Sunday’s Racing: Wild…Wacky…Wreckfest by Kyle Butler

In the real world, Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember the sacrifices made by our military over the history of this country. That’s as it should be. In the sports world, it’s a time to sit back, relax, and potentially watch up to 1100 miles worth of racing in Indianapolis and Charlotte. Though, if you were able to relax during both of Sunday’s events, I don’t see how anything could excite you.

Starting with Indianapolis. The Indy 500 has lost some of its luster over the past 10-15 years. Hurt by the split in the series between IRL and CART, along with the rapid rise of NASCAR, Indy was fading into total irrelevancy. However, the race has gotten a bit more exposure lately, mainly thanks to the popularity of Danica Patrick. Yesterday’s race was a stunner before it started, because for once, it didn’t rain. I don’t have the statistics, but I’m pretty sure that it had rained 34 years in a row at Indy, and it was weird watching the race without any weather delays.

To the actual race itself. Congratulations to Scott Dixon (whoever that is) on winning the race. It’s a great feat, though nobody will remember his name by next week. That’s because all the talk will center around Danica taking off her gloves and marching down pit road, ready to throw down with Ryan Briscoe after he clipped her on pit road, ending her day about 30 laps from the finish. It’s been quite a month for the female fireball. She won her first race in Japan, nearly killed a crew member in the pits two weeks ago, and now came within a few feet of trying to slug someone. Girl’s got spunk. Some people hate spunk, but even they are probably more inclined to watch IndyCar racing with those shenanigans going on.

As wild as the day at Indy was, the night at Charlotte was even wilder. Congratulations to Kasey Kahne on capturing the Coca Cola 600, one week after winning the All-Star race. Like Scott Dixon, though, nobody will remember that Kahne won the race. They’ll remember the chaos that led up to it. Two drivers that led earlier in the race crashed. Dale Earnhardt Jr wrecked for no reason whatsoever, extending his winless streak to 74 races. Kurt Busch blew a tire and wrecked while running 2nd. But the real story was Tony Stewart blowing a tire himself. “Smoke” was 5 seconds in front of Kahne with 3 laps left when his right front went flat. Stewart finished 18th, then stormed off the track without speaking to reporters. Not commenting was good news for Stewart, who almost certainly would have been fined had he opened his mouth, and good news for Goodyear, which has been on the receiving end of a few of Stewart’s tirades already this year. Back in March, Stewart said “Goodyear can’t build a tire that’s worth a crap.” After Sunday’s race, I can’t imagine what he would’ve said, but it wouldn’t have been pretty.

Just another wild Memorial Day on the track. The winners were forgettable, but the action was as memorable as it gets.

Lester Inspires The Masses by Kyle Butler

Negative stories.

It doesn’t matter where you look lately, there seem to be no shortage of these types of stories in sports. Steroids in baseball. Gambling in basketball. The Cincinnati Jailbirds…er, excuse me…Bengals in football. It can get depressing after a while.

Thankfully, even in such dark moments of despair, there comes a great story that can provide inspiration to sports and non-sports fans alike. Enter the story of Jon Lester. The Boston Red Sox pitcher threw a no-hitter against the Kansas City Royals last night in a 7-0 win. It was the 18th no-hitter in Red Sox history, and the first no-hitter in the majors since Lester’s teammate Clay Buchholz tossed a no-no against Baltimore last September. Lester walked 2 and struck out 9 while throwing 130 pitches against a Royals team that had won 6 of its last 7 games.

No-hitters are rare, and are obviously tremendous achievements. This one was particularly inspiring when you consider what Lester has gone through in his brief MLB career. The 24-year old Lester was diagnosed with a rare form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma in late 2006. In an instant, his focus changed from fighting for a roster spot to fighting for his life. The young lefty courageously battled the cancer in time to return to last year’s Red Sox club, helping the team return to the World Series. It was fitting that Lester got the ball for the final game of the Fall Classic, shutting down the vaunted Colorado Rockies offense and delivering another World Series championship to Beantown.

