how about you mister commish....

Forever our Commish of MLB turned his head. In the 80's, 90's and now. (Sounds like a CD 106.3 plug) But now SI is reporting that the commish will be there when Bonds hits the home run. Good for you. Other than inter league and the wild card, the commish has sucked. I don't even want to say his name. Tonight is the All-Star game and home field is on the line. WOW! What's next? Spring training stats in the Hall of Fame???

Who says Cubs fans are the worst???

I am a baseball guy. I love the Cubbies!!! I love the fact the even though they are 7 1/2 games out of first place I can scoreboard watch! I am a rare breed for Lexington. I like baseball. In fact, there is the NFL and then the Cubs. I like the numbers. I like who's hot and who's not. I like the ups and downs of 162 games. I was in Chicago to see the Cubs play two weeks ago. I don't know if there is a better place to watch a baseball game than the friendly confines. Oh the sweet air, the beauty that is Wrigley Field. Most fans think the Cubs fans are the worst in baseball. I guess they just go to Wrigley Field to check out chicks and get drunk. Not that there is anything at all wrong with this, but lets take a step back for a second....

Ask yourself these few simple questions...

1. Are you a Cubs fan? If you say yes, keep reading although you no longer have to answer the questions. If you say no, you definitely need to keep reading, cause I am talking to you.






2. This one is important, very important. Since I am no longer talking to the Cubs nation, let me ask you this: Do you think Cubs fans just go to Wrigley Field to get drunk and hit on chicks? Do you think the Cubs fans are the worst fans in baseball? If you say no to either question, stop reading. Again, I am not talking to you. If you were 50/50, or said yes to both, please go to the next question.

3. Have you been to Wrigley Field? If you say no to this question and still feel the Cubs fans are the worse fans in baseball... Please see 4a. If you have been to Wrigley Field and told yourself yes, go ahead and skip down to 4b.

4a. To you, Mister "I have never been to a Cubs game in Chicago." Don't be upset that Cubs fans take over your home ballpark and make it our own. Yeah, we may get out of hand when we are yelling, "Lets go Cubbies!!!" But i have never been to a Cincinnati sporting event in which I did not see a fight. Until I was 20 years old, I thought that was suppose to be a part of the between inning entertainment. Just because we have a super station to pick up our games and a very loyal fan base that follows are team does not make us the "Worst fans in baseball!" Here is my advice, go support the home team and do not let us in the door!

4b. Oh the person(s) I have been waiting to talk to. You have made it. If you are reading this, you are telling me that you are not a Cubs fan. That you think the Cubs fan is the worst in baseball. You are telling me that you have been to Wrigley Field. If I am wrong, then stop reading. This is your last chance. However, if what you are telling me is true... we need to talk.
Your not a Cubs fan. You are a fan of another team. You think Cubs fans are poor. They have no jobs cause they take in afternoon baseball. You think people hang in the bleachers to get drunk and get phone numbers. You have been to Wrigley Field. You have done this. However, you are not a Cubs fan. First of all, to say The Cubs fan has no job and they are poor is inaccurate. Tickets cost a pretty penny and last time I checked, beer isn't free. Next, when is the last time you were at your ballpark, saw a good looking lady and didn't turn your head. I thought so. I am not going to lie, Chicks wearing Cubs appearel are hot. Most importantly, you have came to our park, got drunk, hit on women, did not care about the outcome, wore a Cubs shirt cause you wanted to fit in, threw up, and then went home. The problem with this is you are not a Cubs fan. You are a poser Cubs fan. You are the reason the Cubs fan get the reputation they have. You come to Wrigley because to you it is a party. For Cubs nation, YOU MAKE US LOOK BAD! Think about this next time you say, "Cubs fan goes to Wrigley Field for beer and broads," You go to Wrigley for beer and broads. We go to cheer on our home team!!!

Whats next...

Summer has began...

With the new UK coaches being hired, and the football team improved, very improved... what do we do this summer??? I don't know if Roger is coming back... no one does... I asked Koby, he did not know. So what is there to do. I know most people have recruiting to get them through the day. I don't. I hate it. It only lasts so long. So what are you doing? Whats next in the sports world for central Kentucky???

