mets reliever proves he's healthy enough to be thrown in jail

Mets reliever Ambiorix Burgos was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. The 24 year old pitcher, who has missed most of the season after undergoing elbow surgery, reportedly threw his girlfriend to the ground. Good to see the elbow is healed. His girlfriend was treated at a local hospital and released.

Burgos appeared in court on Tuesday but did not enter a plea (like guilty of being a complete douche) and was released. If convicted, he could face up to a year in jail.

The Mets said they were “disturbed by the allegations” and added that Burgos was “in town for reasons unrelated to the team.” Good call keep you distance from the alleged lady beater.

Watch out Ambiorix, because the popo are on your tail!
(source)

not so fast

Baseball Update:
The Yankees prevented the Angels from clinching their western crown with a 7-1 victory. New York was lead by Alfredo Aceves who allowed one run and five hits over seven innings in his major league debut. Derek Jeter's single in the first allowed him to pass Babe Ruth on the Yanks all time hits list. He sits second behind Lou Gehrig.

The Rays rallied in the ninth knocking in two off of Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon in their 5-4 win to give themselves a game and half lead over Boston in the East. The win also guarantees that Tampa Bay will leave Boston still in first place.

The Mets padded their slim NL East lead, besting the Nationals, 10-8. Carlos Delgado hit two homeruns for the second straight game, the second scoring the go ahead run for the Metsies. Delgado has been on quite a tear ever since that first game against the Yankees in June. With the way he's going it would be hard to not offer him a contract for next year...and only next year!

The Phillies fell to the Marlins, 10-8 as Kyle Kendrick got shelled by the Fish. Kendrick lasted just an inning and a third, allowing seven earned runs in the loss, while Ryan Howard hit his 41st homerun of the season becoming just the ninth player in major league history to have three consecutive seasons of 40+ homeruns and 125+ RBIs.

If there is one team you'd like avoid in the closing weeks, it would be the Blue Jays. Got that Baltimore, Boston and New York? Because the White Sox got the message loud and clear, dropping both games of a doubleheader and giving them a tiny one game lead over the Twins in the Central.

Chicago is hoping to get all-star slugger Carlos Quentin back for the post-season after he underwent surgery on his broken right wrist.

Speaking of the Twins, they spanked the Royals, 7-2. Justin Morneau had a homerun while Denard Span scored two runs for Minnesota in the win.

The Indians got some great news on Tuesday, their DH Travis Hafner, who has missed a substantial part of the season was activated from the DL. For his coming out party, Hafner had two singles while Jeremy Sowers pitched an eight inning gem for the Tribe in their 6-1 win over the Orioles.

You know it's bad when you lose to a team that just called up 7 players from the minors. But that seems to be the theme of the Brewers over the last few weeks. Lost opportunities, well just a lot of losses. This time it came at the hands of the Reds who edged the Brew Crew, 5-4.

Luckily for Milwaukee, the Cubs have continued their own nose-dive, losing to the Cardinals, 4-3. Albert Pujols launched a three run homer to tie the game in the sixth and then Brendan Ryan slid under the tag to score the winning run for St. Louis in the ninth. Pujols is still deciding whether he'll undergo reconstructive elbow surgery that could keep him off the field into 2009.

There was some good news for the Cubs, pitchers Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden look to be closer to returning later this week.

Andre Either knocked four runs in while Manny Ramirez belted a homerun to help the Dodgers beat the Padres. The win coupled with the Diamondbacks 5-4 loss to the Giants, gave LA a 2 1/2 game lead in the West.

The Braves won a wild one in the 10th when Rockies reliever Taylor Buchholz balked in a run to give the Braves the 5-4 advantage. I'm pretty sure Atlanta will take any kind of win they can get.

John Smoltz is hoping he'll return to Atlanta in 2009 after recovering fully from shoulder surgery. But if the Braves do not have a spot for him, he's willing to go somewhere else. If he does, he and Frank Wren are dead to me!

The A's dropped two pieces of dead weight, oft-injured Mike Sweeney and then the Tigers, 3-2.

Why can't people just stay retired? Mark McGwire says he's open to returning. Learn from Michael Jordan's 2001 return, the one where he came back with the Wizards. It's just not worth it.

Major League Baseball is meeting with bat manufactures in hopes of making a safer bat. You know the kind that split into a million pieces sending dagers into the stands full of people (except if you're in Dolphin Stadium) or into Troy Tulowitzki's hand.

Nascar Update:
Nascar.com goes 1-on-1 with Carl Edwards. Click here for the interview.

He maybe less a sponsor and a couple of teammates, but Juan Pablo Montoya is happy with the direction Chip Ganassi Racing is heading.

News&Notes: After playing just one game, Shawne Merriman has decided it's probably a good idea to get that surgery to fix his two torn ligaments in his left knee...A MRI revealed Titans QB Vince Young has a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee which will keep him out of Sunday's game against the Jaguars...Although nothing compares to this scary story about Young...The Titans may have signed QB Chris Simms...If he wants it to say Ocho Cinco on the back of his jersey, Chad Johnson is going to have to pay up...Ohio State running back Chris "Beanie" Wells will play in Saturday's game against USC...Contrary to yesterday's report, Kobe Bryant will not have surgery on his pinkie...The Wings signed Chris Chelios to a one year deal... The Panthers locked up Keith Ballard for six more years...And the Hurricanes are working on a deal to keep Eric Staal with the team for the long term.

Check this out: Apple unveiled its latest iPod technology. Click here to see the new nano and much more!

the intern wears skates

Sean Avery’s well documented foray into fashion this summer will be made into a movie, a romantic comedy at that. The movie, produced by New Line Cinema, will mimic Avery’s summer transformation from professional hockey player into a Vogue intern. No word on whether Elisha Cuthbert will be cast as the romantic lead.

Now the real question is who should play Avery on the big screen?

Benjamin Mckenzie
Best known from his days as bad boy Ryan Atwood on The OC, the blonde haired actor easily embodies the everyday qualities of Avery and judging from his cage fight in Season 4, could handle the rigors of fighting on ice. My only concern with McKenzie is his ability to verbally abuse others on ice because on The OC he did a lot of staring off into space.

