SPORTS HITS

Ryan Dempster who has struggled on the road did not have any problems last night as he help pitch the Chicago Cubs to a 7-2 win in Milwaukee. Many people will tell you that this series is just another series, but it is a statement to the Milwaukee Brewers by the Chicago Cubs. They are telling everyone that they are going nowhere and they are the team to beat. The Cubs now lead by four games which can be huge especially down the stretch. Road wins are very important and the Cubs understand this.

Wednesday, July 30th

Manny Ramirez is still a Boston Red Sox, but for how long is the real question. It is rumored that he could be headed to the Florida Marlins in a three team trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates which would be interesting. I do not see them trading him, but you really never know.

The Yankees traded Kyle Farnsworth to the Detroit Tigers for Ivan Rodriguez as they need help in the catching spot. This was a great upgrade for the Yankees who need more pop in their lineup.

It is also reported that The Cincinnati Reds are looking to move Ken Griffey Jr to the Chicago White Sox. They are waiting to see if Ken Griffey Jr will accept the trade before they can announce everything that is in the deal.

It seems everyone has forgotten about the Los Angeles Angels when it comes to one of the best teams in baseball, but they are sure making people notice these days. Last night at Fenway Park John Lackey came within two outs of tossing a no-hitter as the Angels beat the Red Sox 6-2 to take the first two games of the series. The Angels are trying to make a statement and so far it is going the way they have planned.

The Angels have a very comfortable lead in the American League West and they know these series are important as they may face Boston down the road sometime in the playoffs. Road wins are very important and they understand that.

Tuesday, July 29th

Tim Donaghy has been marked as the lone rogue official that has fixed NBA games and he was handed his punishment yesterday as he got 15 months in prison. Most people think that he is the only bad official and I am not of that thinking. I am sure that their are a lot more, but the NBA does not want to admit that.

David Stern wants us to believe that this is the only bad apple in the bunch, but I can tell you where their is one bad apple, more will surfaced eventually. I would like to think this is the last we hear of it, but I really do not know about that.

The Chicago Cubs have been struggling and needed a win to start a crucial series in Milwaukee and that is exactly what they did. Derrek Lee doubled with one out in the ninth inning to give the Cubs a 6-4 win over the Milwaukee Brewers and increase their lead to 2 games in the National League Central. Milwaukee’s bullpen again was the problem as they could not hold Chicago at bay when they needed to. This is one area the Brewers need help at.

Meanwhile the Cubs just want to at least get a spilt in this series. Winning on the road is huge and anytime you can get a win on the road it is big especially against a team that has been as hot as Milwaukee has been.

Monday, July 28th

Brett Favre was asked by management to stay away from Packers camp until they can work something out. Favre has agreed to give them a couple of days to iron something out. I look for the Packers to either trade him or let him into camp eventually. Favre maybe a disruption at Packers camp, but right now unless the Packers can trade him their hands are tied.

Favre holds many cards and he knows it. The Packers are really in a no-win situation and they know it. A trade would be the best possible deal for both sides, but I think that will be very hard to do. The Packers want to high of a asking price so right now it is a waiting game to see which side blinks first.

Goose Gossage will finally get the honored that he should had a long time ago and that is a place in Cooperstown. Gossage was a dominate pitcher who came out of the bullpen and would challenge you to beat him. Very few batters could catch up to his fastball when he was on. As the years when by he developed other pitches as well, but batters never wanted to see that fastball come in.

Gossage also was a guy who was not afraid to brush you back if that is what was needed. He knew what he had to do when he came in and he did it very well. Gossage should have been inducted a long time ago, but it always seems the Hall takes longer than they should. It is good to see the Goose finally where he belongs in the Hall Of Fame.

HOFers vs. Gossage

Do not look right now, but the New York Yankees are closing in on the American League East top spot once again. Last night in Boston Joba Chamberlain was dominate to help the Yankees extend their winning streak to seven games and beat the Boston Red Sox by a score of 1-0.  Chamberlain struck out nine Red Sox batters on the way to his win.

Friday, July 25th

I know these words may come as a shock to most Packer fans but they must either cut him or trade him away before training camp is over. Favre in camp is just going to be a distraction to the organization and players who are trying to get ready to play football.

The Packers have decided that Aaron Rodgers is their quarterback and that is fine, but letting Favre into camp just will breed more problems that just is not worth the hassles. The Buccaneers and Jets have been granted permission to talk to Favre so we will see where that leads. I doubt if you will see Favre in a Packer uniform for very long.

Keeping him around is just going to make it tough. Cut ties early so you can move on. I know Packer fans may not like that, but that is what you need to do right now.

USA Basketball started their quest for the gold medal with a tune-up game against Canada, With Lebron James sitting out because of a sore ankle Dwayne Wade stepped in and scored 20 points to help lead Team USA to a 120-65 rout of Canada. If their was any doubt about Dwayne Wade’s health it was erased last night with his performance.

Team USA is very talented and this tune-up was able to show the world what they can do. They played without Lebron James and still were very dominate. They had a team effort as everyone chipped in to help in the win. Canada’s coach said this is the most talented team in the world and he could be right, but they still must play as a team if they want to bring home the gold medal.