Call it Historic

(Photo: AP/Kathy Willens)

Tom Glavine picked a pretty crappy time to revisit 1989 while his elderly counter part Jamie Moyer pulled through at the exact right time. The difference between the Mets historic collapse and the Phillies improbable entrance into the 2007 playoffs didn't just start on Sunday, it was a culmination of the entire season. A season which saw an over confident Mets team lose its heart while a hard working Phillies team never gave up, even after seeing a large portion of their pitching staff reach the DL. They were without Chase Utley for almost a month, it took 6 or 7 weeks for Ryan Howard to get on track and Pat Burrell 3 months to show up. But after Sunday, Jimmy Rollins quote seems perfect, The Phillies were the team to beat!


They don't need to strive, because the Phillies have made the playoffs. Congrats!

Don't forget to set your DVR because were going to extras kids. The Colorado Rockies will take on the San Diego Padres for the NL Wild Card spot at 7:37 PM/est on TBS.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

fiesty...I like it

So the US Women broke their streak of 51 straight wins after their 4-0 loss to Brazil on Thursday. Looks like goalie Hope Solo knows why.


(Thanks Howard)

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Popo Awards: Best Choke Artist

Picking the Best Scandal Popo winner in 2007 was actually pretty easy. It's hard to say HGH is just a 2007 scandal, we imagine this story will continue for years to come and while we love when the popo get involved, we had to go with 756. This scandal started in spring training and has continued through to the final week of the season. Good job Barry*

BEST CHOKE ARTIST

The New York Mets

On September 12th the Mets had a 7 game lead and were sure they had their ticket to the Playoffs punched but as of September 28th they were tied in the NL East. What happened? Was it their bullpen that constantly let them down. Disappointing starting pitching from young and old? Could it be their bats which start out so loud but seem to be silenced by the seventh inning stretch? One things for sure, this was not the season people were expecting.

The Chicago Cubs

With only a two game lead and the division title in sight the Cubs are just not that into winning. After sweeping the Pirates over the weekend, they lost three in a row to the Florida Marlins. For the Cubs, maybe the curse does not just apply to being in the playoffs, maybe it also has something to do with getting to the playoffs.

The Milwaukee Brewers

On May 23, 2007 the Brew Crew had a 28-19 record and were 6.5 games ahead of the Astros. But a huge May lead does not an epic tumble make. It falls more under the lines of their inabilty to capitalize on the Cubbies misfortunes that have put them in this category, like losing 3 out of four to the Braves or their losses to the Cardinals and Padres which had the tables been turned would put them in a tie for the NL Central.

(photos: sportslogo.com)

Check back in on Monday for the winner. *SPOILER ALERT* Or you can just watch baseball all weekend! Click here for the national TV schedule.

It's been fun blogging with you,

Kate

Things I learned at the Genesis Concert

1. Shirts can be worn as dresses as long as you have boy shorts on underneath. Oh wait it still doesn’t work. And neither does wearing a beach cover up as a dress. That juicy top is so two years ago tie-dye girl.
2. Straight guys touch each other way too much, especially the four polo shirt guys in front of us.
3. The scores for the Phillies, Mets, Yankees and Boston games.
4. Just because you paid $250 to sit on the floor doesn’t mean you’ll get a real bathroom. Or food. All hail the hot dog cart!
5. What a real musical interlude is
6. Rhythmic dance
7. People with field level seats must use gate C. All others must use gates A, B, or D
8. Phil Collins can be creepy. Especially when he’s playing with a flashlight.
9. Cause and effect "If you make the people stand up over there they effect the people over there and then the tiny people in the back..."
10. Even fans of Cinderella and Rush can be Genesis fans.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Friday Funnies

I guess Joba's rules ok singing in the bullpen.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

walked the line

Braves Update:
The Phillies scored early and often off of Braves starter John Smoltz ending the Braves playoff hopes with a 6-4 loss on Thursday night. The Phils put up four runs in the first including a homerun by 2006 MVP Ryan Howard. (He also struck out breaking the major league record for wiffs.) But the Braves weren't laying down that easy scoring three runs in the sixth including back to back homers by Chipper Jones and Mark Teixeira. In the end, the Braves could not over come their early deficit and lost their second straight game. The Braves wrap up their season with a trip down to Houston culminating in TBS' final nationally broadcast Braves game which starts at 2:05 PM/est. Tonight's game features the young Jo-Jo Reyes going up against Matt Albers. Coverage starts 8:05 PM/est on SS.

Games behind NY Mets in NL East: 4
Games above .500: 7
NL Wild Card Leader: San Diego Padres

Braves Notes: Popo in my Crib is throwing official support behind Chipper Jones for the NL Gold Glove at 3B. And we're not the only ones...Andruw Jones wants fair market value for his next contract. Too bad for him his contract didn't end after 2006...The Braves are expecting to hear the official ruling on Rafael Soriano's suspension appeal on Friday.

Baseball Update:
AL Standings


NL Standings

(Standings: Foxsports.com)

Baseball Notes: Do we smell monumental Mets diaster? Gee, I hope so. After their 3-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals they are now tied with the Phillies for the lead in the NL East. And just 16 days ago they had a seven game lead...With the Padres 9-5 win over the Milwuakee Brewers, they remain one game ahead of the Phillies, Mets and Rockies in the NL Wild Card...Too bad for the Rockies they picked up their 11th straight win and barely have anything to show for it...The Marlins completed their sweep of the Cubs with 6-4 win, but the Brewers have been unable to capitalize and remain two games back...Brew Crew, is this because your manager Ned Yost and reliever Seth McClung were suspended for intentionally hitting Albert Pujols on Wednesday? Or because Ben Sheets was put in the bullpen?...The Mariners may have fallen a part down the stretch but that didn't stop the organization from announcing that its GM Bill Bavasi and manager John McLaren will be back next year...And if this run to the playoffs isn't exciting enough, there could four days of pre-playoff playoffs to decided who makes it to the post season.