(Photo: Getty Images)

Joshua Jackson
You may call him Pacey, but I like to refer to him as Charlie Conway, captain of the Mighty Ducks. Add on those days from Dawson's Creek where he was sweet and charming and include his recent fashion renaissance thanks to gal pal Diane Kruger and we might have the perfect Avery… if you don’t add in the fact that they look nothing a like.
(Photo: Wire Image)

Bradley Cooper
He played Sydney Bristow's friend on Alias and a cooking lothario in Kitchen Confidential. But it’s his boyish good looks and that catch football scene in Wedding Crashers that would make him perfect for the part.

(Photo: Wire Image)

via The Sporting News

It's Gonna Be Greg

It’s not even Friday and already I’m giving you something that will have you falling off your office chair. Click here for Greg Oden’s karaoke masterpiece.

Baseball Update:
The Red Sox closed the gap to just a meager half game after blanking the Rays, 3-0. J.D. Drew was activated from the DL prior to the start of the game, but did not play for Boston. The Rays are just 1-6 in the month of September and have seen their lead shrink from 6 games to a half game in a little over a week.

The Angels steam rolled the Yankees, 12-1. The game had a minor scuffle in the sixth inning that led to Ivan Rodriguez and Torii Hunter's early exit. Both benches cleared, but the flare up could not help the anemic Yankees offense.

Even though 2008 will be a year to forget for the Bombers, co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner says manager Joe Girardi will be back in 2009.

There was no lack of offense in Detroit as the Tigers outslugged the A's, 14-8. Gary Sheffield, who had two homers on the night, hit the 250,000th homerun in major league history. Now that's a pretty cool thing to have on your resume!

Aubrey Huff celebrated the birth of his first child in a big way, going 3-for-5 in his first game back in the Orioles 14-3 pounding of the Indians. Huff hit his fourth career grand slam in the win.

The Phillies topped the Marlins, 8-6 to cut into the Mets NL East lead. Jayson Werth had a three run homer while short stop Jimmy Rollins had three hits and three steals. If the Phils had one more run it would multiples of three day.

Speaking of the Mets, they'll be in the market for a new closer for the end of 2008 and all of 2009. Billy Wagner is going to need Tommy John surgery. Paging Dr. Andrews, paging Dr. Andrews.

The Padres put an end to the Dodgers 8 game win streak with a 4-0 victory. Just a week before the Dodgers had swept San Deigo, but it seems San Diego wasn't into a repeat.

The Diamondbacks lost their fourth straight thanks to another great start by Giants ace Tim Lincecum. He struck out nine on the way to San Francisco's 6-2 win.

The Brew Crew are picking an awful time to slump. Just when it seemed like they might just win a game, their closer who's name is not Eric Gagne gave up three runs in the ninth as the Reds rallied to a 4-3 win. With the Phillies win, the Brewers are just three games up in the Wild Card.

The Astros picked up their 11th win in their last 12 games, edging the Pirates, 3-2. Pittsburgh shortstop Jack Wilson could miss the remainder of the season with a hairline fracture in his right index finger.

Whenever Chris Carpenter becomes available, he most likely will find himself coming out to pitch in the ninth and not starting the game.

Former player and manager Don Gutteridge died at his home on Sunday. He was 96.

Nascar Update:
Only 45 teams will be making the trip to Loudon this weekend. Click here to see who they are.

The Nationwide COT is receiving high marks after its first test on Monday.

News&Notes: Aaron Rodgers picked up his first win as the Packers QB. He had two touchdowns in Green Bay's 24-19 victory over the Vikings...The Broncos killed the Raiders, 41-14...Tom Brady is officially out for the season. He'll undergo surgery to repair his injured knee...The Seahawks will be without their WR Nate Burleson for the remainder of the season because of his knee injury...Kobe Bryant will have pinkie surgery...Congrats to Roger Federer who easily defeated Andy Murray to take home the US Open crown...Lance Armstrong could be back at the Tour de France in 2009. However Team Astana is denying these reports...Sad news, former UFC middleweight champ Evan Tanner's body was found in California. He was just 37 years old.

Check this out: Looks for less. You know you love it. So click over here to see how you can look just like Blake Lively, Rachel Bilson, Kate Hudson and more!

Chasing the Odds

MLB may be a month away from its postseason, but for Nascar the Chase is beginning this weekend. That’s why it seems like the perfect time to compare each driver’s chances for brining home a championship with their major baseball counterpart.

Kyle Busch & LA Angels are the Heavy Favorites
The Angels will be the first to clinch a playoff birth easily running away with the weaker AL West crown. Once they get to the playoffs, the Angels will have to go up against tougher teams like possibly the Red Sox (if the playoffs started today) in the first round. They got bounced by Boston last year, but have upgraded their offense with the additions of Torii Hunter in center and Mark Teixiera at first. A World Series ring is not guaranteed, nonetheless they look to be a heavy favorite going into October.

Kyle Busch is entering the Chase with the most wins this season (8) and the most top 10s (19). Under the old system, he’d be running away with the Championship, but with the new system and the reorganization of the standings, he’s just 30 points ahead of Carl Edwards and 50 in front of Johnson. If he continues to run like he has over the last 26 races, he could easily pick up his first Cup Series title.

Carl Edwards & Chicago Cubs are the Strong Contenders
Before their most recent slide, the Cubs were considered a foregone conclusion for at least making their first World Series appearance since 1945. Even with the losing streak, they still have the best record in the National League and with an eight game cushion over the Phillies in the Wild Card; they practically have their ticket to the playoffs punched.

Carl Edwards comes into the Chase riding high, winning three of the last six events and he’s second only to Kyle Busch in wins and top 10s this season. It will definitely be a battle with Busch and Johnson for the Cup crown; however, if Edwards and his team can continue their momentum they have a strong chance at brining Jack Roush his first title since 2004.

