The Noise Factor - thenoisefactor's Blog - The Bakersfield Voice

Moving beyond the MLB Steroid Stories

Wed, 13 May 2009 14:26:22 PDT

Okay, so I said I would not write another piece on baseball until I did an article about some of the amazing stories coming out of both the NBA and NHL playoffs over the last few weeks. But how could I resist with so many "extracurricular activities." going on in the Major League Baseball over the last week.

To say that Major League Baseball has some integrity issues to work out is not a stretch by any means. From A-Rod’s recent transgressions to a new book about Roger Clemens to Manny’s
50-game suspension for taking a female fertility drug, it was just too much to ignore.

I must also not forget to mention that we've got Hall of Fame careers coming undone, Chicago Cubs starter Ryan Dempster bouncing balls off Brewers slugger Ryan Braun’s melon, Jamie Walker being fined by Major League Baseball for his comments about umpire Angel Hernandez, and the latest -- Bobby Jenks apparently hitting Texas Ranger Ian Kisler in the ass on purpose.

It’s mass hysteria. But there is more going on in Major League Baseball’s 130th year other than juice and jive.

First of all, we have a competitive Kansas City Royals team that is currently tied with Detroit atop the AL Central Division. Then there are the Blue Jays who currently lead baseball’s toughest division, the American League East, in front of both the BoSox and the Yanks. Let’s don’t let Randy Johnson’s achieving his 298th career win be overshadowed by Manny’s inability to produce testosterone. Johnson will likely be the last pitcher to reach this milestone for a long time to come and as fans we should enjoy the excitement.

Not since DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak has there been such a buzz as the Nationals Ryan Zimmerman’s hit streak moves to 30, the longest by a third baseman since 1980.

Maybe it’s not for the record books but it is still worth mentioning, that in a rare feat, Phillies Jayson Werth stole his way all the way home -- only 49 players in MLB history have stolen all three bases in the same inning — only nine since 1942 and the last Phillie to do it was Pete Rose in 1980.

And finally what about Albert Pujols? Prince Albert is currently tied for most home runs with the Rays Carlos Pena. Since winning Rookie of the Year in 2001, Pujols has racked up seven All-star appearances, four Silver Sluggers, two MVP’s, a Golden Glove, and a Hank Aaron Award. He is, without a doubt, one of the greatest players in baseball today and, as far as we know, steroid-free.

So let's celebrate some of this year’s remarkable achievements happening in baseball and try to put Manny’s 50-game suspension, Roger Clemens’ “misremembering" act., and A-Rod’s proof that steroids don't help you hit in the clutch, behind us, and enjoy the greatest sport in America.

Dress up Draft Doldrums

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:06:49 PDT

Another NFL draft has -- mercifully -- come to an end. As expected, Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford was sentenced to six years with the Detroit Lions, a team that finished 0-16 in 2008. Fortunately, for Stafford he will be paid $78 million dollars for his time and emotional distress. Members of his family will reportedly be allowed to visit him on weekends and he will be allowed one conjugal visit per month.

Ah, there is nothing quite like the NFL draft. Diehard fans from across the country attend the event in person or watch it on television, eagerly waiting to see the newest addition to their favorite team. Watching the draft is on a par with sitting through a 17 hour Joanie Loves Chachi marathon.

Unlike the NBA draft, which is a slam-bam two-hour event, the NFL draft is two unbearable days beginning with the first round, when teams are given 10 minutes to make their selection, even the team with the first pick.

The teams have the entire off-season to make their choice, so doesn’t it seem a waste of time that the #1 selection is made only after the entire 10 minutes are up? After the first pick is out of the way, 31 other teams use their entire 10 minutes as well, making the first round drag on, and on, and on, sometimes for up to four hours.

Of course, fans are led to believe that in the “war rooms,” there is a whirlwind of action where team officials huddle up to make important decisions like last-second calls about possible trades. But while all this “action” is taking place, fans are left to sit and wait, knowing nothing about what is actually gong on.

The second day of the draft is when things reach the bottom of the barrel as the final four rounds are completed. I means who the hell cares at this point. Thank God, teams are no longer given 10 minutes to make their selection, but that’s because by this time the talent is so depleted that picking a player is really a crapshoot anyway.

Other factors of the NFL Draft that are just as if not more annoying is how suspense is totally diffused by the No. 1 pick being signed before Draft Day, players in attendance behind the stage, mock drafts and Mel Kiper.

Last March NFL owners agreed to make changes to the NFL draft adopting a few new rules, but more changes will need to be made to fix a broken system. Here are a few of my own.

Start the draft at 10 a.m. That way, in the event that the first few picks are still predictable, people are waking up for the surprises and, by the time nobody cares anymore, they still have the afternoon to kill.

Next, have the prospective draft picks sit in the front rows, like they do in award shows. Don't hide them from the world. Then, have a host. Someone like, Howard Stern, Tom Green, or Jerry Springer to announce the draft picks.