NASCAR Update:
Race three of the Chase brings us to Kansas Speedway. Kansas is a part of that cookie cutter experiment that brought us tracks like Chicagoland and California. But as time has progressed, Kansas has become a multigrove track that promotes side by side racing. Look for the Roush Fenway camp to be good including chasers Matt Kenseth and last week's winner Carl Edwards. Check out the LifeLock 400 at 1 PM/est on ESPN.

In horrible idea news, Jacques Villeneuve will make his cup debut at Talladega Speedway next weekend. Because it's not bad enough that they are putting the ill handling cars of tomorrow con the race track, they'll add an inexperienced F1 driver to the mix. Can you smell the big one already?

Robby Gordon's got a new a crew chief Peter Sospenzo.

Popo in my crib News:
Louisville has dimissed linebacker Willie A. Williams after being arrest for marijuana possession on Wednesday. Willie's no stranger to the popo, he was arrested 11 times in high school. Maybe it's because someone named him William Williams. Now that's just mean. Watch out Willie, because the popo are on your tail!

Former Colts defensive back Dexter Reid was arrested on Thursday on a fugitive warrant stemming from a gun charge. Reid caught the popo's attention after illegally parking in a handicap space outside of a restuarant. He is facing two felony counts of illegal weapons possession. And hopefully a ticket for illegal parking. BTW, Dexter, you can never out run the popo! So watch out, because the popo are on your tail!

News & Notes: Sad news, Darcy Robinson died during the opening game of the Italian league season on Thursday after falling to the ice during the first period. He was only 26...For all of you worried out there, don't be, golfer Marc Warren is ok after smashing a chandelier with a golf club in his hotel room. He was just practicing...Last year it was Peyton Manning and this year it's LeBron James who will host the an episode of "Saturday Night Live", the season opener...The NFL fined Pats NT Vince Wilfork $12,500 for his late hit on Buffalo Bills quarterback J.P. Losman during Sunday's game...Injury watch, Carolina QB Jake Delhomme missed practice again on Thursday and there is no word on if he'll start on Sunday; Larry Johnson missed practice on Thursday but Kansas City Chiefs coach Herm Edwards says Johnson will play on Sunday; The Cleveland Browns are unsure if Kellen Winslow will play on Sunday after suffering a subluxation in his shoulder...It's another great NFC East battle between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Action starts at 8:15 Pm/est on NBC. With the Mets and Phillies battling in the NL East it's going to be nuts up and down the Jersey turnpike. Let's go Big Blue!

Check this out: One week till "Friday Night Lights" premieres so we'd like to help you get caught up, here.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

It's a typical love story

Braves Update:
Mark Teixeira hit another homerun on Wednesday, this time a two run shot in the fourth that put the Braves in striking distance. But in the end, they could not overcome an error in the same inning that lead to three unearned runs in their 5-2 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. With only four games left, a four game deficit in the Wild Card standings and three teams in front of them, you'd have to say their playoff hopes are a miracle and a Disney movie away. To point the finger at Chipper Jones' error, however, would be ludicrous. He owns the best fielding percentage of any National League third baseman at .973 and that error was only his ninth of the season. Take that David Wright with your 21 errors! The Braves play in late August/early September is what did them in. But they still have a chance to play spoiler to the Phillies tonight at Citzens Bank Park. The game starts at 7:05 PM/est on SS.

Games behind NY Mets in NL East: 4

Games above .500: 8

NL Wild Card Leader: San Diego Padres

Braves Notes: If by some fluke the Braves are still in it on Sunday, Tim Hudson will take the mound on short rest...There is still no word on Rafael Soriano's appeal...If Chipper Jones had a vote he'd say Matt Holliday or Prince Fielder should get the MVP this year. (Although I'd go with Jimmy Rollins)...The Braves pitching has been better over their latest hot streak, but their bats have been their bread and butter. Going into Wednesday's game they had four batters hitting over .330 including Chipper Jones, Matt Diaz, Edgar Renteria and Yunel Escobar.

Baseball Update:

AL Standings

NL Standings

(Standings: Foxsports.com)

Baseball Notes: There was a George Steinbrenner spotting at Tropicana Field on Wednesday. Good thing, he was able to witness his team clinch their 13th consecutive playoff appearance with the Yankees 12-4 win over the Devil Rays...Apparently if you were leading your respective Division on Wednesday you didn't find a need to win as the New York Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs all lost...But luckily for the Cubbies the Brewers also fell so their lead remains at 2...While the Phillies and San Diego Padres were able to gain ground with their wins...The Giants/Padres game was also Barry Bonds' final start in a Giants uni at AT&T Park after 15 seasons in San Francisco...After six months of waiting, the Indians and Mariners were finally able to finish off that April series that was postponed due to snow on Wednesday. If you were wondering, the teams split the twin bill...Don't count the Colorado Rockies out, they picked up their 10th straight win after beating the Dodgers 2-0...Umpire Mike Winters who was involved in that strange incident with Milton Bradley on Sunday has been suspended for the remainder of the regular season. No word yet on his post-season plans...Although, I'm guessing Winters won't be sending Milton a get well card after Bradley has surgery to fix his ACL on Thursday.

NASCAR Update:

The new tentative Cup schedule has been released. You can check it out here.

Apparently Greg Biffle cannont figure out what went wrong with 2007. Was it because it seemed so similiar to 2006 that confused you. Or maybe because it reminded you of 2004? Minus the wins of course.

Kyle Petty will not be assessed a penalty for his off the track actions on Sunday. Petty confronted Denny Hamlin in the garage area after Hamlin had dumped him on lap 203 taking out both cars and a little bit of Clint Bowyer's car as well.

Kenny Wallace will replace the injured Ricky Rudd in the #88 Ford for the fourth straight week at Kansas on Sunday.

The Hollywood Reporter is saying that Anheiser-Busch's decision to move away from being the title sponsor in the Grand National Series and serving as the official beer of NASCAR was done to reallocate funds. A-B will instead spend more money in the entertainment and digital world.

Popo in my crib News:
Michael Vick tested postive for marijuana. Luckily he had already been sentenced in that whole dog fighting thing. What, he hasn't already been sentenced? Oh yeah, not a good call buddy, not a good call. Watch out Mikey, becuase the popo are on your tail!

