Michael Dyer is the Newest Example of College Athletic's Failures

Photo: Sandra Sovick - AP Images

- Troy Ballard


Nothing sucks more than seeing promising college athletes ruin their careers by doing stuff that violates NCAA rules.

This is very much the case with former Auburn Tiger and (now) former Arkansas State running back, Michael Dyer.

After an immensely successful freshman season at Auburn that included a National Championship, Dyer was suspended indefinitely for violating team rules. This was the first strike against his once-promising career.

Dyer, then kicked out of AU, decided to follow his former offensive coordinator to Arkansas State for a fresh start. It seemed to be a promising match, and despite having to sit out a season due to NCAA rules, his future was bright once again.

Then, news breaks that Dyer has been dismissed from the Red Wolves for breaking team rules.

Rules that have ruined many a career in college football — the smack-down of improper benefits.

Zack Greinke to Angels and Francisco Liriano to White Sox: Which Team Got the Better Deal?

Photo: Chris Carlson - Associated Press

- Adam Parker


New faces in new places — that's the story dominating baseball this July leading up to the MLB trade deadline at the end of the month.

Many players have new homes. Marlins' third baseman/shortstop Hanley Ramirez moving to L.A. to team up with Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier in Dodgers' Land, while Anibal Sanchez departs from San Francisco and lands in the Motor City to pair with Justin Verlander for the Tigers.


Both solid pickups, however, both moves pale in comparison to these next two players, probably the two most notable names to date and the ones that we'll be focusing on — Francisco Liriano heading from Minnesota to Chicago to join the White Sox and Zack Greinke going from the Brew Crew in Milwaukee to the City of Angels to team up with, well, the Angels. 

Both big-name pitchers, both still relatively young with nasty stuff. So, which team got the better deal — the White Sox or the Angels?

The Phoenix Suns: Big Winners of the NBA Off-Season

Photo: Barry Gossage - Getty Images

- Adam Parker


What a wild summer it's been thus far.

You've got to love NBA free agency. No individual player makes more of an impact on their team in any other professional team sport than the National Basketball Association.

That's why, for me, the NBA off-season is always the most exciting. Hell, with so many movers and shakers this off-season, it's helped me forget about the fact that the upcoming 2012-13 season is still a ways away.

There have been lots of moving pieces this off-season, some more relevant and newsworthy than others, but nonetheless, you've got to believe that the Phoenix Suns have been the top overall "winners" of free agency.

Dallas Cowboys: Dark Horse Team in the NFC — You Better Believe It!

Photo: Louis DeLuca - Associated Press

- Adam Parker


In part two of our two-part series where we pick a dark horse team to represent each conference in Super Bowl XLVII, we'll be talking some Dallas Cowboys football.

You've got to be kidding me, Adam.

The Dallas 'Cowgirls'!? Really!?

Is this the same Dallas Cowboys team that always looks unstoppable on paper but then every year always finds away to inexplicably choke the season away?

How can I honestly think the Cowboys can put it all together and go all the way this year to represent the NFC on the biggest of stages?

Well, there are a few reasons for my choice, most notably the additions made in the secondary.

Thoughts on PSU's NCAA Sanctions From a Former Penn Stater

Photo: Getty Images

- Troy Ballard

We usually don't write about college football on this site. In fact, outside of a few posts on Cam Newton, Robert Griffin III and other Penn State related content — we don't cover it at all.

The odd thing is, one of the writers, yours truly, is a former Penn Stater. A student for a one whole year, before I realized Penn State wasn't for me.

I made the choice to transfer long before the actions of Jerry Sandusky were released. Long before Joe Paterno was fired. Even before the school was ripped at the seams and flipped upside down.

But, despite having little to no Penn State pride, the events that have unfolded over the past few months have struck a chord with me. Not because I love PSU and bleed blue and white. And certainly not because I feel badly for Paterno or the football program.

It struck a chord because of the gravity of this.

What A Coup! Ichiro is Now in Yankee Pinstripes!

Photo: Otto Gruele Jr. - Getty Images

- Adam Parker


It's official — Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is the evil mastermind at the head of the long-hated 'Evil Empire.'

The New York Yankees are once again in the news, this time, acquiring 10-time All-Star outfielder Ichiro Suzuki.

If your jaw just fell to the floor, we don't blame you. Our reaction was exactly the same.

Stunned.

Who did New York have to give up to land arguably the greatest pure hitter of our generation?

