CALIPARI WOULD BE PERFECT FIT FOR UK

Unless John Calipari has a last second change of heart and returns to the University of Memphis, he should be named the new coach of the men's basketball program at the University of Kentucky within hours. He would be paid $35 million over 8-years to attempt to fix a historic program that has been reduced to rubble in recent years.

First off, this is an absolute no-brainer for Kentucky. Calipari should have been given a chance to coach a big-time institution for years now. He is one of the best recruiters in all of college hoops. Look at the rosters he compiled at Memphis! If he can get the players he did at a non-big six conference program in Memphis, just imagine who he can bring in at Kentucky. He has always been a tremendous salesman for the programs he represents. Not only can he recruit, he is a master motivator. His players buy in and always play hard. There's no doubt he'll do big things at Kentucky.

Just as this is a no-brainer for Kentucky, it is also a no-brainer for Calipari. This is his chance to join the main stream and stand along side the likes of Mike Krzyzewski, Roy Williams, Jim Calhoun, Jim Boeheim, Tom Izzo, and even his clone, Rick Pitino, as the elite coaches in college basketball. Calipari has been forced to wait for the big job, because his candid, egoistic personality has always rubbed some people the wrong way.

I have always found Calipari to be tied at the hip with Pitino. Their careers are so similar it's scary. The one difference is that Pitino is the country-club version of Calipari. Pitino has won at big time institutions, while Calipari has won with the little guy. While Pitino was at Kentucky, Calipari was at UMass, and while Pitino was with the Celtics, Calipari was with the Nets. Pitino then trumped him again by taking the Louisville job a year after Calipari took the Memphis job. This is Calipari's chance to put his career on the same level as Pitino. He has an opportunity to equal or even better the job Pitino did at Kentucky. He will be hard pressed to do that, but I believe he can. In my opinion, Calipari is already among the top 10 coaches in college basketball.

This is the perfect time for a Kentucky/Calipari marriage. Kentucky is desperately seeking someone who can rebuild their program to prominence, and I believe Calipari, who is looking to make a big splash with a main stream program, will do just that. If this marriage happens, Calipari will bring a National Championship (or more) to Kentucky. MARK IT DOWN!

Pat Morgan

Note: How about this Pitino/Calipari comparsion. When, not if, Calipari goes to a Final Four with Kentucky, he will join Pitino as the only coaches to take three different programs to the Final Four.

UNDER 500 HOME RUNS DOESN'T CUT IT

What happens when your record for hitting home runs in at 499?

You get cut, of course!

Gary Sheffield, a now former player of the Detroit Tigers, will have to find out which team he will be making his 500th home run for. According to the Yahoo! Sports article, Sheffield is close to "becoming the 25th player to reach the milestone."

So why would a team cut him if he is doing so well? One problem Sheffield had at Detroit involved being hurt all of the time. He might have reached this 500 home run record earlier if he didn't have so many run ins with injuries. However, even though Detroit cut him, any team in the MLB can sign him for the league minimum because the Tigers still have to pay out the rest of his $14 million salary.

So this 40 year old has a lot of decisions ahead of him. Unfortunately for Sheffield, it seems as though it will take a while to reach this 500 home run record. Maybe if he lies about his age, or goes back into his Yankee roots to do some steroids like some former teammates of his, then maybe he could get there faster than the natural track. Either way, it's going to be interesting to see who will be picking him up, and if Sheffield can actually achieve this record.

Jaclyn Kahn

LOSS IN SUPER BOWL TIED TO BAD HEALTH?

Just a couple of minutes ago, as I scanned my main sports news outlet, I found an article that says there might be a health risk linked to fans watching their favorite NFL team losing the Super Bowl. If this is true, I would like to see statistics for health hazards of all Buffalo Bills fans from the years 1991-1994. Did Buffalo's population decrease substantially at the end of that fourth horrid year?

Anyway, the study actually suggests that fans who watch their team lose in the Super Bowl have a greater risk for dying. That's right. And I thought only the losing team at the Super Bowl choked. (Get it? Get it? Oh never mind). According to the article, this is what was researched:

"To come to this conclusion, a team from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, looked at death rates in Los Angeles County on the day of two Super Bowls that had decidedly different outcomes for the home team: 1980, when the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Los Angeles Rams in what has long been considered one of the most competitive match-ups in Super Bowl history; and 1984, when the Los Angeles Raiders handily beat the Washington Redskins."

