Raising Kahne in wine country

NASCAR brought its travelling series to a road course this weekend, in sunny Sonoma Ca. After weeks of weather playing havoc with the series, it was almost a lock that this would go off uninterrupted.

The weekend started off with what had to be a surprise, Marcus Ambrose taking the pole. Don't get me wrong, I understand there are specialists out there. For as many specialists, I give you failures from them.

24 hours after securing the pole, the very same Ambrose blew an engine and had to go to a backup. Without having practice laps in his car, Ambrose would find himself in the rear, instead of the front when the green flag dropped.

I am not a fan of Watkins Glen. Sonoma however, gives good racing.

This was proved throughout the day. There was the impressive comeback after a pit road speeding penalty by Jimmie Johnson, Marcus Ambrose stalking the field twice and ultimately finishing third. AJ Almindinger and teammate Elliot Sadler both finishing in the top ten.

Thats right boys and girls, 3 out of 4 RPM cars were in the top ten, and the one missing was due to car problems.

Kasey Kahne ultimately led 38 laps. He led the final 38 laps, holding off Tony Stewart repeatedly after the dreaded double file restart, or whatever gimmick TNT wants to call it. And don't worry, I will address TNT in a bit. I cant remember the total restarts, but Kasey definitely drove it like he stole it and never relinquished the lead, snapping a 37 win less streak.

Seeing Kasey in winners circle to me looks like he should be there. The king however, looked about as out of place as his son Kyle does on TV. Look, I am not bashing the king, I am not trying to suggest anything other than the obvious when it comes to RPM. 4th tier team. So enjoy your final win, final win for Dodge and RPM. I am telling you that RPM will be a Toyota racing shop next year.

Which goes back to a post previously from this, Mr Kahne, you outran what could/should be your boss next year. Don't mind the fact that SHR is racing in the top twelve, they are having fun. If the conversations from the weekend prove true, SHR might be looking for the 3rd horse in the stable next year. The rumor mill circled Kasey, and another wild card, Kevin Harvick. Harvick becomes a free agent (driver) at the end of the year. Either way, either one, I would love to see in a SHR car. Mr Keslowski, keep looking.

Onto Kyle Petty:

Shut up. Shut up already about how you got screwed out of your ride, how you are a driver, and how sad this has all become. Seriously, your family kicked you out of the business. Ever heard of handwriting on the wall?

I love and respect you for your charity work. Everyone does. But you don't belong in a booth. Repeatedly making errors, opinions that weren't relevant. Please, put a tourniquet on it, stop the bleeding and get someone else in there. While we are on the subject, someone turn off Wally's mic too.

On the Jimmie Johnson turning of Kurt Busch:

I was shocked from how sorry Jimmie was. He came over the mic to Chad saying it was a mistake, a racing error blah blah blah. True it was, and sure crap happens, but this is racing. It was getting to the end and hey it happens.

Tony Stewart's 2nd place:

I am telling you now. Tony Stewart will win it all. He is consistent, he is achieving at a higher level than everyone else and he is keeping his head on. As a fan of his for many years, after the race I sit there in amazement with who I am listening to. So I am saying it, the 48 reign is over, all hail the 3 time cup champ Tony Stewart.

Unfortunately Tiger, your in a no win situation

The story on the eve of one of the greatest golfing tourneys in the world is not really if Tiger can win his 15th major. It doesn't center on Tiger and his rebuilt robo-knee. Its not about Tiger and the beast that is Bethpaige.

The story is Amy Mickleson. Amy was diagnosed with cancer recently, and in response Phil decided to stay at home. But then Phil made a return and today said that his wife would like to have a trophy in her hospital room while she takes on the mother load of all diseases.

Imagine that. Your wife basically calls you out. Um honey, help me pack my things, oh and by the way, this weekend, go win me that nice shiny trophy that you have never seemed to win before. I want it in my room while I am battling cancer.

