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I continue to be impressed with the emergence of Channing Frye. The number 8 draft-pick was widely panned by critics, claiming the Knicks went far too high for a "soft" center who didn't average double digit rebounds in college. I don't know if any of these critics had looked at his WET jumpshot, but this 6'11" kid is pulling people out to KG range and splashing it on them, and his pump-fake drive to the basket is developing. A tough streak is also coming around, as evidenced when he tried to bang it on Alonzo's head when he was having a 9 block game against the Knicks. I like the pick, and hope that Isiah doesn't mistakenly pull the trigger on a deal like...

Trade rumors have been swirling around the Pacers disgruntled forward Ron Artest. Ron-Ron is a Queensbridge NYC product who starred at St. John's. He is a lock-down defender who also averages 18 points. However, his citizenship problems are well-documented. Now Artest indicates that we wants out of Indiana, and favors a trade to NY or Cleveland. While I would love to have a player of his ability on the Knicks, I am wary of what we would have to give up for a person of questionable character who is quitting on his current squad. The most valuable guy right now is Frye, but he plays Jermaine O'Neal's position. The prevailing theory is Artest for Peja Stojacavic, which would work for both teams. We'll keep an eye on that one.

The draw for the 2006 World Cup in Germany went down on Saturday. The US is in a group with Italy, the Czech Republic, and Ghana. Conventional soccer wisdom says that this is a difficult draw for all involved. We have been hearing that the US will have a tough time, but I suspect that those teams were none too pleased to see our name get selected either. The US squad is extremely fit, and have dynamic players in Donovan, Beasley, and possibly Freddy Adu. Here's hoping for a win, two draws, and an advance on aggregate or goal differential.

A fond farewell to Tony Womak, who had a very underwhelming tenure with the Yankees. He was traded for table scraps, and never fit on the team once Cano came up. Take care Tony, I'll never forget your 28 steals!

In other player movement, the Yankees acquired lefty Mike Myers from the Sox, who we again hope will fill the lefty set-up role for Mariano. History says that Michael Myers is notoriously difficult to stop, surviving bullets, knives, electrocution...etc. Hopefully he will be this difficult to hit.

thats all for now.