Sunday Thoughts

The New York Mets took three games out of four from the Cincinnati Reds this afternoon in a 5-2 victory that was the second straight win for New York. Some might have said if they didn't win this series, their season may have been on the verge of over. Think about it. Losing at least two games to a team that has been in the division basement since at least June 7th? (Referencing today's Murray Chass column in the New York Times ) That would not sound like a playoff team to me. So the Mets were able to not lose at least two games, they won three and showed their not done yet. By that, I mean their season's not over yet. Good job by New York as they stay a game and a half ahead of the second place Braves.

So, I'll bet your wondering my thoughts on this whole David Beckham thing. An article in today's UK Telegraph explains Beckham's thoughts on his career and more importantly that everything hes done in his career has been "for the game." That's a very bold statement, as if we didn't already know that you intended on making MLS a popularity in American Sports by coming here.

Hah! What a joke.

I think LA Times Reporter Grahme L. Jones put it best in his article today that he started off by describing what happened when Beckham arrived in Los Angeles. In other words, nothing. It's very interesting to see it from more then one person's point of view. Anyway, I think it's quite obvious that Beckham's arrival will not have any effect on the popularity of the sport in America.

Its just that there is so much more going on right now in America with sports that it would be very hard to make the MLS catch people's attention the way the NCAA Tournament does every March, and of course the opening of the baseball season in April , and the NBA finals in June, and the All-Star game in July (I hope you would know I'm talking about the baseball all-star game, not the WNBA all-star game, another sport that has failed beyond belief). So the question is, what can the MLS do to catch the attention of real American sports fans like us?

Bringing in an international star like Beckham, is not one of them.
Right now the MLS is not even as popular in America as the World Series of Poker, or even Arena Football. Maybe we Americans are a greedy little country that appreciates everything it created and maybe it just can't come to learn that some international sports can do a world of good for us.

Ahh, but how would that explain the love of Cricket in America?

7/13 World Series Top Ten

1. Angels- I just think they have more hitting and more underlying talent the Red Sox. Plus if John Lackey's healthy, expect 15-18 wins.
2. Red Sox- Pitching is key and with a staff that looks like Beckett (at least 13 wins), Schilling (at least 10 wins), and Matsusaka (at least 14 wins), things don't look bad. And Manny and Papi still haven't even heated up yet.
3. Tigers- Very intriguing lineup includes scrappy ballplayers like Curtis Granderson and Placido Palanco. Magglio Ordonez will be an MVP favorite and Justin Verlander could win the Cy Young.
4. Mets- Hey, Pedro's coming back as well as Moises Alou who I believe can be a huge difference maker when healthy. And Reyes and Wright will keep going.
5. Indians- The lineup will feature Travis Hafner for the next five years. Hopefully he will make the most of the first year of the new contract. He can.
6. Braves- John Smoltz will need to stay consistent as will the ball club in general to have a shot.
7. Padres- Jake Peavy and this pitching staff that leads the sport in ERA can do it, but will the lineup continue to decline?
8. Brewers- The pitching is better then expected, with Ben Sheets making an appearance in the All-Star game and showing everyone he still is healthy. Prince Fielder can hit home runs!!
9. Cubs- Hey, I like what they've done in the last couple of weeks before the All-Star break and hope they can continue to be a powerhouse. They've got a chance, but they'll have to remain poised and consistent throughout.
10. Mariners- The way their season has gone, they're certainly not out of it and don't expect them to lose it anytime soon as long as everything stays the way it has been. Ichiro will lead this club in the end.