NOT SURE I CAN DO IT by ST

I can't pinpoint the exact game but it was during the 1966 season, I'm five years old when my dad took me to my first game at Yankee Stadium.  Mantle was in the lineup.  He was born in 1935 as a Yankees fan and even though he busted my dad's chops, his dad, my grandpa was a Yankees fan.  I'm next in line.  Got my driver's license on Tuesday October 4th, 1977.  17th birthday.  Drove to Yankee Stadium for Game One of the World Series versus the Dodgers one week later, a 4-3, 12 inning victory.  I'm invested in this franchise like many of our listeners are in the Ducks.  Childhood team.  It's personal.  I did not watch last night's game against the White Sox.   I can not bring myself to cheer on the team with a slime ball like Alex Rodriguez staining my beloved pinstripes.  So he gets a big hit and I'm high fiving?  I don't think so.  I get that we've seen many, many unseemly characters in the sports we follow but this guy is garbage!  He's delusional.  He doesn't have the character or the balls to simply admit what everyone knows.  When asked point blank about his documented PED's use last night he played the "not the forum" card.  Really?  Innocent people scream it from the mountain tops.  Lying scumbags use their lawyers and double speak to avoid the facts of the issue.  Save the "everyone" did/does it crap.  There are a bunch of players coming out vocally against these Biogenesis pigs.  They want more severe penalties, perhaps even a lifetime banishment for getting caught that first time.  The union leadership will be more defensive when it comes to their members, so the real change must come from within.  Keep your eye on that because it represents a change in mentality.  They no longer circle the wagons in these situation, some are pointing the finger of accusation and I think that is a cause for hope.  As for my fanaticism for those guys in the Bronx, it's on hold.  The new question?  Has Alex Rodriguez ever played a season in the major league's clean?

ALL OF THE ABOVE by ST

Ryan Braun, Alex Rodriguez, Pete Rose.  All in the news this week.  Braun and Arod for more evidence they're cheaters.  Rose because it's Hall of Fame week and dummy always shows up in Cooperstown cause he's a desperate, pathetic clueless clown.  The conversation about what is worse using PED's or betting on baseball is for morons.  Why differentiate?  They both spit in the face of fans, the game and clean players.  Rose was interviewed on Dan Patrick and said it's important to admit the mistake.  So so happy I was stopped at a light or I might have crashed.  This from a guy who in 1989 was investigated via something called the Dowd Report.  The pile of evidence was so overwhelming he and his legal eagles decided to accept a lifetime ban rather than have this material presented to authorities outside baseball.  It included the possibility he was involved in distributing steroids, maybe cocaine and he definitely was hiding cash earnings from Uncle Sam.  He actually claimed he was unaware a lifetime ban was part of the deal.  That's exactly like Barry Bonds saying he didn't know the "clear" and "creme" his BALCO buddy was applying was illegal.  What a crock.  From 1989 through early 2004 he insisted he never bet on baseball.  Then it was time for the release of his book and suddenly it's "well I bet on baseball".  15 years and suddenly he comes clean because he heard dollar signs.  I'll go one further having dealt with bookies and degenerate gamblers for a period from about high school until I was in my early 30's, so up until about 20 years ago. If you think a losing gambler like Rose didn't bet AGAINST the Reds when he was in a hole you are a gullible moron!  Look, Aaron Hernandez, Rae Carruth, Michael Vick or OJ Simpson are the scum of the earth.  You want to ask what's worse?  There is the line.  Those trying to split hairs over liars and cheaters are wasting our time.  I put them under one slimy umbrella!

ONCE POWERFUL ESPN by ST

Read an article about the declining ratings at ESPN.  This is not surprising.  When I arrived at The Score in May of 2008, we were an ESPN affiliate but one of my first segments was about including a "G" in ESPN for gossip.  I felt the former worldwide leader had lost it's way.  Once upon a time it was the sole destination for highlights and insight into the games and athletes we follow.  Then along came the individual special networks like MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL & the Golf networks.  Of course you had the majors like CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox as players.  It seems to me that when ESPN was seriously challenged, rather than hunker down and upgrade the quality of their product, they deteriorated into a TMZ, sensationalistic style.  Then you have the repetition insanity.  Believe it or not it's been 8 years since they were showing video of Terrell Owens doing belly busters in his driveway as he held out from the Eagles.  It then morphed into Brett Farve's version of "should he stay or should he go" and bottomed out with their Tebow coverage. 
As far as the faces of the network I think Chris Berman has become somewhat of a caricature.  Once a source of unbridled humor and a unique approach, it's gotten a tad painful to watch.  When you roll out Skip Bayless on a daily basis you're credibility is going to take a hit and there is no way around it.  I'd love to hit him with a shot of sodium pentothal because there is no way he actually believes some of the opinion he expresses.  I think the devils advocate, disagree for the sake of offering another side that holds no water is a huge reason they're in trouble.  Everything is not debatable.  There are not 2 sides to every story.  I still love ESPN and will always be grateful for really bringing it all into our living rooms every day and night through all of the sports seasons.  The bottom line is like a family member you care about you hold them to a solid standard and when it begins to slip you criticize in the hopes it will provide a wake up call.  Look forward to your thoughts on this when we sign on at 3pm for Crunchtime and roll into SportsTalk.

THE ONLY CORRECT ALL STAR BALLOT by ST

When it comes to rankings, Hall of Fame, we all believe we are right.  I know I do.  So here is the lone accurate ballot with fan choice noted.

American League:
Begin with Chris Davis of Baltimore at 1st and Miggy Cabrera at 3rd.  Both fan choices.  Fans went Robbie Cano at 2nd over Dustin Pedroia.  Wow is this close.  Equal with the glove.  Gonna go Cano because he HAD to come up big with all those injuries.  Dusty is one of many Bosox raking.  Lot more cover.  I'd go Jonny Peralta of the Tigers in a tight one over the fan pick JJ Hardy of the Orioles.  Better average, close in ribby's, more hits and runs.  Joe Mauer is a no brainer at catcher.  Now healthy he's reclaimed his spot among the games elite.  The fans chose Adam Jones of Baltimore, Jose Batista of the Jays and Mike Trout of the Halos.  I pull Batista in favor of Jacoby Ellsbury.  Felix Hernandez starts.
National League:
Molina catches.  Honorable mention to Buster in Frisco.  Fans picked an outfield of Carlos Beltran of the Cards, Carlos Gonzalez of the Rockies and Bryce Harper of the Nats.  Harper has missed too much time injured.  He's out.  In his place is the guy who robbed the Reds last night, Carlos Gomez.  The best glove in center.  Slight edge over the Pirates McCutcheon.  Joey Votto will start.  Not on my team.  Touch and go but I'm putting the Cardinals Alan Craig in his place.  69 ribbies to 40 edge.  Would not engage in a heated debate over this as Votto is a stud.  The fans blew it at 2nd with Brandon Phillips.  Matt Carpenter is the easy lock pick hitting .316, second in the majors in runs scored.  While Troy Tulowitzki of the Rockies is tremendous, he's injured, rehabbing and missing at least a month.  Jean Segura of the Brewers is the answer.  Came over in the trade for Zach Greinke.  Leading the NL in hits, 2nd in assists at that critical SS position.  David Wright of the Mets at 3rd was EZ.  I start Clay Kershaw of LA.

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!