Cheech Tremendous

Heard this gem of ESPN radio this afternoon: Host: Do you think too much is being made of this Rex Grossman story? NFL Analyst: (paraphrased) No. Absolutely not. You can't blow this out of proportion when the quarterback is this bad... (blabbers)... if the Bears could even get a mediocre game out of Rex Grossman, they could probably win. I just don't think that's possibility.

He says he wants to be back by the All-Star game, which is extremely optimistic given his condition. Seeing as though the Red Sox have no plans for him, it's probably better to let him sit so they can collect the insurance money and then he can get a fresh start somewhere else next year. I sort of unfairly hated on the guy. He had a decent 2005 and it now appears his wretched 2006 had far more to do with cascading injuries than a "mental breakdown" that was often reported in the media. Hopefully he gets his career back on track. A move to the National League to a larger ballpark (RFK maybe?) could be a great thing for all the involved parties.

Two years in a row the winner was pretty much announced/known months before... I think '99 was the only time in the last ten years that I didn't know who was winning at least a month before.

I know that's a joke, but it should be noted that Matt Clement is supposed to be out the entire year with his shoulder issues. His contract expires at the end of the season. I'm going to wager he's not invited back for a second tour of duty.

Curt Schilling just posted on SOSH that all he wants at this point is a one year extension, at his current salary (no raises, no player options, etc.). He also urged the Sox to do the Helton deal, noting that with the exception of Barry Bonds he is the hardest out in the majors (interesting). I am salivating at a 2008 rotation of Matsuzaka, Schilling, Beckett, Papelbon, Lester, with the Killer Bs (Buchholz, Bowden and Bard) right there waiting for their shot in the rotation. That could be a scary good staff, provided nothing crazy happens beteen now and then.

The room is spinning. Oh, Barbaro, we hardly knew ye.

I'd be willing to be money that Taker goes over Batista clean at Mania. I bet it does a huge buyrate too. As for Cena, I don't really care. He's going over no matter who he faces.

Curt Schilling announced on WEEI this morning that he will not retire after the 2007 season as he had originally planned. I'm happy with this, as long as he keeps doing what he's been doing and does it with the Red Sox. Now, if he burns us and signs with the Yankees, I will not be happy.

It would be a two-part deal. Clement to the Rockies for Helton and Lowell to SD for Scott Linebrink. Upgrades the team and saves money for 2007. However, that still leaves four more years of expensive, crappy Helton. Awful trade for the Sox and I can't see them making this move unless Colorado was willing to eat a huge chunk of the remaining salary. If they have to part with Ellsbury or Hansen (or both) to do that, I say walk, no run away as fast as you can. The Sox have nothing in the pipeline for 1B for many years (Lars Anderson is literally 2-3 years away, if he makes it). I can see the reasoning in pursuing a long-term solution, but Helton is just not that guy. I don't care if he was sick last year or whatever his excuse was. Part with the premium prospects and get Teixeira if you're that desperate.

Or probably the IL, if they hoped to win anything.

I guess it depends on your definition and expectations. The Cubs finished in last place last season and they're the Cubs, so I didn't think many would consider them a favorite to win the division. Milwaukee I considered the most likely to take over the division, so I thought they were out of the darkhorse camp. Wrong use of words, I guess. If I were to rank them, as of today, I'd go: St. Louis Milwaukee Chicago Houston Pittsburgh Cincinnati

The NL Central is going to be a wasteland this year. Cards are still the favorites, but literally any of the other teams could win it. I kind of like Chicago or Pittsburgh as darkhorses.

Can't believe I'm going to utter these words, but if that really is his wife he should have stuck it out with Lita.

Despite the Red Sox love, I'm not from Boston and I'm not a Celtics fan. The Celtics have Pierce and some young talent. If they added a Garnett or Gasol through trade, or lucked into Durant or Oden, they could maybe win 50 games. I don't see the Knicks having anything coming in the pipeline, either by trade, free agency or draft that could get them over the hump for the next couple of years. The Lakers, as naiwf pointed out, could win a title this year, especially if they packaged Bynum, their expiring contracts and their first round pick to get Pau Gasol (although I think I read that West wouldn't go for that). Jason Kidd could also end up in LA.

Homer.

Slow day in the Sports folder at TSM. ESPN.com has posted their midseason report. I've copied and pasted the questions below. Feel free to take a stab at your convenience. 1. Which team looks like the best bet to win the East? 2. Which team looks like the best bet to win the West? 3. Which team looks like the best bet to win the NBA title? 4. Which dark horse has a legitimate shot at surprising us and winning it all? 5. Who's been the best rookie this season? 6. Who's the MVP so far? 7. Fact or fiction -- the Phoenix Suns are the greatest offense you've ever seen. 8. Fact or fiction -- the Toronto Raptors will hold on to their lead and win the Atlantic. 9. Which will happen first -- the Knicks will win 50 games in a season, the Celtics will win 50 games in a season or the Lakers will win an NBA title? 10. As we sit at the midpoint of the regular season, which story line or situation interests you most?

I might actually put some money down on the Bears if that's the case.

Not trying to be a dick or anything, but does anyone care about this besides fazzle? He's the only person who's posted about it.

I haven't touched one in probably 15 years, but at the time I loved my neighbor's SMS. Alex Kidd was awesome.

For those who think it was crazy to give JD Drew a five year, $70 million deal, it's not as bad it sounds. If Drew gets hurt in the third year of the deal (or suffers an injury in the first two that carries over to the third) they can void the final two years of the deal. If he's hurt in the fourth year, they can void the final year. Both sides win (Drew gets more guaranteed money that staying with the Dodgers) and the Sox get the player they want but also have some protection if that shoulder really becomes an issue.

Edge would make a hotter chick than his wife.

Well thankfully the fans don't or we'd be in trouble.

No Steve Nash? Bullshit, sez I.

I think I would have cited Coldplay and Creed and called it a day. If your kid is listening to them, you got a fucking pansy on your hands.