They must have needed to empty their farm system and then some to land Ichiro, right? What about the money? No doubt the secret branch of the U.S. Treasury Department that resides in the catacombs of Yankee Stadium (your welcome, conspiracy theorists) was printing money non-stop or had to outright give Seattle one of their prized printing presses.

Kansas City Chiefs: Dark Horse Team in the AFC — You Better Believe It!

Photo: Otto Gruele Jr. - Getty Images

- Adam Parker

In part one of our two-part series where we pick a dark horse team to represent each conference in Super Bowl XLVII, we'll be talking some Kansas Chiefs football.


Why not the Chiefs, right?

I mean, this early in the league year with training camps slated to get underway later this month, the Chiefs have as good a chance as anyone else to make a run to Super Bowl XLVII, don't they?

Hell, they probably could have made a run at the whole shebang last season were it not for the countless injuries they suffered throughout the roster. At the very least, you know, with all of the talent on this roster, that the Chiefs would definitely have finished better than a disappointing (7-9) in 2011.

But that's what's so great about 2012. It's a new season. A fresh start. A clean slate for all 32 teams. Players are coming into training camp healthy, and barring they stay that way, every team in the NFL probably breaks camp feeling like they can go out and conquer the world — and that's how they should feel, even if it's not realistic. 

But in the case of Kansas City, we'd like to think that their chances are better than most teams outside of perennial AFC superpowers like New England, Pittsburgh and Baltimore.

The Chiefs have everything they need to make that jump to the Big Time in 2012. Why do we believe that?


Well, I'm glad you asked...

Congrats, Tony Romo — You Have Humbled Me!

Photo: Getty Images

- Troy Ballard


I really don't like Tony Romo that much.

Well, actually, I should say that I don't like Romo anymore. Despite being a Philadelphia Eagles fan, my opinion on the Cowboys' most important puzzle piece was actually quite high. I enjoyed watching Romo play for a number of reasons — the most important being that it just looked like he had a pure love for the game.

He always smiled. That was the kicker for me. There's nothing better than watching an NFL player that is fueling his performance with nothing but pure admiration and respect for that game. That smile made him such a likable guy.

My personal team affiliation aside.

However, Romo changed. He stopped smiling. He took a much more serious role. Call that the Dallas media changing yet another man, or that he had to take that new title for the betterment team — but I didn't like it. Regardless of the reason. I just didn't like it.

And yet, here I am, double-backing on my original opinion — Romo is back in my good graces.

Should the Washington Nationals Keep Stephen Strasburg on a Short Leash?

Photo: Manuel Blace Ceneta - Associated Press

- Adam Parker


The Washington Nationals (53-37) are leading the National League East by 3 and 1/2 games as of Thursday night, and also boast the best record in the entire National League.

Barring a monumental collapse, (2011 Boston Red Sox, anyone?) it seems inevitable that we'll see the Nats' in the postseason for the first time since the team moved to Washington (in fact, the first time since 1981, when they were still the Montreal Expos).


What a roller-coaster ride it's been thus far for Nats' young ace Stephen Strasburg. The first overall pick by the Washington in 2009 has dealt with more than his fair share of ups and downs only a mere three years into his Major League Baseball career.

Towards the end of his 2010 rookie season, Strasburg underwent Tommy John surgery. He managed to return near the end of the 2011 season, and pitched in only 44 combined innings that included minor league rehab appearances.

Now, in 2012, at the ripe young age of 24, Strasburg is already considered by many in baseball circles as one of, if not the best young pitcher in baseball.

New York, New York — What Happened With Jeremy Lin and the Knicks?

Photo: Richard Perry - NY Times

- Troy Ballard


It would be too easy to say Linsanity was the sure-fire key to Jeremy Lin securing a long-term deal in New York with the Knicks.

But still, that was the general consensus of the NBA. There was almost no chance that New York wouldn't splurge on Lin, the player who saved a dysfunctional and broken roster and become an international sensation overnight — the price tag be damned.

In fact, even head coach Mike Woodson was caught in the hype, and when asked about the Knicks matching Houston's offer, he dropped the term, "absolutely."

The mere idea of letting someone that had the potential of Lin leave — no less to a team like the Houston Rockets — is something that the human mind couldn't comprehend. The only plausible option for New York was to match any offer that Lin received.

And that's what we were led to believe.

Until things quickly deteriorated in NYC.