Finally, I did find one thing interesting about the draft. The interviews with some of the functionally illiterate students that somehow managed to snag scholarships to prestigious institutions of so-called higher learning.

NBA Playoffs Vs. Stanley Cup Finals: Who will win the battle for viewers?

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:48:57 PDT

In case you haven’t noticed it’s playoff time for both the NBA and the NHL. While both have some interesting first round match-ups, I have decided to do a comparison to give you the chance to decide which league offers more excitement during the playoffs.

So lets fire up the clichés, ‘We don’t care who we play’, ‘We’re just happy to be in the playoffs”, and whatever lame catchphrase the 12th man scrub on some basketball team dreams up in the hopes of banking some extra pennies should the team catch fire, and some city marketing campaign decides to buy it.

Lets start the debate with tradition. The NHL has its playoff beards, no one is allowed to touch the conference championship trophy, and baiting the other team to get in a fight for a precious power play. The NBA has Tracy McGrady losing in the first round, the NBA burying at least one entire series on the NBA network, and TNT’s 30 games in 30 nights tired out promotion. The winner here is clearly the NHL.

Next we look at television coverage. The NHL has some network in the called Versus, with programming timed in-between high-def bull riding, and rock-climbing. The NBA is can be easily viewed on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, TNT, just to name a few. I’m afraid that NBA wins this category hands down. This is like a bunch of pro ballers playing the dorks from gym class, including the guy who plays in jeans. While 80 percent of America doesn’t even know hockey’s season has started, the NBA had a TV show to announce its TV schedule.

What would a professional league be without its stars? Sure the NHL has Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin, and that’s apparently it according to the commissioner’s office. You’re right Gary von Gary. Boston has no stars -- except maybe the Norris winner. Syd the kid doesn’t play with anyone decent -- except an MVP candidate, and Detroit’s all-star roster has been a fluke except for winning multiple cups and awards. The NBA on the other hand has Kobe, Bron-Bron, and D-Wade amongst the other billion. Clearly the NBA is the winner here. During an NHL broadcast you might come across one of these during a commercial break --an NBA player.

Some people might say that both the NHL and NBA playoffs are like a season of its own. This year the NHL will give us eight great match-ups and teams that are better, but it's not uncommon for a team to catch lightning and maybe a hot goalie and make a run for the cup. The NBA? Hmm, will Boston, Cleveland, or Orlando play the Lakers? Four out of 16 teams? Why even bother? Yawn. This one goes to the NHL, with the best top to bottom playoff of any sport. And it doesn’t have to be your team to warrant a good game.

Finally the NHL has the best trophy ever while the NBA has a golden ball on the edge of a rim. The next time an athlete tells a story about christening his baby in the NBA trophy, then feeding his dog out of it, then taking it to a stripper, and then boozing whiskey out of it all in the same night, I might listen. Lord Stanley rules. Winner, the NHL.

The overall winner in comparison is the NHL, but since no one knows if they’re even on TV, I guess the NBA will take the title. Unsatisfying? So is the BCS, deal with it.

Opening Day declared Religious Holiday

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 11:59:19 PDT

For a baseball purist like myself, Opening Day is like Christmas. It's pretty much the greatest event of the year outside of the annual hot-dog eating contest at Coney Island.

Opening Day is a tradition at the beginning of every new Major League Baseball season. Falling somewhere around the beginning of the month of April, it signals a newness and a chance to forget the past season, a spring-cleaning of sorts, a place every team and their millions of fans begin the season with a perfect record on Opening Day -- unless you count that trumped-up Sunday night game that ESPN has aired the past 10 years. By the end of opening day of baseball, though, 50 percent of the teams are wondering why they lost.

It's a scene that returns reassuringly year after year. The intense Crayola green of the manicured field, the perfect 90-degree corners exactly 90 feet apart, the men in uniform palpably itching with eagerness as they await the first "thwap" of a little white ball smacking into the catcher's mitt.

Since the first professional Opening Day in 1876, the ritual has unfolded according to an invisible plan. The first pitch generally yields to nine engrossing innings and the sadly mistaken belief it will go on forever. A rich history of special events have occurred on Opening Day, that includes President William Howard Taft throwing out the ceremonial first pitch in 1910, beginning a tradition for presidents, Jackie Robinson becoming the first African-American player in the major leagues in 1947, and Hank Aaron hitting home run No. 714 to tie Babe Ruth’s record in 1974.

Joe DiMaggio once said of opening day, “You look forward to it like a birthday party when you’re a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen.”

This year I am going to Fenway on Opening Day. So in honor of my pilgrimage to the Mecca of baseball, I am boldly declaring Opening Day a quasi-religious holiday that justifies work stoppage. So if you play hooky from work one day a year, this is the day to do it.

The boys of summer are back in town, play ball.

Tuskers end season with 50-10 loss to San Diego

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 11:56:53 PDT

The Tuskers (2-8) ended the 2009 season Saturday with a loss to the San Diego Old Aztecs (5-5) 50-10 at San Diego.