Former Arkansas starting guard Corey Beck was shot during an attempted robbery. Beck is listed in fair condition after two would be robbers approached Beck's car and shot him in the hand and face. Beck was able to drive his car to a local fire station before being brought to the hospital. The two men got away...for now. Watch out soon to be convicted felons, because the popo are on your tail!

News & Notes: Our get well wishes go out to Ted Beckham, father of soccer superstar David Beckham and his entire family. Ted is currently in a British hospital after suffering a heart attack...First comes word that Shaun Alexander will play with a broken wrist and now Rams QB Marc Bulger says he'll keep playing with two broken ribs. Now that's a real athlete...Meanhwile, DeAngelo Hall may have to start dining at the Waffle House after the Atlanta Falcons fined him $100,000 for his emotional outburst on Sunday. Now that's not a real athlete...Phoenix Suns Forward Shawn Marion told the team he would like to be traded. What's it called, when you don't have a contractional obligation to stay with a team and you can sign with any team you so choose. hmmm, oh wait isn't that free agency?...And finally, congratulations to the annymous bidder and his 10 year old son who won a walk on role in the next Will Ferrell movie. The bidder spent $47,000 for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Those kids on Sweet 16 better up their game!

Check this out: Click here to find out what players think is the most meaningful hitting statistic. Oh and don't forget TV watchers, an all new episode of "The Office" premieres tonight at 9 PM/est on NBC. It's all about the Fun Run!

It's been fun blogging with you,

Kate

The Popo Awards: Best Scandal

Gee, these winners chosen for Biggest Disappointment and Biggest Suprise were really hard. But thanks to Andruw Jones 3 hit night against the Phillies on Tuesday, and the fact that Carlos Zambrano wasn't pitching that well before he signed his big deal (look back at May and April's stats) my choice for Disappointment got a little easier. And the winner is the AL Central. My choice for Biggest Suprise was Dustin Pedroia because even though Ozzie Guillen makes my job so much easier and Tulo is a personal crush, little Pedroia has been amazing this season!

Best Scandal
Bonds’ 756
Bonds surpassing Hank Aaron’s homerun record was only part of the story. There was the will Bud Selig show up or not question. There was ESPN’s non-stop airing of Giants games for about three weeks. There was that nasty case of insomnia I developed. I’d wake up in cold sweats thinking I had missed the homerun only to realize it was 2:30 PM and I was actually at my desk at work. Then I actually did miss the homerun because I fell asleep during some marathon WNBA game. But it was ok because even Hank Aaron was sleeping. And then there was the post race action. Some kid named Matt Murphy caught the ball but realized he wouldn’t be able to afford the taxes so he sold the ball on ebay. A fashion designer purchased the ball for over $750,000, set up a website and had the public vote on what he should do with the ball. He could give it to the Hall of Fame, put an asterisk on it or send it to the moon. In the end, the ball will be branded and sent to the Hall. And Barry called that guy an “idiot.”

HGH
It’s the little story that just can’t seem to go away and towards the end of the season even the feel good kid from St. Louis was involved. Turns out the pitcher turned power hitter Rick Ankiel had used HGH back in 2004 before the substance was even banned by baseball. So why should we care? He’s just another name added to the increasing long list of players who were involved with performance enhancing substances back when baseball was doing the whole honor policy. Well, it didn’t work in that high school bio class freshman year when we all shared the answers and it certainly didn’t work during the 1990s in baseball. Maybe you should do what my professor did and just forget the whole thing ever happened and start a fresh.

Elijah Dukes
Like the Tampa Bay Devil Rays don’t have enough problems, add this crazy 22 year old outfielder to the list. Seems his marriage was heading south and he decided to give the heads up to his estranged wife by leaving her a couple of messages. Like the ever popular, it’s not me, it’s you. And “You dead, dawg. I ain't even [expletive]. Your kids, too." And to top it all off he allegedly impregnated a foster child living with his relative. According the story it was consensual so it wasn’t breaking a law. I’m sorry, if she’s 17 and he’s 22 isn’t that like statutory rape? I swear there was a movie on MTV that was something along these lines. This whole story is like an episode of “Cops” without the trailer park.

Check back tomorrow to find out the winner.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

I'm high off Mark Teixeira's amazingness

Braves Update:
Mark Teixeira started off the night with a three run homer bringing his RBI total to 52 in his first 50 games with the Braves and his season total over 100. But even with that early lead, Chuck James allowed the Phillies to tie the game in the fourth inning. But the Braves weren't willing to go down without a fight culminating in their four run sixth. Chipper Jones added a two run homer in the ninth to give the Braves a 10-6 win over the Phils. But with the San Diego Padres picking up a win on Tuesday, the Braves are still three games back in the Wild Card with only five games remaining. They continue their series with the Phillies tonight at 7:05 PM/est on ESPN.

Games behind NY Mets in NL East: 5

Games above .500: 9

NL Wild Card: San Diego Padres

Braves Notes: Rumors of a payroll cut for the Braves in 2008 were news to Braves chairman and president Terry McGuirk. Which is a good thing because they have to pay big bucks to John Smoltz, Chipper Jones and Mike Hampton while looking to lock up Mark Teixeira and maybe give Andruw Jones one last go round. Not to mention they need a quality pitcher to shore up their rotation...Meanwhile, it seems Mark Teixeira has really been enjoying his time in a Braves uniform...Rafael Soriano had his appeal heard by Major League officials. Soriano had been given a four game suspension after he hit Dan Uggla with a pitch last Monday. No word on whether the suspesion will be upheld...The Phillies claimed T.J. Bohn off waivers. Bohn had been designated for assignment with JKevin Barry to make room for Jeff Bennett and Brandon Jones on the 40 man roster. Barry cleared waivers and was reassigned to AAA-Richmond...Congratulations to John Smoltz who will be honored for his community service with the 2007 Branch Rickey Award for humanitarian service in November.

