Coop’s blog

The Red Sox are in first place by 10.5 games - and yes, I don't care how many games up they are, I'm still a nervous nelly about it.  But the MLB trading deadline isn't until the end of July, and Theo Epstein is probably looking for something to do, what with the large lead the Sox have.  So while the scouts are out trying to identify the next Red Sox shortstop, I've got an assignment for Theo Epstien.

Please drive cross town to the TDBankNorth Center (or the Fleet Center, or whatever it's called these days) and give Danny Ainge a hand.

Maybe, if the moment moves you, you could pick up the phone and, oh, I don't know, give Kevin Garnett a call.  I mean, I know it's not Thanksgiving, to turkey with the Garnett family is out - but July 4th is coming up.  I can certainly see you and Danny Ainge boarding a plane to Minnesota to share fireworks with the family. 

Theo - you could bring the american flag-looking dessert, made out of red and blue jello with whipped cream, and maybe Danny could bring, I don't know, a few championship banners to show Mr. Garnett.  Maybe, as a guest, you could bring Dave Roberts, just to show Mr. Garnett how Boston treats heros.  Maybe if Dave Roberts isn't available, you could bring Orlando Cabrerra - that way you could write the trip off as a scouting trip (maybe he'd be interested in our vacant shortstop position).

Maybe, just maybe, you can show Danny Ainge how this whole GM thing is done before he changes the team's direction - again.  It's OK to trade a great prospect (Hanley Ramirez) as long as you get something of value in return (Josh Beckett).  It's OK not to take "No" for an answer.  But, Danny, it's not OK to suck and do nothing about it. 

Unless you're the Clippers.

Haven't blogged in a while - but don't call it a comeback...

Watched "Casino Royale" the other night - decent Bond film but there was one thing that seemed a little out of place.  See if you can tell me which of these names doesn't belong:

1. Madonna
2. Sheena Easton
3. Carly Simon
4. Chris Cornell

Ok - anyone who would like to be considered to head up a rock band, please take one step forward -- Oh, I'm sorry, not so fast Mr. Cornell. 

Seiously -- are the other former members of Soundgarden laughing at this guy for what a sissy he's become?  Ok - Audio Slave didn't work in my opinion because they tried to take Rage Against the Machine's sound and just put another voice in Zach de la Rocha's place.  Bad move.  Almost as bad as having Gary Cherone as lead singer of Van Halen (I know it seemed like a bad dream sequence, but it actually happened).

But really - Bond theme - isn't this where bands go to die?

In fact, let's recount what has become of the original Seattle supergroups that launched grunge.  Nirvana - gone, though thanks to Dave Grohl, the only decent extension (Foo Fighters).  Alice in Chains - gone.  Soundgarden - disbanded.  Pearl Jam - neutered (seriously - they made two solid albums - 10 and Vs., and put out the stinker Vitalogy - and haven't had anything near decent since). 

Help us Chris Cornell - you're our only hope.  Take back your manhood and join Dave Grohl to fight the good fight.

Thanks to SI's John Heyman for confirming my thoughts on St. Louis (even in an article where he's slamming their owner)...

Loyal reader Reed McMackin wants to know "Where do you stand on the name on the back.  Do you go with Existing players, historical players, or your own name and number?"

If you go historical (more than 25 years back), you get props - sporting the Willie Mays jersey or the Sandy Koufax jersey shows you've got some love for the game.  Now what's BETTER is sporting an OBSCURE vintage jersey - show me Jack Brohammer (Indiands or Red Sox), Ron Kittle, Frank Tananna or Pete LaCock -- now you're a fan.

As for existing players, that's fine, but just because you're sporting a Matsuzaka jersey doesn't confirm you're not a bandwagon guy.  Show me A-Rod from Seattle jersey.  Show me Millar from a few years back.  Show me the backup catcher/first baseman.

Or, do what frequent contributor Art Yoon does, and go with the classic Bad News Bears jersey or the Roy Hobbs jersey - that's got fan confirmation written all over it.