The Tuskers were blanked by San Diego in the first half 40-0. Billy Ross and Abel Ruesga would score back-to-back trys for Kern County late in the second half to close the gap 10-45 before a final San Diego try ended the match with a final score of 50-10.

The Man of the Match Award went to Zacharia Peters.

The Tuskers would like to thank the community for their support. Upcoming Tuskers events will be an open rugby clinic to be held in May and the summer 7s tournament. For more information please visit www.kcrugby.com.

Tuskers shut out 26-0 against San Luis Obispo

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:34:30 PDT

The Tuskers (2-7) were shut out 26-0 Saturday to rivals the San Luis Obispo Grogs (2-7) at Damon-Garcia Sports Field in San Luis Obispo.

The Grogs would defeat the Tuskers, who have not posted a win against San Luis Obispo since Feb. 25, 2006, for the second time this season. The Tuskers could not hold on to the ball racking up 18 knock-ons and three missed scoring opportunities inside the 22 meter line in the first half alone. San Luis Obispo would score three more unanswered try’s in the second half cruising to a 26-0 win.

The Kern Wood Award went to Zacharia Peters.

The Tuskers will conclude their 2009 season April 4 at 1 p.m. against the San Diego Old Aztecs (4-4) at Robb Field in San Diego.

Tuskers end eight year winless drought

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:41:22 PDT

The Tuskers (2-6) get their first win in eight years against Riverside spoiling the playoff hopes for the Killer Bees (3-5) this past Saturday at Emerald Cove Park, 23-14.

Riverside would score first but the Tuskers would answer by launching an all out attack mid-way into the first half scoring four trys and a penalty goal with help from Soon Jo Hong, Scott McDonald, Mark Eberhard and Billy Ross. The Tuskers would hold on for their second win of the season officially knocking Riverside out of the playoffs.

“ We are very proud of the young players on the team and it is very evident that they are gaining confidence in themselves and each other”, stated Club President Ahmed Baaumer.

Billy Ross received the Man of the Match Award and the Kern Wood Award went to Andy Magargee. The Tuskers next game will be at San Luis Obispo (1-6) Mar. 28 at 1 p.m.

General rules of Bracketeering

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:41:17 PDT

Whether you are male or female, young or old, spend hours picking your brackets or chose your teams by who would win a fight between the mascots, anyone can fill out a bracket and have a chance to win following these 10 simple rules of bracketeering.

1. Only once (in 2008) have all four number one seeds made the Final Four. So don’t put all four no.1 seeds in the Final Four. But if the top four seeds all make it to the Final Four, and I mean if. Louisville would take on Connecticut and Pittsburgh would face North Carolina.

2. A 16 has never beaten a one. There is a reason why they are a 16 seed.

3. A 15 rarely beats a two. Don’t pick this unless you feel lucky or your alma mater is playing.

4. A 14 or a 13 beats a three or four seed practically ever year. Take a shot with one of these, because if you get it right you are a genius or at least you can claim to be one.

5. A 12 will beat a five, maybe even two of them. Picking one maybe two might give you the upset you are looking for.

6. Six vs.11 games are the hard ones; because no. 6 seeds have been know to make deep runs. They usually have talent, but they are inconsistent. At least one 6 seed will make it to the Sweet Sixteen, while the other will lose in the opening round.

7. Seven vs.10 games and the 8-9 games are toss-ups. Never refer to a 9 beating an 8 an upset. It isn’t an upset. They are the same caliber of team. The only people who call them an upsets are “experts” who are too chicken to pick an actual upset. A 10 over a 7 just barely qualifies for an upset.

8. At least one no. 1 seed will not make it to the Elite Eight, yet all the talking heads will be shocked when this happens.

9. At least one no. 2 seed will not make it to the Sweet Sixteen, yet again, everyone will be shocked when this happens.

10. At least 3 of the Final Four teams will be top 3 seeds in their regions, and a top 3 seed will win the National Championship.

Lastly find yourself a Cinderella and dance with her at the Sweet 16, take a 10 seed or a 12 seed to win their first two games because it makes the tourney that much more fun. Remember that teams that play defense tend to win more games. So especially look for defensive-minded teams. If your bracket is busted, don’t let it ruin March Madness for you. March Madness is well -- madness.

There will be joy in Mudville

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:41:27 PDT

There will be joy in Mudville when mighty Manny advances to the bat. It’s sunny, the band is playing, hearts are light, men are laughing, and children are shouting. “Manny is here”.

Yes, Manny-mania has returned to Chavez Ravine. After an often tense, four-month negotiation process that occasionally included sarcastic and hostile exchanges between the sides, Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and Ramirez have agreed to a two-year $45 million contract -- making Ramirez baseball's second-highest-paid player behind Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees.

Ramirez, who turns 37 in May, will make $10 million this year with another $15 million set aside in deferred payments. If he exercises his own player option for 2010, he will get another $10 million that year and then three deferred payment installments of $8.3 million from 2011-13.