Baseball Update:
AL Standings

NL Standings

(Standings: Foxsports.com)

Baseball Notes: The San Diego Padres have taken sole possession of the lead in the Wild Card with their dramatic 6-4 win over the San Francisco Giants...While the Colorado Rockies extended their streak to 9 games with their 9-7 win over the Dodgers...Dontrelle Willis may be Brewers new best friend after picking up just his third win since Masy 29th in the Marlins 4-2 win over the Chicago Cubs...But I'm also sure the Brew Crewers are in love with Prince Fielder who became the youngest player to ever hit 50 homeruns in Milwaukees' 9-1 victory cutting the Cubbies lead down to 2 in the NL Central...Bad news for the Yankees? They lose to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 7-6 in 10 innings and they'll be without Roger Clemens until the playoffs. But then again they still are just one win away from clinching a playoff spot, so things can't be that bad can they?...The Pirates announced that Neal Huntington will be their new GM. Huntington is a former Cleveland Indians assistant GM who was moved into scouting...And the Pirates are willing to pay for some medicore players next year. Raising their current payroll of $38.6 million to about $45 to $50 million. Baby steps...Meanwhile the Phillies will be looking for a new GM in 2009 after Pat Gillick announced he's done after 2008...And Finally, voting is closed and Barry Bonds' 756 ball will get an asterisk. This is so way fans shouldn't be allowed to vote on anything including the All-Star game!

NASCAR Update:

Carl Edwards was docked 25 championship points and crew chief Bob Osborne was fined $25,000 after his car was deemed too low following Sunday's Cup race in Dover. Edwards moved from third in points to sixth. But Roush Fenway Racing has filed an appeal.

Tony Raines was fined $15,000 and docked 25 points in the Busch Series for throwing his helmet at Robby Gordon's car. It's not Robby hasn't done that before.

Chicagoland has announced they will install lights so they can host two night races in 2008. How old is this track? Six years old, maybe. Why didn't they install lights in the first place?

Popo in my crib News:
An arrest warrant is out for Michigan's deffensive end Brandon Graham for skipping his scheduled trial date on September 18th. Graham was charged with disorderly conduct involving loud music on July 24th. Apparnelty he was pulled over by the popo for having his stero blasting his ride. Graham had pleaded not guilty on August 2nd. Watch out Brandon, becuase the popo are on your tail!

News & Notes: Sad news, Blackhawks owner William Wirtz died on Wednesday at the age of 77...Deuce McAllister will officially be out for the season after tearing his ACL during Monday's loss to the Tennessee Titans...They'll have to find a new scapegoat in Chicago, as Rex Grossman has been replaced by Brian Griese...Reports have DeAngelo Hall receiving a fine but not a suspension for his actions during the Falcons' 27-20 loss to the Panthers on Sunday. After all he already cost his team the win...And finally, Nike has unveiled the new Air Native N7 designed specifically for Native Americans.

Check this out: It's Wednesday and you're nobody if you're not talked about. But if you're friends are making fun of you because you still haven't seen "Gossip Girl" than here's you chance to get back in their good graces. Check it out at 9 PM/est on the CW. ABC will also be rolling out their new fall schedule with "Private Practice" at 9 PM/est and "Dirty Sexy Money" at 10 PM/est.

It's been fun blogging with you,

Kate

our favorite night walker

As you close out your business day, we wanted you to go home with a little smile on your face because at least you can say you weren't caught trying to soliciate a prostitute on Monday. Unfortunately for Ohio State's third string quarterback Antonio Henton, the same cannot be said. Apparently he was busted on the south side of campus at 8:30 PM Monday night. Henton pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to the misdemeanor charge. Seriously, has this kid never seen "Girls Gone Wild"? If you want to get laid all you need is some alcohol and a good compliment like "your hair smells nice, what kind of shampoo do you use?" College girls are pretty easy...especially when you're a football player. Watch out Tony, because the popo are on your tail!

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Popo Awards: Two for One Special

Now it's time to reveal the winner for Most Embarrassing Arrest. Dontrelle, we've all been there before but usually we wait until we get to the rest stop to relieve ourselves. And it's seriously not a good idea to fall asleep in the middle of an intersection, Tony. So we had to go with Scott Olsen on this one. Plus we always love when there's a taser involved.

Biggest Disappointment

AL Central
Remember in the beginning of the year when people were saying that the AL Central would be the toughest division boasting the Chicago White Sox, winners of the World Series in 2005, the defending AL Champs the Detroit Tigers, the defending AL Central winners the Minnesota Twins and the Cleveland Indians. Who knew the Royals would end up being as competitive as the Chicago White Sox? It seemed the Minnesota Twins, who are notoriously late bloomers never got past puberty and the Tigers, who spent a large portion of the season neck and neck with the Indians, missed the bus for the big show and were forced to hang out in AAA. So instead of the Central producing two playoff contending teams, it will just be the Indians this year.
(Photo: google imgages)

Andruw Jones
Jones, just 30 years old, was only two years removed from a practical MVP season. (He was totally robbed in 2005) Who knew his fall from grace would be so quick or so Britney-esque…and in his walk year no less. While Aaron Rowand was belting 26 homers and knocking in 88 runs while hitting .313 in Philly and Torri Hunter was hitting 28 homers with 104 RBIs all while batting .289 in Minnesota, Andruw Jones was racking up 26 homers, 93 RBIs and a paltry .220 batting average. Yes, his gold glove is still firmly attached at hand, but his offensive numbers will not net him the $126 million contract Vernon Wells received last year. So maybe he will be back with the Braves after all, but will the Braves still want him?

(Photo: Wire Image)

Carlos Zambrano after signing his big contract
Since July 28th Zambrano has an ERA of 5.52 over 60.1 innings and he didn’t even sign his new contract until early August. Since then he has a stellar record of 2-5. Yeah, he’s actually been winning some games down the stretch when he’s not disrespecting the Cubs fans. But seriously, was this what you thinking when you signed him to a five year, $91.5 million deal? I don’t think so.