Jimmie Johnson & Boston Red Sox are the Reigning Champs
The Boston Red Sox are the reigning World Series champions. Even with the loss of Manny Ramirez, they’ve been able to pick up some valuable pieces (Mark Kotsay and Jason Bay) to help them start to roll off some wins. With the Rays beginning to fumble, the Sox stand just a game and a half out of first in the AL East and look poised to make another impressive post-season run.

Jimmie Johnson is not just the reigning Nascar Cup Series Champion; he’s riding a two year streak. He started the season off slow, but has managed to win the last two races vaulting him from a tie with Earnhardt, Jr., Burton, Hamlin and Bowyer to sole position of the third spot.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. & Milwaukee Brewers are the Handsome Challengers
The Brewers have mortgaged the farm to make a run at their first playoff spot since 1982. (Note: I was still a year away from existence) They’ve added CC Sabathia who has been practically perfect for them, while extracting offense from their youthful players like Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder. Although they stand just four games ahead of the Phillies for the Wild Card, the Brew Crew are in a good position to continue playing on October 1st. But a World Series seems doubtful.

Earnhardt, Jr. has managed just one race win this season, however his consistency has allowed him to stay in the top five in points almost all season. He’s not likely to set the world on fire, but he is likely to keep in touch with the leaders for the majority of the Chase. I just don’t see him holding the Tiffany trophy at Homestead.

Jeff Burton & The Rays are the Sentimental Favorites
While they may limp to it, the Rays seem on the brink of making their first playoff appearance in franchise history. Often overlooked, they’re young pitching could carry them deep into the playoffs.

Burton isn’t your odds on favorite to win the Chase, but his cool head and superior driving abilities make him a dark horse to win his first ever championship.

Denny Hamlin & LA Dodgers are the Hollywood Hot Shots
The Dodgers have fought back after dropping eight straight games by winning eight straight, including a sweep of their closest rival the Arizona Diamondbacks. A game and a half in front of the D’Backs in the West, the battle is far from over. Even if they do make the playoffs, they’ll likely suffer an early exit.

Hamlin has won one race this year and could add onto his win total at one of the remaining 10 tracks. That would seem to be the highlight of the Chase, because he’s not likely to factor into Championship.

Clint Bowyer & Arizona Diamondbacks are the Worthy Adversaries
The Diamondbacks came out of the gate strong winning 19 of their first 27 games. However, as the season has progressed, their one-two punch of Brandon Webb and Dan Haren has begun to falter. With their slumping pitching came losses, including their recent three game slide to the Dodgers, sending them a game and half behind LA

Clint Bowyer surprised everyone last season, coming out of the gate with a win at New Hampshire. 2008 brought him his second career win, but most likely it will not include his first career Cup title.

Tony Stewart & Chicago White Sox are the Rowdy Rumblers
The White Sox have had opportunities but have been unable to put distance between themselves and the Twins in the AL Central. And with the unexpected injury to slugger Carlos Quentin, their chances of a 2005 repeat seem doubtful.

2005 gave Tony Stewart his second Cup Series championship, but 2008 has been anything but magical. Maybe it’s his departure from Gibbs and the stress of building his own Cup team for 2009, but Tony hasn’t been Tony. His chances of winning the Chase look to be barely higher than his win total so far this season (0).

Greg Biffle & New York Mets are Looking for Redemption
2007 was very disappointing for the Mets and not just because they blew a huge lead with 17 games to go, although that certainly was apart of it. After a slow start and a manager change, the Mets have rebounded and find themselves a game and a half in front of the Phillies. With their recent surge they are hoping to get right back into the playoffs and step over the Phillies who roared in to take their 2007 NL East crown.

In 2005, Greg Biffle made his mark finish second in points behind Tony Stewart. But in 2006 and 2007 Biffle fumbled, unable to make the Chase he finished 13th and 14th respectively. This year he’s hoping to prove that 2005 was not just a fluke.

Matt Kenseth & Minnesota Twins are the Quiet Thunder
They may not be as flashy as other teams in the their division (Tigers) or slug homeruns like its little league (White Sox) but the Twins have managed to surprise just about everyone by continually staying in the playoff hunt, even without ace Johan Santana who they traded to the Mets in the off season.

Kenseth has a Cup Championship (2003) but he’s seemingly always overlooked. Maybe its his driving style or his quiet demeanor, but you should never count him out because he enjoys being an after thought.

Kevin Harvick & St. Louis Cardinals are On Edge
They are not out of playoff contention by any means, but with the season winding down and a five game deficit to the Brewers in the Wild Card they certainly are not guaranteed anything.

Harvick is largely in the Chase because of his ability to complete laps (97.5%). Standing 80 points behind Kyle Busch with 10 races to go, he’s certainly not on the outside looking in, but it would take a couple of wins and a lot of top 10 finishes to get his name on the Cup.

Jeff Gordon & New York Yankees are the Past Champions
With every passing day, it’s looking more and more likely that the Yankees will be missing the playoffs for the first time since 1993, making September 21st the true final game at Yankee Stadium.

With the season he’s had, Jeff Gordon is lucky to just make the Chase. While it seems odd to count a four time Cup winner out, it’s just not his year.

(Photos: Getty Images for Nascar)

more details revealed in the Penn State case

Former Penn State backup Willie Harriott was reportedly ticketed for driving with a suspended license and without a registration the morning before he was kicked off the football team. Harriott was banished for an unspecified rules violation, but if this was the reason, than I’m sorry, LAME!! Of course there is also that driving under the influence and speeding charge from last November. So maybe this was just the stray that broke Paterno's back.

Watch out Willie, because the popo are on your tail!
(source)

UVA QB fumbles

Virginia quarterback Peter Lalich made things a whole lot worse for himself after admitting he used marijuana and alcohol while on probation for an underage drinking charge he incurred on July 13th. His judgment had been deferred upon completion of a supervised probation, however, during one his probation interviews he admitted to using alcohol and marijuana on August 26th and now will be charged with failure to obey a court order while on probation. They couldn’t have made it any easier for you to succeed and yet still, you get an additional charge. Congrats, I hope you make better decisions on the field than you do off it.