Makes me have trouble swallowing, imagine Phil. I am not going to put Phil on the coals like I usually do. I'm not gonna talk about the nickname, or the sudden loss in swing.

I wish nothing but the best for him, and a clean bill of health for his wife Amy. Having lost my mother from this very same disease, I know, although not my wife, what they must be going through.

So if you are a fan of golf, if you are a remote control passerby this weekend and land on the coverage. Be prepared. This is going to play over and over. And rightfully so. Hopefully some serious money can be raised this weekend and send it to the Susan G Komen foundation and they in turn can fund more research.

So with that Mr. Woods, no matter what. The story will be the Mickleson's. Something tells me however, he wouldn't even mind.

So long story short. I root for Tiger. I root for others too, I rarely root for Phil. Given the situation, I will be pulling for lefty. And to me, if he doesn't win it all, but keeps it together enough to finish, I will forever be impressed with.

Good luck to you Phil, and good health to Amy.

Um, NO you dont have the credentials, you douche

Slammin Sammy = Slammin performance enhancing drugs into your system to make a name for yourself.

At least that's what it should be.

What's even better is this clown sat down earlier this month with a reporter saying that he's going to retire, and then "I will calmly wait for my induction to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Don't I have the numbers to be inducted?".

Then skip to today, and in ESPN.com, it's being reported that the great one popped positive in the very same tests that A-Roid took. Obviously, like A-Roid, these results were not supposed to be publicized.

Hey Sammy, do me a favor, hold your cheating breath. In fact, you, A-Roid, Bonds, and McGuire all sit in a circle and hold your breaths.

Your not getting in my friend, none of you will or should.

"I always played with love and responsibility and I assure you that I will not answer nor listen to rumors. If anything ugly comes up in the future, we will confront it immediately, but with all our strength because I will not allow anybody to tarnish what I did in the field,"

I want you to answer NOW. I want you to come out from behind your "I don't understand English" bull crap that you pulled when you were in front of our government. I want you to have the BALLS to confront it.

But, of course, you wont.

How's that song go? Old man river?

I admit it. When the news broke I was like, seriously? Didn't this guy retire like 10 years ago? In fact, I was so sure of myself I called a couple of friends asking about wasn't he in a rocking chair doing a fair well tour? Isn't he starting to look like the dudes from Aerosmith?

But Mark Martin was signed to run the 5 this year (supposedly instead of Brad Keslowski). Mark would replace Kyle Busch and be paired with Alan Gustafson. He signed a 1 year deal, with a second option year.

And with enthusiasm and enjoyment, he has won. The latest today at Michigan.

You can say what you like, another fuel mileage race, or if Biffle and Johnson wouldn't have run out of gas they would have won. All true, but, if Kyle Busch didn't get passed late in the truck series and the nationwide, he would have won 2 races this weekend.

As hard as it is for me to get used to, I am coming to grips with it. Fuel mileage that is. If you are a 48 fan, or a 16 for that matter, there is nothing worse than seeing your car shake left and right trying to get that fuel into the pickup.

For the most part, the race was a snoozer. The 48 had the car to beat, the 24 was making an impressive run, and more impressively, we didn't have to be subjected to watching the 55 make doughnuts in pit lane! Oh Michael, enjoy next week off when freaking Patrick Carpentier drives your ride in Sonoma.

But back to what the story is, and was. Before the race, people interviewed said the it was the 5 and the 48 as favorites. In typical Martin fashion, he was there in the end. After a poor qualifying, he was there when it mattered most.

Now sitting 8th overall, 3 wins into the season, I am shocked. Congrats old man, your running well. Keep it up, your enthusiasm is refreshing.

Some other news and notes:

Rumor has it that there is a possibility Red Bull racing will be going to chevy's. Their contract with Toyota is up after this year. There is a link with the gazillionaire owner of red bull and HMS, don't be surprised.

Steven Wallace is looking for a run of 10 races next year in the sprint series under his dad's company.