Kobe Bryant Calls David Stern's Olympic Age Limit Idea 'Stupid'

Photo: Reuters

- Adam Parker


Somebody call the presses, Kobe Bryant just tore David Stern a new one!


Okay, not really. But in retrospect, isn't that kind of what he did?

When the Mamba speaks, the whole world listens.

After saying in Las Vegas that he hopes NBA pros will continue to represent their countries in the Olympics, Kobe voiced his distaste with the 23-and-under concept that's being suggested by NBA commissioner David Stern.

Speaking at an appearance at the town hall in Manchester not long after the Americans set foot on British soil via a red-eye flight after Monday night's exhibition victory over Brazil in Washington, D.C., Bryant made it abundantly clear that he thought Stern's proposal to restrict the NBA's Olympic to players aged 23 and younger is just downright "stupid."

How Ray Rice and Matt Forte Were Robbed

Photo: Associated Press

- Troy Ballard


Robbed.

That's the only word in the dictionary (outside of several expletives) that best describes both Ray Rice and Matt Forte's new contracts.

For the team and the fan bases respectively, these deals are the best news since the last time either the Ravens or the Bears won a Super Bowl. We're talking about the re-signing of two players that are absolutely paramount to the success of their respective teams, and with both locked in long-term, the future suddenly turned much brighter.

However, for Rice and Forte, these deals are nothing close to what either must have envisioned when the idea of a holdout was on the table.


These new contracts, Rice's which is five-years and $40 million, and Forte's which is four-years and $32 million, are a total disrespect to the talent and value of both players.

Blast From the Past: Ben Sheets Returns to Major League Baseball

Photo: Dale Zanine - US Presswire

- Adam Parker


Well, well, well.

Ben Sheets -- formerly of the Oakland Athletics and probably most remembered for his days as the staff ace for the Milwaukee Brewers before the likes of Yovani Gollardo, CC Sabathia (now with the Yankees), and Zach Greinke took the mound for the Brew Crew.

The 33-year-old Sheets made his first major league start after a two-year absence on Sunday as a member of the Atlanta Braves.

Oh, and did we mention he won it? 88 pitches, 57 strikes (40 swinging), and five strikeouts in six scoreless innings.

Flawless.

I mean, let's be honest, did anyone remember this guy was still around, or did you, like us, believe he'd just fallen off the face of the Earth?

I'm guessing the latter.

A Quick Beard and Stache Update!

Photo: B&S

Hello, everyone!

We wanted to give you a quick update on some changes that are going to be going on here at Beard and Stache!

Firstly, Adam and I will be changing the schedule of our articles to be more realistic to our time constraints. That being said, from this point forward, this is how our articles will breakdown throughout the week:

Monday: Adam
Tuesday: Troy
Wednesday: Adam
Thursday: Troy
Friday: Adam
Saturday: Troy
Sunday: Off-Day (possibly podcast day)


This new arrangement of every other day is designed to give us a break, and in turn should lead to even higher quality articles. I know — it's kind of sad. But! We're are going to stick to this new plan, and as I stated above, it should lead to even more enjoyable content.

However, this schedule is not cut and dry, either. If there is something breaking and earth-shattering that one of us wants to cover on the other's day, we will still post it up. By no means will it be a novel, but more of a 'quick thoughts on the matter' sort of deal.

Secondly, the business of podcasts has been hanging around. Adam and I are both aware that we have been inconsistent as of recent in regards to podcasting. Most of you are heartbroken and miss the clever zings and ringers directed at anyone and everyone. We know.

Cleveland Cavaliers Guard Kyrie Irving Breaks Hand

Photo: Spruce Derden - US Presswire

- Adam Parker

Hold your breath, Cavs' fans.


Don't look now, but Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving has been bitten by the injury bug...again.

Irving, the NBA's reigning Rookie of the Year and more importantly new franchise face of the Cavs', broke his right hand during the Cavaliers' Summer League team practice on Saturday in Las Vegas.

Irving will return to Cleveland to be examined by team doctors Sunday and said he will likely go under the knife.

The Cavs' said in a release Saturday that they expect Irving, their leading scorer last season who dazzled onlookers during recent scrimmages against the U.S. Olympic team (something tells us this kid will be on the 2016 Olympic squad), to miss 6-8 weeks, but will be ready for the start of training camp in late September. But really, the true timeline for Irving's return is all speculative until Cleveland's team doctors have had the chance to go over him with a fine tooth comb.

According to the team, Irving injured his hand slapping the padding on a wall at the team's practice site. Irving had just committed a turnover near the end of the morning practice session and apparently had some frustration he wanted to release.