Ramirez originally took Dodgertown by storm on July 31, 2008 through a three-team trade involving the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates and served as the spark for the Dodgers' run to the National League Western division title, hitting a combined 37 home runs and driving in 121 runs.

With a frenzy not seen since Fernando-mania in 1981 or Nomo-Mania in 1995, have Dodgers fans been so fervent about a single player, going as far as renaming the left field pavilion, formerly known as East LA, to Mannyville. Dodgers’ tickets sales are on the rise, Ramirez memorabilia are the hottest items at the park and those funky black wigs that are supposed to resemble Ramirez's dreadlocks are selling wildly. Not to mention the new Manny Ramirez biography, “Becoming Manny," co-authored by clinical psychologist, Jean Rhodes. This is why the Dodgers need Ramirez. He can put more fans in seats and stir up a fever that hasn't been in Los Angles for over 27-years.

But what happens when the crush wears off? Dodgers’ fans will likely get to see Manny's nauseating egotistical dark side. You know the one that includes not running out ground balls and letting fly balls drop. Put aside for the moment the issue of how he dogged it in Boston and then turned it on only when it was apparent he would force his way out. The kind term that was used was, it’s just "Manny being Manny", but pure laziness and lack of commitment are more accurate.

Can he sustain his ridiculous .396/.489/.743 line? Probably not. But he'll be his usual mashing self and will make everyone in the lineup around him better. Since there's no other true home run threat on the Dodgers, he could rake in some serious RBIs.

Beware Angelinos as there is always the threat of the imminent Manny Meltdown which will happen, have no doubt. It's just a question of when and how. But until then enjoy. Not since Kurt Gibson’s limp off home run in game one of the 1988 World Series has it been such a magical time to be a Dodger fan.

California League Top Propects for 2009

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:07:21 PDT

This year the Cal League will boast some of the hottest prospects since Josh Hamilton, Jake Peavey and Matt Cain. This years hottest prospect will Bakersfield's Justin Smoak, but there are several more worth watching from around the Cal League as they make their way through Bakersfield.

Bakersfield Blaze (Texas Rangers)
Player to watch in 2009
Justin Smoak (1B) was the Rangers #11 pick in the 2008 draft. During his three years at the University of South Carolina, the switch-hitting first baseman set career records with 62 home runs and 207 RBIs. With a smooth, easy swing and decent power, this switch-hitting first baseman might just be the long-term answer to the Mark Teixeira shaped hole in the Rangers lineup.
Other prospects to watch for in 2009
Michael Main (RHP), Blake Beavan (RHP) and Engel Beltre (OF)

Inland Empire 66’ers (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Player to watch in 2009
Chris Withrow (RHP) was #1 in the 2007 draft but has pitched only thirteen innings as a pro. Withrow has a low to mid 90’s fastball and 12-6 curveball.
Others prospects to watch for in 2009
Ethan Martin (RHP) and Matt Sartor (RHP)

Lancaster Jet Hawks (Houston Astros)
Player to watch in 2009
Jason Castro (C) was selected 10th overall in the 2008 draft. After two mediocre seasons at Stanford, he led the Cardinal in batting average (.376) while hitting 14 HRs with 73 RBIs.
Other prospects to watch for in 2009
Collin Delome (OF)

Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim)
Player to watch in 2009
Angels12th round draft pick in 2006 Jordan Walden (RHP)whose performance in the Midwest league was more than good, posting a 2.18 era, and holding opposing hitters to a .207 batting average. Possessing the best fastball in the system, Walden should begin the year in Rancho Cucamonga.
Other prospects to watch for in 2009
Trevor Reckling (RHP) and Mason Tobin (RHP)

Stockton Ports (Oakland A’s)
Player to watch in 2009
Jemile Weeks (2B), the 12th overall selection of the June amateur draft, has performed admirably in his first professional appearance, posting an .827 OPS at low A Kane County.
Other prospects to watch for in 2009
Scott Mitchinson (RHP) and Craig Italiano (RHP)

High Desert Mavericks (Seattle Mariners)
Player to watch in 2009
Standing 6’7” and 220 lbs and possessing a fastball in the upper 90’s, Canadian born Phillippe Aumont (RHP) should begin the 2009 season in High Desert. After trashing Midwest League hitters to the tune of 50 strikeouts versus just 19 bases on balls in 55 innings, the 20 year old has emerged as the top-pitching prospect in the organization.
Other prospects to watch for in 2009
Juan Ramirez (RHP) and Dennis Raben (OF)

Lake Elsinore Storm (San Diego Padres)
Player to watch in 2009
James Darnell (3B), 2nd round pick in 2008 should get his start at Lake Elsinore to begin 2009. Darnell possesses above average athleticism for a third baseman that should allow for him to be an asset running the base paths.
Other prospects to watch for in 2009
Jackson Quezada (RHP) and Cory Luebke (LHP)

Modesto Nuts (Colorado Rockies)
Player to watch in 2009
Darin Holcomb (3B) who took home the Sally Leagues MVP award in 2008 finished with an impressive line of .318/.400/.491, with 14 HRs and 102 RBIs. The former Gonzaga Bulldog is a plus defender at third.
Other prospects to watch for in 2009
Christian Friedrich (LHP) and Connor Graham (RHP).