Danica Patrick is rumored to have been talking contract with Chip Ganassi and NASCAR. 2 words. Bring it. Nothing like a side show. I want her to yell at Tony Stewart like she does on of those pretty IRL boys.

Johnny Benson was in a horrible wreck Saturday evening racing in Michigan. The problem was, it wasn't in the trucks. You know those Saturn commercials that say something about buying a car, losing your job sounds like a bad week? Imagine Johnny's. Dropped from his ride in the truck series on Monday due to sponsorship, Johnny ends up in a fiery wreck and breaking some ribs on Saturday night. Talk about having a bad week.

Come on Kasey, the writing is on the wall

The demise of the economy has taken countless victims. Need more examples than Red Horse Racing and Johnny Benson?

Now Richard Petty Motorsports has let go of employees for fear of reducing funds from Dodge.

Further, it has been noted that RPM has partnered with Braun Racing for races in the Nationwide. This would normally go as unnoticed as the lack of wins the 88 has, except for the fact that Braun is a Toyota based team.

Is this a sign? Is RPM switching to Toyota's?

Either way, there is the Kasey Kahne situation. Kahne is under contract with RPM through 2010. However, would you go down the slippery slope with RPM another year after potentially changing manufacturers.

Let alone the fact that they do not have the financial backing to run the r6p8 engine from Dodge. They ran it in Dover, but couldn't in Pocono. Kasey was competitive in Dover, and was a mere blip on the scoreboard in Pocono by starting 14th and finishing 15th without ever leading a lap.

ESPN is saying that RPM may not run the new package in Michigan.

So what is Kasey to do?

How about coming to the hottest team in NASCAR. Make a 3rd team, and run with what has to be the biggest surprise this year, Stewart Haas Racing.

The simple fact is, in NASCAR, the teams that have it will get results, the rest are merely just playing for 20th.

With rumors that Truex going to MWR to join his brother (slit wrists now), make a move for yourself Kasey. Make a move that will show that you are still a great driver, just sub par equipment.

I swear it was the poppy seeds on my muffin

Well well well.

The saga that is Jeremy Mayfield vs NASCAR has taken another twist.

ESPN is reporting that the drug that Mayfield has been suspended for was in fact methamphetamine.

Nothing says idiot like a jackhole who takes meth, and gets behind a 200 mph rocket.

For weeks Mayfield said it was a reaction to adderall, treating ADHD.

More so, I think legal action needs to be taken. There are 43 drivers out there in a race. Giving their life for a sport, and when an individual is impaired by drugs, they need to go away.

Enjoy your permanent black flag Mr Mayfield. At least now you have time to do more of that home brewin.

Sorry about that, I just woke up

So there I was, ready for the Monster Mile. Ready for a good hard race. Ready to watch drivers get angry, old grudges rear their head and people drive vehicles that look more like something that would look like the local wrecking yard.

What did we get?

Snoozefest. Again.

Don't misunderstand me, the finish with Stewart and Johnson was impressive. To a degree. 4 tires vs 2. Johnson sailed through the top 6, overtook the leader and sailed away.

Congrats to Johnson, another win and another impressive Sunday.

But even when the known temperamental Stewart got out, I was thinking, here we go, a little excitement! But NO! Credits go out to the team, to Johnson, talkin about how it was done for track position, nothin about, I HAD THE LEAD AND I'M PISSED.

Where oh where has the passion gone? I know that some will say that the France's, corporations, and owners have taken it away, but I miss it.

These shoebox's that they drive make for boring racing. They are basically sherman tanks, or even overgrown Pontiac Fiero's. I fully understand the reason that NASCAR went this route, but holy crap is this racing vanilla.

I am not experienced enough to say with an adjustment to the body here, or maybe changing that will open things up, and as much as this hurts to say, NASCAR is starting to look like the NBA. Meaning, it doesn't matter about anything that occurs after the first 2 minutes, all the way though until the last 5 laps.