As for your own name, I don't recommend that.  Though, I admit - I have a Patriots jersey with my name on that back - but in my defense, it was a gift.

Ok - I admit.  I'm a little disappointed that Roger rejoined the Yanks.  There you go.  And you know what - that makes me a little biased.

But, Roger, give me a break.  The thing that pisses me off about Clemens isn't that he'll be pitching in pinstripes.  It's that he thinks he can pull the wool over people's eyes by saying things like:

"If you think it's about money, you're greatly mistaken. I'm not going to put my body through the paces I put my body through to earn a few more dollars," Clemens said at a charity golf tournament.  Dude - it's one thing when Curt Schilling and David Wells call you a liar - but when GREG MADDUX  tells you you're full of shit, time to look in the mirror.

Hmmm.  Ok - if it's not about the $28 million, what is it about?  Let me give you some options:

1)  The competition - if it was about the competition, maybe you wouldn't be starting your first major league game on JUNE 1 - about 2 months later than everyone else!

2)  Being with family - well, then you would stay in Houston or not pitch at all.

3)  Winning a world series - Look, I'm not counting the Yanks out by any means.  But, today, if you had to judge which teams are most likely to be in the world series, where do you put the Yankees?  Top 5?  Actually, Vegas says yes -- Bodog.com (oddsmakers) says: Sox, Yanks, Mets, Braves, Dodgers, Brewers, Indians; Vegas.com - Yanks, Mets, Sox, Tigers; Sportsbook.com - Sox, Yanks, Mets, Tigers, Brewers.  But, let's travel back in time 24 hours - what if Clemens announces that he's joining the Red Sox?  If he truly wanted to put himself in the best position to win, he'd have joined the Sox.

4)  He still has it in for the Red Sox organization - this one's for the conspiracy theriorist in all of us.  Clemens is still bitter about the way he was treated by the organization 10 years ago, and sees one last opportunity to stick it to 'em.  Well, the organization that treated him badly is long gone.  The Sox have the "curse" monkey off their back.

And, while we're on the subject, let me share with you my Clemens theory - the fact that Dan Duquette said Clemens was on the "downside of his career" because he didn't want to pony up a long term deal (after Clemens when 40-39 over the prior 4 years and looked like he spent a few too many nights at the Sizzler all you can eat buffet) was actually the best thing for his career - in fact, he wouldn't be the Roger Clemens we know today if that hadn't happened.

In fact, let's postulate for a second - Clemens instead signs a 4-year deal with the Sox.  He has no motivation to get in shape, because he has nobody to prove wrong.  So he comes into camp out of shape - again.  Hammy strains and DL stints become a regularity.  He's two years into his contract and he's still about a .500 pitcher.  So, the Red Sox EXPOSE HIM IN THE EXPANSION DRAFT.  He's chosen by the Diamond Backs, who have no defense, and even less offense.  At the end of 4 years, he's now an overweight pitcher with an 8 year track record of about .500 ball.

5)  Admit it - he's just a mercinary - The guy's a gun for hire, and that's ok.  If someone offered me $28 million, I'd do it (go ahead, make the offer).  But Roger - don't piss on me and tell me it's raining...

Bill Simmons (best blogger on ESPN) mentioned something in today's blog that I just have to comment on.  Bill writes about the Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks series, and how he went to a game in 1999 (Warriors vs. Sac Kings) and was "...so enthralled by the whole experience, I ended up purchasing a throwback Warriors T-shirt that remains in my starting rotation to this day. I never wear shirts for non-Boston teams -- ever -- but that's remained my one exception for the past decade. I loved that game and loved the fans."

2 things - 1, I feel the same way about the St. Louis Cardinals.  2, I hate posers-gear-wearers.

I remember in 1997, when I was driving cross-country with my dad, and I surprised him by stopping off in St. Louis for a business man's special Cards vs. Pirates.  We had decent seats but I figured that we would move up - after all, it's an afternoon game!  But no such luck - the stadium was packed and everyone was wearing red!