San Jose Giants (San Francisco Giants)
Player to watch in 2009
Madison Bumgarner’s (LHP) 2008 performance in the Sally League was phenomenal; a 15-3 record, 1.46 ERA, a strikeout to walk ratio of 164-21 in 141 innings, and a WHIP of 0.93. He has all the makings of a big league pitcher.
Other prospects to watch for in 2009
Buster Posey (C), Angel Villalona (1B) and Scott Barnes (LHP)

Visalia Rawhide (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Jarrod Parker (RHP) the ninth overall selection of the 2007 draft finished the 2008 season by striking out 117 batters in 117.2 innings while posting an era of 1.91. Parker features a plus fastball a curve, slider, and change.
Other prospects to watch for in 2009
Daniel Schlereth (LHP)

Ballad of Beckham

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:01:33 PDT

In the lyrical context of punk pop stars the Clash, “Should I stay or should I go” seems to be the ballad of David Beckham who has made it clear that he wants to play for Italy’s AC Milan.

Beckham, 33, who is on a two-month loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy and is due back in California in time for the resumption of the Major League Soccer season on March 19 has not committed himself to a return, saying that he will "enjoy it in Milan until then and see."

This whole "loaning" business is a bit mind boggling, you'de never see the Lakers loan Kobe to Maccabi Tel Aviv for a couple of games.

AC Milan had made an earlier offer that the Galaxy turned down saying they would not have received the right compensation for their loss. Of course Beckham does have a “burnout” clause in his contract that will allow him to leave after next year leaving the Galaxy with nothing to show for the massive number of Benjamin’s they threw out.

Beckham's contract with Los Angeles Galaxy became effective in July of 2007 and gave him the highest player salary in MLS history. The Galaxy is paying Beckham $32.5 million over five years. The deal to bring Beckham to America is thought to be the biggest in sporting history, with industry experts estimating the worth to the player in excess of $250 million.

Along with wife Victoria no one can “Spend it like Beckham”.

When the Galaxy unveiled David Beckham, he presented himself as a modern-day missionary who would take "soccer" to the American masses. The MLS banked on Beckham to bring them the fan base they'd been missing and Beckham talked a grand game about being an ambassador, but never did any of the hard work of diplomacy. It became evident early on that he was uncomfortable in the spotlight of the American press and lacked the personality and gregariousness needed to survive American pop culture.

Beckham should thank the MLS for rehabilitating him into a desirable quantity that a major world club power is willing to wrangle for him. Fans have short memories, but this is a man that was allegedly 'washed up' when he joined the MLS just two years ago.

Although Beckham may have given the MLS an international platform in places like England and Italy, American soccer fans are the ones that lose here. Let's face it; the general public still doesn’t care. It turns out soccer is bigger than one man and it always has been, at least in the United States.

Tuskers losing streak continues with 21-7 loss to San Fernando

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:58:06 PDT

The Tuskers (1-6) extend their losing streak to two games with a disappointing road loss 24-7 Saturday against second place San Fernando Valley (5-1).

The Tuskers only scoring opportunity would come 10 minutes into the second half on a try from Steven Rodriguez who added two more points with a successful conversion goal.

Kern County has fallen to last place in the standings and continue to struggle as the team allows more playing time for less experienced players in ongoing efforts to build depth within the organization.

Jeremy Ramirez was awarded the Man of the Match and the Kern Wood Award went to Soon Jo Hong for the second consecutive week.

The Tuskers next game will be Mar. 21 at 1 p.m. against Riverside Killer Bees (1-5) at Emerald Cove Park.

Tuskers lose 75-0 biggest loss in club history

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:01:52 PST

The Tuskers (1-5) suffered the most lopsided defeat in club history 75-0 on Saturday against the undefeated Back Bay Sharks (5-0) of Newport Beach.

The Sharks started the scoring early and by the end of the match had out paced the Tuskers that depsite a number of offensive opportunities failed to produce any points.

Coming off their first and only win of the season Kern County continues to struggle in the standings as younger inexperienced players receive more playing time in an ongoing effort to build depth within the organization.

Rookie players Andrew Magargee and Soon Jo Hong were awarded Man of the Match and the Kern Wood Award.

The Tuskers next game will be Mar. 7 at 1 p.m. against San Fernando (4-1).

Bakersfield Blaze Top Prospects for 2009

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:24:04 PST

This seasons Bakersfield Blaze team should feature a few first round amateur draft picks that should be making their full season debut in the Cal League in 2009.