More so, I want anger. I want passion. I don't want drivers getting out of their ride, grabbing what ever soda they have to pimp, thank all the drivers that raced them clean, and say something stupid like well we will go get em next week.

Come on Mr Ed errr Carl Edwards, go to Kevin Harvick's stall and cause some trouble. Shoot, even go after your own teammate like you did when you went nuts on Kenseth. Tony, you write the checks, go after someone, for the love of pete, someone do something.

Stop making this look like church. Stop making this look like Danica Patrick is a badass.

Oh calm down Jr nation, truth hurt?

Alright. So I expect some bad replies from this, but, I am still doing it.

The most average driver in NASCAR was called to the carpet today. "it's never Junior; it's always the crew chief" was said about Jr by Kyle Busch. The funny thing is, he's correct, for the most part.

So the nation (both Jr and NASCAR fans) are calling Kyle Busch out. At least someone is. Jr looked like a sad puppy at the press conference talking about how Kyle always has something out for him. WHAT? A lot like his driving, Jr went out soft. Are you going to tell me he took the high road? How about showing some heart? How about showing some anger? How about showing some emotion because a large part of you just got your family member fired? Why not go and drink some of those Amp energy drinks, act like you're angry and want to take on the world?

But no. Jr just limped along the press conference, whoa is me, feel bad for me.

Remember it was not too long ago that Jeff Gordon was called out because he "didn't want to win"? Eh hem.

You want to hate Kyle Busch because, he, um, competes? Wins? Says 2nd place stinks? Now don't get me wrong, I don't have any 18 gear, but he does drive for JGR who I support. I do respect the fact that at any given weekend he could be driving in 3 series, trying to win in all.

I read some of the postings from fans on foxsports.com, and on espn.com, and man, its a war. 18 this, 88 that.

Simple facts are, Jr under-performed, a lot of money is involved, and someone had to go. Just like in any other sport, in fact just ask the Colorado Rockies. Two years ago they were in the world series. Today, they fire the manager.

One thing is outrageously clear, Mr Earnhardt Jr, you have one more pass. When you do get your new crew chief, you might want to win. You don't have Eury Jr to deflect any more attention, its now all on you.

I suggest you show some heart.

A "key role'' in HMS's research and development group

So the much anticipated firing of Tony Eury Jr came down this morning. Well, it really isn't a firing since he's going to be filling a "key role" in R&D. What in the hell is that? Is he going to do testing on which coffee works best in the break room? Or is he gonna be the guy that taste's the oils to find out which one taste more like chicken? For a guy that couldn't adjust a car right, this will be interesting .

Anywho, the trainwreck that was the "family" racing team is over. Eury Jr is being replaced by Brian Whitesell. Whitesell most recently was Brad Keselowski's crew chief at Darlington. Good luck with that Brian. Obviously, I don't think there is a job that is more pressure in NASCAR.

More than the firing of Eury Jr, Earnhardt finally has to fulfill what people expect of him, and that's to be an elite driver. Currently Jr is 19th in the standings, 7 positions out from the chase. It will be an uphill road if they can pull this off. Granted its early, but to make a switch like this, however necessary, is risky.

Hang on boys and girls, the saga that is Jr is only getting started

Seriously Martin?

Rumors are swarming that Martin Truex Jr is on his way to Michael Waltrip Racing. Now I know what a whirlwind MWR is on, shoot, first win and all due to a rain out, but Martin, WHAT GIVES?

Granted he has been involved in a smoke and mirrors organization since coming to the big show, but why leave one train wreck for another? Ask Bobby Labonte, Mark Martin and others what its like to finally get it that you cannot turn an organization around, it takes many. Look at Stewart-Haas racing. Mired in what was a lower 20's, mid 30's owner points organization, Tony Stewart was brought in, wholesale changes were made, and presto.

Plus, why leave Bass Pro Shops for NAPA? That has to be as lame as what Clint Bowyer had to go through. Seriously, Jack Daniels to Hamburger Helper!