Something's rotten in the state of Denmark...

Okay, maybe it's in Lexington, Kentucky but same difference. The state of Kentucky's basketball program is in question, yet again. Doesn't it seem like this happens over and over again. Rumors are circling around the program and thus consuming the thoughts and conversations of every UK basketball fan in the Big Blue Nation.

If Tubby is no longer going to remain the coach, Mitch Barnhart did a good thing by not mentioning it in his statement. A vote of no confidence right now would kill the season right before tournament time.

However, if the plan is to keep Tubby Smith here in Lexington, then Mitch Barnhart's statement should have reflected those sentiments. I truly believe that his statement has brought about more questions surrounding the validity of the rumors floating around.

Speaking of confusion... It's time for UK fans to decide what they truly look for in a coach. Is it victories all around (regular season and tournament), or is it final fours? Sometimes, I believe that UK fans get caught up more in the race to get to the final four rather than the championship itself. What is the basic level of excellence that a coach must be expected to maintain at Kentucky? I honestly think that it needs to be laid out. When a coach takes a job here, why don't the fans just say:

"we expect you to do x by __. We also expect you to repeat x goal by _____. The means to which you achieve this goal we will live with. However, you must do this for us or we will put pressure on you until either you look elsewhere or UK decides to find someone else."

Tubby Smith spoke yesterday of the need for his team to find their identity. Well I think that goes the same for the UK fan base. What are the expectations for the UK basketball coach? Can we all agree upon something?

It is hard for me to hide my objectivity in this matter. I went to UK. I've been a UK fan since I was young. But we have to figure out what we want.

Everyone thought they wanted better recruiting, Tubby brought in the #1 recruiting class... We know what that did.

Is it just final fours and championships?

Let's all get together on this.

As for Tubby, I can't possibly understand how he can go through it every year. He knew what it was like here in Lexington when he became coach, but I think he honestly feels like he's tried everything with this team and with the fans. He's running out of options.

Now I'm not going to be one of those guys who blames the internet (because every team has message boards. They've been around for a while...) But the negativity has been around him since the beginning. So everyone can either decide to fix the relationship here, or it's time for the divorce.

But it would be premature to make the decision now. Mitch Barnhart was right to wait until the end of the season. Can the fans do the same?

“Kentucky Finds New Way To Loose”
Wildcats Start Strong, Finish Weakly

NASHVILLE, TN - The University of Kentucky Wildcats found a new way this season to lose a closeSEC East game this season, falling today to the 17th ranked Vanderbilt Commodores 67-65. The Wildcats who had lost three of their previous four games due much in part to slow starts and falling behind by double digit margins early in the game. But today Kentucky started off in good form but ended up giving the game away late when the Wildcats couldn’t find offensive continuity.Over a span of approximately 13 minutes late in the game, UK had twelve turnovers after having at least a 10 point lead over the home standing Commodores. Kentucky shot 58.1% for the game from the floor compared to Vandy’s 41.4%. UK had a better free throw percentage than the Commodores at 81.8% compared to VU’s 69.2%. UK had two more team rebounds than the Commodores. So why didn’t Kentucky win? Several reasons.Vandy had eight more steals than Kentucky because of 19 Wildcat team turnovers. The afore mentioned 12 during a crucial portion of the game when momentum was swinging in the Commodores favor. At this point in the game I got that “OH NO” feeling in my stomach and I knew we were in trouble.Another reason the Wildcats lost? Lack of leadership from the starters. Over the past few games even the television media continue to notice and comment about Kentucky’s character. Case in point. Joe Crawford made a great defensive play at the end of the first half by making a steal and instead of passing the ball forward to a wide open and all alone under the basket Jodie Meeks, Crawford drove and dunked over his teammate. This, in my opinion, was an embarrassment to the school and showed all the sports world just how far Kentucky basketball has slipped this year.When personal highlight reels outweigh the team concept, your program is in trouble.
Another reason the Wildcats lost? Starters Ramel Bradley and Crawford, the two outspoken leaders who constantly want to shoulder the game and take the last second winning shots, were a combined 17 points. Randolph Morris was outscored by his relief Lukasz Obrzut. Obrzut had nine points to Morris’ four points. Morris looked lost and confused much of the game and was outplayed by Obrzut, yet Obrzut played less minutes. Bradley, Kentucky’s point guard, had four turnovers leading the team on the floor and was a non-factor in the game. Today’s Wildcat leader was of all players, Bobby Perry with 18 points.How do these players expect to make the next level when they can’t play as an unit? It seems to me that’s what is wrong with these guys. They are concerned about making big plays, highlight reels, ect, to impress some scout somewhere. Morris opted out of the NBA, and has since looked like he didn’t belong in the starting rotation for a major college like Kentucky. Wonder how far his NBA stock has fallen? Dick Vitale should hold a ESPN Monday segment of stock up stock down on Kentucky players and its coach Tubby Smith.I looked into Webster’s Dictionary for the definition of loyal. It means “Faithful to government, plighted love, duty; constant to friends or associates.” I consider myself a loyal Kentucky fan of the team and coach. But at some point, we have to look beyond players making or not making the plays on the floor. I’m not calling for Smith’s job or head. Smith looks lost and confused himself at times on television. I’m beginning to think he has lost grip on this team for a second season.I’ve heard all year from Mike Cameron how he was glad Kentucky lost it’s point guard from last year because he was a problem player. What was his name Mike? Yet here we are again, this year, same problems different shades of color. Tubby does not have control of this team."