Okay, so I think these scientists are total quacks! Hello! Buffalo Bills would be a perfect study. You have four years in a row of disappointment, heartbreak, and maybe even some heart attacks. Anyway, moving on, apparently during these Super Bowl upsets, "all-cause" deaths significantly increased. I can understand why there is a health risk with football fans, but it doesn't involve the Super Bowl in any way. When looking at a lot of football fans on TV, you know, the ones that don't wear shirts when its 20 below, or have comparable body weights to players like Sam Adams, Jason Peters, or Jonathan Ogden, but without the height factor. And look at the rituals based around watching football. Beer. Junk Food. Beer. Regular Food. Repeat. It's not a surprise that many football fans might already have poor health before the Super Bowl contenders are even decided.

So for all you football fans out there, watch your health right around the Super Bowl. If your team actually makes it to the game of games, prepare to call 911 in the event they lose. Keep the phone handy. Right by the beer, chips and onion dip. (P.S. if you are a Patriots fan, don't bother with the phone.) Cheers!

Jaclyn Kahn

KIMMEL SPOOFS MIGUEL TEJADA

Since we have some expressed desire for a sports post related to Jimmy Kimmel, here it is.

Back in May, Jimmy Kimmel spoofed Miguel Tejada, who apparently lied about his age, saying he was 31 instead of 33. So in the video found below, Kimmel spoofs this with lying about his weight. Though I'm not the biggest fan of Kimmel, I do have to say that this makes me chuckle.

More information can be found at: http://machochip.com/2008/05/jimmy-kimmel-spoofs-miguel-tej.php

Watch Jimmy Kimmel's Weight Exposed and more funny videos on CollegeHumor

Jaclyn Kahn

TOP TEN (LETTERMAN STYLE) TAKE ON VOLUNTARY CAMP PRACTICE

The newest big hoopla about T.O. is him not showing up to the voluntary practice camp the Buffalo Bills began yesterday. When I first heard the news, I was not really interested, I mean who would want to go to a voluntary training camp? I know he seems egotistical already, but I wouldn't go because I would be way too lazy. But that's why I don't play sports...

Anyway, I found this at www.buffalorumblings.com and thought it was pretty funny.
Enjoy:

"In true Letterman fashion, the Buffalo Rumblings community presents the TOP TEN REASONS T.O. IS A NO-SHOW!

#10. T.O. is currently recovering from an emergency tonsillectomy after a rogue popcorn hull lodged itself in his throat.

#9. T.O. still can't believe that he actually signed with the Bills. He decided not to show up in case he dreamed the whole thing.

#8. T.O. is currently finalizing plans to co-star with Jeff Garcia in a reality television show entitled 'Little T mocks a jobless former teammate'. (Garcia: "Hey, it pays.")

#7. T.O. is busy stealing all 'HARDY 81' jerseys from Buffalo-area merchandise stores and coloring out the name with a Sharpie he pulled out of his sock.

#6. T.O. and Randy Moss are recuperating thumb injuries after having a 'txt war' over which receiver is the 'real 81'.

#5. T.O. is making his way around the US auditioning blond celebrity girlfriends for Trent Edwards.

#4. T.O. is currently working out with nearly half of Buffalo's roster in his driveway. They can't imagine where the hell that Trent Edwards is, but boy, is that guy a bad teammate.

#3. T.O. was under the impression that the Bills practiced once per year in Toronto. Hearing news that Toronto now wants a second game, he stayed in Canada. Just in case.

#2. T.O. forgot to set the alarm in his hyperbaric chamber.

#1. T.O. thought voluntary workouts were voluntary."

Jaclyn Kahn

DON'T CHOKE ON YOUR TURKEY!!!

This afternoon, the NFL released some key games on the schedule for the 2009 season. The opener on Thursday, September 10th, shapes up to be a great one with the Super Bowl champs hosting the team that had the best record in the NFL last season (Tennessee @ Pittsburgh). The first Monday night game should be fun as well with the T.O. led Bills going into New England. The other two opening weekend games are nothing to get excited about, but I want to take the NFL to task over the horrendous games they have scheduled for Thanksgiving.