The top prospect to watch this season will be Justin Smoak the Rangers #11 pick in the 2008 draft. Smoak received a signing bonus of $3.5 million, only second to Mark Teixeira’s $4.5 million in 2001, but is he ready for the majors?

With a smooth, easy swing and decent power, this switch-hitting first baseman might just be the long-term answer to the Mark Teixeira shaped hole in the Rangers lineup. During his three-year career at the University of South Carolina, the switch-hitting first baseman set school records at with 62 home runs and 207 RBIs. He signed with the Rangers just before the mid-August deadline, and was only able to collect 56 at bats in his first season, which might be the only reason that he will end up in Bakersfield to start 2009. Smoak will probably not be playing A ball for long, so Blaze fans might want to get their tickets in the first half of the 2009 season.

The rest of the 2009 Blaze line up will be rounded out by top pitching prospect Michael Main, 2007 first-rounder rounder Blake Beavan, as well as lefties Tim Murphy, Richard Bleier, and Zach Phillips. The bullpen will feature reliever Fabio Castillo, Corey Young, and the surprising 2008 draft pick, Tanner Roark, who was very solid in his brief Bakersfield debut last season.

Engel Beltre, Mike Bianucci and Joey Butler will give the Blaze a legit trio of outfield prospects that should enjoy their stay in the hitter-friendly California League. The infield will consist of Mitch Moreland at first base, 23-year-old third baseman Jonathan Greene and 20-year-old Elvis Andrus at short. Andrus was acquired from the Braves in the Mark Teixeira deal and has become the leadoff hitter of the future for the Rangers. With 54 steals, the only thing holding Andrus back is the continued excellence of current Rangers shortstop Michael Young.

This roster speculation was not produced with information from the Texas Rangers organization. This is just some of my thoughts. We will soon find out which players will make up the Bakersfield Blaze roster as the 2009 season drwas closer. Until then, all we can do is speculate.

Who is on your Blaze roster?

Tuskers rally for first win of season against Pasadena

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:00:06 PST

The Tuskers (1-4) won their first game of the season with a come from behind rally this past Saturday against the Pasadena Warlords (4-1) at Emerald Cove Park.

Kern County found themselves trailing by 21 points against an undefeated Pasadena team when Lucas Ramos scored the first try of the game to cut the Warlords lead 5-21 to end the first half.

Ten minutes into the second half the Tuskers would begin their rally cutting the deficit 12-21 with a try and successful conversion goal from Steven Rodriguez. Kern County would edge to within four points on a try from Art Gonzalez cutting Pasadena’s lead 17-21. Trailing by three in the closing minutes, the Tuskers’ Art Gonzalez would score his second try of the match in combination with a successful conversion goal by Marcus Felix giving Kern County its first lead of the game. The Tuskers held on for their first win of the season with a final score 24-21.

“ It was an awesome battle that featured some much needed old boy flash and some youngsters really digging deep to show our coach that they are here to play”, stated Club President Ahmed Baaumer.

Steven Rodriguez received the Man of the Match Award and the Kern Wood Award for biggest hit went to Joe Cooper.

The Tuskers next game will be Feb. 28 at 1 p.m. against the Back Bay Sharks (4-0) at Newport Beach.

Kobe or Jordan the Great Debate

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 12:15:42 PST

For most sports fans, this topic has been a continuing debate for years. Love him or hate him, Kobe Bryant might possibly be the biggest star in basketball, maybe even bigger than Jordan.

Taking a closer look at the comparison of Jordan and Bryant requires more than just subjective standpoints based on fan bias and common assumptions. Jordan played in a different era when NBA basketball was much more open and fluid. Jordan faced legends, played without the sissy hand checking rules and girly fouls, and didn't have one of the most dominate centers ever on his team.

However, Bryant is the closest thing to Jordan we've seen in the history of basketball and is one of the best players in the league today, but does he compare to Michael Jordan?

Most NBA fans will argue that Michael Jordan is the superior player. However, many fans choose Bryant over Jordan. Jordan was an ambassador to basketball and was instrumental in globalizing basketball during his career, not to mention humble that and a much more likeable player. Bryant with his unique athleticism and graceful cockiness is invincibly confident in his strengths and at the same time astonishingly unaware of his weaknesses.

When looking at a full analysis, it becomes quite clear that Jordan is the better basketball player, and possibly the best of all-time.

Jordan has six championships, scored 3000 points in a single season averaging 37 points a game while only shooting 66 three pointers, averaged six rebounds a game nine times in his career, made more than 50% of his shots 6 times in his career, averaged more than 6 assists three times; including a season where he averaged 8 assists a game, averaged more than a block a game 4 times in his career, averaged more than 2.2 steals a game nine times in his career, and averaged more than 3 turnovers 5 times in his career.

Kobe has three championships, has shot over 500 three pointers to average 35 points a game, has averaged over six rebounds a game 3 times in his career, only once has he averaged more than 2.2 steals a game, not once has averaged more than 50% from the field, only once has averaged 6 assists a game, averaged more than a block a game 4 times only once, and has averaged more than 3 turnovers 7 times with his worst season being 2004-05 where he averaged more than 4 turnovers a game, something Jordan never did.