You could have ended Lester’s story there and it would have been a classic. However, with last night’s heroics, this story keeps getting better and better. How inspiring is it for folks battling that awful disease to see Lester out there on the mound? I’ve got to imagine it’s incredibly helpful to them, much as Lance Armstrong’s incredible run at the Tour de France has been to cancer survivors for several years. Watching someone who was in their shoes fighting that disease gives strength and hope that they too can fight…and win.

Congratulations to Jon Lester on his no-hitter. A remarkable achievement for a remarkable young man.

Unexpected Retirements by Kyle Butler

Seeing great athletes retire is not rare by any stretch of the imagination. Seeing them retire while at or near the top of their games…well, that’s a different story. Yet that’s exactly what happened over the last few days, with LPGA star Annika Sorenstam and tennis great Justine Henin shocking sports fans by deciding to call it quits.

Sorenstam is leaving the golf world at the end of this year. While her departure is surprising to the rest of us, the Swedish star said she’d been thinking about her decision for quite some time. The 37-year old had slumped a bit in the past season or two, but appeared to be back at the top of her game last week. Sorenstam dominated the field in the Michelob Open, coasting to a 7-shot victory. The winner of a whopping 72 LPGA tour events, Sorenstam has stated that she wants to focus on her business and start a family. While it’s disappointing that golf fans won’t get to see the best women’s golfer of this generation on the links anymore, it’s impossible to argue with her reasoning.

Henin’s decision is a bit stranger than Sorenstam’s. Only 25 years old, the Belgian great said it was time for her to “stop fooling myself and accept it.” Claiming she’d lost her motivation, Henin’s immediate retirement comes just one week before the start of the French Open, a major tournament that she’s won three years in a row. One would have assumed that she would have at least returned to Roland Garros to say farewell on the court she has dominated. According to Henin, a return to France and a chance for a 5th French Open title wouldn’t make any difference to her. Despite her lack of size, Henin’s unmatchable backhand and winning attitude helped her rise to #1 in the world over taller, more powerful players such as Maria Sharapova and the Williams sisters.

It’s a shame they left their sports so soon, but best of luck to both of these great athletes. They displayed everything it takes to be a champion, and their respective sports will miss them terribly.

The Master Of His Generation by Kyle Butler

When San Diego Padres pitcher Greg Maddux decides to call it a career, writers and statisticians can debate over which of his many accomplishments is most impressive. However, his latest milestone might win the debate, because you almost assuredly won’t see it again. The masterful Maddux won his 350th career game on Saturday night, becoming only the 9th pitcher in MLB history to reach that mark. What? That doesn’t knock you over? Not rare enough company? Ok, how’s this? Of those 9 pitchers, only 3 pitchers whose careers started after 1911 (yes…1911!!) have reached the 350 win mark. Warren Spahn, Roger Clemens, and now Mr. Maddux. Unbelievable.

Just one year ago, a survey of baseball historians would have told you that Clemens was, hands down, the greatest pitcher of this generation. However, a little thing called the Mitchell Report and other recent events have made it quite clear that the Rocket’s name might have been prematurely injected into that category. So if Clemens is out, then who’s in? It’s a tough call, but I’m going with the Mad Dog. Here’s why.

While pitchers like Randy Johnson and Pedro Martinez have been more dominating on the mound, I think what Maddux has done is way more impressive. He doesn’t have Pedro’s 95 mph fastball and killer changeup. He doesn’t have Johnson’s 6′10 frame or wicked slider. He doesn’t blow you away. He just pitches. Plain and simple. He’s a 6′0 right hander with an 85 mph fastball (on a good day). Folks, if he were coming out of college today, Greg Maddux almost certainly wouldn’t be drafted!!! Yet his accomplishments over the past 22 1/2 seasons are extraordinary.

You decide which stat is the most impressive:
-3299 K’s, 11th on the all-time list. Stunning, since he’s only had over 200 K’s in a season once.
-Over 200 IP in 18 out of 20 seasons. The years he didn’t reach 200 IP, he had 199 and 198.
-17 straight seasons of 15 or more wins, an MLB record. Can you say consistency?!
-17 Gold Gloves, an MLB record.
-Under 1000 walks issued in nearly 5000 innings pitched.
-4 straight Cy Young awards.