I realize the Detroit Lions have been a Thanksgiving tradition for years, but don't you think them having an 0-16 record the previous year would be a good time to end it? My family stopped having my grandmother cook the turkey after she became to senile to remember how long the bird had been in the oven (nothing is worse than dry turkey). The Lions' opponent is the Green Bay Packers. How many f'in times do we need to see Green Bay @ Detroit on Thanksgiving? It's getting old! This will be the FOURTH time since 2001 that the Pack and Lions will have met on Turkey Day. I guess you could put anyone against the Lions and it would still stink. I would have to think that the Detroit players would endorse losing the Thanksgiving tradition. At least when you get embarrassed on a Sunday at 1pm, you aren't featured in a stand alone game that the entire nation can laugh/cry/vomit at.

The other matchup on Thanksgiving has the Oakland Raiders headed to Dallas. I would venture to say that these four teams had the lowest combined record the previous year for any Thanksgiving football Thursday. They were a combined 20-44 in 2008 for those who were curious. Only the Cowboys had a winning record, and even they were a major disappointment last year. If anyone lives near NYC or Denver, you will get a decent prime time game in the Giants @ Denver. If you don't, you'll need the NFL Network, and I'm sure more people still have rotary phones than the NFL Network.

So, here's my solution for getting rid of horrible games on Thanksgiving. How about giving the two teams from the previous Super Bowl home games? Then, put a big time team in there against them. Sure the game could end up being a clunker if those teams don't live up to what they did the year prior, but it's just got to be better then the LIONS! We all have stomach aches after over eating every Turkey Day, so why should we have to continue hurling that up watching the inept teams of the NFL?

Pat Morgan

JETS ACQUIRING NEW WHINY QB? OR SHOULD I SAY WHINNY?

Anytime the Jets are in the news, or blogs, I have to read it. Not that I am a fan of the New York Jets, but they do seem to produce a lot of drama. As a Buffalo Bills fan, it makes me happy, and as a girl, I must be attracted to drama (at least the kind that doesn't involve me).

Getting on to the news, apparently the Jets might be looking to acquire a new QB since their old (and I mean old as in Moses old) Favre has "retired." The new drama for QBs in the NFL is currently in Denver with Jay Cutler. I haven't really been paying attention to his whiny antics because I don't care much for Denver (in more way than one).

So the Jets are laying low as of now, but will they try to pull Cutler away from Denver? They are sneaky... maybe they should be called the New (Jersey) Sharks? Anyway, that would definitely help the Jets, at least give them someone young enough that can take a couple brutal hits. Cutler isn't a bad QB, but honestly have heard more about his diabetes problems than him as a player.

Regardless, I have to agree that acquiring Cutler would be nothing but good stuff for the Jets. Plus, it might be a good change of scenery for Cutler. I just recently visited Denver, and let me tell you, even parts of New Jersey are better than that city, at least I can imagine. But the whole whining thing could backfire for the Jets, just like acquiring Favre because we know how far that got them.

For the whole article, click here.

Jaclyn Kahn

TOURNAMENT EXPANDS TO 4,096 TEAMS

Props to Shawn for sending me the link to this video.

Tournament Picks:

East- Villanova, South- Oklahoma, Midwest- Louisville, West- Connecticut

National Champion- Connecticut, MOP- A.J. Price

DID YOU CELEBRATE MANNING DAY?

I definitely didn't because I didn't know that this "holiday" existed. As where I get most of my sports-news-related stories, I checked out MJD's blog on Yahoo! Sports. He couldn't have put it any better than myself:

"I need a new calendar. This thing I have right now lists a bunch of unimportant holidays like St. Patrick's Day, Arbor Day, Independence Day and Christmas, but it made absolutely no mention of "Manning Day", and now, the moment has passed."

I know I am excited to celebrate St. Patrick's Day! But if I had known about Manning Day before it actually occurred, it would have given me enough time to prepare jokes and snide remarks about this random holiday. Everyone knows who the Mannings are; if you don't you're a woman completely oblivious to sports (I can be sexist), or you live under a rock. However, just because you know these people are famous doesn't mean we need a holiday for them. I'm not a fan of the Colts or the Giants. I think Eli's IQ is maybe equivalent to one of the dodo birds that used to inhabit the earth, and their father (I heard) wasn't exactly an all star player. Mediocre is a good term, right Pat? Anyway, it just so happens that the Mannings are a football fanatic family. Say that ten times fast. To get anywhere in life it really helps to know people, and if you're father, or brother, have already made it to the NFL, well then you must really fit in too!