Another reason the Wildcats lost? Starters Ramel Bradley and Crawford, the two outspoken leaders who constantly want to shoulder the game and take the last second winning shots, were a combined 17 points. Randolph Morris was outscored by his relief Lukasz Obrzut. Obrzut had nine points to Morris’ four points. Morris looked lost and confused much of the game and was outplayed by Obrzut, yet Obrzut played less minutes. Bradley, Kentucky’s point guard, had four turnovers leading the team on the floor and was a non-factor in the game. Today’s Wildcat leader was of all players, Bobby Perry with 18 points.How do these players expect to make the next level when they can’t play as an unit? It seems to me that’s what is wrong with these guys. They are concerned about making big plays, highlight reels, ect, to impress some scout somewhere. Morris opted out of the NBA, and has since looked like he didn’t belong in the starting rotation for a major college like Kentucky. Wonder how far his NBA stock has fallen? Dick Vitale should hold a ESPN Monday segment of stock up stock down on Kentucky players and its coach Tubby Smith.I looked into Webster’s Dictionary for the definition of loyal. It means “Faithful to government, plighted love, duty; constant to friends or associates.” I consider myself a loyal Kentucky fan of the team and coach. But at some point, we have to look beyond players making or not making the plays on the floor. I’m not calling for Smith’s job or head. Smith looks lost and confused himself at times on television. I’m beginning to think he has lost grip on this team for a second season.I’ve heard all year from Mike Cameron how he was glad Kentucky lost it’s point guard from last year because he was a problem player. What was his name Mike? Yet here we are again, this year, same problems different shades of color. Tubby does not have control of this team.
Kentucky already will play a first round SEC Tournament game for the second year in a row, and may fall ever further in the standings with a home game against Georgia and a road game in Gainesville.I am already dreadful for Wednesday nights game in Rupp Arena against the Bulldogs. Reason? Earlier this month there was talk about Kentucky fans storming the court if UK beat Florida. I am afraid fans my boo two of the three seniors on Senior Night. Whether the fans boo Sheray Thomas and Perry or not, I predict Obrzut will get a standing ovation.