Friends of mine have discussed where he might end up, the third ride for Stewart-Haas, possibly the 4th car for JGR, but never in a million years would I think that it was to MWR.

If this is true, if Truex goes to MWR, that means Michael Waltrip's historic career is over. I think that all the drivers in the series will be thankful in a way, I mean, at least he wont do what he normally does and take out the field somewhere in the race!!

MLB this aint Houston, and you have a problem

Two games, two serious issues.

The first, on Sunday. The Milwaukee Brewers were playing the Minnesota Twins. In the 7th inning, Joe Mauer was hit by a pitch, however the umpire called it a foul ball. Mauer strutted down the line, only to be called back. The umpire was saying that he fouled the ball off, and not off the hand. The issue is not if he got hit or not, the issue is after saying it was foul, the manager for the Twins, Ron Gardenhire came out to argue. He went out, Mauer showed his hand, and somehow, the ump changed the call. Milwaukee's manager Ken Macha immediately came out and tried to get an explanation. However, the overturned decision stuck, and Macha quietly left the field. With bases loaded, the very next pitch, and I do mean very next pitch, Justin Morneau took it deep into the right field bleachers.

Second, tonight. During the Mets and and Nationals game, Gary Sheffield took John Lannan deep into left field. Except, under the new rules, the manager of the Nationals came out and said that a fan interfered with the ball, and that it wasn't in fact a home run. With this, the umpires are expected to come in and watch it on replay. The video on ESPN clearly shows the fan hitting it, it dropping down and should be called anything but a home run. To anyone who watched the replay/game, the ump's come out and call it a home run.

In two days, MLB got the best and worst from people that argue and argue against replay. What should have happened in the Minnesota game was the ump go into the, well, where ever they go, and look.

In the Mets game, obviously they need some high def. WHAT in the world were they watching?

Two games, two plays that changed the game. And the people that are in charge of enforcing the rules clearly screwed up. I know that the Minnesota play is not able to be replayed. But, if you are going to have replay, have replay. If it's contested, someone for god's sake look at it. And more so, look at it with a good TV that doesn't have rabbit ears and has some color to it.

In baseball where one play can change a game, anything should be looked at. For god's sake, its already a slow game, adding 5 minutes isn't going to kill anyone.

Also, shame on you Macha. You should have come unglued after the grand slam. You should have thrown bases, kicked chalk, shoot, even be like that minor league manager from last year that used the rosin bag as a grenade. To go back to the dugout, watch it go yard and do nothing is disappointing.

2 other things, Mr T as the 7th inning stretch singer? What, was everyone on the list of hopefuls busy? And lastly, oh to be a Ray's fan. Up 10-0 and lose? Ouch

Coca Cola 600 Recap and some notes about Indy 500

In what has to be a disappointing end, the weekend at Charlotte will better be known for rain than great racing that comes from Lowes.

The Nationwide race was shortened and after being delayed from Sunday night to Monday, we would find no difference in luck. Mother Nature had different plans for this weekend. But, some racing happened, and what was there was either really good for some, or a wreck for others.

Kyle Busch started the race and took off, which this and last season we have been very accostumed seeing. A few cars looked strong early, Vickers, Kahne, Stewart, Kyle Busch, and even Juan Pablo Montoya.

The race was stopped as more rain came, and then started and stopped and started and I cant remember how many times it happened. And finally a long red flag and inches more of rain led to a long, long stoppage.

One thing that did occur in the race, and it was something that I have never seen in any sporting event, which was at 3:00 pm the race stopped. In recognition of Memorial Day, NASCAR showed its respect by stopping the cars, getting the crews over the wall, and the track stood silent. I myself, was very moved. Tony Stewart called it the coolest thing he's ever been apart of. I as a fan was watching very proud of what NASCAR did.

The was decided unfortunately by the 00 car, David Reutimann not stopping along with others during a caution, and staying out. Before this, Kyle Busch was leading with a slew of cars behind him.