As far as the events of the holiday go, it wasn't much to even make fun of. There was a small ceremony and people got autographs from the Manning clan. Maybe if I was a Colts/Giants/old Saints fan, I would have jumped for this type of chance to get an autograph. But I'm not. I have my own deams of T.O. making some big plays for the Bills instead.

I guess if there had to be a Manning Day, it should be for Peyton Manning. That guy really cracks me up. He's a pretty good ball player, and he makes the best commercials. What more can a football watching gal ask for? I don't see Tom Brady making funny commercials. Or any commercials. He's too busy trying to model... good luck with that Tom.

To conclude on a funny note, MJD really knows how to strike a funny bone:
"Had I known, I'd have celebrated like any good Manning-fearing American ... by dressing up as my favorite Manning (I prefer Olivia) and licking the middle of Oreo cookies until my tongue bleeds."

If you don't find that funny, you either don't watch enough t.v. or your IQ is too high (So Eli must be on the floor dying!).

Jaclyn Kahn

GET USED TO IT JETS FANS!

Over the weekend, the infamous Terrell Owens surprised everyone when he signed with the Buffalo Bills. Boy was I surprised when I heard that on the news, although I did receive a text message about a random press conference occurring at 6:15pm. It's ironic that I was having a conversation about where T.O. wasn't going the day before.

Anyway, now that we all know the big news, I'm starting to feel more excited about T.O. being on the team. First, he only has a year contract and T.O. is smart enough to realize that he has to prove himself in this year so that he can either be resigned by the Bills, or be signed by a "better" team. I'd like to think that the reason it's so surprising is that the Bills are very frugal and up until now, have not had any big name people on their team since their 4 year hot streak to the Super Bowl. But to say that the Buffalo Bills are a bad team is kind of an overstatement. They aren't necessarily good, and they know how to wrench out a fan's heart, but they aren't overly bad. Look at the Detroit Lions. Or the St. Louis Rams. That's bad. The Bills have been in the mediocre middle for quite some time, which might equal bad being in the same division as the Patriots.

Getting back to T.O., I think that this will give Buffalo some well deserved media attention for once. Take it from someone who cannot watch their games even when the Jets are out of town and the Giants are on their bye-week. Case in point: the sports show on Showtime. When the Bills made it to 4-0 or 5-1, this show didn't mention them until the ending credits about 30 seconds before it was going to air a movie. Instead, they bickered about the Giants and the Cowboys for 20 minutes, and then gave highlights of all the other teams. Buffalo has been waiting to get into the spotlight since they bombed the Super Bowls. It's either win a lot of championships, sign a killer to your football team, or someone has to die to get media attention. The last attention I remember the Bills getting was negative attention when they finally beat a team, which happened to be the Washington Redskins who had just lost their player, Taylor. That's it.

So maybe T.O. can't turn the offense around in Buffalo. But maybe the Bills can get some credit they do deserve instead of being on the back burner behind teams that don't even count in New York. Like the Giants...

Although many people are skeptical about T.O.'s performance this upcoming season, I'm sure he'll play his best. If the pieces fall into place, the Bills should start to come out on top, or at least break even. T.O. said at the press conference that he noticed when the Bills were doing well at the beginning of last season, and even if it was just b.s., he said he wanted to help the Bills go farther this year. And I really think he wants to help, even if it's only to put some credibility into his career. Either way, as a Bills fan, I am happy.

Jaclyn Kahn

TERRELL OWENS TAKES SHOW TO BUFFALO

Buffaloians, get your popcorn ready (though I'd suspect you rather have something more greasy, like a kitchen sink full of chicken wings), because Terrell Owens is coming to your Buffalo Bills! Doesn't it make you want to break into a dance to "Lets Go Buffalo!"? Well, I'll admit, I started singing it right after I brought the song up. Damn, catchy song!

