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06/26/2006: "Monday Sports Rant"

Kind of a slow weekend ...

There is talk of expanding the NCAA Men's Basketball tournament to 128 teams from the current 64 (65, if you count the play-in). Perhaps the worst bb idea since the red, white and blue ball. There's not enough quality teams to justify 64, much less 128. Is there even that many Division I programs? You'd think anyone who's watched the NIT in recent years would see what a dog this idea is ...

Didn't watch golf this weekend - not a shot. Feeling pretty good about it, too ...

Did watch a lot of World Cup. As I've said, I'm not a big soccer fan, but it's always a joy to see the top athletes in any sport compete. Probably no play bigger this weekend than the set piece goal by Beckham - now I understand why they make movies about his skill. Wasn't too impressive for most of the match, but scored when it counted - just like a captain should. Props to Ashley Cole, for an amazing knee deflection that saved the British squad ...

The Marlins went into Gotham for three, and got a win and two 1-run losses. I'll take that. When you put your $15 million payroll up against the $200 million juggernaut, you can't expect much. We got a good duel between Moose Mussina and the D-Train, and the MLB debut of a kid from AA who was the first guy to shut out the Yankees this season. You can buy a lot of things, but you can't buy nerves. I'm telling you ... the Fish are looking more and more serious every day. Think I need to see how far off the wild card leader is ...

Can someone tell me what they're feeding Nomar and where I can get some? He's leading the league in batting and has made 1 error at a position he never played before this spring. Think he's out to prove Beantown wrong?

Say what you want about professional athletes being able to shake the ghosts of past performances. Last night, it was clear that Brad Lidge couldn't. The White Sox smoked him in the Series last year, and they did it again last night - and you could see it coming. Like a train wreck that unfolds in front of you, you know you should turn away - but you just can't. At least it didn't cost the game, as the Astros won in extra innings.

I'm trying hard to be gracious about Shaq getting a ring with the Heat. I keep reminding myself that he wasn't the protagonist in the breakup of the Lakers, and that he's a nice guy, and that he's earned it and that I should be happy for him. But then I remember him laughing at Mark Madsen's dancing and shouting "Can you dig it ..." What might have been ...