Signing off from Richmond,
Glen

“Will Revolutionizing The Cap Ensure MLB Players Better Performance?”
BUFFALO, N.Y. - In an effort to boost player performance, if homerun records, a “juiced” baseball and towering upperdeck shots of over 450 feet aren’t enough, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig has teamed up with New Era CEO Christopher Koch to develop a new polyester blend cap to replace the six-panel wool model adopted by MLB back in 1954. Koch said, “By revolutionizing the cap, we’re ensuring the players headwear provides the best performance while they play.”
Under the agreement, New Era will provide all MLB players with the new polyester blend cap by Opening Day 2007. New Era Vice President of Brand Communications said, “There’s a lot of tradition in baseball and we couldn’t completely go against that tradition so we always had that as a parameter, but we wanted to take as open-minded a look at this as possible.”
The new material wicks away moisture, is designed to shrink less, fade less, not allow colors to bleed into each other, and resist sweat stains. The material under the bill has changed from gray to black to reduce reflection from sun glare and stadium lights. The caps sweatband has changed from white to black to hide dirt better.
MLB is willing to prove the cap in the heat of the diamond fields of Major League ballparks; hopefully their experiment will go better than the now defunct new NBA basketball.
Personally, I like the old wool ballcaps that bare the scars, rips, sweat, and smell that occurred during the season. I think it adds flavor to the October pennant runs when a pitcher looks down from the mound wearing a tar-covered sweat stained cap. I guess fashion and comfort outweigh the old ways today. For the oldschool fan like myself, New Era plans to continue to produce retail wool caps, though of the fashion variety, in non-authentic colors and styles. Sign me up for one oldschool please. The team logo pictured for web models you might ask? Just for Criss Cross, you guessed it, the Boston Red Sox.

Signing off from Richmond in my old sweaty 100 % wool ballcap,
Glen

“Cure For Kentucky Ills Not Found,
LSU Medicine Treats Symptoms”
Lexington, KY-With the cure still not found for the Wildcat’s Basketball illness, what Kentucky fans can only define as February Offensive blahs, LSU provided just the pill to treat the immediate symptoms of what appears to be a much larger problem. The Wildcats for the fourth straight game spotted its opponent a large first half lead. At home against Florida, the Wildcats trailed 16. Then UK trailed in Knoxville 16. At Alabama UK got behind 14. After trailing 16 to LSU in the first half, Kentucky rallied again for the fourth straight game. Instead of losing a close one the Wildcats won the game 70-63.
Similar to three consecutive recent loses to the Gators, Volunteers, and Crimson Tide, Kentucky came out of the gates as cold as February wind chill factors. UK made one of its first 12 shots covering the first 8 minutes of the game. With 6:48 left in the first half, the Tigers lead over Kentucky grew to 28-12.
Having the score doubled twice on Kentucky during its last two home games in February, Florida and LSU, has got the Blue Big Faithful headed for their own medicine cabinet. UK Coach Tubby Smith has been trying different concoctions in the form of mixing lineups over the past four games to no avail. Some sicknesses you just have to ride out. Fitting was last night’s game that ESPN called “Judgement Week”.
Kentucky is certainly facing judgement time.
At a crucial time, Kentucky got its direct line intravenous in the form of, among other things, a bench technical. Tiger Coach Brady got T’ed up while sitting in his seat complaining about a call. During the final stretch of 6:38 in the first half Kentucky went on a traditional Wildcat run outscoring LSU 18-3 to pull within 31-30 at halftime.
\n\nDuring the second half traditionally Kentucky would KO and opponent. But with the recent offensive illness the Wildcats have been unable to put away opponents. With the score tied at 58-58 at the 4:58 mark, Kentucky closed out the game on a 12-5 run to win 70-63.\n\nThe win can be attributed to the play of Randolph Morris and Criss Cross’ “Pick to click” Freshman Jodie Meeks. Morris finished with 20 points. Meeks played 27 minutes shot 60% from the floor, 3 of 3 from the free throw line and 3 of 5 from three-point land. Meeks also had one assist, one rebound, one steal, 0 turnovers, and 18 points.\n\nMeeks’ play has to be encouraging, but Kentucky has to be concerned about slow starts at the beginning of each half’s over the past four games. Concerning also is the fact that of Kentucky’s eight SEC wins, three came against teams without their stars. Those games included wins over Tennessee without Chris Lofton, Arkansas, and LSU without Glen Davis. Kentucky needs more than a temporary pill to treat symptoms. It needs a deep healing within. Come March when the SEC and NCAA Tournaments begin, Kentucky will not be able to spot any opponent double digit leads while suffering a February blah.

Signing off from Richmond,
Glen

What were your thoughts on the UK v. LSU game?

Do you think the Cats have straightened the ship?