Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Tuesday's Thoughts


While wondering how many US soccer fans are still following the World Cup, here is what's on my mind this morning:

The New York Yankees made some roster moves yesterday and not sure if it will make a difference. The Yanks designated Alfonso Soriano for assignment which means the 38 year old will have the opportunity to try to hook on with another team. Soriano has struggled mightily at the plate and one has to wonder if that is as a result of being in a platoon system or is it because of his age. They also acquired starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy for Vidal Nuno. While Nuno was a liability on the mound, one has to wonder what the Yanks are getting with McCarthy. The former A's pitcher was 3-10 for Arizona this season. Ordinarily a starter coming from a weaker team could rely on Yankee offense to pick up a few wins they wouldn't normally get but with this Yankee team that is not a given. 

Nice outing last night by Yankee rookie pitcher Shane Greene. The kid was throwing 96 mph and had a good slider. He was able to get plenty of ground ball outs and did not walk a batter. It would be great if this kid could contribute as the Yanks head to the all star break. Keeping my fingers crossed as I really like the way this kid looked against Cleveland. 

I'm still stunned over the deal that Oakland made with the Cubs in order to get Jason Hammel and Jeff Samardzija.  The Cubs continue to stockpile young talent while the A's are going all in this year to be World Champions. With a rotation of Samardzija, Hammel, Sonny Gray and Scott Kazmir, the A's will be awfully tough to beat in a playoff series. The Cubs have a bright future ahead which could bear fruit starting next season.

The big A's-Cubs trade leaves the mediocre AL East teams to look for pitching help elsewhere. Hence, the Yankees getting McCarthy. It will be interesting to see what else happens as this once powerful division is up for grabs.

A nice article by Bill Madden of the NY Daily News about mediocrity throughout Major League Baseball. Madden points out that runs are down, strikeouts are up and attendance is down. That's what happens with too many teams and no PEDs. 

The Toronto Maple Leafs strengthened their bottom six forwards and added veteran defenseman Stephane Robidas in the first week of free agency in the NHL. It was a plus that they did not pay what Florida did for third line center Dave Bolland. I have a feeling that Dave Nonis & Company are not done yet making changes but so far so good.

The Western New York sports media is crowing over the fact that Josh Gorges chose Buffalo over Toronto. What a bunch of morons!! You have to call into question the mindset of a professional athlete who wants to go to the worst team in his sport. Good luck Josh you loser.

I'm tired of Sabres GM Tim Murray's hard-ass act. One more reason to dislike his team.

I wonder if the Bills leave Buffalo if WGR 550 will change it's format to country western. 

Josh Gordon has a problem. Facing a possible year long suspension from the NFL, the Browns young star receiver was picked up for DWI. There were some reports that there were negotiations underway that would have reduced the year suspension. One would think this is off the table now. This kid needs help and neither the Browns or the NFL have done little if anything to provide professional help to Gordon. It's great having Michael Irvin talk to him but it obviously had no impact. His football career is on the brink but more importantly so may be his life. Here's hoping that this kid gets his act together regardless of what happens to his football career. 

The Lebron rumors are in overdrive big time. People in Cleveland honestly believe he's coming back to the Cavaliers. I simply don't see it. 

If Carmelo Anthony goes to the Lakers he will have less of a chance to make the playoffs next year than if he re-signs with the Knicks.

And finally, just read an article about a beer vending machine that will make its debut at the All-Star Game in Minneapolis. Another example of taking the characters out of sports and also hitting the little guy where it hurts by automating his or her job. Here's hoping the whole thing bombs!

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