(Photo: Wire Image)

Biggest Suprise

NL West
The early talk of the season was how competitive the NL East was going to be with the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves fighting tooth and nail for two playoff spots. (There was even some mention of the Florida Marlins, but that didn’t pan out so well.) While the Mets and Phillies just might be making the playoffs this year, did you see the Arizona Diamondbacks taking the NL West? Were you guessing the Colorado Rockies would be just a game out of the Wild Card with a week to go? If you did can you help us out with our picks for Sunday’s games? We are really trailing in our office pool.
(Photo: tsn.ca)

Dustin Pedroia
My love of small tough players is no secret. But this Dustin Pedroia kid sure was a surprise. In April, Red Sox nation was calling for Pedroia’s head. Who would blame them; he was only batting .182 with only two RBIs. By May, he batted .412 and had finally gotten over whatever mental problem was holding him back. Now the kid, who is listed at just 5’9, is in contention for AL rookie of the Year.
(Photo: AP)

Ozzie Guillen’s contract extension
If you’re more impressed by expletive laced rants and throwing your team literally under the bus (ok not completely true but it’s not like you can’t see Ozzie doing that) then you must be a big fan of Ozzie Guillen. Why else would you give a guy who is managing a team that is 68-88 and one game in front of the Kansas City Royals an extension to 2012? So he was the manager when the Sox won the World Series in 2005 but what have they done for me lately? Aren’t they pretty close to the team they were in 05? Less the amazing Aaron Rowand, of course…maybe that’s the missing link.

(Photo: US Presswire)

Check back in tomorrow to find out who won.

It's been fun blogging with you,

Kate

celebrate good times...come on!

With Carl Edwards’ win on Sunday and his usual back flip celebration it got us thinking of new ways drivers can celebrate. No more boring burnouts. No more snow angels. As much as we love the polish victory lap, it’s time to move on. And it’s not safe for everyone to climb the fence. So here’s a couple of our suggestions:

1. Synchronized dancing…on the track. Think prisoners in the Philippines times ten. Maybe you can hand over your music before the race so everyone in the crowd can enjoy the full effect. Oh and if they could rip off their flame retardant jump suits and reveal a more appropriate dancing outfit underneath, we’d really love that! Think Clark Kent turning into dancing Superman.

(photo: Yahoo!)

2. If you’re going to do the donuts, then we want a message. Maybe spell out your sponsor’s name. Or maybe “thanks to the fans.” We need more than figure 8s, it really only works for the driver in the 8 car.

3. How about pulling a TO and autographing the checkered flag and then throwing it into the stands. Because it’s way better than going home with that piece of metal you pulled out of your arm.
(photo: Sunoco)

4. We totally understand that not everyone can actually do the back flip. I don’t see Tony Stewart being that agile. But how about a forward roll? If you do it on a banked track, the laws of nature could help out even the least nimble driver.

5. Jump into the stands and start yelling, “You get a car, and you get a car…” while handing out 1/64 die casts of your winning car.

(photo: nascar.com)

Got any ideas? Post them in the comments section.

It's been fun blogging with you,

Kate

Running down a dream

Braves Update:
The Braves enter their final road trip of the season tonight in Philadelphia. The Phillies come into tonight's game tied for the Wild Card and only 2 games out of first in the NL East. With so much on the line for the Phillies, this will prove to be a very tough series for the Braves. But last weekend's series against the Milwaukee Brewers had a similiar feel and the Braves certainly were not adverse to playing spoilers then and they aren't now. Catch all the action being at 7:05 PM/est on SS.

Games behind NY Mets in NL East: 5

Games above .500: 8

NL Wild Card Leader: Philadelphia Phillies/San Diego Padres

Braves Notes: Could Sunday's game be the last one in Turner Field for Andruw Jones in a Braves uniform? Only time and money will tell...It's been a good season for the Braves, but Chipper Jones is a realist when it comes to the Wild Card...He's also not opposed to picking up his first NL batting title...Would John Schuerholz break my heart for the third time?...The Braves have announced the details to 2008's fan fest which will be held January 12-13th at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Baseball Update:
AL Standings

NL Standings

Baseball Notes: The Yankees lost 4-1 to the Toronto Blue Jays, but at least they were able to have a little fun after the game...Monday ended up being a good day for the Phillies and they didn't even play a game after the Mets lost 13-4 to the Washington Nationals and the San Diego Padres fell 9-4 to the San Francisco Giants...The Padres will also be without Mike Cameron and Milton Bradley for the rest of the season after they were both injured during Sunday's game...The Milwaukee Brewers brought out the big bats in their 13-5 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. The win brought them within 3 games of the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central...Injury report, the Washington Nationals Shawn Hill will undergo surgery on his right arm while the Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina and pitcher Mark Mulder both underwent season ending surgery on Monday...In take this job and shove it news, the Florida Marlins pitching coach Rick Kranitz abrubtly quit with a week to go in the season even though the Marlins had offered him an extension. Well, it must be hard working with Scott Olsen on a daily basis...Minnesota Twins minor leaguer Eli Tintor was suspened 50 games for testing postive for a banned substance...And finally, if you were at the ballpark this year, you helped MLB break another record for attendance. So pat yourself on the back!

NASCAR Update:

Get your resumes ready, Gilett Evernham Racing is planning on opening an office in New York City.

Kansas Speedway has proposed the building of a new casino on the track's property.

Coors Light will announce they are replacing Budwesier as the official beer of NASCAR. The pole will be renamed the Coors Light Pole Award and will cost the brewer $20 million. Currently there is no word on what will happen to the Bud Shootout, the kick off event for Speedweek at Daytona. (via Jayski)

Popo in my crib News:
Mike Tyson might be heading back to jail after pleading guilty to drug possession and driving under the influence. Watch out Mike, because the popo are on your tail!

Arkansas running back Michael Smith was arrested on Sunday for suspicion of using a stolen credit card. According to Smith a second person, who was also arrested for his involvement, gave him the credit card to use for gas and stuff since this other person owed him money. Smith used the card racking up a total of $96.34 in charges. Smith faces felony charges of forgery and theft and has been suspended by the team. Watch out Mikey, because the popo are on your tail!