I'm not going to write a full out post breaking down Owens's career and history, because I'm sure you have been aware of every move made by ESPN's favorite clown since he demanded a trade to Philadelphia five years ago. I would say only Brett Favre has had more time devoted to him on Sportscenter than Owens.

This is clearly Buffalo's attempt to make a splash and make their franchise marketable, but I can't imagine it working on the field. Yes, the team will take in some good money from jersey sales, but I'm sure Owens will be none too thrilled when Randy Moss racks up 150 yards and 3 touchdowns as they get drubbed by the Patriots. How long till Trent Edwards joins Donovan McNabb, Tony Romo, or Jeff Garcia as the next QB torn apart by the cry-baby Owens? Dick Jauron is also clearly on the hot seat. If things go south quickly, Owens won't have a stable coach to keep him in check. I think the Dallas Cowboys were smart to cut him. That team needed some direction and his departure will help immensely.

He is clearly a talented receiver and will help their offense, but he definitely won't deliver a championship. I think it will be very tough to even make the playoffs with Tom Brady back in the division next year. Therefore, I don't think it's worth all the baggage he brings. Buying Terrell Owens seems to me like some old guy (sorry Ralph) buying viagra. Clearly something needs to be sparked in Buffalo, but is it really worth the side-effects? He will help the marketing and promotions departments, but I don't see the Bills improving much on the field. I'm sorry Buffalo, Jaxster, but hey, at least it's a one year deal.

Pat Morgan

P.S. Did anyone catch snippets from T.O.'s press conference? He better look at a globe, because last I checked, Dallas played in North America too.

BUFFALO BILLS' LYNCH PROFESSES GUILT; IS SENTENCED

Unlike the Buffalo Bill's goodie two shoes image (at least thats what they say their image is), Marshawn Lynch has officially made himself the bad boy of this NFL football team.

Lynch was arrested in California for being in possession of a loaded gun as well as for having marijuana in his car. Some deals came down through the ranks because Lynch only received a misdemeanor gun charge, to which Lynch pleaded guilty. He was sentenced to 80 hours of community service and three years of probation.

"He apologized and said he’s committed to being “a more responsible citizen.” He better be because the Bills still need him.

Maybe Lynch out to have plead not guilty, on the basis of being in the "beast mode."


Jaclyn Kahn

'I'M BACK': MANNY RETURNS TO DODGERS

After four months of negotiations, the deal that everyone has been talking about finally got done Wednesday as Manny Ramirez signed a 2-year $45 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. A press conference was held Thursday at the Dodgers spring training facility in Glendale, AZ and the key members of the front office as well as Joe Torre were all smiles.

"I'm happy to be back," Ramirez said. "Like I told Joe, we got some unfinished business. I'm here to play the game like I did last year...That's what you guys are going to get from me."

Ramirez was aquired during the second half of last season and had an immediate impact on the club. He hit .396 with 17 HR and 53 RBI in just 53 games with the Dodgers and helped lead his team all the way to the NLCS. His separation from Boston was a popular story as well, because teammates were starting to get annoyed with him. It appeared at times he wasn't playing that hard and his numbers showed. However, once he got to Los Angeles, it was a totally different Manny. The fans loved him and almost became obssessed with his likeable character.

"That emotional bond (with fans) was tremendous and I think that's what you're always looking for in sports," Dodgers owner Frank McCourt said. "Manny can bring joy and happiness to people in LA."

McCourt also pointed out that Ramirez's contributions are going beyond the baseball diamond. After signing this deal, Ramirez agreed to donate $1 million to a Los Angeles charity in which baseball fields are built for children. McCourt also said if Ramirez wants to, there's the chance to build a field in the Dominican Republic as well.

"I told Manny in our conversations that we are going to put a provision in every player contract, as long as I'm the [owner] of the franchise, called the Ramirez provision," McCourt said. "Every contract will have a Ramirez provision with a blank line and it will be up to the player to fill in how much he is going to give to the community in which he plays."

Manager Joe Torre spoke to the media as well, and he was very pleased to have Ramirez come back to the Dodgers. The former Red Sox star was somebody Torre always had to worry about when he was manager of the New York Yankees. Now, the 68 year-old-manager can continue to pencil him into his own lineup.