Those are just a small sampling of Maddux’s accomplishments. He’s the smartest pitcher, and maybe the smartest player in baseball history, and he gives his team a chance to win every time he takes the mound. With 5 more wins, he’ll pass the now-tarnished Clemens. If he can find 14 more wins in that right arm of his, he’ll pass Spahn for the most wins outside the dead-ball era, and Maddux will have done it in the steroid era.

There are rumors that this will be his last season, so watch Greg Maddux while you can. You’ll never see another one like him.

MLB Power Poll by Kyle Butler

Here’s the power poll for the current MLB Season with games played through May 7th

AL EAST

Boston (3)  Big Papi’s heating up, and so are the Red Sox.
Tampa Bay (14)  Tampa’s got a winning record?! The apocalypse is here!
NY Yankees (17)  On a team of sluggers, Melky Cabrera leads Yanks in home runs.
Toronto (18)  Roy Halladay’s on pace for about 17 complete games.
Baltimore (22)  After terrific start, O’s beginning to stink as expected.

AL CENTRAL

Minnesota (13)  Only team in the Central with a winning record.
Cleveland (15)  Indians offense has disappeared faster than Jimmy Hoffa.
Chicago WS (19)  But as bad as Cleveland’s offense is, Chicago’s is worse.
Kansas City (20)  Incredibly, Royals are just 2 games out of first.
Detroit (21)  Raise your hand if you thought Tigers would be looking up at KC.

AL WEST

LA/Anaheim (2)  Ervin Santana’s been next to unhittable for the Halos.
Oakland (5)  A’s have more wins (22) than home runs (20)!
Texas (25)  Josh Hamilton continues his amazing comeback for Rangers.
Seattle (27)  Along with Detroit, the biggest disappointment in MLB so far.

NL EAST

Florida (8)  Yeah, I had to double check this too when I saw it. Fish in first!
Philadelphia (9)  Ryan Howard may strike out over 220 times this season.
Atlanta (11)  Two words can describe Chipper Jones…en fuego!
NY Mets (12)  What’s up with Carlos and Carlos? Beltran/Delgado hitting < .220.
Washington (23)  Well, at least Nats have a nice new ballpark.

NL CENTRAL

St Louis (4)  In case you haven’t noticed, this Pujols guy is pretty good.
Chicago Cubs (7)  Sliding a bit after great start. Zambrano’s been outstanding.
Houston (10)  Much like Chipper, Lance Berkman’s hitting everything in sight.
Milwaukee (16)  Other than Ben Sheets, Brewers pitching has been awful.
Pittsburgh (28)  I’m beginning to wonder why Pirates still have a team?
Cincinnati (29)  Griffey pursuing 600 HR is the only excitement in Cincy.

NL WEST

Arizona (1)  Brandon Webb’s not bad. He’s only on pace to go 34-0.
Los Angeles (6)  Andruw Jones (170-1-4) CLEARLY worth the 14.7 million.
San Francisco (24)  Barry Zito (0-7, 6.95 ERA) CLEARLY worth the 14.5 million.
Colorado (26)  Incredibly, it’s Colorado’s offense that’s not getting it done.
San Diego (30)  The “Fathers” have the worst record in the NL. Not good.

The BCS Is Just That, Minus The C by Kyle Butler

It’s become a tradition in the sports world. Every year, starting in mid-October, the outcry begins from college football fans. It starts as a hum, then steadily rises around Thanksgiving, then to a roar louder than a jet engine in December. What’s the outcry? Merely this.

WE WANT A PLAYOFF!!!!!!

Unfortunately, the public will not get their wish, and the tradition will continue. This, because a moronic group of university presidents, administrators, and other bigwigs, all led by Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany and Pac-10 commissioner Tom Hansen, have decided to extend the BCS contract through the year 2014. Meaning, of course, that this system, a failure time after time after time, will continue to decide the national champion in college football…except for the times it doesn’t, and we get a split champion.

It seemed that if nothing else, these big shots would at least be receptive to the idea of a plus-one format, in which the winners of the top two bowl games could face off a week later for the national title. This is still less than an 8-team tournament, or even the 16-team tournament format employed by the 1-AA schools, but at least it’s a step in the right direction.