Jordan never won without Pippin and Kobe hasn't won without Shaq. There is a slight difference here though. Jordan was the Batman to Pippin's Robin while Kobe was the Robin to Shaq's Batman.

Jordan will always be the original. He created a culture and some would even say a cult of sorts.

So as the “hoopla” continues, who do you think is the greatest of all-time?

NCAA vs. NBA Rivalries

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:41:01 PST

Rivalry games make college basketball more exciting than the NBA where players get traded, coaches get fired, teams go from title contenders to last place, and suddenly the rivalry dies.

Sure you can talk about Knicks-Heat, Bulls-Pistons, or Lakers-Celtics, all time-specific rivalries. The Knicks and Heat did battle several times in the playoffs in the late 90s, Chicago and Detroit were late 80s rivals, and Magic's Lakers took on Bird's Celtics in three NBA Finals in the 80s. No doubt that for each of those specific periods these teams were intense rivals, but who cared about a Knicks-Heat game last season? Or a Bulls-Pistons game post-Jordan?

All regular season games are essentially equal as far as the standings are concerned but winning a rivalry game counts for something more. Players and especially fans can take extra pride in taking down a rival, and college basketball is no exception.

Kentucky vs. Louisville, Georgetown vs. Syracuse, Duke vs. North Carolina, nothing in the NBA can produce the intensity and outright crazy fanaticism that college students and fans show for their respective teams. Stadiums are filled with entire sections of screaming fans all with painted bodies and choreographed, traditional tactics to disrupt the opposing team on free throws. It adds a level of excitement and enjoyment to college games that just isn’t there in the NBA.

So are college rivalries better than NBA rivalries? Whether you are a college hoops fan or a fan of the pros, the pageantry and drama of college basketball rivalries is clearly the best that basketball has to offer.

Why?

One reason could be the greater number of teams creating more possible match-ups between good teams thus more rivalries. Another could be that college basketball fans have a much better chance that the team you root for will be around for as long as you are, and there is no chance of the team being sold or moving cities. Therefore rivalries are based upon traditions rather than player specific teams and years. Along the same lines, the sheer number of college teams means that more people have a team they can root for, or identify with even if they do not live near a major city with an NBA team.

There's no question that college rivalries generate more excitement than practically anything else in the sports world, primarily because of its rich traditions, history and school pride. The NBA just can’t duplicate that.

The Great American Billboard Race

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:54:52 PST

With less than a week before Fusion’s, Impala’s, Camry’s and Charger’s are transformed into rolling cereal boxes for the Daytona 500, this morning I was once again reminded that NASCAR season is approaching.

For a full 20 minutes, I followed a driver doing 70 mph in a 45 mph zone, trying to shake cars that were riding in his draft. I saw him screaming obscenities as he tried to use the shoulder to pass a car on the right, just to be caught by the next red light. For as bad as the driving seems to be in the off-season, there tends to be a noticeable difference come NASCAR season, especially on a Monday after the race. It is then that the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Jeff Gordon wannabe’s seem to come out. You know the type, with the NASCAR bumper sticker on their mini van. The mornings commute turns into a jockey for pole position. The normal speed limit no longer exists and the cops just tend to stay out of everyone’s way - unless they haven’t made quota. Everyone seems, at least for the morning rush, to want to outdo the other drivers in typical NASCAR style.

Yes, it's that time of the year again. If you're like me, it represents the beginning of the college baseball season or March madness. But if your one of the 75 million NASCAR fans, it's racin’ time. You can almost smell the familiar scents of gasoline and tire smoke in the air. There is nothing else quite like NASCAR or its fans.

NASCAR fans stake claim that their favorite pastime is a sport performed by skilled athletes who by pressing their foot slightly downward and making one continuous 500-mile left turn perform great acts of athleticism. They would probably agree that lawn mower racing; mud bogging and the WWE are sports too. This leads to the never-ending debate of whether or not driving a car in circles for three hours is really considered a sport, or entertainment. Now before you start forming a mob, I am not saying it’s not difficult. But just because it's difficult doesn't make it a sport. Coal mining and well digging are difficult but that doesn't make them sports. Not to mention how boring they might be to watch.

I mean what could be less exciting than watching 43 cars drive in left hand circles for 200 or so miles, even if it is at almost 200 mph? How about caution flag laps? Watching cars drive in circles at a moderate pace as some guy named Cletus waves around a yellow flag. The bright spot of NASCAR has got to be the racers feuds. They are actually much better than the race itself. Have you ever seen such constant bickering between men so humorous? If they crashed during the race it's always someone else’s fault.