Michael Waltrip Racing was awarded on a rain shortened race. To me, it was reminiscent of Waltrips Daytona win. How fitting.

For a particular 2, the race could'nt have come sooner. Kevin Harvick started the race and promptly dented in his right front fender only to a couple laps later bury it into the wall. His race was over, and was it going to be a long day for the 29 crew. For that matter, all of RCR (Richard Childress Racing) were junk. To me, there is no greater disappointment overall than this team.

The most overrated driver in the series, Dale Jr, didnt have the luxury of saying he hit something. In fact, he missed everything. Every setup that his teammates ran seemed to work, but for NASCAR's dynamic duo, Eury Jr and Jr, they could'nt yet again figure it out. I don't know what it is with those two, I don't know if Jr can't explain what it is that's going on in his car, or if Eury Jr can't understand what is coming out of Jr's mouth, but whatever it is, this combo is still not working. I wouldnt look at today's race results and say Hendricks all missed it, because that's not what happened during the race. The 48,24, and 5 all were strong. Since 2000, Jr has won 18 races. In the last 3 years, he has won 3. For being the most popular driver, results obviously arent required.

During one of the stoppages, Stewart went to Reutimann and had a conversation about something that occured on the track. During the conversation, one of Reutimann's crew members decided to intervene. I know that Stewart can come off wrong, but to me, Reutimann's crew member should have been put in his place. It's between the drivers, not crew members. Stewart had what I thought was the last laugh in calling the member Billy Bad Butt, and Fox evening airing that when he was on TV, however in the end, the 00 got it with winning the race.

Just a couple things from the Indy 500.

I'm so tired of hearing about Danica Patrick and where she's going and everything else about her. Listen, she should not decide her next move is to NASCAR. This is not a sexist thing, this is reality. She has only driven in open wheel, NASCAR is a completely different beast, and like others before her, chances are, it wont work. I dont understand all the hype around her anyhow. She has won one race. In Japan. Other than a couple top 5's, thats it. She's more known about screaming at other driver's and telling them what they should do. I would love to see her try that with one of the NASCAR drivers. Plus, in the year of sponsorship problems, who on this earth is going to take a risk like this?

Stay where you are Ms Danica. You have a better chance there at winning a race then you ever will in NASCAR. God I hope that is the last of that.

So finally, a disappointing weekend is over, and its north to Dover next week. Let's hope for better weather and the 43 best drivers (OK not really 43) take on the Monster Mile.

Have a great week

OK ESPN, Here's a tip

Enough already. Enough of the developing stories regarding Mike Vick and how he went from the bedroom to the living room because one of the reporters that are camped out in his yard saw him do this.

Whats next?

This is ESPN with a developing story:

Mike Vick went down to his kitchen at 1:23 pm today and heated up one of those steak and cheese hot pockets, and after doing so, Mike spent the period of 1:55 to 2:08 on the pooper. ((Geese what do you expect after eating one of those things?))

It is being reported that he read "Dog World", this months "Animal Planet A Pit Bull special".

ENOUGH ALREADY

Holy Hindenburg Batman, where oh where has the offense gone?

I have heard it said before, and I do believe it, one of the hardest things to do in any sport is to hit a baseball.

But with 14 guys on the roster, you think that someone could do it. OK, that's not fair, I hear ya, but, again last night the Mariners were held scoreless thanks to Joe Saunders dazzling the Mariners at the plate with the white 9" in circumference, 5 oz with white with red stitching thing we call a baseball.

I guess we should be thankful that Beltre decided to take advantage of the tip that if you take that wood off your shoulder and swing it on a horizontal axis, sometimes it makes contact. With a 2 for 4 night, Beltre raised his staggering offense to a whopping .207 avg. If you didn't have a glove, the Wisconsin Timberrattlers would be looking to dump you.

Id like to give the award for hard effort of the night award to, um, judges, please, judges, the verdict, what do you mean there aren't any candidates?