The Rise and Fall of Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks

Photo: Steve Dykes - Getty Images

- Troy Ballard


Mark Cuban has serious cajones. That's the best way of saying it.

The dude is one of few owners that would be willing to sacrifice everything (including self image), to help push his team to victory. His methods are highly criticized in many professional circles, while others say he is a revolutionary to the definition of team ownership.

Cuban's radical and reckless ownership style has reflected two extremes in recent memory — an NBA Championship and a total collapse.

Ok, the latter may be slightly premature, but Dallas is going quickly down that road with little resistance in the other direction.

The events that unfolded after the Mavs' won the championship sequenced in a way that led to an unraveling of the core of the team and a last-ditch desperation effort to save what could have been.

And Cuban's to blame.

It's Been Smooth Sailing For the Pittsburgh Pirates So Far — Can They Keep It Up?

Photo: Gene J. Puskar - Associated Press

- Adam Parker


In just over two decades on this Earth, I've come to two realizations as a baseball fan -- one, the Chicago Cubs may never make it back to the World Series; and two, the Pirates can usually be counted on as the perennial cellar dwellers of the National League Central.


Talk about deja vu.

Just last season, the Pittsburgh Pirates found themselves in a very similar situation to the one they're in now -- sitting above .500 at (48-38; T-1st in the NL Central with Reds) and in contention to end their infamous streak of 19 consecutive losing seasons. This not-so-desirable record stands as the longest streak in North American professional sports history.

We here at Beard and Stache were surprised by it then, but eventually the dream cycle ended and everything returned to normal as baseball's swashbucklers crumbled under the pressure once again.

Honestly, I don't know how Pirates fans can stay with it, especially for some of the older fans that have been around for the entirety of this dubious losing streak. Kudos to you if you're still grinding.

Congratulations, Pirates fans. I believe 2012 will finally be the year that you get out from under that losing streak and finish the season above .500. Who knows? Maybe you'll make the playoffs and do I dare say possibly take home the NL Central division crown -- the first in the team's long storied history?

Let's take a look at the two main catalysts behind the Pirates' turnaround -- not only for this year, but going forward into the near future as well.

Drew Brees' New Contract is a Godsend for the New Orleans Saints

Photo: Chris Graythen - Getty Images

- Troy Ballard


Winning has never been cheap.

Beyond that, great players in the NFL have never signed new contracts with a special discount. This same truth applies directly to Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints.

After weeks upon weeks of contract negotiations, and the immediate and looming threat of a total hold-out, New Orleans finally ironed out a five-year $100 million contract with Brees.

Of that $100 million, $60 million of it is guaranteed cash.

That's right — the hammer of 100.

That note that Brees signed, for those keeping track at home, shatters any previous contract for a quarterback in NFL history. The Saint of the Saints is now the record-holder for most guaranteed money in a single shabang.

Even though that deal will make some nauseated and others green with envy — the bottom line is that now that Brees is on board for the 2012 season guaranteed, this is an entirely new lease on life for the Saints.

Blake Griffin to Miss Olympics With Meniscus Tear -- Anthony Davis To Go Instead

Photo: Gary A. Vasquez - US Presswire

- Adam Parker

Like Dwight Howard, Chris Bosh and LaMarcus Aldridge before him, Blake Griffin is the latest big man set to miss the fast approaching London Olympics.

The Los Angeles Clippers star forward has been diagnosed with a medial meniscus tear of his left knee and, according to a Los Angeles Times report, will likely have arthroscopic surgery early next week.

The Times, citing NBA executives, reports Griffin is expected to miss two months, but should be fully recovered by the start of Clippers training camp in October.

Needless to say, Griffin's injury will keep him from competing in the upcoming Olympic Games in London.

"We're relieved that this does not affect Blake's ability to be ready in time for training camp," Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro said in a statement. "Missing out on the Olympic experience will be tough for him to take. I know how dedicated he was to doing that. We're glad we can get this fixed now and take advantage of the available time for him to fully recover."

Will the Josh Gordon Gamble Pay Dividends for the Cleveland Browns?

Photo: Getty Images

- Troy Ballard

It was almost a sure-fire deal before the NFL's supplemental draft — the Cleveland Browns were going to select former Baylor Bear wide receiver, Josh Gordon.

Cleveland's general manger, Mike Holmgren, was incredibly high on this kid. From the get-go, he had nothing but praise for Gordon, despite his questionable decision making thus far in his career.