This "sport" was born out of rednecks running from the police to get back to grandma's house with their backwoods, homemade alcohol. Now that might be fun to watch. Despite the fact that the origins of the so-called sport come from dishonesty, NASCAR is constantly trying to change the rules and inspect the cars to ensure that everything is as fair as possible. What other sport constantly changes the rules to make sure the best participant doesn't always win? Maybe the NBA should make Kobe wear loafers, or maybe Barry Bonds should have to hit with a fly swatter to make it fairer.

I am not saying that NASCAR isn’t entertaining. But maybe instead of calling it a sport, we can all agree that NASCAR is entertainment, along with Monday Night Raw, tractor pulls and Word Series Poker.

Performance improves but Kern County’s losing streak continues

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:18:48 PST

The Tuskers (0-4) see improvement despite coming off a disappointing loss Saturday to rivals the San Luis Obispo Grogs (1-3) at Emerald Cove Park.

Once again the Tuskers, who have not had a win against San Luis Obispo since Feb. 25, 2006, found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard 7-0 as the Grogs would open the scoring with a try and successful conversion kick. Kern County would answer back with their only try of the match and just the second in their last two games, from Steven Rodriquez with just two minutes remaining in the first half to cut the Grogs lead 7-5.

One minute into the second half San Luis Obispo would increase their lead 10-5 on a successful penalty goal. Kern County’s Steven Rodriguez would edge the Tuskers to within two points cutting the Grogs lead 10-8 with a penalty goal ten minutes later. San Luis Obispo would score their second try of the match with 28 minutes remaining, pulling away with the victory 15-8.

The Tuskers will get another chance to end their losing streak against San Luis Obispo when they play the Grogs on Mar. 28 at Damon-Garcia Sports Field in San Luis Obispo.

Steven Rodriguez received the Man of the Match Award and the Kern Wood Award went to Dario Arredondo.

The Tuskers home stand will continue Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. against the Pasadena Warlords (2-1) at Emerald Cove Park. The Warlords defeated Kern County to begin the 2008 season, 31-10 at Pasadena.

The best and worst of the 2008 NFL season

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:54:02 PST

Let’s look back at some of the best and worst of the 2008 NFL Season As we do, consider these unlikely developments: An 8-8 team won its division. An 11-5 squad missed the playoffs entirely. Two teams with rookie quarterbacks and first-year coaches advanced to the postseason, and a 9-7 team made it to the Super Bowl.

We couldn’t start without congratulating the Sixburg Steelers for winning Super Bowl XLIII, and honorable mention to future Hall of Famer, Kurt Warner (Arizona) for being such a stud. That aside, I would like to congratulate the Detroit Lions for a perfect 0-16 and cementing their legacy as the worst team ever in NFL history. All kidding aside the "Cowardly Lions," were a team much better than their record indicated. With GM Matt Millen finally gone the Lions should be able to take some serious steps toward making the team legitimately competitive in 2009. Hey, it's not impossible... look what the Dolphins did!

The “Fins” were 1-15 a year ago, with their only victory coming in overtime against the Ravens, who finished 5-11. This season, thanks to the guidance of Bill Parcells and the coaching ability of Tony Sparano, Miami went 11-5, and were the AFC East champions. If Miami can continue adding playmakers on defense, they could continue to punish other AFC East teams in 2009.

Speaking of punishment. Someone should spank the Giants and Titans for being the best teams in their respective conferences for most of the year but choking in the first round of the playoffs. Then there is the Dallas Cowboys. One word, Wow! Is train wreck too strong a term to use here? Meltdown? Implosion? How about disaster? Suffice it to say the wheels most definitely fell off the wagon that was the Cowboys' 2008 season (and I'm just talking about on the field).

This season was not a good year to be an NFL coach. Several teams kicked their coaches to the curb while the season was still on life-support: the Raiders (Lane Kiffin), 49ers (Mike Nolan) and Rams (Scott Linehan). Since the end of the season the Browns have let Romeo Crennel go, the Lions justifiably canned Rod Marinelli and, in what most considered a relatively unexpected move, the Broncos parted ways with Mike Shanahan. Crennel and Marinelli probably have a more realistic shot at coordinator positions somewhere than they do another head coaching gig, at least in the immediate future, but Shanahan will be a hot prospect for any of the open positions... well, except Oakland.

What recap would be complete without mention of the nominees for the Jackass of the Year award? First is Plaxico Burress for shooting himself in the leg, Marshawn Lynch’s ability to hit people with his car, the fact that Pacman Jones hates NOT being suspended, and Matt Leinart’s photographs of schoolgirls? Okay, here's the thing: I have NO PROBLEM with Matt Leinart partying with hot chicks. But if we were getting paid millions to play football, we would probably want to prevent the photographs from surfacing.

We wrap it up with a few players to watch in 2009. Matt Ryan and Roddy White (Falcons), Matt Shaub and Andre Johnson (Texans), Darren Sproles (Chargers), Kevin Smith (Lions), and DeSean Jackson (Eagles), if he can remember to hold on to the ball until after he crosses the goal line (second only to Dan Orlovsky's "safety dance" for bonehead play of the year).