Normally, I am not one to be easily swayed by conspiracy theories, but after delving into Eliot Asinof's Eight Men Out, I am convinced that anything is possible (in a much more troubling and somber manner than KG's interpretation of the phrase after winning the title) in the world of sports and the NBA could easily be fixing games and forcing action.  In case you didn't know,Asinof's book chronicles the fixing of the 1919 World Series, in which several of the Chicago White Sox' best players conspired with notorious gamblers and bettors to intentionally lose the World Series to the less talented Cincinnati Reds.

What is so chilling about this account is not the corruption of the players (in fact, I sympathize with them quite a bit), but the tacit (and frequently explicit) cooperation of the owners and President of the National League to cover up the dirty underside of baseball for the stated purpose of protecting the game and preserving the incredibly lucrative (albeit illicit) industry of sports betting, a central pillar in the foundation of American baseball.

Continue reading "Bull-Plop!"

Let the wheeling and dealing begin!  At about this time last year, Danny Ainge was completing the deal of the century* (*it was at that point, nobody could have guessed that Pau Gasol would be traded to the Lakers for a wooden nickel and a bag of peanuts just six months later) after getting an assist form his old teammate Kevin McHale, bringing Kevin Garnett to the Celtics for one good player (Al Jefferson) and a hodgepodge of other NBA "talent."  There were rumblings and expectations then of the potential greatness to come (as well as a fair amount of doubters), and thankfully, that potential was realized in one of the most spine tingling and electrifying NBA Finals in recent memory. 

During the campaign to win Kevin Garnett the NBA MVP this year, there was much talk of a "culture change" that Garnett brought to the Celtics, making teamwork, sacrifice and defense (three incredibly elusive concepts in today's NBA) the everyday standard.  The Big Ticket certainly was the centerpiece of this year's Celtics team and had an undeniable impact on the team chemistry and identity this year that made him far more valuable than any of the statistics that he routinely stuffs the stat sheet with.

Continue reading "Priority: Posey"

Well, basketball is over and Major League Baseball is heading into the All Star break, which means that the real baseball season is about to begin.  I know, I am waaaaaaaaaaayyyyy overdue for this year's first rabid Red Sox post, but honestly I've been a little bit preoccupied with the WORLD CHAMPION BOSTON CELTICS and basketball in general (it has overtaken baseball as my favorite sport, though the Red Sox are and always will be my first love) to really dive into the first three meaningless months of the grueling and arduous MLB season.

That's not to say that I haven't been watching or that I no longer care about baseball or that there haven't been compelling storylines (the Devil Rays are a playoff contender???) to follow, I'm just pulling a San Antonio this year and coasting through the first few months of the season only to turn it on in time for the exciting part of the season.  Maybe there's been a culture change in Boston after two titles in four years, maybe it's just me that's changing, but the sense of dire urgency just isn't there.  Sox fans are still fiercely loyal and passionate, but at least this one isn't dying with every loss the way he used to.

Continue reading "Just Hit"

Before you say anything, I know, I know, I know, but this side gig (as enriching as it is) doesn’t exactly pay the bills (or the bar tab, whatever the case may be) at all, so I’ve been putting most of my energy into my alter ego. Dave the outdoor enthusiast and salesman, which hasn’t exactly left me with enough time to really share any of my sports related nuggets of wisdom with y’all.  BY the way, at this time I’d like to just put it out there that I am submitting applications for an unpaid internship position as my research assistant (quick, find me Ryan Howard’s OPS!) and stenographer (translation: follow me to the bar with a tape recorder to find out what I really think about Derek Jeter).  Send in a résumé and a cover letter, and I’ll let you know.

Continue reading "Sinking Feeling?"

I don't have much in the way of sports related musings for you all, my dedicated readership, but this week is (unfortunately) shaping up to be full of putting all of my worldly possessions in bags and boxes as we get ready to relocate in only a few days.  If that's not enough, I'll also be internet-less for a little bit during the transition (NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!), so I may no be able to keep y'all as informed as I'd like to, but somehow I'm guessing that you'll manage.  Don't get me wrong, I'd much rather sit on my ass and wax poetic about baseball, basketball etc. until the cows come home, but sadly I can't.  Don't look so down, though, for I am guessing that I will be up and running again by the time that Olympic basketball starts and the baseball season really starts heating up.   

Continue reading "Ch-Ch-Ch-Changing"