That questionable decision making?

Smoking da good stuff. Ganja. Hemp. Mary-Jane. Weed. Dope. Hash. God's green herb. Bongin' it up.

That's the short and sweet of it. But this is the slightly more detailed summary — before Gordon's 2011 season, he tested positive for marijuana and was suspended indefinitely from Baylor. He then made the choice to transfer to Utah, but due to financial restrictions, decided to test his value in the NFL's supplemental draft.

Hence him being drafted by the Browns in the second-round. That's the gamble.

Quick Review of NCAA Football 13

Photo: EA Sports

- Adam Parker


Another year, another version of NCAA Football released to the public on the second Tuesday of July.

There was a lot of hype surrounding this game.

After all, in recent years, it has been Madden, not NCAA Football, that has miserably missed the mark and let down its faithful fan base. After solid games in the previous two years, no doubt the latest installement -- NCAA Football 13 -- would continue to build on the series' previous successes, right?

Wrong.

Maybe the problem isn't necessarily the game, but rather me, who was in such dire need of my yearly football fix to prevent any more suffering from withdrawal that I put this game on an unfairly high pedestal before it was even released.

No joke, I was so excited to receive my package from Amazon (NCAA 13 pre-order was $45 from Amazon) on July 10 that I only managed about four hours of sleep the night before because I was my anxiety waiting for the arrival of this game was comparable to a young teenage couple waiting on results for that foreboding pregnancy test.

Pathetic, I know.

But what can I say? I was excited and as I stated above, needed my football fix.

Needless to say, I regret being the de facto conductor on the NCAA 13 hype train, but what's done is done.

Let's take a look at a quick breakdown of NCAA Football 13.

Five NFL Teams That Will Surprise in 2012: Beard and Stache Edition

Photo: Rick Stewart - Getty Images

- Adam Parker

This is part two of a two-part series about NFL teams we believe will disappoint (Part One) and surprise (Part Two) in the 2012 season.

For the basis of this series, to disappoint means finishing with the same (if you're a non-playoff team) or worst record than your 2011 counterparts.

To be a surprise, teams will obviously have to improve upon their 2011 win/loss record.

Yesterday, we covered our selections for the five disappointing teams of 2012, which can be found in the link above. But now, let's make our way out from the doom and gloom of disappointment to discuss five teams that we here at Beard and Stache expect to surprise us, win those tight games and earn the continued admiration of their loyal fan bases (or buy their mercy for one more year) — in no particular order.

Why We Love What Kevin Love Said About the Minnesota Timberwolves

Photo: Jim Mone - AP Images

- Troy Ballard


It's not often that anyone will applaud a superstar for essentially calling out their team and front office — but Kevin Love deserves some.. love.

In an interview with Yahoo! Sports, Love went all-out and said the blunt truth about his feelings on the current T-Wolves roster, the front office and about his general future with the team.

Something that is uncommon in the NBA, or any professional sport for that matter.

His thoughts were simple and straightforward: if the Timberwolves don't start making moves to bring some talent to surround him with, his future in Minnesota is in serious doubt. That simple.

As I mentioned before, Love deserves serious digs for laying it on the line.

Five NFL Teams That Will Disappoint in 2012: Beard and Stache Edition

Photo Design: dawgscooper.blogspot.com

- Adam Parker


This is part one of a two-part series about NFL teams we believe will disappoint (Part One) and surprise (Part Two) in the 2012 season.

For the basis of this series, to disappoint means finishing with the same (if you're a non-playoff team) or worst record than your 2011 counterparts.

To be a surprise, teams will obviously have to improve upon their 2011 win/loss record.

But before we get into the surprise teams of 2012, let's begin with five teams that we here at Beard and Stache expect to let us down, suffer gut-wrenching losses and monumentally frustrate their fanbases -- in no particular order.

Dwight Howard Has Ruined Something Great in Orlando

Photo: Getty Images

- Troy Ballard

We thought LeBron James was bad.

Ok, LBJ isn't going to lose the title of Villain any time soon, but what is going on in Orlando with Dwight Howard is flirting with becoming two of the same.

What I've deducted from this entire ordeal is that Howard is, metaphorically speaking, like that one smoking-hot girl at a party. She flirts aggressively and actually nods at the idea of going home with you. She even would go as far as to go home with you, and the moment that the deal is about to be sealed — she drops the infamous, maybe another time.