Auburn basketball player Frank Tolbert was arrested on Friday after he "jumped a fence at United Auto Collision to get his SUV." Tolbert was charged with third-degree criminal mischief. He's not allowed to have a job, how else was he going to get his car out of the impound? Watch out Frankie, because the popo are on your tail!

News & Notes: The New Orleans Saints are now a suprising 0-3 after losing to the Tennessee Titans 31-14 on Monday...The news only got worse for the Saints when star running back Deuce McAllister left the game with a knee injury. McAllister tore his ACL in 2005...Seattle Seahawks Shaun Alexander will play on Sunday dispite having a broken wrist. My kind of player...In will I keep my job news, yes Matt Leinart you're still number one while Rexy, you may want to find some new hobbies...Yesterday's youtube star was definitely Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy who had a little something to say to a certain reporter on Saturday. Well Gundy apologized, not for the rant, but because it took away from their win. It was almost like saying your sorry...And finally, UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma is still looking for an explanation as to why his Huskies are not playing Tennessee. Apparently, Pat Summitt's reasoning, because we don't like losing to you guys, wasn't good enough.

Check this out: It's Tuesday which means there a few more things you can blow your paycheck on. Like maybe Rascal Flatts new album "Still Feels Good." You can hear a preview here. Or maybe try Knocked Up. Watch the trailer here.

It's been fun blogging with you,

Kate

Tony Stewart School of Racing

Being a huge NASCAR fan in the New York metro area, I get the same comments over and over again. "NASCAR, how can you watch that? It's so boring, just cars going around in circles." There's so much more than that. There's the side by side racing, pit strategy, exciting finishes and the post race banter. This week's episode featured a colorful back forth from Kyle Petty and Denny Hamlin after their lap 203 up close and personal.

Petty: "I just told him '(Bowyer) is in the Chase and I'm not'. That's how
simple it is. It's a shame that a guy with that much talent has to drive like
that. We've seen it a lot. We've seen it all year long. Even his teammate Tony
Stewart talked about it. I think it pretty much speaks for itself. We were
a little bit loose. I guess it's my fault. I watched the Busch race yesterday
and I knew Denny was sick, I just didn't know he was hallucinating and needed
three lanes to get up off the corner because he ran all over us. I guess he is
in a race by himself." (source)

Kyle, who was obiviously dumped by Hamlin, isn't too far off on this whole impatient Hamlin thing. He did get into an accident with Tony Stewart during the Pepsi 400 this past July. Although Tony kind of got the action going. All in all, it's probably not a good idea to approach a driver in the garage while his car is being fixed.

Hamlin: "Don't smack me on the helmet, you smack me on the helmet I'm going to
punch you in the face — bottom line. I'd like for him to call me some time
this week before next week...you don't come to my car, you don't to my pit you
meet me somewhere else and we'll settle it, but I have the utmost respect for
Kyle but don't lay your hands on my head. I didn't say one word to him (Petty)
in the garage. All I just said was, 'Come here and let me talk to you about it.'
He chose to slap my helmet. You know, in hindsight, I should have grabbed his
throat." (source)

And remember, Hamlin has probably learned a few things from his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Oops, did we do that?

Braves Update:

Andruw Jones dove head first into first base to pick up a single in the second inning, proving his undying love for the Atlanta Braves. Although, he may never be back in Turner Field in a Braves uniform, he went out a winner in the Bravos 7-4 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brew Crew had walked into Turner Field only a 1.5 back of the Chicago Cubs but left in a 3.5 game hole as the Braves played spoilers and prolonged their own playoff hopes. Jo-Jo Reyes was unable to pick up his second career win, but that was ok, as the bullpen combo of Octavio Dotel and Rafael Soriano held the opposition scoreless allowing the Braves four run seventh inning to stand. The Braves tacked on two more runs in the eighth and ending the final homestand of the season winning six out of seven. The Braves have the day off before traveling up to Philadelphia to take on the Phillies in an important three game series.

Games behind NY Mets in NL East: 5.5

Games above .500: 8

NL Wild Card Leader: San Diego Padres

Braves Notes: Braves attendence was over 2.7 million this season marking the highest levels seen at the Ted since 2001. It was a 7 % increase over 2006...Matt Diaz's game saving catches have shown his increased skill in left field. Diaz credits a corrective contact in his right eye and just gaining experience being in the field over the past two year.

Random Quote: "We're having fun. We're enjoying playing right now. You hate to look back and see the other games we could've won to be in a better position." - Mark Teixeira (source)

Baseball Update:
AL Standings

NL Standings

Baseball Notes: We now know three out of four AL teams that will be in the playoffs come October after the Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox clinched playoff births this weekend. The New York Yankees magic number is 2...Ryan Howard tied a major league record on Sunday with his 195th strike out of the season while he watch his Phillies fall 5-3 to the Washington Nationals...The Mets were able to beat the Florida Marlins 7-6 in 11 innings to open up their division lead to 2.5 games...But the San Diego Padres lost to the Colorado Rockies 7-3 keeping the Phils only a half game out of playoff spot...In AL news, the New York Yankees beat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-5 winning their 90th game for the seventh straight season...Super agent or super ass, depending on how you look at things, Scott Boras is saying a report he is negotiationing on behalf of Alex Rodriguez with the Chicago Cubs is false. The reports had ARod making $30 million a year plus a minority ownership in the team...And finally, in crazy baby names, a Michigan couple who happen to be big Cubs fans, have just named their kid Wrigley. Oh and his last name is Fields. The couple, Paul and Teri Fields say the kid can go by his middle name Alexander when he gets older. Until then all the babies in the sandbox will so be making fun of him!

NASCAR Update:

Sunday's race at Dover was more like an episode of "Survivor" than a nascar race after a couple of chasers we noticeably absent from the top ten. Denny Hamlin, who was fighting an illness and then Kyle Petty, got into a wreck on lap 203 pushing Petty into the wall and brushing fellow Chaser, Clint Bowyer. Jimmie Johnson had tire issues and Matt Kenseth, who was contending for the win, had engine problems. Include the crash with 14 laps to go that took out Martin Truex, Jr. although he did limp home with a busted radiator and you'd only see race winner Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch, Jeff Burton and Tony Stewarts names in the top 10. Jeff Gordon, Clint Bowyer and Martin Truex, Jr were the only other Chasers to finish on the lead lap.

