but may delve outside into other arenas of concern. It will be updated as new questions arise, or are thought of:
Topic #1: The LH-bat that could've been. In the offseason before the 2007 season, the Chicago Cubs had a very high pick in the Rule 5 Draft, which allows teams to pick from a variety of "unprotected" players in other teams farm systems. With that pick they selected a troubled outfielder in the Tampa Bay system named Josh Hamilton. Hamilton was drafted by the Rays in 1999 with the very first pick in the draft as a talented prospect. However, over the next six years, he never advanced above A-ball due to a dark time in his life with drugs (even out of the game for four years). After selecting him in the Rule 5 Draft, the Cubs immediately traded him to the Cincinnati Reds for cash (the Cubs were actually selecting him on the Reds' behalf all along). Now, as many baseball fans know, Hamilton as gone on the past two seasons to have quite a Hollywood-caliber comeback. In 2007, he started about half the season for the Reds, hitting .292 with 19 homeruns. He was then traded to the Rangers for Edinson Volquez (who had a solid 2008 for the Reds, putting up a Cy Young quality season). In 2008, Hamilton further developed his skills playing the entire season as the Rangers starting CF. Not only did he mash 32 homeruns, knock in 130 RBI, and hit .304, but he also finished runner-up in a Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium that caught the eyes of the nation. Now, my question: If the Cubs were in a position to obtain Josh Hamilton themselves, why did they not draft him in that Rule 5 Draft and keep him? He is exactly what they have been searching for the past few off-seasons (actually further back then that); he hits left-handed! He provides good defense, has some speed, hits for a lot of power, is a middle-of-the-order lefty to break-up Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez, he has a high OBP, and did I mention POWER. He could be the solution in CF if Felix Pie never pans out, or he could play right, which is what the Cubs are looking for this off-season. So, that is a main question that has never been answered, nor discussed, in the world of sports commentary. How could such a perfect fit for the Cubs, that could so easily have been had in that Rule 5 Draft, just slip through the organization's fingers and be an All-Star now for another team? That's a deep thought that may never be answered.
Topic #2: What's goin' on with Josh? The Cubs had the 3rd overall pick in the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft, and they selected high school third baseman Josh Vitters out Cypress, CA. He was highly-touted to have a great swing, hit for power and a high average. Numerous respected baseball websites have him ranked as the Cubs' top prospect, and one of their only blue-chip prospects. He has been mentioned as a future replacement for Aramis Ramirez when the time should come. So my question is: Why do we never hear about him? I'd like to know more about him. I want to see who some respected experts compare him to, and know how he's developing in the minor leagues. It could be possible that with all his high school credentials and tools, he may turn into another third baseman in the mold of David Wright, Ryan Zimmerman, or Evan Longoria (all with similar resumés at his age). Along with Vitters, the Cubs could have some other possible future stars on their hands, but unfortunately the mass-public can never get the chance to hear much about them, or what the real experts think. Supposedly, the Cubs recently signed some kids out of Korean high school, and one shortstop has been compared to Derek Jeter: that's pretty good. Another prospect projects as a future big-leaguer with Orlando Hudson like potential, but all we can find are a few pages of minor league stats (which in many cases can amount to not much). It would be really beneficial if all of these prospects could be spoken about more to the actual fans that are waiting for the next generation of stars. Every player out there got their start somewhere, so it is very important to always remain cutting edge in international and domestic scouting to find that talent. Some kid throwing mangos in the Dominican Republic is going to be the next Pedro Martinez. Some kid not even born yet will probably develop into another Alex Rodriguez. Some kid at home in Japan will dream of being the next Ichiro. The record books of baseball will keep being rewritten, and it would be nice for the average fan to have some insight on which prospects their team controls have the potential and growth to develop into that next Rookie of the Year, All-Star, super-star, or legend of the game. But until then, we'll just see lists of stats, top prospect signings and names, and wait for them to spring up on us in the majors and do their thing...Surprise!
11.25.2008
Solution for Cubs' Playoff Woes: Be "Idiots"
-Johnny Damon is not a free agent, however, he is entering the final year of his contract with the New York Yankees making $13 million. When looking at the Yankees current situation, they are in desperate need of pitching, but along with the recent acquisition of Nick Swisher, have a surplus of OF/1B/DH types. Out of Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Xavier Nady, Melky Cabrera, Brett Gardner, Nick Swisher, Jorge Posada, and possibly FA, #3 hitter Bobby Abreu...Damon and Matsui would seem the most expendable entering the final year of their contracts. The Cubs could presumably trade Jason Marquis and his $9.875 million salary (along with maybe a mid-level prospect) to the Yankees for Damon. Therefore, both teams exchange high contracts while getting a more appropriate piece of need. On next year's Cubs team, Johnny Damon could fill a void in adding a left-handed lead-off hitter with speed and power, as well as adding exceptional defense in right field. In addition to the skills, he would be one piece of the previously aforementioned "idiots."