Virginia has yet to comment the situation. Lalich started in Virginia’s embarrassing loss to USC last weekend.

Watch out Peter, because the popo are on your tail!

(source)

The Bubble Burst Edition

Baseball Update:
The Mets avoided the sweep, by taking the night cap of a doubleheader with the Phillies, 6-3. However, the rest of the weekend was all Phillies, including the first game on Sunday, a 6-2 victory. The Phillies sit just two games behind the Mets in the NL East. The Mets did encounter a major setback on Sunday. Closer Billy Wagner managed only 13 pitches in a simulated game before being forced to stop. Manager Jerry Manuel does not expect Wagner to pitch again for the remainder of the season.

The Dodgers collected their eigth straight victory, overtaking the Diamondbacks, 5-3. James Loney had three RBIs in the win, which gave LA a one and half game lead over Arizona in the NL West.

The voice of the Dodgers Vin Scully will return in 2009 for his 60th year as a broadcaster for the team.

If the Rockies were hoping for a repeat of last year, a 7-5 loss to the Astros is certainly not helping their cause. Jack Cassel added four strong innings for Houston after starter Wandy Rodriguez had to leave early with an oblique strain. Jack's younger brother Matt also had quite an exciting day, but I'll get back to that later in the News&Notes section.

Chris Young lost a bid at a perect game with two outs in the eighth after Gabe Kapler launched a solo shot. That was all the offense the Brewers could muster in their 10-1 blowout loss.

Milwaukee added Mike Lamb to the roster after being released on Thursday.

The Reds scored three off of Kerry Wood in the ninth to rally past the Cubs, 4-3. This was Chicago's seventh loss in their past eight games.

Albert Pujols hit a two run homer in his first at bat at the game and that was all the Cardinals needed as they sunk the Fish, 3-1. The win allowed St. Louis to gain ground on the Cubs and Brewers, while picking up the Series win.

Cliff Lee won his 10th straight decision and tacked onto his major league best win total of 21 in the Indians, 3-1 win over the Royals. Victor Martinez drove in all three runs for the Tribe.

The Twins were unable to take advantage of a 3-2 White Sox loss, falling to the Tigers, 7-5. Justin Morneau had four RBIs in the loss.

The news was not good for Chicago. Slugger Carlos Quentin has a broken wrist and will have to undergo surgery to repair it. Quentin suffered the injury after hitting his bat in disgust with his right hand while holding it in his left hand.

The Red Sox are coming on strong just in time for their series with the Rays. And after Sunday's 7-2 blasting of the Rangers, Boston sits just a game and a half out in the East, with a chance to take the divison at the end of the three game set.

The Rays on the other hand are sliding fast. Tampa bay is not really in danger of losing a playoff spot (unless they hope to recreate the 2007 Mets or 1964 Phillies) but their 1-0 loss to the Blue Jays gave Toronto the sweep.

The Rays activated rookie phenom Evan Longoria from the DL after he took batting practice on Saturday and said he felt 100%. Longoria had been out since August 7th after being hit by a pitch and fracturin his right wrist.

The Giants started six rookies and the move paid off as they defeated the Pirates, 11-6. San Francisco scored 10 runs in the fourth and rookie Pablo Sandoval drove in five runs in the win.

Nascar Update:
Jimmie Johnson collected his third victory of the season after winning the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 on Sunday afternoon. The race was originally scheduled for Saturday night, but Mother Nature had other plans.

With the completion of the race, the Chase has been set. Click here to see who's in and who's out.

Congrats to Carl Edwards and Ron Hornaday who picked up wins in the Nationwide Series and Truck Series respectively.

The poor economy is trickling down to the Truck Series in 2009 after Dodge announced it will not factory sponosor any teams in the third teir series.

News&Notes: Tom Brady went down in the first quarter of the Patriots 17-10 win over the Chiefs with a knee injury which could keep him out for the remainder of the season. He was replaced by Matt Cassell who led his team to the win, but can he lead them to the playoffs and beyond?...The Bears ruined the Colts first regular season game in their new digs by beating them, 29-13. It was the first loss in a Sept/October for the Colts in 21 games...The Cowboys routed the Browns, 28-10 while the Eagles blew out the Rams, 38-3...USC remains number 1, while East Carolina moved up to #14 in the AP Poll...Congrats to Scott Dixon on winning his second IndyCar Championship. And to Helio Castroneves on winning PEAK Indy 300...Congrats to Serena Williams on winning her third US Open...Roger Federer and Andy Murray will face off in the Men's final on Monday...Finally, sad news, Western Texas (UTEP) famed Men's Basketball coach Don Haskins had died at the age of 78. His 1966 triumph over the Kentucky Wildcats was the basis of the movie "Glory Road."

Check this out: If you were one of the many who missed this year's VMAs, well...you were smarter than me! Click here for the best of VMA fashions. And here for the worst dressed stars.

Friday Funnies

Apparently, even hockey players need make-up.

(Photo: Mike Stobe/Getty Images for the NHL)

blackmail isn’t always the best way to go

Former Manchester City youth goalkeeper Ashley Timms, 22, has successfully found that new home he had been blackmailing an unnamed international soccer player for. Unfortunately, instead of having three bedrooms, two baths, an eat-in-kitchen, a living room with a large fireplace, hardwood floors and a fenced in backyard for his dog, it’s got three walls, bunk beds, a urinal, a window with bars and an open view to the cell across the way. Yes, the British dream come true.

Timms has been sentenced to twenty months in the slammer after pleading guilty to blackmail last month. He had texted his soccer player pal (his name has not been released but plays in the Premier League) multiple times threatening to put a sex tape he recorded on his cell phone on YouTube unless he was paid 15,000 Pounds. The quality must be insane! The amateur filmmaking happened at the player’s home last September and involved a 19 year old girl. Well at least she was legal. Timms later tried to use the tape and photos he also claimed to have taken as a bargaining tool to help secure enough money to purchase a home after his soccer career went south.

Timms now claims he destroyed the video footage.