"To have a player that I tried to find a way to get out for eight years be on your ballclub for his first full year is pretty special," said Torre, who also jokingly added,"Of course the hair is another situation."

It was a very relaxing and laid-back atmosphere at the press conference, despite just having a grueling four-month negotiation. The first thing that Ramirez said standing up at the podium as he gazed out at the reporters was "I'm Baaack."

It was just Manny being Manny.

Shawn Marosek

COLE HEADING BACK TO CAROLINA

Erik Cole is reuniting with the franchise that he called home for the first six seasons of his NHL career.

In a three-team deal, the Edmonton Oilers traded the left winger to the Carolina Hurricanes less than a year after acquiring him from the same team. In return, the Oilers get Kings center Patrick O'Sullivan, who has 14 goals and 23 assists on the season.

Cole, an Oswego, NY native, was well-liked by the fans of Carolina and should be welcomed back with open arms. The Hurricanes are looking to get back to the playoffs for the first time since they won the 2005-2006 Stanley Cup, a championship that Cole was a part of.


Cole has had his share of injuries in the past, including a neck injury that occurred towards the end of that 2005-2006 season. Now that the Hurricanes have him back, they hope he can help them make a run to the postseason.

"Erik was an important player for our team for a long time, and will be an integral part of our push for the playoffs," Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said. ""He's really excited about coming back. I don't think that he was as comfortable in Edmonton. He was used to being here, and he views this as his home."

While in Edmonton earlier this season, Cole still looked back on his career with Carolina and expressed an admiration for his former team and city.

"The fans in Carolina were unbelievable when I played there," Cole said. "They always made it easy for me to go about my business, live my life and enjoy myself and my family. We really had a great time raising our children (Bella and Landon) there and, actually, the plan right now is to retire there unless we find someplace better. I've got family that still lives in Raleigh."

Now, he will be able to experience it all over again and see his family more in the process.

Shawn Marosek

JAPAN DEFEATS CHINA IN WBC OPENER

The World Baseball Classic began early this morning and Japan started where they left off three years ago with a 4-0 win over China at the Tokyo Dome. Yu Darvish pitched four hitless innings and earned the win for Japan, who will play Saturday against the winner of Chinese Tapei vs. Korea.

After both teams were scoreless through the first two frames, Japan, the defending tournament champions, broke through in the bottom of the third with three runs. After Hiroyuki Nakajima walked and stole second with one out, Norichika Aoki drove him home with an RBI single to center. Aoki advanced to second on an error, but was later forced out at home on a fielder's choice. Later in the inning, Shuichi Murata smacked a two-run homerun to left, putting Japan up 3-0.

"In my first at-bat I didn't get a hit, so I was just trying to get the runner in," Murata said. "I hit a home run in my first game, so that should give me some confidence for the rest of the tournament."

Japan tacked on another run in the seventh when Chicago Cubs outfielder Kusoke Fukudome scored on a balk by China reliever Sun Guoqiang.

Japan held China's offense in check, allowing only five hits. Japan only had five hits as well, but managed to get some runs on the board. Even with the win, Japan manager Tatsunori Hara felt his team could have done a little better in its first game of the tournament.

"Our pitchers were very good," Hara said. "China's pitchers also did a very good job. I'm not entirely satisfied with four runs, we could have had more. But any time you get the win in international play, you are happy."

Well-known major leaguer Ichiro Suzuki went 0-5 for Japan and Fukudome walked four times in five plate appearances. Mariners catcher Kenji Johjima was 0-3 with a walk and Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Akinori Iwamura was 0-4. Despite the lack of offense in the game, Japan was still able to push across four runs, which was enough for the victory.

China's Li Chenhao was saddled with the loss. He allowed three earned runs, four hits, and struck out one in only three innings of work. China will look to rebound Friday night against the loser of Chines Tapei vs. Korea.

Shawn Marosek

THE TRADE THAT TURNED DEADLY

Ever hear of the minor league pitcher? John Odom?

Probably not. But you might have heard about "Batman," "Bat Boy" or "Bat Guy." Odom is more well known for the peculiar trade that was made for him, rather than his playing baseball. This "famous" trade occurred last year between the Calgary Vipers and the Laredo Broncos in Texas. Because it would apparently look bad if they traded Odom for money, instead they traded ten baseball bats, totaling in $665, for the pitcher. So Laredo got a pitcher and Calgary got some bats, which were never used by the way.