Howard has become that girl.

If you've read this far and are still amused and following me, I applaud you.

But here's the real situation with the Magic and Howard:

Five NFL Players Primed For a Rebound Season in 2012

Photo: US Presswire

- Adam Parker


NFL training camps will get underway at the end of this month, and if you're like us, you're wishing it was much, much sooner.

So to settle your appetite (and ours), we decided to break down five players who we believe are primed for a rebound season in 2012.

These players were selected purely based on their individual performance and how that effected their team. No players that were injured the majority of the season, like Peyton Manning or half the Kansas City Chiefs roster were considered. After all, in their cases, simply being on the field for one snap would already be an improvement over last year.

No, instead, we'll be keying in on some other names, beginning with San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers.

Say Hello to Team USA — 2012 London Olympics Edition

Photo: Nike.com

- Troy Ballard


Hey-Oh!

There were murmurs that with the condensed NBA season and the disproportionate amount of injuries that Team USA would take a step back at the 2012 London Olympics. Talks that the roster would lack sufficient fire-power to punch through some of the tougher teams in the tournament.

That might be a smidgen premature.

Team USA, although not as fundamentally solid as previous olympics, still boasts a wicked roster from top to bottom. There's enough star power to fuel London in an eco-friendly capacity for the entire games, and then some. Here's the full breakdown:

Backcourt:


Chris Paul - PG - Los Angeles Clippers


CP3 earned a nod for the olympics following an immensely productive first season in Los Angeles with the Clippers. His facilitating ability is second to none, and he also can convert to a scorer in a pinch. He's a perfect all-around player and leader to keep the team stable and focused on the court.

Deron Williams - PG - Brooklyn Nets


After rocking the '08 Olympics in Beijing, D-Will was a natural selection for London. Much like Paul, he is an excellent facilitator and can knock down a smooth jump shot when needed. His size provides a huge advantage in the international game and he can cause major problems for opposing defenses.

Russell Westbrook - PG - Oklahoma City Thunder


Possibly the most surprising selection for the team, Russell Westbrook was able to snag a spot to complete the trio of point guards. His official role is yet to be determined, but one could safely assume Coach K is going to give him one job when he goes into the game — score.

Kobe Bryant - SG - Los Angeles Lakers


Five-time NBA Champion. Mamba. Nuff said.

Ray Allen Agrees to Join Miami Heat

Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler - Getty Images

- Adam Parker


Congratulations to the Miami Heat -- your NBA Champions in 2013.

No, you're not stuck in an episode of that four season-long 90's sitcom called the Early Edition, though that would be kind of cool.

No, instead, this is just a declaration and prediction of sorts after the Heat came to terms with their top free agent target -- veteran sharpshooter Ray Allen.

I know, I can't believe it either. Allen aka "Jesus Shuttlesworth" is taking his talents to South Beach to join the Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

Was Boston offering more money than Miami? Easily. In fact, almost double. Boston was prepared to offer Allen a two-year, $12 million deal (and a no-trade clause) while the cap-restrained Heat could only offer Allen the "mini" mid-level exception, worth just over $3 million a year and could be worth a little over $9.5 million over the next three seasons. According to the Boston Herald, Allen was reportedly seeking a three-year, $27 million deal.

All Hands on Deck for the Philadelphia Phillies

Photo: Ron Cortes — Philadelphia Inquirer

- Troy Ballard


Alright, that title would have been even more catchy and smooth had we been discussing the Pittsburgh Pirates, but for the extent of this article on the Philadelphia Phillies — it will do.

It didn't take long to realize that what was once thought of as another possible World Series or Bust season in Philadelphia was more realistically a .500 year.

If the Phillies were lucky.


Instead of embracing this new level of disappointment, Philadelphia basically lived in denial. The sing-song tone of Chase Utley and Ryan Howard returning from injury was the source of hope in a down year.

But while waiting for that dynamic duo to reunite with the starting lineup, the Phillies slowly unraveled.

Former Giants Wide Receiver Amani Toomer Favors Tony Romo Over Eli Manning

Photo: Associated Press

- Adam Parker


Here you go, Amani [Toomer], I brought you a shovel. You know, so you can use it to continue digging your own grave.

Former New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer believes Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is better than Giants quarterback Eli Manning.

Oddly enough, Toomer's lack of loyalty comes as a bit of a surprise, considering he spent five seasons in New York catching passes from the younger Manning brother.