Watch out Ashley, because the popo are on your tail!
(Photo: AP; source)

Penn State drops a player and Suspends three more

The Nittany Lions roster has gotten one player lighter after coach Joe Paterno announced he has dismissed back up defensive back Willie Harriott. In November, Harriott was arrested for driving under the influence and speeding.

JoPa also announced that defensive lineman Maurice Evans, Abe Koroma and tight end Andrew Quarless would be riding the pine for Saturday’s game against Oregon State due to a violation of team rules. The exact cause has not been released but it may have something to do with a little pot that was found in a campus apartment on Tuesday. The campus popo were sent to the apartment, which lists football players as its residents, after a report of loud music. Like I always say, if you’re doing something illegal, don’t draw attention to yourself by having loud music or shooting someone with a BB gun.

This isn’t the first off the field incident for Penn State this year. Receiver Chris Bell was kicked off the team after the popo said he threatened a teammate with a knife in the Dining Hall. Smart move buddy, way to do something incredibly stupid in front of hundreds or witnesses. Bell had already been suspended by the team for another off the field incident.

Defensive tackles Chris Baker and Phil Taylor were also given their walking papers for an undisclosed off the field incident last month.

Looks, like I may have given my Busted award away too soon.

Watch out Penn State football team, because the popo are on your tail!
(Photo: Getty Images; source)

4 Balls

Baseball Update:
The Yankees rallied in the ninth with homeruns by Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, but Dan Wheeler was able to retire Xavier Nady for the final out to preserve the Rays, 7-5 win.

The Jays crushed the Twins with a 9-0 win, completing a sweep and knocking Minnesota a game and a half behind the White Sox in the Central as they head home for the first time in two weeks. Travis Snider hit a homerun in the fifth and then drove in a run in the sixth in the win for Toronto.

The Angels battered the Tigers, 7-1, making their magic number just six games. Sean Rodriguez struck out a 4-2 pitch. Yeah you read that right. LA pitcher Jered Weaver will miss his next start after injurying himself getting off of the dugout bench.

The Brewers dropped their fourth straight, falling to the Padres, 5-2. While hopping to make their first playoff appearance in 26 years, they are also looking towards the offseason, knowing that it is going to be very expensive to re-sign CC Sabathia.

The Cubs were dealt a huge blow after a MRI revealed tendinitis and inflammation in Carlos Zambrano's right rotator cuff. Zambrano received a shot of anti-inflammatory medication and they hope he can start throwing in a couple of days.

The Phillies third base coach Steve Smith has been suspended two games and fined for arguing with an umpire during last week's game in Chicago..

The Braves have had very little to smile about this season due to the vast amounts of injuries...and you know losing. But on Thursday, that got a stellar outting by recent call-up James Parr who pitched six shut out innings in the Braves 2-0 defeat of the Nationals. Could he be this year's Jeff Bennett?

The Nats will be lowering ticket prices for next season by about $5 or $10. Even with a brand new Stadium, the Nationals still rank in the bottom of fan attandence. On the other side of the coin, the Red Sox are poised to break a major league record for number of consecutive sellouts on Friday.

The Rangers all-star second baseman Ian Kinsler will undergo season ending surgery to fix a sports hernia in his abdominal wall.

Sad News, former Orioles infielder Todd Cruz has died at the age of 52.

Want those seats you've sitting in a Shea Stadium for the last 10-15 years? Sure, that will be $869, please!

Looking at the weekend's schedule, the Mets will host the Phillies, in a huge series that could allow the Phils to make up some ground or allow the Mets to put some distance between them. And the Dodgers and Diamondbacks will square off in a similiar situtation.

Nascar Update:
It's the final race before the Chase and for bubble drivers like Kasey Kahne, David Ragan, Jeff Gordon, Clint Bowyer and Denny Hamlin, the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond is a do or die situation. The combination of short track and night racing usually leads to lots of sparks, so except some excitement as you tune into ABC on Saturday night with coverage starting at 7 PM/est.

Everyone's checking the doppler to see if Hurricane/Tropical Storm Hanna will effect Saturday night's race.

Gillett Evernham Motorsports has sued Robby Gordon for violating a tentative agreement that would have sold Gordon's Robby Gordon Motorsports to GEM for $23.5 million early this year.

There will not be a Nationwide Series COT until 2010.

News&Notes: The Giants opened the season with a big fat win. While the score was 16-7, the game could have been a even bigger blowout for the G-Men who seemed to stiffle the Redskins early and often...Prior to kickoff, Plaxico Burress and the Giants agreed to a 5 year deal that could be worth $35 million with a guaranteed $11 million this season...The Bengals have announced that number 85 is Chad Ocho Cinco and they are currently in the process of changing Chad's last name from Johnson to Ocho Cinco in all official team documents...Umeployment equalled retirement for Daunte Culpepper...Vanderbilt upset South Carolina, 24-17...Novak Djokovic eneded Andy Roddick's run at the US Open...Newsflash, according to a new book written by Jamel Thomas, his cousin Stephon Marbury is selfish.

Check this out: Learn the fact from the fiction in this article about one my favorite guilty pleasures Gossip Girl. (Warning: There are spoilers about the upcoming season in the article!)

36 year old rookie hits his first major league homerun

Phillies catcher Chris Coste made headlines and even wrote a book about being a 33 year old Major League rookie, but for San Francisco Giants rookie Scott McClain, 33 is like child’s play. The 36 year old hit his first career major league homerun on Wednesday during the Giants 9-2 romping of the Rockies. The homerun capped the 19 year journey that led him from the minors to the majors and gave him a sense of relief that he finally accomplished the feat. Congrats!

(source)

Kickoff Time

Baseball Update:
We got our first taste of instant replay on Wednesday. And after 2 minutes, the call was...upheld! It's baby steps people. Alex Rodriguez's replayed homerun was a part of the Yankees 8-4 victory over the Rays.

Dustin Pedroia's hot streak continued with a homerun in the seventh that started their five run rally over three innings that gave them a 5-4 edge over the Orioles. Baltimore pitcher Jim Miller overthrew third baseman Aubrey Huff allowing Alex Cora to score the winning run for the Red Sox and help them complete the three game sweep.

