Who Is Mark DeRosa, and Why Is He Doing Those Wonderful Things for the Cubs?

As of this writing, the Chicago Cubs hold a shaky one-half game lead in the National League’s Central Division. But even with a mild case of the DTs, it’s remarkable that the Cubs are in the pennant chase at all, given the team’s penchant for ultimate failure. For now, it’s okay to savor the moment. Most casual fans would look at the Cubs and assume that they are where they are because of

Read More

NFL 2007: Predictions, Prognostications and Playoff Possibilities

I wonder if the late Pete Rozelle and the other godfathers of parity ever had nightmares. Like waking up in a cold sweat after dreaming that every single team in the NFL had completed the season with an 8-8 record. League bosses would have to determine playoff participants entirely by looking at head-to-head intra-divisional results, intra/inter-conference records, strength of schedule

Read More

September Stretch Run: MLB Divisional Races Continue to Compel

There’s nothing like excellent baseball, surprise performances and competitive division races to help baseball fans forget about steroids. The 2007 season has been incredibly entertaining. Even at this relatively late date, nothing is assured for any front-runner, and the Wild Card subplots add yet another level of intrigue. Here’s a divisional overview:AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST—Well, it’s presumed to

Read More

The Worst Football Telecast Ever: Overhyped Vick-Watch Hangs ESPN’s TV Coverage

NFL preseason games have no bearing on the standings. Yet preseason matchups are invaluable, not only for the teams trying to get warmed up and test out their rookies, but for gamblers and prognosticator types as well, who are looking for clues to the teams’ forthcoming performances in the regular season. There’s always some talk around the NFL about trimming the so-called exhibition schedule,

Read More

Falcons Better Off—and Maybe Even Better—Without Vick

I’m starting to feel bad for Michael Vick. Mainly because ESPN and other TV news outlets continue to show—over and over and over—the same footage of the erstwhile Atlanta Falcons quarterback walking from a courthouse, accompanied by lawyers and sporting the serious look of a once-pampered and -acclaimed athlete who is realizing that this time the hand of fate means business. Honestly, I’m

Read More

So Long, Scooter: Ex-Jock Broadcasters Everywhere Should Tip Their Hats to the Late Phil Rizzuto

Phil Rizzuto passed away at the age of 89 on Monday. He’d’ve been 90 on September 25. There’s been the typical outpouring of tributes. When a Yankee dies, it’s supposed to mean more, I suppose, than when, say, a White Sox dies. Or a Phillie. Typical New York media biases apply. In fact, Rizzuto was a controversial figure, his folksy persona notwithstanding. Brooklyn-born, he played shortstop for

Read More

Amateur Night: Web 2.0 Meets the Wild Wild West

Title: The Cult of the Amateur: How the Democratization of the Digital World Is Assaulting Our Economy, Our Culture, and Our ValuesAuthor: Andrew KeenPublisher: Doubleday/CurrencyPrice: $24.95ISBN: 9780385520805 A sports blog may not be the ideal venue for which to review a book about the Internet and what its technological wonders hath wrought upon our society, culture, economy and moral

Read More