Not so, says Delany. The Big 10 commish, in his infinite wisdom, says “There has never been a collegiate or professional playoff that stops at four teams.”

Two words. Big. Deal. I’m sorry Jim. I didn’t realize that the NCAA never liked to try something new. I forgot that the BCS had been around since the inception of the college game over 100 years ago. Oh wait, that’s right. It was implemented barely more than a decade ago. It hadn’t been tried before. A computer system had never told us who the best two teams were. Guess what? It’s failed miserably. So now it’s time to try something new, because Jim, that’s what you do when things don’t work so well.

Instead, Jim and his cronies go on to say that NCAA football is enjoying a rise in attendance and increased revenues. According to these bozos, this is all thanks to the BCS. However, as I heard former coach and analyst Terry Bowden point out the other day, NCAA football was already experiencing these benefits even before the BCS was formed. It’s just another excuse to keep this joke of a system around for 6 more years.

Somehow, someway, this is all about money, but I don’t understand it. Sure, the NCAA and the conferences get a ton of cash from the Bowls. I don’t think it’s close to the amount they’d get from a 4 or an 8 team playoff, but maybe that’s just me. They say it will take away from the other bowl games. Good! Folks, there are already WAY too many bowl games. The NCAA just added 2 more, bringing the total to 34! Anyone who watches college football can tell you that there certainly aren’t 68 D-I teams that deserve a postseason berth.

Finally, these jokers tell us they don’t want a two semester postseason. Under this glorious BCS system, the national championship game was played in the 2nd week of January. You’ve already got a stinking two semester postseason, Jim! Under a plus-one format, the two semifinal games could be played on New Years Day, with the title game on January 8th, a whopping one day later than this past year’s title game was played.

It’s unfortunate. Delany’s arguments are, to quote Mr. Spock, “Illogical, Jim.” He’s right. It’s college football, it’s the BCS, and as tradition mandates, it will never make sense. 

Will They Stay or Will They Go? by Kyle Butler

Fans in Chapel Hill breathed a huge sigh of relief last week when Tyler Hansbrough announced he would return to North Carolina for his senior season. The reigning National Player of the Year can now take aim at some significant accomplishments. Phil Ford’s school scoring record. JJ Redick’s ACC scoring record. And naturally, one last shot at a national championship.

As great as Hansbrough is though, he can’t do it alone. He needs help from his friends, and some of them might be jumping ship a little early. Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington, and Danny Green all declared themselves eligible for the Draft, though none hired agents, and can return to school if they so choose. What will they choose though? Let’s take a look.

Lawson: The Heels PG is the fastest player in the country when healthy. He’s not a bad shooter and great at finishing near the rim. His defense leaves a lot to be desired though. Some mock drafts have him going mid to late first round, while others leave him off the board completely! My guess is that Lawson stays in the draft due to injury concerns, though staying around for another season is probably a smarter call.

Ellington: Wayne got a little more consistent this season, but still had some of those nights when the shots just didn’t fall for him. On those nights, Ellington would be better served to drive to the bucket, which he doesn’t always take advantage of. That said, the potential is there for Ellington to be a terrific NBA player, and some mock drafts have him falling just outside the lottery. I think Ellington will stay in school for another year, but if he has some great workouts and projects into a top 20 pick, it will be hard to say no.

Green: I’ll be honest with you, I don’t know what Green is thinking. No idea. There was no sign of Green on any of the 8-10 draft boards I checked, and there was no expectation he’d test the waters. The Tarheel may be the best 6th man in the country, but he is not NBA ready, and unless there are some bizarre circumstances that we haven’t heard about, there is no reason for Green to not return to Chapel Hill.

There is no question that UNC’s basketball team will be strong in 2009. They’ll have tremendous size down low, with 5 players at 6′8 or taller. Marcus Ginyard will be back, as well as a healthy Bobby Frasor. Just how successful the Heels ultimately are, however, will depend on the decisions of these three young men. If all return, UNC is probably the best team in the nation. Until a decision is made, Tarheel fans can do nothing but hope that this talented trio decides to take another shot at a title in Chapel Hill.