The game was the Red Sox's 455th consecutive sell-out game, tying the Cleveland Indians for a major league record for most consecutive sell-out games.

John McDonald singled the go-ahead run in the 11th inning of the Jays 5-4 defeat of the Twins. The loss coupled with the White Sox 4-2 victory over the Tribe moved Minnesota a game behind in the Central.

An official attendance of 11,211 people (based on tickets sold) at Dolphin Stadium were able to watch the Marlins defeate the Braves, 5-3. (Actually attendance appeared to much less than that gaudy number, around 600 people.) The Marlins are hoping that with the addition of a retractable roof on their new stadium they can avoid days like these. That and maybe not trading away your best players for cheaper replacements. But that's just a thought. Bobby Cox extended his major league best ejection record by one making it 143.

The Mets scored six in the first and never looked back, blasting the Brewers, 9-2 and completing a the sweep in the process. Ryan Church hit a grand slam in the first inning to get things started for New York, who now lead the Phillies by three after they lost to the Nationals, 9-7. Ryan Howard had two homeruns in the losing effort.

MLB scoring committee will not overturn the official scoring of a single in the Brewers win on Sunday. The controversial single was the only thing standing in the way of a no-hitter for Milwuakee pitcher CC Sabathia.

The only saving grace for the Cubs has been the equally slumping Brewers. While the Cubs have lost five straight, including last nights 4-0 shut out by the Astros, the Brewers have dropped three straight. I guess it's better to lose now than in the playoffs, however that only works if you make the playoffs.

Chicago pitcher Carlos Zambrano was checked out by team doctors but did not undergo a MRI to see what's wrong with his arm. Zambrano had to leave his last start after the fifth inning.

Adam Dunn has been quite the acquisition for the Diamondbacks, driving in the winning run with a double in the ninth in Arizona's 4-3 victory over the Cardinals.

Frank Thomas' season is officially over after the A's put him on the 60 day disabled list. Could this be it for the Big Hurt?

Weird Injury Update: Jason Giambi was sporting a gash on his right eyelid after walking into the bathroom door in his hotel room...Angels pitcher Jered Weaver sustained cuts to on the tips of his middle and ring fingers pushing himself off the Comerica Park dugout bench.

Nascar Update:
Probation for JGR drivers Tony Stewart and Joey Logano has been overturned after Gibbs appealed their penalties stemming from the August 16th race at Michigan.

Speaking of Stewart, click here for an interesting article about the two time Cup Champ from Rolling Stone. (Via From the Marbles)

Got $125,000 to burn and love of driving fast? Then maybe you might want to join here.

News&Notes: The NFL season officially kicks off when the Giants take on the Redskins tonight! Let's go Big Blue!!...The Jets have voted Brett Favre a team captian...Rudi Johnson is saying former Lion Tatum Bell stole his luggage and his video tape evidence to prove it. Talk about a sore loser...LSU has postponed their game against Troy blaming Hurrican Gustav for the delay. The teams will square off in November...Don't call them the SuperSonics, call them the Oklahoma City Thunder...Serena beat her sister Venus to advance at the US Open. Rafael Nadal also moved on in the tournament.

Check this out: Click here to see who's opening up the MTV Video Music Awards this weekend.

NBA rookies caught having too good a time

Former Jayhawks Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur were reportedly thrown out of the NBA’s rookie transition program on Wednesday after being caught with pot in their hotel room. (And according to FoxSports.com there were also some ladies in the room.) This would so not fly a real halfway house or at least one that is not sponsored by Ricky Williams.

The event being held in Rye Brook, NY, is a four day seminar where coaches, former players and refs discuss the difficult transition from playing in college to playing in the pros. I’m also sure there are some sort of handouts which include a number for a good lawyer, bail bondsman and PR agent which could have come in handy for Cheech and Chong.

As a part of their punishment, both players will begin the season on the suspended list, were fined $20,000 and will be forced to attend the four day lecture series next year.

Watch out Mario and Darrell, because the popo are on your tail!

(Photos: AP/Getty Images; source)

Hump Day Hair

For this week’s installment I bring a separated at birth.



You all know how I feel about Cole’s hair. (Second best according to last year’s rankings) And even though Cahill has decided against my better judgment to cut his hair, I can always look back at those Friends re-runs on my dvr and remember him as Tag! Or watch some older CSI: NY and enjoy the original Don Flacke hair.

Jim Edmonds does the hidden ball trick at Wrigley

Rounding the Bases

Baseball Update:
The Cubs continue to slide, falling to the Astros, 9-7 in 11 innings. Geoff Blum hit a game winning 2 run homer in the 11th for Houston, but worse for the Cubs, their starter Carlos Zambrano had to leave after the fifth inning because of arm problems.

On the other side of the coin, we have the surging Indians who are looking to be this year's Rockies, trumping the White Sox, 9-3. Cleveland elected to keep Travis Hafner in the minors.

Meanwhile, the actual Rockies are sitting just five games back of first place in the West with their 6-5 edging of the Giants.

The D'Backs, on the other hand, fell to the Cardinals, 8-2. The loss coupled with Los Angeles' win puts just a game and a half between them.

There may have been a lack of pitching, but there was certainly no lack of offense as the Braves out slugged the Marlins, 16-14. Chipper Jones was a late scratch after twisting his knee during infield practice. You're a gold glove calliber third baseman, you don't need to do drills, keep the knees, obliques, ankles/feet, hands, head, elbows, shoulders, etc... safe!

The Phillies put an end to the Nationals seven game win streak in style, with a seven+ inning shut out performance by ace Cole Hamels. Jimmy Rollins delievered two RBI singles in the win. Unfortunately, the game was not without a scary incident in the third inning when Chase Utley collided with Jesus Flores. Flores had to be carted off the field.

Carlos Delgado punched a three run homer, but it was Endy Chavez that drove in the game winning run in the 10th in the Mets, 6-5 defeat of the Brewers. While Milwaukee picked up a loss they got some good news as well; Ben Sheets is not expected to miss his next scheduled start despite leaving Monday's game early.

