Derek Jeter

Okay, well, ESPN just EXPLODED today with Derek Jeter talk. So if you have been away for a few days he had a pitch come inside, go off the handle of his bat and faked getting hit by the ball... The umps bought it and he took first base. In the end the Rays ended up beating the Yankees ANYWAY. So I don't see what the big deal is.
     Number one, this type of thing happens all the time. On all levels...High school, college, minors pros. Not only does this happen in baseball, but it happens in every single sport (just in its own way). Its all about getting an edge over your opponent. Not a big deal. They are playing within the rules of the game. The rules state that if a player is hit by a pitch he takes his base. Who determines if a batter was hit by a pitch? The umpire. The umpire in this case said "yes Derek Jeter got hit" So he takes his base. So don't blame Derek Jeter. What do you want him to do?.... "Uh...Mr. umpire...I did NOT in fact get hit by that pitch, I should not be rewarded with first base."  Sorry...Those words will never come out of a pro athletes mouth. If they ever did, the guy wouldn't make it to the pro level. He wouldn't have a competitive enough mindset.
     But back to the umpire for a minute. If you want to blame someone blame the umps. They are the ones that blew it. And just because Derek Jeter acted like he got hit, does not mean the ump says "oh ok well i guess he got hit, take your base." Not how it works. EXAMPLE:

There you have it. Umps don't go with what the player says.  This kind of thing happens all the time and it is just an example of ESPN turning a non story and something that doesn't matter into something that resembles WWII to them. Its rediculious.
   The next time I hear someone say "that is cheating" or "that just sets a awful example to kids" I say...Good for you Derek Jeter.

Week 1 of the NFL

Finally week 1 of the NFL has arrived. No more "meaningless" preseason games. No more games that don't count, no more waiting! The NFC Championship rematch tonight between the Vikings and Saints promises to be a good one. Last year of course the Vikings were knocked out of the playoffs by the Saints, who then went on to be "America's Team" and win the Superbowl.  Of course the big victom of that game was Brett Favre who threw the interception that ended up losing the game for the Vikes.
    I gotta believe that when Brett Favre hits the field against the defending Superbowl champs, he is going to be out for revenge. Thats the way Brett Favre works. He is extremely competitive(about the only reason I have left for liking him) and he is not going to be told by ANYONE or any team that he "cant do it". Therefore he will be out to prove the naysayers wrong AND to get the Vikings off to a 1-0 start.
    On the other side of the ball, the Saints...They had (in other peoples words not mine) a "magical" year last year. I have a feeling the Saints will be a pretty rough opponent for whoever they play, but hey...Its almost impossible to repeat as champs. 
    Tonights game though will go in favor of the home team. They are still the defending superbowl champs, and they have the passion and energy on their side. Being in the Super Dome, I gotta imagine there will be an awful lot of buzz. One, because its opening day and from Jacksonville to Green Bay who ISN'T excited! Two, because fans are looking for the Saints to get after Mr. Favre. And three, the city was so happy for them to get the Superbowl Victory, and I would have to imagine that will have a carry over effect into week one...Espicially considering their opponent.
    When push comes to shove, regardless of how the matchup of Brett Favre VS Drew Brees pans out. The Super Dome is going to be one tough place to play.

Prediction: SAINTS: 27 VIKINGS:17