Happy Tuesday everyone, here's my Top 5 for August 3, 2010 from Len Berman at www.ThatsSports.com.
1. Quick Hits
* In a highly unusual move, the Chicago White Sox issue a statement disagreeing with the views of their manager, Ozzie Guillen. (See #2)
* Across town, the highly usual. The Cubs get pounded by Milwaukee 18-1. They tie their all time record of allowing 26 hits in a game.
* Day 10, America held hostage. A-Rod again fails to hit #600.
* LeBron James takes out a full page newspaper ad in Akron thanking his hometown fans. Cleveland newspapers are still waiting for his business.
* Vuvuzelas have been banned from the upcoming World Basketball Championships in Turkey. No word yet on kazoos, or players tooting their own horns.
2. Ozzie Being Ozzie
When White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen started talking about Asian ballplayers having it easier in the big leagues than Latinos, many thought, "there he goes again." He made the point that Asians get interpreters, but Latinos don't. I heard retired pitcher Curt Schilling say that Ozzie is "spot on." And Schilling, a strong union man in his day, squarely placed the blame on the Players Association. So two things; Ozzie isn't nuts. And wouldn't you love to hear active players take a strong stand on something, anything, while they're still playing?
3. Fame Game
It was nice to see the Mets honor Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry the other day. They are now in the Mets Hall of Fame. A couple of you asked, what about Keith Hernandez? He was inducted long ago, as was Mookie Wilson. Mookie Wilson? Before Doc and Darryl? Could it be because Gooden and Strawberry played for the Yankees? Because they had checkered personal lives? You mean personal issues like drugs and gambling come into play when considering Hall of Fame qualifications? Shocking!
4. Upon Further Review
So who in baseball is most embracing instant replay? Right, Little Leaguers. At this year's Little League World Series, coaches can challenge all sorts of calls except balls and strikes. Coaches will be allowed one unsuccessful challenge in the first 6 innings, and one more in extra innings. Yup, it's never too early to teach kids that grownups are screwups.
5. Tweet Tweet
What, are you all meteorologists? I asked on Twitter @LenBermanSports "How come in January you hear "two weeks til pitchers and catchers," but in July you never hear "whoopee, 14 days til punters and kickers?"
Many of you had the same theme. @MVNUSID tweeted,
"You hear that about baseball because 1 it's America's past-time and 2 we're already ready for spring to be here. :)"
@Frispo tweeted, "N Jan, u r tired of winter, cold & shoveling snow so when pitchers & catchers report, it makes spring seem closer."
But there are some football fanatics out there; @esd714 tweeted, "wasn't it Bill Parcells who discounted P's and K's from the roster? I get pumped for Centers and Nose Tackles though."
Yeah.... nothing says summer fun quite like a couple of centers and nose tackles suiting up and sweating.
Happy Birthday: Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. 33.
Bonus Birthday: Anybody find a heart in San Francisco? Good guy singer Tony Bennett. 84.
Today in Sports: Hoop it up. The NBA is formed. 1949.
Bonus Event: Christopher Columbus sets sail with the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. If he hadn't, would the Top 5 exist today? In English? 1492.
Just one month until the release of my new kids book, The 25 Greatest Baseball Players of All-Time.