Daily Roundup- Friday March 6th

With the announcement that Alex Rodriguez would be out 10 weeks because of a cyst on his hip, the New York Yankees are now once again falling prey to the world of Alex Rodriguez which can mean several things and usually not good things.

Mike Lupica writes that this is just another trip to the world of Alex Rodriguez where everything is just one calamity after another.

I did research on this hip cyst thing honestly trying to find some sort of link to steroids. I couldn’t, but what I found is probably even more alarming for Yankee fans. Consider that this is a sign that the hip bone is eroding due to this cyst. If it erodes quickly enough they may have to do hip replacement which of course means he won’t be able to play baseball anymore. That of course is unlikely but we are headed down this road eventually for A-Rod. Keep in mind that this guy has about 9 years left on his contract. By year 6 who’s to say that we won’t see this problem pop up again?
I am not writing this because I feel bad for the guy but you can’t help but wonder what would’ve happened if he hadn’t given in. For all the crap that the media gives him, the problem most people have with him just like they have with most of the athletes that use this drug is that they were good enough without it. Its as if in their minds they would not have been appreciated as much. Some people need to be more than just loved, they need books written about them and need to be in American lore much like older ball players are.
Most baseball players will never achieve Ruthian status in America because back when Ruth was playing he was a huge name in a sport that had few stars. Also, Ruth was the best player in a league that was segregated and had fewer good players that could challenge his authority. His oversized personality also added up to him being larger than life. Players today can’t ever hope to achieve that with every player vying for and receiving endorsement deals. Its harder and harder to achieve lone wolf, top dog status as THE MAN. But these players will continue to do what it takes to achieve it all to satisfy an ego that will never be satisfied.


Speaking of the A-Rod fiasco, Wallace Mathews writes that this is the worst contract in the history of professional sports. And its looking worse each and every day.

I don’t usually post Wallace Mathews stories because he unfairly criticizes sometimes and acts over the top. He really should be writing for the Post but hey that’s another discussion for another day. But a valid point is made here. If this injury does come back and bite the Yankees in the hip, then the Yankees will be held in ransom for the next 9 years. He’s going to be dead weight on the payroll because no one will want to pay him that kind of money.
Plus, who knows what to believe with this guy. Sometimes he’s good to go, the next second he might be out till August. The problem with A-Rod is, he’s such a divisive character that he promotes this kind of bad reporting because only bad headlines would fit the kind of character we have come to know. So as soon as reporters hear the magic words out with a hip possibly for 10 weeks, that maybe turns into A-Rod IS out for 10 weeks. It’s a hard double standard but it is what it is. No matter what you can say, the real issue here is whether his hip will heal from this injury. If not they better hope so because otherwise its going to be a big deal. You thought Carl Pavano was bad Yankee fans? oye.
I agree also that when considering all the questions that the Yankees have, having spent all that money, there shouldn’t be this many issues. Just goes to show you how inflated those salaries really were and if they had played it right, they could’ve dealt with more pressing needs and issues than just paying 4 guys all that money.


From one beleagured big time franchise to another the Dallas Cowboys at least released their ineffective big name player yesterday as Terrell Owens was sent his pink slip joining the 7% of the United States population that will be sitting at home for an extended period of time. Of course he will get a job somewhere, but maybe not for the money he likes.
Tim Cowlishaw sees this as time to revert the responsibilities of a turnaround to the running game which could be special.

First of all, shame on Cowlishaw for using Earth Wind and Fire when we all know the Giants had it copyrighted. The fact is, the Cowboys have the 3 running backs that can cause wear and tear on a defensive line that should make it difficult for teams to stop the run on a consistent basis. The T.O. release makes them an all around better team. Jason Witten is an excellent tight end, probably the best the NFC has and should see more throws in his direction because of his “special” relationship with Tony Romo. Then there’s Roy Williams who should see more single coverage if the running game is going on first down which should open lovely things on play action. Plus they have a slew of quick WR’s that can go over the top as well. They have the weapons to do it.
Now its all on Jason Garrett. The thing about this TO release is, it forces everyone else to assume responsibility. For too long its been easy to say that TO cast such a negative shadow over the organization that it was difficult to win there. You can’t make that statement anymore and guys will have to figure out a way to win and be successful. If not, then heads will roll in BIG D and it will start with Jason Garrett I believe. He was so overhyped two seasons ago and last season when all those openings came up and all those different jobs asked him for interviews, he didn’t even get one. He not only messed up in Dallas, teams were sour on the way he played right into T.O.’s game. Which of course is a big no no to the puritans of the game. Now, even Jerry Jones doesn’t see him as THE heir apparent of the team and its sad really.



From A-Rod to T.O. to Manny Ramirez, the befuddled super star express continues and as TJ Simers writes, everyone is going GA GA over Manny back in LA LA land.

Listen, I’m not going to lie and say that this isn’t a smart deal for both sides. Manny gets his 25 million and an opt out to come into possibly a better market next year, and the Dodgers get the added security of seeing him one more year in Dodger Blue and possibly more if he chooses to at a reduced rate. Manny makes any line up better instantly and gives the Dodgers what they sorely needed, a presence. He shoots them up the list as the second place team in that division next to the Diamondbacks and maybe even the best team with the young pitching and hitting they have. However, don’t be quick to sing the praises. Manny didn’t get his long term 100 million dollars and when Manny don’t get, Manny don’t play.

Finally we finish off the express with our own basketball expert Mr. Peter Vecsey who writes about Shaq and Stan Van Gundy’s odd fued and the more interesting tale of Frederick Weis and Jeff.

I didn’t know Jeff had it in him to be a bully. But under that diet Cola drinking bald headed, Men’s Warehouse suit wearing 5 foot 1 inch man is the heart of ice. So cold so cold so cold.