Race Results Points Standings

Carl Edwards may have won the race but he may not end up with all of the 190 points he earned on Sunday after his car failed post race inspection. His right rear was deemed too low.

Good news, Art Harris, the injured Michael Waltrip Racing crew man, was treated and released from the hospital on Sunday. Harris was hit by a tire on pit road.

For Dario Franchitti all that is in the way of his new career in NASCAR is his full release from Andretti Green Racing owner Chip Ganassi announced. Franchitti is the 2007 IRL and Indy 500 champ.

Popo in my crib News:
DEA agents conducted four days of raids which resulted in more than 50 arrests across the country. The raids shut down 26 underground steriod labs in the largest perfomance-enhancing drug crack down in U.S. history. The DEA also indentified 37 Chinese factories which were supplying the US labs with the raw materials. Watch out drug suppliers, because the popo are on your tail!

UPDATE: Popo Award nominee Jose Offerman pleaded not guilty to second degree assault charges stemming from his on the field bat attack at an Independent League game between his Long Island Ducks and the Bridgeport Bluefish. His next scheduled court appearance is October 17th. Watch out Joes, because the popo are on your tail!

News & Notes: 14 time champion John Force was taken to the hospital after he was involved in a scary wreck during the NHRA Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex in Ennis over the weekend. Force was said to be awake and alert while he was being airlifted to Baylor University Medical Center. He borke his left ankle and his left wrist while suffering a severe abrasion to his right knee...I guess defense is out for 2007 as the Philadelphia Eagles scored 56 point in their win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Maybe it was the ugly uniforms, the Lions were blinded by them!...The Green Bay Packers were among five teams that made it a 3-0 start. Quarterback Brett Favre tied Dan Marino for most touchdown passes in the Packers 31-24 win over the San Diego Chargers...Add the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys to the list of undefeated after Sunday...The New York Giants scored 21
unanswered points in the second half of their game on Sunday to beat the Washington Redskins 24-17 and pick up their first win of the season...Injury report: How about those quarterbacks, the Carolina Panthers Jake Delhomme and the Buffalo Bills J.P. Losman both left their games early with injuries while the Chicago Bears lost Pro Bowlers Lance Briggs and Nathan Vasher...Finally, it's Monday Night which means you'll probably be at home watching the Tennesse Titans take on the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football at 8:30 PM/est, right?

Check it out: TV's fall season is in full swing. Check out a the fall debut schedule here. My recommendations for tonight...watch "Chuck" on NBC at 8 PM/est. It's getting great reviews. Or an old standby "How I Met Your Mother" also at 8 PM/est on CBS. Have I mentioned how much my life has changed since I got my DVR in July?

It's been fun blogging with you,

Kate

The Popo Awards: Most Embarrassing Arrest

Yesterday we listed the nominees for Best Managerial Freak Out. Another tough decision especially since Bobby Cox's was record breaking and it's hard to argue when your teams in first, but we gave the Popo to Phillip Wellman. Congrats!

Most Embaressing Arrest

(Editors Note: Arrests had to take place between November 1, 2006 and September 18, 2007)

Dontrelle Willis (Pitcher, Florida Marlins)

Twas a few nights before Christmas and all through the streets of Miami a car wasn't stirring and the driver was way bigger than a mouse. Seems the 2003 NL rookie of the year was making rather merry before the popo noticed his black Bentley double parked along a "street lined with nightclubs." The popo then saw Dontrelle Willis urinate on the street. When the popo approached him he had "watery eyes, slurred speech and appeared 'confused and disoriented.'" Willis was taken to the station, refused a breath test and later left after posting $1,000 bail. Dontrelle was charged with drunken driving. What makes this story so heart warming was the fact that Dontrelle was the Florida Marlins representative for the Roberto Clemente Award given to a player who gives back to the community. I don't think that really constitutes giving back.

(Photo: The Smoking Gun)

Tony La Russa (Manager, St. Louis Cardinals)

Tony was found by the popo sound asleep in the drivers seat of his SUV in Jupiter, FL on March 21, 2007. His car was "partially in an intersection" and failed to move after two green lights flashed. La Russa's car was apparently in drive but luckily his deep slumber did not effect his ability to keep his foot on the brake. After being given two breathalizer tests, La Russa was found to have a blood acohol level of .093 above the .08 limit. He was taken to a Palm Beach, FL jail before posting a $500 bond. Always keeping the team first, Tony arrived at training camp at 9 AM just before the defending World Series champs lost to the Florida Marlins 2-1 in a spring training game. In April, the manager asked for a jury to try his case. The facts are pretty overwhelming, I mean you failed the breath test!

(Photo: The Smoking Gun)

Scott Olsen (Pitcher, Florida Marlins)

Olsen was no stranger to trouble, just a couple of days before his arrest, Olsen had been suspended by the Marlins for his little scuffle with his teammate Sergio Mitre. Seems Scotty had a slight need for speed which got him noticed by the popo who clocked him going 48 in a 35 mph zone one August night in 2007. After an attempt to pull over the speedracer, the popo followed him to his Aventura home. Scott "got out of his car and sat down on a plastic chair in front of his home" until the popo arrived and tried to arrest him. He then started kicking the popo until one of them used a stun gun. The pitcher failed a field sobriety test and was charged with driving under the influend, resisting an officer with violence and fleeing the scene. He was released on a $11,000 bond and then headed off to the ballpark. At least he had his priorities in order. But unfortunately for him the Marlins Owner Scott Samson said he does not want Olsen in the organization if he is convicted. Because before this incident he was such a model citizen.

