For those of you who have been living under a rock this baseball season, Stephen Strasburg is a young, rookie pitcher who was drafted by the Nationals in the most lucrative rookie contract to date. He completely blazed through the minors and in his first start in the bigs, went 7 innings with 14ks. There are guys who are very dominating pitchers that don’t hit those type of numbers. His second start was more of the same. 5 1/3 innings, 8k and 1 run. He had issues with the mound which caused a little control issues leading to 3 walks before he was removed from the game. The guy is no doubt good, but people need to realize he is human, not a magic man.

My case in point: During his second game with the Indians, Strasburg had to cover 1st base while Adam Dunn fielded a ground ball. Strasburg did everything as he was tough, like every other pitcher in the bigs. He did make a diving out, he didn’t make a spectacular pick at the bag, he just ran over, caught the easy toss and stepped on the bag. Dennis Eckersley, who was announcing the game, almost had an aneurysm he was so excited about this kid. During this play at first, Eckersley comment this kid not only can pitch, but has a natural athletic ability and even makes routine plays look easy.

Give me a break people! I am not doubting this kid can pitch. I actually believe he will either throw a no hitter, or a 20k game by the end of the season. The ball explodes out of his had, 100+ MPH, curve that completely drops off the table, and one of the nastiest change ups that falls away from lefties and into righties. He is literally near unhittable. And Pudge behind the plate calling the game with only advance him.

But the kid isn’t God. He covered first base like a typical pitcher, par at best. He bats like a typical pitcher. He fields like a typical pitcher. He doesn’t pitch like a typical pitcher. Baseball analysis people need to stop making him out to be some Bo Jackson type phenom who can take on an entire team by himself and win.

Again, I am not knocking the kid’s ability. He is amazing. He can go deep in the game, has crazy stuff, is more level headed than some veterans, and sells tickets. But he isn’t the second coming. The way people talk about him if he makes one fielding error, they are going to rag on him that he didn’t live up to the hype. He is human. Let the kid pitch and enjoy his pitching.

The World Cup got underway this morning with a game between host country South Africa and Mexico.

****SPOILER ALERT***** If you do not want to hear the end result, come back later!

Mexico came out of the gate firing. They pushed their defense up and really hit it hard. The score should have been 2-0 in favor of Mexico at the end of the first half, but an off sidesc all and a few post hits kept the score 0-0 at the end of the first half. South Africa looked like they had a bit of nerves and who can blame them. They only have the eyes of the world on them, and the hope of a nation on them as the host country. No big deal, right?

During the second half, Siphiwe TSHABALALA hit a nice ball in the 55th minute off of his natural left foot that hit the far corner. Truly a beautiful shot. Only fitting the host country gets the first goal of the tourney and it is an awesome goal at that. But then Rafael MARQUEZ in the 79th minute took a cross from a teammate and tapped it in for the equalizer. The game would end in a 1-1 draw.

Personally, I think Mexico should have won 2-1 or even 3-1. They should have took advantage of the South Africa team in the first half. The South African team had nerves that could be expected. They didn’t play up to their potential and Mexico should have hit them when they were down. Instead, South Africa was able to battle back, calm the nerves and keep a 1-1 draw which is HUGE for the host country.

I also want to share the significance of the first goal of the tournament by host country South Africa. South Africa is a proud nation. Their team is the lowest rank FIFA team to ever host a World Cup. Most people don’t expect to get out of the first round, and some don’t even expect them to put up a W. People talked about South Africa not being able to host the World Cup. They aren’t ready. They can’t hold the people. They aren’t advanced enough. They can’t protect the people. With all this B.S. surrounding the country, the nation is still behind their team. They cheer, chant, dance and use whatever they can to show their support. And then in the ’55th minute of the first game. Siphiwe TSHABALALA shows the world that South Africa is here. They are ready. They can do it. They will do it or they will give everything they have trying. This was a significant moment in the tournament that I think a lot of people will over look. This is the reason I love sports. This is the reason I love World Cup. A little thing like putting a little ball into the back of the net can bring hope to a nation.

Sports are truly great. France/Uruguay next!