I remember taking two things away from that game:

1. I was pissed because I had to hit the head between innings, and when I returned, there's my dad on the jumbo tron (I was tempted to call it Diamond Vision, but I guess that's just the Dodgers name for it) hanging out with the Cardinal (you know - the guy dressed in the cardinal suit).
2. I remember thinking "Why can't Dodger fans be like this."  The fans were great - mostly polite, knowledgable, and coordinated.  I mean, you go to a Dodger game and nobody talks to one another.  You sit there, eat your Dodger dog, drink your $8 beer, see if Lindsey Lohan is at the game, then you leave.  At the cards game, everyone was talking - to their neighbor - ABOUT BASEBALL.

In fact, the only other time I've experienced anything similar to that atmosphere was being at a World Series game - Angels vs. Giants - Game 6, when the Angels came back from 5-2 defecit to force a game 7.  And Angel fans had Thunderstix (a fad which lasted about 3 seasons - that god that's over).

It doesn't hurt that the Cards had great teams in the 80's -- especially 85.  Who didn't love the Willie McGee, Tommie Herr (any professional that can get away with being called "Tommie" gets my vote), Vince Coleman, Ozzie Smith, Terry Pendalton, John Tudor, Jack Clark, Andy Van Slyke, Lonnie Smith, Darrell Porter (on his last leg) - what a roster! 

Family time 026

So, to this day, I've got my Red Sox gear, my Patriots gear, my Dodgers gear (I'm a firm believer that's it's ok to have

a National League team and an American League team to root for - plus, I feel obligated to raise both my girls as fans of the home team) and 1 St. Louis cardinals visor.  If anyone could find a decent Celtics hat, I'd wear that too, considering the primary colors of the Sox and Pats are red, white and blue - which doesn't help on the days I'm going

 with black shorts or shirt (blog topic for another day - in these days of merchandising, it's easy for a team like the Tampa Bay Devil Rays or Golden State Warriors to change uniform logos, team colors, etc.  How does a team like

the Celtics increase sales of classic uniforms with bad colors). 

In fact, I remember taking a client to a Laker game and buying 2 Laker hats - 1 for him, 1 for me.  I just couldn't bring myself to wear it (beyond that fact that as a Celtics fan, I still dislike the Lakers - even though Celtics - Lakers hasn't been a decent rivalry in about 15 years).

To my second point - something that drives me crazy is people who wear team gear, but have no association with the team.  The most eggregious display on the west coast has been the proliferation of North Carolina or Duke clothing.  Note to self - if you can't point the state out on a map, you DON'T GET TO WEAR THE HAT!

I put these people into 3 distinct categories:

1. "I was born there, so I'm a fan" guy
2. "My sister went there, so I'm a fan" guy
3. "I like the logo" guy - this can also include "I like the color" guy or "the letters in the logo are my initials" guy

I can legitimize "I was born there" guy, though it would be better if you can also define yourself as "I spent a formidable protion of my life there" guy. 

As for "My sister went there guy" - listen, say "Thank you" and politely put the shirt in the drawer.  Unless you can claim to be "I've actually BEEN there" guy or "I shelled out $100K so my kid could go there" guy, you're a poser.

"I like the logo" guy is often times synonomous with "bandwagon gear wearing" guy.  We all know a guy like this - iif the Clippers were to win the NBA title, this guy would tell you hd's been a Clipper fan since day one.  Of course, ask him where the Clippers were before they were in LA (San Diego, Buffalo), and he would have a blank look.  This is the guy who really likes the new Milwaukee Bucks or the redesigned Arizona Diamondback uniforms.  Sorry pal - your license to wear gear is rejected.  And, sorry George, just because we call you "G" doesn't mean you have license to wear Georgetown, Georgia or Green Bay hats.