Francisco Rodriguez picked up his 54th save, while the Angels decreased their magic number to 8 on their way to beating the Tigers, 5-4. The AL West is only division without a close race. Although the Cubs could join the ranks if they decide to start winning again.

New York is keeping their playoff hopes alive taking out the Rays, 7-2. The win, which was Mike Mussina's 17th of the season, did little in the East, where they still stand 11 games behind, but it helped them keep pace in the Wild Card after the Red Sox drilled the Orioles, 14-2.

Josh Beckett is expected to make his first start since mid-August on Friday.

Nascar Update:
Click here to see who is on the qualifying list for Richmond. (Besides, Joey Logano) And here to see who will be racing against Richard Childress' grandson in the Nationwide Series.

Dario Franchitti is heading back to the IRL next season. He'll move into the #10 Chip Ganassi ride which will be vacated by Dan Wheldon, who is going to Panther Racing. Well, I'm sure he's happy to put this whole mess behind him.

David Stremme has been hired to replace Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman in the #12 Penske Dodge. I'm extremely happy for David, who showed such promise in his Nationwide Series days, but had a bad ride at Ganassi. However, he is a bit of a downgrade from Newman, no?

News&Notes: USC has taken the #1 spot...The Vikings Tarvaris Jackson says he's ready to go on Monday...The Saints will play their scheduled opener at the Superdome on Sunday...The Maple Leafs have dealt Bryan McCabe to the Florida Panthers for Mike Van Ryn...Oh and Mats Sundin is still deciding...Uh-oh, two members of the Jamaican Olympic track team received shipments of performance-enhancing drugs. Good job guys. You know you're not supposed to have this stuff sent to your house or have your name on the box...Tiger Woods has apparently found things to do in his time off. His wife Elin, Woods announced, is pregnant.

Check this out: I may have to start using Lakeland Buses to get to work in the morning if only because they have a strict no cellphone policy. Please people, be considerate, no one really cares about your kid or your annoying boyfriend or your crappy boss or your plans for that client you've been trying to switch to your firm at 7 o'clock in the morning. Text, blackberry away, just put down the phone! Click here for the article.

Casting Call

If producers allowed me to cast reality shows, this is what I would do.

Kevin Craft on The Hills
Move over Doug Reinhardt, alleged minor league baseball player, because Kevin’s coming in. Craft, the QB at UCLA would make the perfect pretend dinner date for Lauren Conrad. Can you imagine the glances, the smiles, the lack of words these two could exchange for minutes on end. Since Craft goes to school in LA, he could easily shoot scenes in between football games, practices and classes.

(Photos: Harry How/Getty Images; Clark Samuels/StarTracks)

2007 Florida State Football Team on Busted
It seems like just nine months ago we were laughing at the over 20 students suspended by the school for academic violations. And while this new MTV reality show is more like campus popo on tape, I figure it’s hard to top the shear numbers of people involved in this incident. Better luck next time University of Miami football team!

(Photo: Gerry Broome/AP)

Bristol Palin on Engaged and Underage
So fine, she’s not really an athlete but her alleged baby’s daddy is a hockey player…on their high school team. And can we just stop and discuss how crazy this whole situation is. While I feel bad for the girl, what do you expect from a state that has so little daylight in the winter?

(Photo: Stephen Savoia/AP)

Tom Brady on Project Runway
Eat your heart out Sean Avery. Not so fast Roger Federer. Your connections with Anna Wintour won't do any good here. The best Runway pairing would have to be with the fashionista QB. Michael Korrs would giggle the whole time and Nina Garcia would constantly be tossing her hair back. Not to mention the contestants who may find it hard to control themselves in front of the oh some handsome Brady. This episode would be way better than that challenge when they had to design fashions for the WWE Divas. (Which is really hard to top.)

(Photo: James Devaney/Wire Image)

Hank Steinbrenner on Tabatha’s Salon Takeover
I don’t know if you’ve been watching this new show on Bravo starring former Shear Genius contestant Tabatha Coffey as she whips salon owners and their employees into shape, but goodness knows I have. She’s a no holds bar type of lady that is not afraid to bluntly say what’s on her mind and enjoys cursing like a sailor. So imagine Coffey locked in a room with Hank Steinbrenner discussing what should be done to improve the Yankees. Brian Cashman could lament on how difficult it has been dealing with Hank and how Hank just doesn’t understand the time needed to develop young talented arms in her one on one with the staff. Too bad Tabatha only deals with hair and not baseball teams, because this would be a must watch for me.
(Photos: Getty Images)

David Wright and Ryan Braun on The Amazing Race
So I’ll preface with saying, I have absolutely no idea if these guys are buddies but they would fall perfectly into the stereotypical young jock team that tends to show up on The Amazing Race. They’d probably build an alliance with a pretty young female pair and then throw them under the bus when they became too annoying and more likely when they became useless. They’d use their charm and good looks to get them from country to country and their physical abilities to leave the others in the dust. Because doesn’t it always seem that the youngins walk away with the prize? And so maybe I chose these two players because I’d love to know what prophetic statements would come out of their mouths and maybe I chose them because neither is that bad to look at for a 12 week run.

Tony Romo on Nashville Star
Just go on YouTube and you’ll find tons of videos of Romo rocking out like he’s Bret Michaels or something. So wouldn’t it be great, if he ended up on a singing competition? Since his gal pal Jessica Simpson has decided to go all country on us, it would only make sense that he would compete on a country music show like this. And if the pair want to compete as a duo, well then there’s always CMT’s Can You Duet.

(Photo: Getty Images)

Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards on Celebrity Boxing
Years ago, Nascar drivers used to take their aggression out by punching each other on the backstretch. But it seems now a days these drivers are all worried about sponsorship dollars and have stopped beating each other senseless with their fists and started using their cars as weapons. Lame. It’s not like you’re personally going to fix your messed up race car, Carl. So that’s why I think drivers should demonstrate their anger on live TV. And I think Kyle and Carl should star on the pilot seeing that they have started to develop quite a feud.