Although Odom said that this trade didn't affect him the way people thought it might (by committing suicide), he just up and walked out on the team about three weeks after the trade was completed.

There is speculation that it was the trade that made Odom go down the familiar deadly path of engaging in too much drinking and use of illegal narcotics. Apparetly Odom had already knocked on death's door, and it never answered. Other people believe that he was manic depressive and that the trade triggered depression. Others still disregard the trade as being the reason Odom eventually killed himself, overdosing on heroin, alcohol, and other illegal substances last November 5th.

I think this story is tragic, but even more so frustrating. If teammates and coaches recognized this manic depressive behavior, and knew of his preexisting alcohol and drug abuse, why didn't anyone try to get him help? Minor league baseball does not directly lead to playing in the Majors. Apparently Odom was good but not that good. The article also referred to Odom as loving his guitar, injuring his elbow from playing too much music, which effected his baseball performance.

This story is definitely sad on all levels. It's even more sad that Odom might be the most famous for this 10 bat trade. Even though the trade was explained to him, it's still a slap in the face, regardless of how many minutes of fame it might produce. Maybe this might enlighten baseball coaches and general manager's that understanding a person's behavior (i.e. knowing his manic personality and past drug experience) to not conduct such a ridiculous trade that might really set him off. Although this story is tragic, I cannot deny that I believe Odom is responsible for his own death. Regardless of the trade and how that might have affected him, Odom must have known getting back into the drugs and alcohol was not going to help him.

I'd love to add some snide, sarcastic remark about trading A-rod for ten bats, but I won't. Instead I hope that Odom can be remembered for something else besides being the butt of a joke. For the rest of the article click here.

Jaclyn Kahn

BRODEUR NETS CAREER SHUTOUT #100

Just three games back from the longest layoff of his career, Martin Brodeur registered his 100th career shutout. Brodeur returned from his elbow injury on February 26th, and in the three games, he has allowed a grand total of two goals. Even those were only allowed after the Devils took a 5-0 lead on Saturday against the Panthers. With the 100th shutout, Brodeur is three away from the all-time record held by Terry Sawchuk (103). He is also four wins away from tying Patrick Roy for the all-time wins record.

Brodeur has been one of my favorites ever since I started watching hockey in the early 90s. At just 10 years old, I remember being devastated when the New Jersey Devils lost Games 6 & 7 to the New York Rangers in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals. The Devils wouldn't be held without a championship for long though as they won the next year, and over the next 14 years, they have added two more. The 2000 Stanley Cup Finals victory over the Dallas Stars might have been the most exciting hockey I've ever seen.

The question now is where Marty ranks among the all-time greatest goaltenders. I'm far from a hockey expert, but I believe it comes down to Brodeur and Patrick Roy. Brodeur will soon have more wins and trumps Roy in shutouts recorded. His save percentage has been better overall as well, and up until this year, Brodeur has been an iron man. He has started more games per season than any goalie in NHL history. However, Roy has one more championship, and has three Conn Smythe Trophies to Brodeur's none. At the moment, I would give Roy the tiebreaker with him besting Brodeur in the 2001 Stanley Cup Finals.

That could change though as I feel Brodeur has a great chance to match Roy and win his fourth championship this season. The Devils have always had a great defense, and that is no different this season. That defense will also keep Brodeur from being overtaxed. I believe the Devils also have the best offense they have ever have. Zach Parise is an absolute stud. He scored a couple unbelievable goals over the last week. Brian Rolston was a great pickup from Minnesota, and the supposting cast is very good. I believe you will see the Devils represent the East in the Stanley Cup Finals. I don't believe in the Bruins, and while a war with Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals would be a great series, I think the Devils will get by. I'm not sure they will beat the Western Conference representive, as they have three serious championship contenders in the Red Wings, Sharks, and Blackhawks, but it should be a very special postseason for New Jersey.

But once again, congrats to Martin Brodeur for reaching an incredible milestone. He has quietly been one of best athletes in the New York City area ever. Hopefully, he'll get some kudos from the NYC media over the next couple weeks as he goes for the wins and shutout records.

Pat Morgan