This guy is precisely why I keep a key chain from 1983 with the Patriots logo on it.  This was before the internet (obviously) when I had to write a letter to the Patriots HQ because we had moved to LA, and I couldn't find any Patriots gear anywhere!  I begged for something - anything with a Pats logo.  Sure enough, they sent me a sticker and a keychain with Patriot Pat on there!  So, I'm prepared for anyone to question my Patriots affiliaton.  I was on the bandwagon WAY before Tom Brady.

By the way, anyone who is fascinated by sports logos, check out this site - very cool.

How is it that the NBA and MLB can't figure out how to make a bigger deal about their drafts?  I don't know 3/4 of the guys in the draft, but I just can't seem to stay away...

You know what I love even more than the draft?  The inside story about how things came together with certain trades.  Thank you again Peter King 

Randy Moss.  If the Patriots can't make this guy drop the shenanigans, I don't know who can.  Congrats Randy - all that dogging it you did last year ACTUALLY paid off - you're now going to be receiving passes from the best quarterback this decade.  Listen closely - if there's anyone that can put you back on the path to the HOF (ala Corey Dillon), it's B-B-B-Brady and the Pats.  But watch out - if you dog it here like you did in Oakland, you'll likely end up with a Teddy Bruschi helmet in your gut during practice...

Speaking of the Pats, is there anyone alive that thinks they have NOT had the best off season of any team in football?  A guy who can stretch the field (Moss) - done.  A devensive playmaker (Adalius Thomas) - done.  And in a draft they don't feel is rich with talent -- they trade out twice (as of Sunday morning).  I know people want to label Bill Belichik a genius - I'd like to lay a different label on him - logical.  Now, we could use a little secondary help please...

What does the Moss acquisition mean for Super-Patroit Troy Brown?

Other drafts I liked:

Oakland - I like Michael Bush in the 4th round, trading Moss and bringing in Josh McCown for a year (or half a year) until Russell is ready.  Hope Mike Williams can resurect his career with Lane Kiffin.

Cleveland - nice job getting so O-line help and then going BACK into the first round for Brady Quinn (then taking a gamble for former Trojan Eric Wright).  Mark my words, Miami and Minnesota will both regret passing on Quinn, and will be picking QBs next year.  I mean, what an opportuntiy it would have been to bring in Quinn and have him sit behind either Culpepper or Trent Green...

Glad you took my advice Matt Millen.  The Lions may score an average of 40 pts per game in 2007.  But the defense will give up 45...

Love the Jets combo of Darrelle Revis and David Harris - I think you stole Revis right out from under the Steelers' noses...

Is this the week Joe Torre gets fired?

Hey Shaq - at least Kobe's team won a GAME!  Nice job - maybe you can start playing before February next year...

I watched with great pleasure this past weekend as the Sox swept the Yanks at Fenway, including the rarest of rare 4Xback to back home runs.  I temper that excitement however considering IT'S FREAKING APRIL.  For the love of God - A-Rod may be having the best April in the history of baseball, but I'm sure Yankee fans would settle for a mediorce April if it meant an October where the guy actually showed up...

I was watching Dancing with the Stars last night (it's Casey's favorite show) and had the following thoughts:

• John Ratzenberger wishes he shared a stool next to Edyta for 10 years rather than Norm...
• Paul McCartney - you can do better
• Speaking of the former Mrs. McCartney, does it make me a bad person if I thought only for a second how ratings would soar if her leg snapped off and flew into the crowd...
• At any moment, Ian Ziering could break into a chant of "Donna Martin graduates"...

Celtics actually made headlines this week...thank you Sebastian Telfair

Torri Hunter - cheater?  I don't think it will impact his free agent status...

Note to Matt Millen - Mike Williams and Charles Rodgers are SUNK COSTS.  If you want Calvin Johnson, take Calvin Johnson...

Peter King, writer of the Monday Morning Quarterback on SI.com agrees with my assessment on Drew Bledsoe...

If you're a football fan, and not reading the MMQB column ever Monday Morning, you're missing some great insight..

