When Baseball and Football Collide: News and Notes

Baseball and football are going to be in the news every day starting this weekend, and that's a beautiful thing.

But even beauty has its limits.

Still can't get over this Michael Vick thing. What makes a millionaire risk it all for small action on two dogs mauling each other?

I guess it's true what they say—Michael Vick just isn't that smart.

Speaking of action: If an NBA ref is in the mob's back pocket, I would think that he'd be pretty stressed out. Tension leads to peculiar behavior. Take a look at the clip on ESPN to see what I mean.

The New York Yankees are mauling the ball. Of course, they haven't played a team with a record above .500 since the All-Star break...and they won't until they face Cleveland on August 1st.

Detroit Lions DE Cory Redding was given a contract guaranteeing him $20 million after recording 4.5 sacks last year. My question: Is ANYTHING in Detroit these days worth 20 mill?

I'm a Gary Sheffield fan—love his game, love to watch his AB's. It's like with Reggie Jackson—I'd rather watch Sheff strike out than watch other certain MLB players (Uncle Manny, for one) hit home runs.

But please, please, please Gary: Just SHUT UP.

Joe Torre treats different players differently? Yeah, he should, and he should start by drawing a line between those who create pointless controversy and those who don't.

The "Who's Now" segments on ESPN are unwatchable.  Someone please light my hair on fire and put it out with a shovel.

 
Tom Brady was photographed jogging around Manhattan with a NYY cap on. So what? Why does Red Sox Nation go gaga over this?

Tom Brady is a winner. The Yanks are one of the most successful franchises in sports. Sounds like a match made in heaven to me.

With the exception of 2006, the Boston Red Sox have been perennial bridesmaids. Just because Brady's the QB of the PATS he has to like the Red Sox? No, Boston fans aren't obsessed with that team from the Bronx oh no they're not!

Get a life.

Speaking of the PATS: Fans around New England are gearing up for an '86 Celtics-type season. But be wary—the Pats have failed miserably when expectations have been high.

(By the way, you can get a great airfare from Boston to Phoenix in late January if you book now.)

Barry Bonds' pursuit of Hank Aaron reminds me of my 11th grade algebra class: I just don't care. And I love baseball.

If I were Bud Selig, I'd stay away. I mean, the Giants are pathetic.  

It's very rare when I say I'd rather be someone else—but I'd love to be SI's Peter King the whole month of August. Travel around to football camps and write about it...and get paid.

By the way, King's reports from camp are off the hook, and must-reads for any football fan. Hey Pete I'll carry your bags.

Finally: Copy the following (for Recreational Purposes only). Vegas came out with the over/under on win totals for the NFL. Here are my top three locks:

1. BUF  6-OVER 

Under Dick Jaruon, the Bills will play up to the level of their competition. They're a tough team...and better yet a seven-win team.

2. STL 7-OVER

Steven Jackson will be a bona fide star by the end of the '07 season.

3. PHL 9-UNDER

The beginning of the end for Donovan McNabb. Thank God we won't have to hear much more about one of the most overrated players in the history of the NFL.

 

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