You know what? Screw it. I'm not sugar-coating it. I know everyone is entitled to their opinion, but not only does Toomer's come with a strong scent of betrayal towards his former team and teammate; it also has a hint of downright idiocy.

I mean, seriously, dude!?

Let's take a look at the comments the ex-Giants receiver used as his unsuccessful attempt to sway any of us.

"Tony Romo is probably, if you look at it, statistically, the best quarterback in the NFC East," Toomer said on the "Movin' the Chains" show on Sirius XM NFL Radio. "You look at Eli Manning and what he does in the fourth quarter, but you talk about consistency, talking about 31 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions, that guy (Romo) can play."

Okay, let me stop it there.

Steve Nash Headed to the Lakers -- Reaction From a Phoenix Suns Fan

Photo: Harry How - Getty Images

- Adam Parker

Is it just me, or did every Phoenix Suns fan wake up this morning feeling like they got trampled by a 4,000 lb. rhinoceros?

As a Suns and Steve Nash fan, my worst nightmare (or at least close to it) has come to pass.


Pigs have taken flight. The sun rose in the west and set in the east. Hell has frozen over. Steve Nash is now a member of the hated rival Los Angeles Lakers.

I know, it's tough to take.

I'll be honest, when I first saw the announcement, my initial thought was to head to the nearest restroom and throw up.

Talk about disgusting. Nash in a Lakers jersey!? Really?! Ugh...the only thing that would have been worse would have been if Steve spent the final three years of his career in San Antonio alongside Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. So at least in that regard, the basketball gods showed us Suns fans a tiny sliver of mercy.

However, just because it was the second-to-worst outcome, doesn't leave any sort of silver lining if you're a Suns fan.

I feel your pain fellow Suns fans. The feeling of having to watch my favorite player and face of the Suns' franchise essentially 'join the dark side' and play alongside the Black Mamba for the next three seasons is comparable to being kicked in the gut by an irate donkey. It hurts like hell.

But then I thought about it some more. I mean, like it or not, we've got to face the facts. Nash was on his way out whether we liked it or not and though trading him to a hated division rival like the Lakers isn't exactly the "sunshine and rainbows" scenario the Suns were looking for, at least they didn't leave the table empty-handed.

Let's Slow Down on Jeremy Lin and Linsanity

Photo: Jeff Zelevansky - Getty Images

- Troy Ballard


Jeremy Lin — how you have changed the complexity of NBA free agency this off-season.

It's not a traditional thing, what's going on here. The last time I checked, players like Lin (or those who post similar numbers) were usually the last one's to find teams. Players like Deron Williams, Eric Gordon, Steve Nash and Roy Hibbert are the ones who make the biggest splashes and get the most attention.

However, this is not a perfect world. Lin is arguably the hottest attraction of whom is left available this off-season. His magical run with the New York Knicks has put the NBA on notice, and nearly every team wants to get a slice of the Lin-Pie.

That's fine! In the famous words Jerry Seinfeld.. and there's nothing wrong with that!

Congrats to Jeremy. He did was most thought impossible. Overnight, Lin went from being just another Harvard grad struggling to make it in the world (because he didn't want to use that degree for an actual job), and after a matter of mere games — he was an international superstar. Lin rallied a flat and deflated Knicks team that was front-loaded with talent, and pushed them on a winning streak to barely get them into the playoffs.

Following that amazing revival in Madison Square Garden, he blew out his knee and had to have surgery — successfully ending his season. The amazing Lin that was watched from the bench as the Miami Heat almost swept New York clean in the first-round of the playoffs.

Lin, who has yet to play a full season in his career, has earned this amount of attention based off a stat-line consisting of 14.6 PPG, 6.2 APG and 3.1 RPG.

Does anyone see an issue with this?

Eric Gordon Wants to Join the Phoenix Suns

Photo: Getty Images - Christian Petersen

- Adam Parker


Yes, you read that right.

We all knew the Phoenix Suns would be active this coming off-season, whether it was to try and continue the Steve Nash era or begin to focus on L.A.N., or Life After Nash. This is their first big step, I believe, to moving on post-Steve.

23-year-old restricted free agent shooting guard Eric Gordon wants to join the Phoenix Suns. The two sides agreed to a four-year, $58 million offer sheet which Gordon plans to sign on July 11th -- the first day free agents can actually put pen to paper.

However, all is not set in stone, as the Hornets and new owner Tom Benson has three days from July 11 to match the offer, thereby keeping Gordon in the Big Easy -- something sources around the league are saying the Hornets have every intent of doing.

