Oh Roy, Oh Roy. Are You The Answer

With the bidding reaching stimulus proportions for Toronto pitcher Roy Halliday...just one thing that hasn't been talked about. We know he's a great pitcher in the regular season. But what if he's not one in the post season? Lots of Hall of Famers couldn't duplicate their success in the post season.

Not saying he would be a bust. But there is no way to tell if he is one of those who raises his game along with everyone else. He's never pitched in the post season. And being the star pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays is practically baseball's equivilent of the witness protection program. What if a team mortgages the future for "Doc" and it turns out he doesn't flourish under the microscope of the big games?

Just wondering.

Remember The Alamo (City)

While the eyes of the Lakers Nation have been soley fixed on the Lamar Odom-Lakers impassee, the Spurs have been quietly putting together a team for one last hurrah. They did make some news with the trade for free agent small forward Richard Jefferson. He's a multi talented, inside-outside threat. Althought he made more news for leaving his fiancee at the altar on their wedding day. But he is a significant upgrade on a team that still boasts three superstars...when healthy. (Just get him to the game on time).

They did have to give up two back up big men and Bruce Bowen, a guard who has given Kobe Bryant more problems than most. But in the last few weeks, they have acquired Antonio McDyess and Theo Ratliff. No longer elite big men but still an upgrade that can counter the Lakers' depth with Lamar. Without him...they are better. And the word is the Bucks will cut Bowen in training camp in a salary cap move and he will be back in San Antone. Throw in Roger Mason who was acquired last year. And who turned out to be instant offense off the bench..(something the Lakers thought they had in Sasha Vujacic but didn't) and the Spurs only worry is the health of Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobli. With word Lamar is leaning toward the Heat and Lakers owner Jerry Buss stubornly refuses to negotiate with Odom beause he dared to examine other offers... and the Lakers new dynasty could be one and done.

Ooops

One of the most dramatic home runs in Dodgers' history. But a lot of TV viewers apparently missed it. Reports that the Time Warner broadcast on the West Side and in the Valley had a major glitch. With Manny Ramirez coming to plate to pinch hit in the sixth....bases loaded....2-2 tie with the Reds....the picture froze. They cut to commercial. And came back for the celebration of Manny's grand slam home run.

We are efforting a reaction from the cable company.

They said they would call us back sometime today between nine and five. But we have to stay right by the phone.

Welcome Back

Mark Madsen... a popular Laker earlier in this decade...is coming home. But to the Clippers. Madsen one of three Minnesota players sent to the Clips for guard Quentin Richardson.
But look on the bright side, Mark. You'll never have to worry about embarrassing your self again in a championship celebration with a goofy dance.

Couple of Notes

Today's nominee for minor league baseball promotion of the year; The Brooklyn Cyclones offered...a Lamaze class in centerfield before last night's game; part of "Bellies and Baseball: A Salute to Pregnancy." Lots of other activities for the Moms-to-be... including throwing out the first pitch. But the best was "Craving Station"...with free pickles, ice cream and pizza.

All they missed was renaming time outs a "Pregnant pause."

81-year old Hershel McGriff became the oldest driver to compete in a NASCAR event. When he came in 13th in a race in the Camping World West Series in Portland.
Now it would be easy to say his only problem was keeping his left turn signal on the whole race...but I won't stoop that low.

Manny Mania

Manny Ramirez seems to have suffered no ill effects from his 50 game suspension for using a female fertility drug known to mask steroid use.

Though team mates say he has been reading a lot of Harlequin Romance books lately.

Don't Get Me To The Church On Time

The newest member of the San Antonio Spurs may have commitment issues.

Forward Richard Jefferson left his fiance at the altar. Literally. I mean, a lot of friends were already at the church for the two million dollar wedding.... when they looked around... and no Richard.

One possible reason; his fiance refused to ask one of her girl friends to join them in playing the triangle offense.