Did anyone watch "Thank God You're Here" on NBC last week?  Interesting concept, terrible execution.  David Allen Grier adds no value as the host, and Dave Foley looks like he realizes how bad the show is and just doesn't have the energy to hide it.  Maybe foley could recruit a few of his buddies from Kids in the Hall.  Save us Drew Carey...

Speaking of bad shows on NBC, am I the only who is sick of prime time game shows?  Howie Mandel is no Bob Barker (for that matter, he's no Meredith Viera), that's for sure -- although, I can't wait to see Howie parody himself in Scary Movie 18 five years from now...

After scoring more than 5 runs only once in their first 6 games, the Red Sox have scored 14, 3, 10, 8 and 7 runs (as of the 6th inning) - think this team is built for the Fens?

T1_imus

I guess we know why Don Imus has been doing radio rather than TV all these years -- seariously Don, I would think you least of all should be criticizing anyone about the way they LOOK...

Drew Bledsoe - Hall of Famer?  The numbers say yes.  My heart says yes.  My head says no.  Does anyone remember how little respect the Patriots got before Drew arrived?  They were a joke of a franchise.  Really - he and Robert Kraft turned around the Patriots fortunes.  But, is he the Art Monk of quarterbacks...likely.  there will be many debates about Drew, and while Tom Brady led the team to 3 Superbowl titles, Drew Bledsoe led the team to respectability...

If the NHL Playoffs were held in the forest, would they make a sound...

Celtics fans will be marching on Columbus this weekend parading around with "Free Greg Oden" signs.  Does anyone else feel this sense of deja vu...last time the Celtics were hoping for the ping pong balls to bound their way, they ended up with Chauncy Billups and Ron Mercer.  By the way, some kid named Tracy McGrady was available both times the Celtics selected...

Paul Lucas' column is like the box of chocolates mom used to keep hidden - it's like my own dirty little secret...

As Barry Bonds gets closer and closer to breaking Hank Aaron's Home Run record, discussions about steroids will again swell (like Barry's dome).  And last fall, the first shot was fired at the steroid era when Mark McGwire was denied in his first attempt at induction to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Let's get a few things straight.  First, McGwire will eventually be in the baseball Hall of Fame, along with Sammy Sosa and Barry Bonds.  Second, he deserves to be enshrined. 

Those who want to deny McGwire access to the Hall point to two things in their assumption he took steroids:

• Steroids are illegal
• Taking steroids is cheating

My question is - since when has either one of these factors kept someone out of the Baseball Hall of Fame?  Ok - maybe none of these palyers will be nominated for sainthood, but that didn't stop Ty Cobb or Babe Ruth from being enshrined.

Let's address this point by point:

• Steroids are illegal - yup - so is Cocaine.  Paul Molitor is in the HOF.  Does anyone remember the drug trials of the 80's?  Oh - but steroids are "perfromance enhancing".  Amphetimines are also performance enhancing - also illegal by the way.  And who's to say smoking pot doesn't enhance performance - ask Ricky Williams.
• Taking steroids is cheating - yup - so is the spitball.  Gaylord Perry made a career out of it.  Just because this particular form of cheating is high tech - does that make it worse?  Are the baseball writers trying to say some cheating is ok, but other cheating is not?

So let me ask this - if Don Sutton or Gaylord Perry had somehow managed to get close to breaking Cy Young's mark of total wins or Nolan Ryan's mark of strikeouts, would the baseball writers have the same reaction? 

Of course not.  The real issue is the fact that Bonds is trying to break what is arguably the most beloved record in all of sports, and that McGwire and Sosa, and eventually Bonds, broke the second-most beloved record. 

The problem is, the media shoudn't pick and choose which types of cheating is ok in pursuit of breaking which records.  No type of cheating is ok - but it happens - and that's part of the game, whether I rub tabasco in my nostrils or inject some a substance into my butt.

Media types - don't hate the playa - hate the game.  Free Big Mac.