This should come as no surprise.

Dwight Howard to the Nets Not Dead Yet

Photo: Reuters - Jessica Rinaldi

- Adam Parker


Shh! Don't tell anyone, but the Dwight Howard-to-Brooklyn deal apparently isn't dead.


Don't count your chickens until they've hatched.

The same adage fits perfectly with the continuation of the long-running Dwight Howard saga this summer.

As early as yesterday, after agreeing to acquire Atlanta Hawks star Joe Johnson (who now holds the title for most undesirable contract in the NBA), the Brooklyn Nets were thought to be out of the running for Superman 2.0's services.

But maybe not.

According to league sources, Dwight still might end up in Brooklyn after all.

Here's how the potential trade the two teams are discussing breaks down:

The Magic would send the disgruntled Howard to the Nets in return for Brook Lopez, Kris Humphries (both via sign-and-trade), promising young shooting guard Marshon Brooks and the Nets' first-round picks in 2013, 2015 and 2017, sources said.

The Brooklyn Nets are Making Moves to Win — Deron Williams Aside

Photo: Kevin Cox - Getty Images

- Troy Ballard


Deron Williams may be in Dallas chatting with the Mavericks, but the Brooklyn Nets aren't sitting around and sulking about the possibility of his departure.

Since the Williams-saga started, the Nets have made and are continuing to make moves that will put the team in position to win with or without him staying in Brooklyn.

However, allow me to clarify this — having Williams stay will make things much easier than if he leaves. Don't be fooled.

There is also the news of Dwight Howard only being interested in going to Brooklyn — very good news for a team that is willing to sell everything and more to land him. But that would require compliance from Orlando, and that's not a sure-fire promise. DH12 would be beautiful, but the Nets are adding to an already solid roster, regardless of what happens with the Magic.

In a recent trade (that now seems incredibly less-substantial to the Howard possibility, but is still a very big move respectively) the Nets sent-off several expiring contracts and a future first-rounder to the Atlanta Hawks for six-time All-Star shooting guard Joe Johnson.

Like I said, Brooklyn isn't messing around.

The 2012 MLB All-Star Game: Breaking Down the Rosters and Predicting a Winner

Photo: kansascity.royals.mlb.com

- Adam Parker


It's almost that time of year again, folks.

The 2012 MLB All-Star Game is right around the corner.

The stars of Major League Baseball are ready to head to Kauffman Stadium -- home of the Kansas City Royals -- to strut their stuff in front of the fans and battle for bragging rights. Oh, and it's also worth noting that whichever league wins the All-Star game will earn its representative home-field advantage in the World Series.

The National League brought it home last year, which ultimately led to the St. Louis Cardinals playing in front of their home crowd during Game Seven of the World Series against the Texas Rangers. Needless to say, the Cardinals were victorious.

The MLB All-Star Game is probably the most important of the "Big Three" North American sports. While the NBA All-Star Game is very entertaining, it doesn't have any effect on the season and the NFL's Pro Bowl...well, it's become a joke, and that's putting it mildly.

Winning the MLB All-Star Game, pays great dividends, however. Last year marked the ninth straight time that the home team won Game Seven in the Series.

If teams like the Yankees or Rangers expect to win the World Series this year, it's probably best if they first work together to win the All-Star Game.

Let's take a look both lineups, starting with the American League squad managed by Texas Rangers' skipper Ron Washington.

Philadelphia Phillies Trade Slugger Jim Thome to Baltimore Orioles

Photo: US Presswire

- Adam Parker


Longtime slugger Jim Thome is packing his bags and leaving the city of Brotherly Love to Baltimore, to bolster a lineup in dire need of some pop.

The trade between the Phillies and Orioles was consummated Saturday when the Orioles sent two young minor leaguers -- right-hander Kyle Simon, 21, and catcher Gabriel Lino, 19, to Philly in exchange for Thome.

The 41-year-old Thome is a five-time All-Star whose 609 big flies are tied with heralded Cubs' slugger Sammy Sosa for seventh place on the all-time list, and his 1,689 RBI's over the span of a 22-year career rank 25th all-time.

Thome will immediately step into the designated hitter role with the Orioles, who, at (42-35), have been a surprising contender in the usually Yankees/Red Sox dominated American League East. As it stands, O's skipper Buck Showalter has his young team playing inspired baseball, and they currently sit five games back from the division-leading New York Yankees.