-After trading away Jason Marquis in the above proposal, the Cubs would be in need of a 5th starter. They could fill this need in-house, but there are two free-agent options that are intriguing. They could go the route of Derek Lowe, who has said he's seeking a 3-year deal on a team with a chance at a championship. Lowe dominated the Cubs in his postseason start against them, and would be a welcome addition to the pitching staff and the the clubhouse. Another option, however, which could pay dividends and be a low-risk, extremely-high reward type thing, would be a signing of free agent Pedro Martinez. After some injury slowed seasons in New York, Pedro would take an incentive-laden deal with ace potential. In addition to this former Cy Young winner's talent, Pedro is another aforementioned "idiot."
-I'm just gonna mention it here real quick...even though it'd be great, the Cubs are probably not going to sign Manny (the biggest "idiot" of them all in 2004...and I mean that with the utmost respect for him and his amazing talents).
-The last free agent possibility out there is none other than Mr. "Cowboy-Up" himself: Kevin Millar. Millar was an integral part in the "idiot" atmosphere in 2004, and would play a vital role of pinch-hitter, backup 1B/OF that was lost in Daryle Ward filing for free agency.
So in this very do-able proposal, the Cubs would add Johnny Damon to play RF, Pedro Martinez as the 5th starter with ace-potential, and Kevin Millar to the bench, thus reuniting the Damon-Pedro-Millar combo that brought the "idiot" attitude to the 2004 World Series Champion, Curse-breaking, Boston Red Sox...and can do the same for the 2009 Chicago Cubs.
Rahmbo will be Obama's Ari Gold?...Read on...
In the TV show Entourage, Jeremy Piven's character Ari Gold (rambunctious Hollywood superagent), is actually said to be based on real Hollywood superagent Ari Emanuel: the younger brother of new White House Chief-of-Staff Rahm Emanuel. So according to many articles around the internets, Rahm Emanuel will bring an Ari-like attitude to Washington. For those who have seen Entourage, these predictions are about to make Washington D.C. a little more interesting. For more insight on the real life Emanuel brothers, and a hilarious Piven-like tirade, SNL skit, see below:
-SNL video embedded below
11.17.2008
Hot Stove Shines Red, White, and Blue
At this time of year, GM's around baseball are thinking of ways to improve their clubs by throwing piles of cash at the plethora of free agents and drawing up countless trade proposals. However, there is a team being put together that will consist of baseball's biggest names and cost nothing; that team is Team USA, gearing up for the 2009 World Baseball Classic next spring. Three years ago, a stacked Team USA was bounced from the tournament with a disappointing 3-3 record, with many players citing a lack of preparation and team-gelling as the main downfall. This time around, players welcomed back to the team figure to fire-up the current roster into a much better showing. However, those 30 players who make up the roster are yet to be picked. There are numerous big names available, most of whose status is yet unknown, pending their team's approval. I believe that if Team USA was to be comprised of a close-knit group of superstars who were able to compete in a few of these tournaments and spend quality time together during them, it would be a valuable stepping stone to a possible United States gold medal journey at the 2016 Olympics in Chicago, (if baseball is re-admitted in the games) similar to the inspiring performance of Team USA Basketball in Beijing. Superstar teams in the Olympics, like basketball, not only inspire world audiences, but provide numerous marketing opportunities should baseball decide to go that path; as evident by the USA Basketball reality show, and Nike collection of Olympic apparel, as well as the high television ratings and commercial appeal. Back to this year's WBC, however, below is a detailed projection of what the 2009 USA Baseball team could look like, if those named decide to participate. This is one stacked team, if you ask me...
Pitching Staff
Bullpen
-Scott Shields -Kerry Wood
-Jonathan Papelbon -Huston Street
-Joe Nathan -Brian Fuentes (L)
-Bobby Jenks -David Price (L)
-Brad Lidge -Jonathan Broxton
Starting Rotation
1. C.C. Sabathia
2. Jake Peavy
3. Cole Hamels
4. Roy Oswalt
5. Matt Garza
(Other possibles: Beckett, Webb, Haren, Lester, Shields, Lilly, Chamberlain, Lincecum)
Starting Infield
1B-Mark Teixiera 3B-Alex Rodriguez
2B-Chase Utley SS-Derek Jeter
Starting Outfield
LF-Ryan Braun CF-Grady Sizemore RF-Josh Hamilton
Bench
IF-Evan Longoria, Chipper Jones, Michael Young
(Brian Roberts, Dustin Pedroia, Ian Kinsler, Dan Uggla, Jimmy Rollins, Stephen Drew, Ryan Howard, David Wright, Lance Berkman, Derrek Lee, Adrian Gonzalez, Prince Fielder)
OF-B.J. Upton, Carlos Quentin, Vernon Wells
(Torii Hunter, Nick Markakis, Carl Crawford, Curtis Granderson, Matt Holliday, J.D. Drew, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier)
Catchers
-Joe Mauer
-Brian McCann
-Jason Varitek
(A.J. Pierzynski, Kurt Suzuki, Taylor Teargarden)
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