Let the world rejoice! Every 4 years, the world comes together to come behind their nation, and watch the battle of nations that will not result in world domination. Just world bragging rights for the next 4 years. The world cup, in my eyes, is the greatest sporting event right now. Soccer is an international sport and I don’t care who you are or what you think about soccer, during the world cup, you pull behind your country and cheer for them for a victory. You are elated with they win and devastated when they lose. Don’t even try to admit that you do not care for the world cup.

So nations get ready for all the ups and downs for the next month. World Cup 2010 is here!

Nomar Garciaparra, after 14 years in the big leagues, has decided to retire from professional baseball to become an ESPN baseball guru. But not after showing love to the team that showed him love.

Garciaparra, who was drafted by the Bo Sox in 1994, signed a one day deal with the Red Sox so he can retire saying he was a red sox player.

Now that is showing love and dedication to your team.

http://itwit.ws/x5

After two weeks of amazing hockey that ended up with an overtime goal by Sidney Crosby to give the goal medal to Canada in the Winter Olympics, we arrived to a great stage in the NHL with the best teams in the league already thinking playoffs.

Crosby with just 22 years old has become a living legend after that goal against the United States, at his short age he has won a goal medal and a Stanley Cup already, the worst for the part for the opponents is that he looks in pretty good shape to repeat with the Penguins this year.

Pittsburgh is second in the East conference just behind the Washington Capitals but is hard to bet against the Penguins whenever the NHL odds listed them as favorites.

They own a four games winning streak including wins against the Rangers and the Sabres after the Winter Olympics break.

Also keep in mind Sidney Crosby lead his teams with 84 points meaning of course he is the go to guy for this offense.  He has scored 44 goals and 40 assists in 65 games played so far in the season, something that left no clue about who is the star of this team.

Consider that the next best player is Evgeni Malkin as he has 68 points result of 23 goals and 45 assists.

In addition the thing about this Penguins team is that they get unfired when they need to as Crosby an company seem to be money in the bank whenever the hardest games arrived in the schedule.

This week, LT of the Chargers said in an interview that he will not be returning to the San Diego Chargers. Although he has not been officially released, this shows the first signs that LT will no longer wear a San Diego uniform. Should the fans of San Diego be concerned?

No. And let me tell you why.

A few years ago, LT was the premier running back in the NFL. THE. PREMIER. RUNNING BACK. I personal think that in his prime, no one could touch what LT did. He holds the records for most touch downs in a season and made people look

But the past few seasons, LT has been less than par when it comes to getting the job done. He has been mediocre at best during the season, and well below par during the off season when it matters the most. If he plays during the playoffs, that is. One season, he decided that an “injury” would keep him from playing in that game. As I recall, the San Diego quarterback in the same game blew out a knee, wrapped it, and came back. That shows dedication for you.

So should San Diego be worried that LT is leaving? Not really.

Darren Sproles continues to have great seasons year in and year out. So giving Sproles the full time job will allow the Chargers that sharp run offense that they need in correlation with the amazing pass defense with Rivers and his receives. However, I do believe that the Chargers do need that bigger, stronger back from the short yardage type plays.

But that is just my opinion. I would love to hear yours.

First, let me say I know I am late on posting about this issue in the sports world. I try not to post the second something comes because I want to see how the story develops.

This issue posed a few questions in my head:

1) Should we care about Tiger’s, or any other athletes for that matter, personal life outside of sports? Sports are their job. It is like us getting all pissed about some CEO doing the same thing, right? I don’t think so. I have never heard a kid say “when I grow up, I want to be just like the CEO of Joe Blow company”. Ok, maybe a few kids want to be CEOs, but they don’t look up to and admire them like kids do professional athletes. By Tiger having an affair, in my mind, he is telling all those kids that have dreams and aspirations of being the next big thing thinking “Since I am big and famous, I could neglect my duties as a father and a husband because I am lonely and go cheat”. To me, yes, I think we should care about what Tiger and other athletes do in their personal lives because what they do trickle down to the youth of today, who are the future Tiger Woods of tomorrow.

