Upon Whining Papi

After reading this article "http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2582790", I found myself starting to sour on David Ortiz. Until then, I thought he was simply the magnanimous Big Papi that everyone would have you believe. His numbers as a DH are outstanding, and Boston leans on him heavily to win the games they do. He has produced some late-inning wins that were truly impressive. Hell, if the Sox were contending in either the division or wild card, you could make a damn good case he is the MVP.

However, after reading his words concerning the trophy this year, Ortiz appears dangerously close to becoming a cry-baby me first athlete of the breed we all hate. He cites A-Rod's MVP on a last place team in 2003, and he is right that A-Rod had smaller numers that Ortiz will end up with in the power categories, and Texas finished last in the AL West. All fair points. However, Alex did manage to be a threat on the basepaths and also happened to play gold Glover caliber defense at the most important infield position. Ortiz seems to ignore the fact that he only impacts the game on the defensive end by staying off the field.

Also, Ortiz challenges Jeter, who hits 2nd in the stacked line-up of the Yankees, to try and produce in the Boston line-up. The argument against Jeter seems like Ortiz has finally begun drinking the New England Kool-Aid, and forgetting that he bats in front of Manny Ramirez, who is among the most feared hitters of this or any other generation.

I liked Ortiz from a far as a player and based on his rep as a person. I feared him as an opponent, and watched for his highlights. Now, Big Papi just seems like a big baby.

the above hyperlink was found at ESPN.com, and is the sole property thereof*

Upon Greece?!?!

(see also http://cleverlytitledblog.blogspot.com/2004/08/upon-basketball.html )

Now America can add a loss to the Spanakotoppolovskitsts to our distinguished international basketball resume. THIS MAKES NO SENSE!

"But WG, Greece were the Eurpoean Champions, and haven't lost a game in the Championships."

"Actually TWG, the talent level on the Greek team is comprable to the US roster.'

"It's the team's fault. Greece played together, the Us just played like a thrown-together roster. The world has caught and passed America in team play."

You know what I say? If Miami can win the NBA running out Jason Williams, Gary Payton, Udonis Haslem, there is NO WAY that we should lose a quarter with Lebron, Carmelo, Wade, Paul and Howard.

This is, and continues to be an embarassment. I don't see the US winning the World Cup any time soon, Mexico will not sail away with the America's Cup, England will never lead an Olympic games in Medals, and finally.....

THE US, absent an unconscious performance from their opponent (where a 3-point shooter can not miss, or someone is shooting like Bill Walton in the NCAA championship game) should not lose in basketball.

Stay tuned for when the Rhine Fire and Toronto Argonauts beat the Colts and Patriots in international football friendlies.