Come on now, Bedard had a decent night, 5 ip, 2 er, his era is a respectful 2.64

And Morrow, shoot he threw 2 scoreless innings. Denny Stark threw one inning of scoreless innings late in the game also.

But the offense. Oh the offense. Ichiro got the hit fest off in the second inning, getting the party off with a single into left field. But somehow, the swiss cheese bats that the Mariners brought with them to the Safe would not be able to connect again until the 5th when Lopez singled to right, to be followed up with Betancourt also singling to right. Gutierrez powered up with a foul ball to 1st, then Ichiro hit into a fielders choice moving the 2 already on to third and second respectfully. AND THEN.....LOPEZ in his best Jacob Ellsbury and this was the new Yankee's stadium and stole home. Except the fact that Lopez forgot to take the Piano, Encyclopedia set and other various items that might slow down the speedy Lopez . What in the hell. Anywho, Lopez attempts a steal, I don't need to continue.

From the sixth on, 3 hits. 2 were Beltre. 1 Branyan. That's disgusting. Actually, when my daughter was young, she couldn't pronounce disgusting correctly, she would say, that was digusting, and the offense is digusting.

The good news is, the Giants of San Fransisco are coming to town. That's right boys and girls, the experiment that has run its course and should be put out to pasture is back. Interleague play. If there is something that is more done than this, please let me know.

The Big Unit, yes Randy Johnson is coming to town tonight. Unfortunately this is not the same Randy that we know, he's 3-4 with a 6.86 era. We counter with Vargas who is 1-0 and a 1.29 era.

Shoot, tonight should be Joey Cora "Tears in my eyes" bobblehead night.

Come on guys, remember the 7+ run games when we were hitting games? Remember that? Lets get it started, bring out that can, open it up and use it this weekend on the Giants.

A sad demise for something with so much promise

This is not a bashing. This is not a husky/cougar thing. This is just a posting that on the AP states there is an indictment on Ryan Leaf for one count of burglary to a habitation, seven counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and delivery of a simulated controlled substance.

There was an abrupt leaving from the Assistant Coach position he held at West Texas A&M. He was also the Head Coach of the golf team. Apparently Mr Leaf is in a rehab in British Columbia. It is not known if he has an attorney, and currently they (Randall County Prosecutors) are asking for Ryan to come back on his own accord rather than extradite him.

Like him, hate him, another sad story of someone that had an opportunity and struggled. Its been documented and laughed about enough, I am not throwing fuel on the fire, just writing about it because the fall is sad.

Puppy Chow's new spokesman

Has been sent home for confinement. I cant wait to hear where he will land. I have read that the leading candidates are the Bills and the (of course) Raiders.

Irregardless, yes I know he has paid his debt to society, yes I know he will hear it where ever he goes, but I will never root for this a-hole. He's lucky we don't live in the society of eye for an eye.

I knew the Mariners were reading my posts

Finally

A quality signing

I will take: Give me an F'ng break for $1000 Alex

For those of you that don't know it, that is the symbol for the North Dakota Fighting Sioux.

That symbol and the name has come under fire since 2005 when it was "deemed" "hostile and abusive" to American Indians.

The symbol and nickname was changed in the 1930's, a move to bolster the Universities name, which was named the Flickertails. Who in the hell would be proud to be a Flickertail?

The University and the Standing Rock and Spirit Lake Sioux tribes

have until Oct 1st to agree that the University can continue to use the name, or the name has to be removed by Aug 1 2010.

Sadly, the tribe said that the possibility of this happening is "remote".

If the University doesn't do this, they will be barred by the NCAA in post season play and other sanctions.

The University of Illinois is going through the same sanctions, and unfortunately have decided to change this too. The Washington Redskins fell under the same scrutiny.

I am sorry, but this is freaking ridiculous. The tribes think that the representation is disrespectful? I think that the fact that Universities have been put under the pressure from the NCAA is disrespectful. The fact that they have to change their name, the same very names they have used for decades is disrespectful. The board for North Dakota voted 8-0 to change it. Typical politicians.

I hope they go back to the Flickertails.

I hate this "politically correct" society that we live in that everything is touched with soft gloves and make everything nice.

So, North Dakota, you change the name, I say anyone that comes to your sporting event that is from the tribe has to pay double to pay for the costs of changing all the merchandising, posters, etc.

But that's just my nonpolitical correct opinion

Lets take a look at the Bedard trade

So here we sit, 14 days into the month of May and are we seeing what the Mariners truly are? Did we see what a team with a new Manager and energy can bring to the start of the season, and then reality set in? On the heels of getting swept by the first place Rangers, here are some ugly stats:

The Mariners have 2 wins and 11 losses for the month of may, heading into a long home stretch with the likes of Boston, and the Angels, only to get on a plane for 3 games at Oakland and 3 games at LA only to return to play a series with Baltimore. That is 22 days of games. 22 straight days, with a staff that is old, position players that are struggling, and sorry, but a lot of losses coming.

I was reading the story that Bedard is expected to miss his turn on the mound Saturday, and that got me to thinking. Honestly, yesterday watching replays of Adam Jones got me thinking, and before I go on, hind site is 20/20 and its easy to go this route, but I am going at it anywho.

G AB R H 2b 3b HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG

32 127 35 47 12 1 8 26 10 25 3 2 .370

That would be the line of one Adam Jones who runs the outfield for the Baltimore Orioles

G GS CG IP H R ER HR BB SO W L S HLD BLSV WHIP ERA
15 0 0 14.2 17 6 6 3 7 13 0 1 6 0 2 1.64 3.68

That would be the line for George Sherrill who was also part of the Bedard trade.

G GS CG SO IP H R ER HR BB SO W L S HLD BLSV WHIP ERA
7 7 0 0 42.2 39 14 12 3 11 43 2 1 0 0 -- 1.17 2.53

That is Eric Bedard's line this year.

Adding both Sherrill's and Jones's salaries it is $3,185,000.00.

Eric Bedard's salary is $7,750,000.00

Adam Jones currently is third in the league in BA, 1st in Runs, 3rd in slugging percentage, 13th in HR, 5th in OBP, and 4th in OPS.

Franklin Gutierrez who is roaming the center green for the Mariner's makes $20,000.00 more a year than Jones. I know that that will change shortly for Jones, but it is important.

Gutierrez's line looks like this:

G AB R H 2b 3b HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG
32 103 15 26 3 0 3 13 13 23 1 2 . .252

The only thing that is close is that Gutierrez is close on Caught Stealing and leads by 3 in walks.

Face it, another horrible trade on the Mariners. Another sell the farm to get a hopeful that isn't working out. Adam Jones will be in the league for years to come, and unfortunately, for us, we will be watching him making spectacular plays in center field, reminiscent of the guy we brought back for one year.

Sadly, Jones's numbers beat all the Mariners in offensive production alone.

Inflamation of the Shoulder? More like ERA

That's it, Wak has seen enough. The train wreck that is Carlos Silva is getting a much deserved....errrr.....needed break. Shutting down the powerhouse that is Silva is a risky move no doubt. By putting your offense on notice that they will not need to score more than 8.48 runs tonight, the offense might take the night off. Wak is definitely a gambler.

In a career that has more losses than wins, I thought that I might post this tool's career standings for your viewing pleasure. In fact, next time you are up for a job review, go into it with these kinda stats and attempt to get a pay raise let alone keep your job.

w l w% era g gs gf cg ip hits
60 64 .484 4.71 293 159 38 6 1127.0 1373

runs er hr bb ibb so
630 590 142 212 23 474

No doubt not only does this move put more pressure on the staff, they are replacing him with Vargas, but can you imagine the pressure the Team Chef is under now? Shoot, at least he had a break on game day when Carlos was forced to go out to the field, now Carlos can wander the buffet table with reckless abandon. Oh the pressure.....