2)Should Tiger lose his sponsors for this incident? YES. If I have a million dollar product like Gatorade and I have a high level athlete like Tiger sponsoring my product, I am very worried right now. Gatorade is a household name. It is not just for athletes. People of every walks of life walks into a 7-11 or any convenient store and if they are thirsty, Gatorade is a very viable option for them to drink. With that said, there are many people who hold their marriage vows to heart and the idea of cheating is absolutely repulsive (I am one of those people and damn proud of it). So if Gatorade is linked to Tiger, and Tiger is linked to infidelity, gatorade now is getting a bad name for their product.

3) Should Tiger be able to play professional golf again? YES. If you have read this are, 1) thank you and 2) you know my stance on what I think about people that cheat and cheating itself. However, I also firmly believe that people should be given a second chance. Should Tiger go about his business like nothing happened? Absolutely not! Some punishment I believe should be taken, both by the PGA and his sponsors. However, I do think he needs to be given the chance to start over again and prove to people it was a mistake. People are human. Humans make mistakes. Our greed and lust get the best of us sometimes. People need to be given a second chance to redeem themselves. I think Tiger should be given that chance, just like Michael Vick was given a chance.

I know not everyone will agree with me on this post, and as always, I welcome the discussions. Let me know your opinions on the questions about.

Whether you are a soccer fan or not (and why aren’t you if you are not?) you have probably heard of France’s hand ball against Ireland, knocking Ireland out of the World Cup. If you haven’t heard – Take a look:

Pretty obvious, right? Don’t get me wrong. Thierry Henry gets paid to win games. And when push comes to shove, he was doing what he does best (no, not cheating) winning a game. But when you make a statement as below:

you are bound to piss people off.

Here is the biggest thing that gets me: The stadium was pack. Millions of viewers saw the hand ball. The entire Irish defense saw the hand ball. And the line judges and the ref didn’t? I know you can’t go back and replay (although I think the Irish are hoping for that) – but FIFA can punished the refs for not doing their jobs which is calling a fair game. Herny is right, he isn’t the ref. He did what he gets paid to do. The refs get paid to call a fair game and that they did not. I think every single one of those refs should have consequences for the game.

But that is just my opinion. What is yours?

And just an FYI: After Maradona’s “Hand Of God” Argentina won the world cup. Is history going to repeat itself?

Days after Mike Vick returned to the NFL, Brett Favre must have felt left out.

After retiring again for the 2nd time, Favre again returned the NFL, this time with the Vikings. Favre said in a press conference that his arm feels good and he would like to play again.

I don’t know what makes Favre decide that he is playing, he isn’t playing, he is playing, he isn’t playing now he is. Maybe it is just to get attention. Personally, I think he should have left the game on the high point of his career. I think now he is asking to leave the game because he is hurt, or sucks. I think he will ruin his legacy if he tries to play again. I want to see Favre vs. Vick. That is a sportscasters DREAM!!

Brett Favre Minnesota Vikings Jersey

You probably heard: Michael Vick is back in the National Football leauge with the Eagles. So many people are hounding him. PETA is pissed. Eagles fans are pissed. My question is WHY?

Let me ask you this: If you made a wrong choice (and I know you have) and you got caught, and did your time like a good American, wouldn’t you want the chance to prove yourself again in your career field? I know I would.

I am not saying the Vick did was wrong. It was horrific. BUT he did his time and never once tried to Paris Hilton his way out of it. LET HIM PLAY!

Vick as some strict rules on what he can and can’t do during the season per Roger Goodell. I personally, I think 2 years in prison has hindered his ability to play the game. Athletes at that level need to stay sharp all the time. A little drop in performance will make a HUGE difference.  I don’t think he will be the same M. Vick, nor anywhere close. But I like that the Eagles are giving him the chance to prove me, and the rest of the doubters, wrong.

Stay off Vick. Let him play. Let him prove himself. Once he fails, then ridicule his ability to play the game, not for what he did in the past. The past is done, over, el fin. Look forward to him as a football player and start critiquing that. I am not a professional analyst, but I know if I were, talking about his past is NOT MY JOB. Your job as an analysis (talking to you ESPN, ABC sports and MSN) is to ANALYSIS the game and the moves. So please, don’t talk about his past. Or if you don’t think he should play. Or if you agree with PETA. Talk about Vick’s inability to throw a football. Or the fact that he will not be able to outrun Shawn Merriman. But talk about football, PLEASE!