Keepin up to date

Quick update today - not alot has been going on, so I've been left to twiddle my thumbs and wait for somethin big to post about. Here's what's on tap for the next couple of days:

- My U.S. Open reactions/opinions/coverage

- Some thoughts on the U.S. national soccer team

- My thoughts on the Sammy Sosa allegations

In the mean time, here's something from video-blogger/insane lacrosse talent Brett Queener that you will find entertaining.

Sid the Man, Cristiano the Rich

Before I dive into my euphoria over the Penguins Stanley Cup title, let me first address the second HUGE deal pulled off by Real Madrid. Sure, they now have Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the best soccer player in the world. Everyone by now knows that he was transferred for a record $131.6 million. But when I think of this transfer, one saying comes to mind - "don't hate the player, hate the game."

At first, I was mad at Ronaldo. I couldn't believe anyone could be worth that much money (I still can't). But now, after digesting this deal for a few days, I realize it is not his fault at all. Heck, he's not gonna see any of the $131.6 million (all of that is going to Manchester United). So where must I direct my angst and blame for a deal of this proportion?

Real Madrid. That's where. If they have this much money, shouldn't they be using it for something better than signing one single player? Shouldn't they do something to help the economy, or maybe develop their youth program, or possibly sign a couple defenders? (ESPN's Tommy Smyth informs me that their defense is quite porous). 

Ultimately, I'm upset with the spending by Real Madrid. It makes me angry that so many people and companies are struggling right now, and here's a soccer club shoveling out tons of money for one person. Some will say that this deal is just an indicator of how healthy the soccer world is financially, and I suppose that is true. But it still rubs me the wrong way. 

In other news, how 'bout those Penguins? I will sadly admit that I didn't sit on my couch at home and stare at the TV for the duration of Game 7, although I did manage to catch a good

 majority of it at two of my favorite bars in Rochester (Nathaniels and J.D. Oxfords - I highly recommend both).

Here was my scenario during the final five minutes of the game: 

-I'm sitting at Nathaniels. 

-I'm talking to a couple friends whom I haven't seen in quite some time. 

-I'm keeping one eye on the giant TV in back of the bar, which is showing the game.

-I have no idea what the conversation with my friends is about.

-I apologize for being anti-social, "I just really wanna see what's gonna happen in this game" I say.

-I can't help but wonder what happened to Sid in the second period - how severe is the injury?

-Detroit hits the post. I almost barf all over. 

-"JUST CLEAR THE PUCK" I think to myself as Detroit goes on an all out offensive onslaught during the final 3 minutes.

-Marc-Andre makes the save on Lindstrom. The clock strikes zero. I can exhale, and get back to conversing with friends instead of sitting on the edge of my seat about to puke. 

What was so indicative of the series was the reaction of the Penguins players when the clock hit all zeros. It almost seemed as if everyone took a split second to look at the clock, and didn't believe that time had really run out. They couldn't believe that they had completed the journey - that they beat the mighty Red Wings in Detroit, and actually won the Stanley Cup.

What a great series. What an evenly matched series. I'm gonna miss hockey over the next 4 months. 

Pens prevail, Lakers lose, Strasburg goes #1

The Pittsburgh Penguins extended the Stanley Cup final last night by beating the Detroit Red Wings 2-1. Sure, its just one victory, but after suffering a 5-0 beatdown in Game 5, the Penguins looked dead. Now, thanks to some courageous play and good coaching by Danny B (head coach Dan Bylsma, that is) the series comes down to a winner take all Game 7 on Friday night. 

I am provoked to say good coaching on Bylsma's part because of the re-introduction of Petr Sykora into the Penguin lineup for Game 6. Sykora had been absent since the beginning of the Washington series, and the Pens had been cruising without him. However, after the Game 5 inplosion, Pittsburgh needed a spark, or at the very least a change. The Sykora move provided this, and the Pens wound up winning Game 6. Now I'm not saying Sykora is the reason the Pen

s won last night; I'm merely saying that the mental impact of him being on the bench cannot be understated. If I were Jordan Staal, Sid the Kid, or any other Pens player, I would see Sykora on the bench and say "alright, we are not the team that sucked it up in Game 5." That little bit of motivation would play a big role in my mind, and I'm sure it had a factor on the other Pens players last night.

I'm not a huge fan of the NBA. The only entertaining part of the NBA playoffs for me this year has been Dwight Howard's impression of his head coach, Stan Van Gundy (who, by the way, is an alum of SUNY Brockport. Gotta give props to my fellow alumnus). Anyway, all I'm gonna say is that I'm rooting for Orlando. Kobe just kinda rubs me the wrong way, and I can't find myself rooting for him. He's won three titles already - he doesn't need anymore. I hope that the Magic can battle back and even the series tomorrow night. 

Finally, Steven Strasburg was selected by the Washington Nationals with the #1 overall pick in the MLB draft last night. Here are some quick facts about Strasburg: His fastball has been clocked at 103mph. He went 13-1 for San Diego State this past season, and had nearly 200 strikeouts in just over 100 innings pitched. His ERA this past season was 1.32 (don't quote me on that one - I don't remember the exact decimals).

Those are crazy numbers. What is even more crazy is the the contract he may be signing later this summer. Strasburg's agent, the infamous Scott Boras, is already hyping his client and building him up as one-of-a-kind. 

Mark Prior received $10.5 million in 2001, which is currently the highest rookie payout in history. Boras is believed to be looking for several times that amount.

Here is what bothers me: Strasburg has not proven anything in the big leagues. He has not thrown a pitch in Washington. Sure, he has a huge amount of talent. But he's not proven. Why pay a guy millions and millions of dollars if he could potentially end up as a total bust? 

Strasburg SEEMS to be the lowest-risk player to come about in some time. But still, I'm all for a rookie contract cap (not just for baseball, but for all sports). Set a limit as to the amount of money a rookie can make during his first full season in the pros. Then, if he turns out to be the real deal, either give him a new contract, or provide incentive clauses that will reward the player for good performances. It makes more sense than giving an unproven kid millions upon millions of dollars that could potentially be flushed right down the drain.

Thats all for now. Stay tuned.