Check back in on Monday to find out who won.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Friday Funnies

(photo: AP)

Is this over the new unis?
(via bugs and cranks)

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

a little bonus

(photo: itunes)

It's Friday, so we know many of you are heading over to the local stadium to catch your hometown team beat some football ass. But starting October 5th, you might have a little conflict with an amazing show, "Friday Night Lights." We've blogged about our love and admiration and asked our readers to check it out. Well, here's a little bonus (brought to our attention by Hot Clicks on si.com) the first episode of season 2. If you haven't watch it our you've missed a few episodes you can catch up here. Or buy the DVD here. And there's even a soundtrack which you can pick up here.

(photo: nbc.com)

We're not the only ones in love with this show. Check out ESPN's Bill Simmons plea to watch this show here.

So set your DVRs today, Fridays at 9 PM/est on NBC. And don't worry, we'll remind you every single time this show hits the airwaves!

It's been fun blogging with you,

Kate

Spoiler Alert

Braves Update:
Jeff Bennett had an impressive debut as a starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves on Thursday. Bennett threw 5 2/3 flawless innings allowing only one run, a homer by Ricky Weeks in the third. The Braves scored three runs in the first two innings to give themselves a solid 3-1 win over the Brewers. Bennett has had a nice turn around from last year where he was forced to sit after undergoing tommy john surgery. Bennett was a recent addition to the AAA-Richmond Braves starting rotation, aiding them in their International League Championship earlier this month. After Tuesday's loss at Oklahoma City, Bennett joined teammates Brandon Jones and Joey Devine on the Atlanta Braves roster. The Braves continue their series with the Brew Crew tonight at 7:05 PM/est on ESPN.

Games behind NY Mets in NL East: 4.5
Games above. 500: 7
NL Wild Card Leader: San Diego Padres

Braves Notes: Rafael Soriano was suspended for 4 games by MLB after he struck Dan Uggla with a pitch during Monday's game against the Florida Marlins. Soriano appealed the ruling and was able to pick up a save for the Braves during Thursday's game...Octavio Dotel was activated from the DL on Thursday.

Baseball Update:
AL Standings



NL Standings



(standings: foxsports.com)

Baseball Notes: The Mets were able to blow another lead on Thursday, first a 3-0 lead, then a 7-4 lead and then Dan Uggla hit a walk off single in extras to give the Fish a 8-7 win. It didn't help that the Mets' pitcher Aaron Heilman was hit while warming up before the 8th inning by a "fan." Idiot!...Meanwhile, the Phillies were able to battle back from a 6-2 defecit to score five runs in the eighth to beat the Washington Nationals 7-6 and pull within a game and a half of the Metsies. Did we mention Jimmy Rollins is our pick for MVP? Don't believe us just check out who drove in the winning run for the Phils last night...The Mariners and Angels had a fun game of who can sprint out of the dugout faster after Jorge Campillo tossed two pitches towards Vlad Guerrero's head. In the end, it was the Angels who got the last laugh, roughing up the Mariners 9-5 and dropping the magic number down to one...The Cincinnati Reds season was only ten days away from ending but for Ken Griffey, Jr. the ride stopped on Wednesday night when he suffered a groin injury while playing against the Cubs. At least he waited until the end of season to go on the DL...Other injury reports, Toronto Blue Jays centerfielder Vernon Wells will have shoulder surgery on Tuesday for "a cyst and torn labrum in his left shoulder" and the St. Louis Cardinals may have seen the last of Albert Pujols this season due to a strained left calf. The former MVP was reduced to a pinch hitter in Tuesday's game before sitting out of Wednesday's...And finally, the Houston Astros have a new GM, Ed Wade.

NASCAR Update:
For race number two of the Chase, the Cup boys are heading over to Dover, where the racing is faster than the little ball of the roulette wheel. Martin Truex, Jr. was the spring race winner and has proven to be a threat at the track, but he and his fellow contenders need to make sure that they don't get caught up in someone else's mess. The track is self cleaning and tends to add additional cars into a wreck. Tune into ABC at 1 PM/est for the Dodge Dealers 400.

Kyle Busch has a new sponsor for 2008, M&M's. This sponsorship makes sense, because he's probably not too far removed from the days he thought Santa was real. But I'm still trying to wrap my head around the Budweiser Kasey Kanhe pairing.

Tony Eury, Jr., crew chief on the #8 Budweiser driven by cousin Dale Earnhardt, Jr., will be leaving DEI after the Talladega race on October 7th.

Popo in my crib News:
On Thursday, DeAnthony Ford was convicted of killing 19 year old USC basketball player Ryan France. Ford was given a life sentence on top of a 10 year sentence handed down by Judge Moore for aggravated battery for a shooting which occured two days before France's death. France had been visiting his mother for mother's day when he was killed. Watch out DeAnthony, because the popo are on your tail!

Antoine Larkins and Demorris Hill were charged with home invasion, armed robbery and aggravated kidnapping after barging into New York Knicks forward Eddy Curry's home on July 28th. They are being held on $5 million bond. Watch out Antoine and Demorris, because the popo are on your tail!

Legendary Detroit Red Wing Gordie Howe won a restraining order stopping a neighbor from "conducting surveillance" on Howe's home. This is way creepy and reminds me of that Lifetime movie with Angie Harmon where her neighbor is totally taping her and no one believes her. It was a classic if you haven't seen it. Anyway, the Howes claim that their neighbors Lionel and Karen Dorfman have a camera set up that takes pictures every 5 seconds and up to 17,000 photos a day. Watch out Lionel and Karen, because the popo are on your tail!

News & Notes: Floyd Landis was stripped of his 2006 Tour de France title and has been banned for two years after losing his doping case. Landis can still appeal. So if everyone who has done performance enhancing drugs in cycling is banned for two years, who's going to compete in the Tour de France 2008/09?...The NFL has destroyed all evidence collected from the New England Patriots...Miami tourched #20 Texas A&M in the Hurricane's 34-17 win on Thursday...And finally, the Peguins will be staying in Pittsburgh until at least 2040 after signing a lease on Thursday. The team will be housed in a yet-to-be built $290 million arena.

Check this out: Vote on which baseball player has the best style here.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate