Happy Wednesday everyone, here's my Top 5 for December 15, 2010 from Len Berman at www.ThatsSports.com.
1. Quick Hits
* The Yankees have a deal with former Dodger Russell Martin to be their full-time catcher.
* The Yankees signed oft-injured Cubs pitcher Mark Prior to a minor league deal. He hasn't pitched in the majors since 2006.
* The Metrodome roof won't be repaired in time for next Monday night's game between the Vikings and Bears. The game will be played outdoors at the University of Minnesota stadium. Will temps be above single digits?
* Bengals wide receiver Terrell Owens says it's the coaches fault that Cincinnati has stunk. What a guy.
2. Frank-Lee Speaking
Loved all your opinions on Cliff Lee signing with Philadelphia.
*From David T. "I'm wondering how The Boss would have reacted to Lee not signing with the Yanks? Would George even let that happen?"
*Jeff. C. asks in the comments section of www.ThatsSports.com, "Just wondering how upset the MLB Players Association is with Cliff Lee for leaving all that money on the table and going to a place where he actually wants to play. Isn't that what the Players Union fought for when they won free agency?"
*Paul G. "I think the Phillies are baseball's equivalent of the Miami Heat."
*A mixed reaction from Mets Fans. From Rachelle S. on Facebook, at "Len Berman's Top 5," "As a Mets fan, I'm far from thrilled about this, but I'm pleased that for once, money wasn't everything. My respect for Lee has gone up a notch."
*But from Micah T. "I think the Mets should just concede the division today. The Phillies signing of Cliff Lee can only be topped by Sandy Alderson bringing Steve Trachsel out of retirement."
3. Bigger Ten
The college sports conferences get sillier and sillier. Say no more than Texas Christian in the Big East. I think the Ivies have it about right. The longest road trip, Dartmouth to Pennsylvania, is 370 miles. When Nebraska joins the Big Ten next year, the distance from fellow conference member Penn State is 3 times longer. Then there's the concept of names. There will be 12 schools in the Big Ten. They're divided them into two divisions, "Legends" and "Leaders." Not too stimulating. I might have gone with "Geographically Unwieldy" and "Mathematically Challenged."
4. Picture This
What to do when your record streak is broken? Don't cry over spilled milk, try to make a buck. The same night that Brett Favre's streak of starting 297 games came to an end, his web site started pushing commemorative footballs with the inscription "297 starts 1992-2010." Only $499.99. To be fair, his site says a portion of the proceeds goes to charity. At least he isn't hawking autographed pictures of his... never mind.
5. Social Media
I was excited to reach a milestone on Facebook the other day, at "Len Berman's Top 5." My 1,000th follower. Then I looked up David Beckham. He has 6.4 million. I felt better as I started to peruse various sports stars and found one of the biggest had only 1,850 followers. I figured her comments were only slightly more interesting then mine. Then again it was Zenyatta. A horse.
Happy Birthday: Former NFL linebacker Nick Buoniconti. 70.
Bonus Birthday: Miami Vice star Don Johnson. 61.
Today in Sports: The Yankees make Dave Winfield the highest paid player in baseball. 10 years, $15-million. 1980.
Bonus Event: Ya couldn't take the Fifth without it. The Bill of Rights is ratified. 1791.
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