NO LONGER NEEDED?  BY ST

I was filling out my MLB All Star game ballot online.  Began with Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers.  Then it hit me.  Why?  It might be a generational thing but before we had unlimited access and could see every player's every move it was a pleasure to get a rare glimpse of Clemente or Brooks Robinson in action.  Now it just seems forced.  I understand that the host city can generate some revenue and dough might be raised for a worthy cause, but can't that happen without this ridiculous exhibition.  If I'm a fan of a team do I want our 15 million dollar ace out there or home resting for the 2nd half pennant chase?  This can carry over to the NBA or NHL.  The NFL's Pro Bowl has become a knee slapper of a joke.  Is it time for a historical tweak?
I have been interested to get fans angle on their All Time Fantasy Team.  Let me know your age group and who makes the cut.  Add in a starting pitcher and a closer.
Mine:
1b-Lou Gehrig
2b-Joe Morgan
SS-Robin Yount
3b-Michael Jack Schmidt
C-Johnny Bench
OF:  Ruth, Ted Williams and Willie Mays
SP:  Bob Gibson
CL:  Mariano Rivera

AS GOOD AS IT GETS by Steve Tannen

Think about the last decade following sports.  Pro or college.  Franchise or program.  Name your Top 5 as far as well run, good reputation & successful.  Who pops?  Alabama football.  Duke hoops.  Yankees?  Spurs?  Lakers?  Red Wings?  NY Giants?  Patriots?  I'll throw in the St. Louis Cardinals.  They currently lead the NL Central with the best record in baseball.  After winning the 2011 World Series their long time manager Tony LaRussa retired and they lost bopper Albert Pujols to free agency.  Guided by 1st year skipper Mike Matheny they made Game 7 of the NL Championship series.  While making his bones with the Bash Brother A's, LaRussa made a major impact on the game with his bullpen use.  Then it was get 7 from your starter, lean on Rick Hunnycut in the 8th and Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersly to close the door.  With the Cards it was about volume.  Lot of quality arms.  That tradition continues.  Remember the name Trevor Rosenthal.  He throws about 100 mph and has a freaky good slider.  Edward Mujica is the closer.  Had some decent seasons with the Marlins and Padres in relative obscuring, but never held this role until this year and he's been terrific.  Their top pick in the 2009 draft Shelby Miller was a late season call up last year and flashed some serious stuff.  Now his 1st season in the rotation he's 7 & 1 with an NL best 1.91 era.  Incredible control works well with his more than a strikeout an inning mastery.  Then you have the elite Adam Wainright who never gets enough credit for how great he is.  Lance Lynn is proving his 18 wins 2012 is no fluke.  I can go on but I'll just say this is the best top to bottom roster in the majors.
On today's show I'll be asking you to evaluate the best organizations and programs we follow.

THE PASSING OF DEACON by ST

Not sure how to properly explain what Deacon Jones was to my generation of NFL Fans.  The Hall of Fame D-Line terror passed at age 74 last night.  I think most are initially lured to sports by scoring.  The QB, home run hitter, goal scorer, ect.  Later Lawrence Taylor would ignite interest in a stellar defensive player, but prior to his arrival there was Jones.  Certainly the growth of the league and the magnificence of the Sabol's and NFL Films played a role.  We got to see and just as entertaining, hear what Deacon had to say about the havoc he wreaked on a regular basis.  In a special called "The Ultimate Defenders of Sport" he talked about his primary job being to put as much fear in the quarterbacks heart and pain in his back.  He was a terrific guy who stood up for Civil Rights and a talented, charismatic character who had turns in TV series like "The Brady Bunch" & "The Odd Coup" playing himself.  He also appeared in a great Warren Beatty movie "Heaven Can Wait" as a defensive lineman.  Hysterical and engaging in each case.  You will hear about his numbers, the sacks, the head slap and it's all impressive.  None of the above approaches his impact on those who followed the league and understand his place in the game among the elite pioneers who was worth the price of admission.  RIP Deek!
I was reading about the conviction of former MLB'er Milton Bradley.  Guilty of abusing his estranged wife and looking at 7 1/2 years in prison.  Wonder who he'll blame for this cause none of his missteps or failures or complete wasting of his talent has never been his fault.  The team, the league, the fans, the umps and of course the women.  Choked his pregnant wife but got off with that.  Then in 2011 arrested for trying to strike her with a baseball bat!  Enjoy your state sponsored vacation dirt bag!
On today's show we talk about how the anticipation of a Game 7 doesn't usually live up, the end of the Duck baseball season, the above issues, the NHL playoffs, more MLB and of course your calls and our digression!