(Photo: Carolyn Kaster/AP)

Pacman Jones on I Love Money

Admittedly a very big guilty pleasure, I Love Money pits cast members of Flavor of Love, Rock of Love and I Love New York in a Real World/Road Rules challenge type show. Pacman would be perfect; first of all there are a bunch of former strippers/amateur porn stars on the show so he’d feel at home. And as an added bonus, Jones comes with his own nickname so he doesn’t have to resort to be called “Entertainer,” “12 Pack,” “Toastee,” "Pumkin," or “Midget Mack.” -- And for those who don't watch this show, yes, those are real character names.

(Photo: John Raoux/AP)

Like Father, Like Son?

Koby Clemens, son of pitcher/alleged steroid user Roger Clemens, is a in a bit of hot water after he and two of his teammates were arrested on Sunday in the parking lot of Mac and Bob’s restaurant in Salem, VA. According to the popo about 50 people were gathered around in the parking lot when they were called in at 2 AM Sunday morning. Clemens and his buddies Mark Ori and Jimmy Goethals were arrested and jailed at Roanoke County-Salem Jail before being released on bond. Clemens and Ori were charged with disorderly conduct, while Goethals was hit with an assault and battery charge. Ouch!

I can only imagine what kind of fun goes on at a Mac and Bob’s parking lot. Myself, in the past I’ve only enjoyed the occasional teenage loitering around a local Starbucks, and even then at 15, I knew that it was very very lame. But then again, I've never been to the metropolis that is Salem, Va.

The three delinquents, who play for the Salem Avalanche -- a part of the Houston Astros organization -- finished their season on Monday.

Watch out Koby, Mark and Jimmy, because the popo are on your tail!
(Photo: Getty Images; source)

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

While you were changing your name to Ocho Cinco...

Baseball Update:
It was a hell of a Labor Day, with both Arizona's Stephen Drew and Seattle's Adrian Beltre hitting for the cycle. Add Cliff Lee's 20th win of the season and there was a whole new meaning to the word Labor.

After dropping a series to the Dodgers that could have in essence sent LA packing or for the very least put quite a dent in their playoff hopes, the Diamondbacks rebounded well with a 8-6 victory over the Cardinals, who are in a playoff push of their own. Newly acquired David Eckstein singled in the game winning run for Arizona.

Adrian Beltre's career night capped Seattle's 12-6 defeat of the Rangers. With Beltre's cycle, Drew and Adrian became the first pair of players to complete the cycle on the same day since 1920.

Cliff Lee has been one of the few bright spots all season for the Indians and on Monday he became the fourth Cleveland pitcher and first in 34 years to record 20 wins in one season. The feat is that much greater when you consider he hit the milestone pitching a complete game shut-out in their 5-0 win over the White Sox.

Greg Maddux tied Roger Clemens for 8th all-time on the career wins list with 354 as his Los Angeles Dodgers rolled past his former team the San Diego Padres, 5-2.

Jeff Kent will undergo knee surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee on Tuesday. In advance of the surgery, the Dodgers have placed him on the DL.

It was a double whammy for the Brewers who lost Ben Sheets in the fifth inning with a groin injury and then gave up the win in the eighth inning of their 4-2 loss to the Mets. Carlos Delgado's two run homer off of Eric Gange proved to be the game winner for New York.

Milwaukee's General Manager Doug Melvin wants the official scorers decision to award a single to Andy LaRoche in the Brewers 7-0 shut out of the Pirates on Sunday to be changed to an error. That single is the only thing standing between CC Sabathia and a no-hitter.

Even the good teams hit the skids and that is just what's happening to the Cubs as they dropped their third straight, 3-0 to the Astros. Since the two closest teams in their division also suffered losses on Monday, it's not really that big a deal.

The Cubs called up Koyie Hill on Monday as a part of September call ups. Hill been involved in a scary table-saw accident 10 months ago where he almost lost three fingers and a thumb. But he has been able to recover nicely and played well enough in Triple-A Iowa to get his chance in the Big Leagues.

Proving everytime goes on a winning streak, the Nationals locked up their seventh straight victory with a 7-4 win over the Phillies. It seems like just last week the Nats had lost 11 straight. Talk about a streaky team. The Phils are now two full games behind the Mets in the NL East.

The Fish completed a two run rally in the ninth inning to keep their playoff hopes alive with a 4-3 victory over the Braves. Jorge Cantu tied the game at three a piece with a solo shot, while John Baker drove in the winning run with a sac fly.

Nascar Update:
Congrats to Jimmie Johnson on his California win on Sunday.

Jay Frye is mulling over an offer to jump from Red Bull Racing to Stewart Haas in 2009.

News&Notes: My well wishes go out to Jaguars OT Richard Collier who was shot and remains in critical condition at a local Jacksonville Hospital. Collier is the third NFL Player to be shot in 18 months...Two Oklahoma athletes were injured in a brawl at a local nightclub that involved guns, knives and tire irons. (Tire Irons? WTF?) The two athletes involved are believed to be freshman defensive end Frank Alexander and freshman basketball guard Ray Willis...The Lions have signed recently cut Rudi Johnson to a one year deal...Johnson's former teammate Chad Johnson legally changed his name to Chad Javon Ocho Cinco. Well, I guess he won't get fined for having Ocho Cinco on his jersey this year...According to the NFL Network, the League will suspend free agent Travis Henry for a year for violating the league's substance abuse policy. How the heck is he going to support his kids now?...Let it be known that I love New Jersey, but I hate Rutgers so I'm pretty happy to see the Scarlet Knights lost to Fresno State, 24-7. Have fun trying to build that new football stadium expansion now!...UCLA edged Tennessee, 27-24 in OT...Serena and Venus advanced onto the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open. Of course, they will play against each other in the next round, but that means there will definitely be a Williams sister in the semis.

Check this out: The new 90210 premieres on the CW tonight. So to get you in the mood, click here for episodes from the original Beverly Hills, 90210. And here to meet the newest cast members that are not named Jennie Garth and Shannen Doherty.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate