Finally, We Can Sleep at Night!

Justice will prevail in Jerusalem. Israel's President Moshe Katsav has agreed a plea bargain to avoid rape charges and a prison term, the country's attorney general has said. Katsav had been facing allegations of rape and sexual harassment against women who worked for him.

"Under the bargain, President Katsav admitted responsibility for a long series of sex offences, including harassment and indecent acts," he said.

He is now expected to get a suspended sentence for sexual harassment and be asked to pay damages to his accusers. Mr Katsav's current term ends in July but he will now resign immediately, to be succeeded by Shimon Peres. Oh Joy! Joy. Joy. Peace will reign at last.

Uh-huh!

What Did You do to Stop the War Daddy?

Six soldiers serving with the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (Unifil) have died after their vehicle was hit by an explosive device. Radical groups in Lebanon have previously threatened to attack peacekeepers.

Three were Colombians in the Spanish army, and three were from Spain, it's defense minister said. They were the first Spanish casualties in Lebanon. It looks like war is hell in whatever corner of the world you are in. I wonder what George Bush has against getting the UN involved in the Iraqi revolutionary war? It wopuld save alot of American lives, save us money and make the whole middle east a lot less Anti-American dont you think? Perhaps it is because we want a residual troop foothold there after it gets all sorted out so we can trade oil for peace. Could it be that with the US and its new steps toward "deresponsibility" in the UN (finacially and politically), we just arent as willing to ask for help if it was offered. Afterall we have our pride!!

Iraq is doing Something Right!

An Iraqi court on Sunday sentenced Saddam Hussein's cousin known as "Chemical Ali" and two other former regime officials to death by hanging for their roles in a 1980s scorched-earth campaign that led to the deaths of 180,000 Kurds.
Who said Karma doesnt come around?
The judge, Mohammed Oreibi al-Khalifa, said al-Majid was convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity AND war crimes for ordering army and security services to use chemical weapons in a large-scale offensive that killed or maimed thousands.
Al-Tai, who was wearing a traditional Arab robe and a white headdress, stood in silence as the verdict was read but insisted he was innocent, afterward, his reply, "I will not say anything new, but I will leave you to God. I'm innocent," a guard then escorted him out of the room after the verdict.
I wonder if that will be posted to the internet?

I-70 East Series Looks for a Winner Tonight, in St Louis!

Well. This will be Meche's first appearance against St. Louis. The Royals will give the ball to Gil Meche (4-6, 3.00 ERA), who ended a five-start losing streak Friday night, allowing one run and six hits in eight innings to beat Florida 6-2.

Meche has done some homework. The right-hander posted a 5.76 ERA during his string of five losses. His analysis: "The first three innings I couldn't get real comfortable," Meche told the Royals' official Web site. "I was looking at my tapes to see if I noticed anything. My rhythm wasn't where it needed to be. I was going to be early, I was going to be late, I couldn't get my leg up in time. Finally, I just slowed down into a good rhythm."g his skid.

Bily Butler has had time to unpack today, he may slip in for his bat early in the game. Could he start? Maybe we should all be calling Royals offices today!

Manager for Royals Getting More and More Optimistic

In assessing this latest string of series wins he says, “I’ve never doubted this team’s character,” Royals manager Buddy Bell said. “We just don’t have the kind of consistent at-bats we need to have. But we will. We’re getting closer.” This team does not boast a major gun, no, it relies on its ablity to string hits together in an inning. It relies on quick bats, quick hands and quicker feet. Honestly, "We've started to play better at home," Royals manager Buddy Bell adds, "For whatever reason, (lately) it comes against National League clubs. I don't look at any team being an American or National League club. I think it's just a coincidence."

Hey, It is a wonderful analysis to ponder.

Royals Tumble, Will the Cards Stumble back down I-70?

It was a beautiful day for such an ugly game. Honest, just 24 hrs earlier the Royals exploded for 5 runs in the opening innings and never looked back while garnering a well earned win. Honest it was not to indicate any sweep of the I-70 rivals from just down highway in St. Louis Missouri. All season Mike Sweeney avoided those back probs that plagued him last year. Now it appears the back problems might be back. Sweeney left the game after he took a tumble and fell on his face on the way to first base. manager Buddy Bell offered later "I think it happened before that," the trainer, "explained to me that he had a back spasm on the swing, then fell." Oh well same hell. Meanwhile, Brandon Duckworth the Royals starting pitcher stumbled until he actually fumbled off the mound receiving an injury to his pride, er, rib cage in the fourth inning. Whikle warmiong up he noticed a twinge then it got really bad when he faced Juan Encarnacion. He said later, "It felt like a cramp. I threw a curveball and it pulled. The next pitch I really felt and I had trouble drawing a breath," Duckworth said. "It really grabbed me and doubled me to the side." The bench struggled for a loss. The Royals lost 7-3 and look to take the series tonight.

Oh yeah. Alex Gordon hit another homer, drove in three runs.

The Cards Come to Town to Shake the Shaken

The Cards are just barely playing over .500 baseball, yet they are 27-33 and trail the front-running Milwaukee Brewers by only 5 1/2 games. They just came off losing two of a three game series against the Los Angeles Angels. they do have hope heading into this series in Kansas City that starts tonight at 6pm. Jim Edmunds said, "We just lost two out of three. We're not really excited about that," the center fielder said. "But guys are coming around. The weather's getting better. Guys are feeling better."

I guess that means they will be looking to take two of three if not sweep their weak step sister in Missouri. Well, Brian Bannister will have something to say about the outcome, he has pitched his last two consecutive winners for the Royals and hopes to improve on that 2-3 record tonight. We ALL look forward to crushing the cards.

Pena jr's Offense AND Defense Penalizes the Phillies for Interleague Series Win

Tony Peña Jr. hit his first home run in 235 at-bats, he moved runners into scoring position twice with his bunts and batted 2 for 2!!! He was most proud though of a tremendous defensive play that saw him dashing right, reaching down to corral a hard hit shot by Aaron Rowand. It was fantabulous. He went to his right on a speeding grounder and made an off-balance throw from shallow left field to retire Aaron Rowand. Shot Down!

The Royals also broke loose for fourteen hits, handcuffing five of the Phillies pitchers, from Moyer to Mesa to Rosario and everyone in between! It was a beautiful day.

Tony Peña had one of his finest games as a Royal in the team’s 17-5 trifling of the Phillies on Sunday. The capper was his 379-foot homer to left. It was a beautiful day.

Royals General Manager Dayton Moore is Stoked!

“It’s an unbelievable organization,” he said. “It’s got a lot of potential upside. The people coming up through the organization are unbelievable players. The people just make it a special place." said Mike Moustakas the Chatsworth High School product from California was jubilant!

Moustakas is special though, a rifle arm, (turns out he can toss a tater 95mph) has also has other things going for him too, like, this spring at Chatsworth (Calif.) High all he did was set California's all-time home-run records for a season (24) and career (52). His batting is what the Royals took him for.

Moustakas returned the admiration saying that he said he researched the teams he thought he had a chance to go to and was especially "stoked" about the Royals. All the young blood growing together.

Now comes the hard part. Moore has to deal with the agent. Yeah, the snag that could tear any deal is that Moustakas is represented by Scott Boras, he brings a reputation of long and tough negotiations.

Scott Boras also represents Luke Hochevar, whom the Royals selected first last year, then the Los Angeles Dodgers failed to sign him. Later, the Royals and Hochevar agreed on a $5.3 million deal that included a $3.5 million signing bonus last August.

Now, will the Royals struggle again, to sign THIS guy before the '08 season?

Brian Bannister is the new Stopper for the Royals

Brian Bannister made sure that the Royals would pull out of a three game (again) skid- for the second time in six days Wednesday night by pitching seven strong innings in a 4-3 victory over the Cleveland Indians at their home, Jacobs Field. He was humble in his win“They’ve come out and given me an early lead in my last two games,” he said. “That’s what is nice. After that, it was just like at Tampa Bay. I just tried to get deep into the game. He added, “With that lead, it’s a luxury. I can just attack guys.” Bannister, 2-3, limited the Indians to one unearned run and five hits in seven innings. He struck out two and walked none in a 98-pitch performance that lowered his ERA to 3.33. “They’re a patient, veteran team,” Bannister said. “So I really tried to get ahead, be aggressive and keep my pitch count down. I got them on my game. I thought I changed speeds well." closing, “They kept just missing balls, and that’s how I like to pitch.” Run support came from many, most notably, newly-arrived Joey Gathright who ignited the offense, batting 2-3 and stealing his first base of the year, while making a solid show in left field. . Also, Ryan Shealy banged a solo home run and the Royals put 11 hits on the Indians to help seal the deal. The defeated Clevelander, wily right-hander Paul Byrd, began the evening with a 6-1 record. That is no more.

Greg Oden is a Blogger today.

Located at http://www.yardbarker.com/users/gregoden.

Oden writes one piece about the USA National Team Press conference in Las Vegas. "It was just Kevin Durant and I we were not there for very long but it was good. He and I are pretty cool even though I must say my suit looked GOOD!!!! There is no competition between me and him we just do what we do, which is breathe, eat, ball, go out, and sleep (in that order lol)."

On people constantly comparing the two between the two, he says, "I feel the comparisions between me and him are ridiculous we don't play the same position, we have two different styles and personalities, and grew up in two different places. I guess since we are looked at as the two best prospects in this years draft we will always be connected.

His attempt at humor follows, "Back to the Vegas press conference really it was nothing a couple of comments from Mr. Colangolo then Kevin and Myself which was 10 mins at most. Then we had individual interviews which are nothing but fun and i like to say the tv once no matter what i said it wouldn't matter cause that suit looked GOOD!"

Miami'ans Hears from Trent

The Miami Herald had an interesting quip, a sound bit from the former Chief QB. They challenged him with a memory test that sounded simple enough, multiple choice (lol!) Simply name each of the quarterbacks who has started a game for the Dolphins since Dan Marino retired after the 1999 season.

''I think I can name most of them,'' Trent Green said Wednesday, the same day he was introduced as the team's newest quarterback on a long list of those before him.

He got Damon Huard right. And Jay Fiedler and Gus Frerotte. Daunte Culpepper and Joey Harrington, of course. Cleo Lemon, too.

''Did A.J. Feeley start any in there?'' Green correctly asked. ``Do I have them all now?''

Three more to go, new guy. Don't forget Ray Lucas, Sage Rosenfels and Brian Griese.

''Yeah,'' said Green, finally tired of the game despite an impressive effort. ``There have been a few.''

No doubt, South Florida's newest sports star has been in the league long enough to understand just how much success Marino had with Miami -- and just how little success came from the 10 quarterbacks after him.

NBA Draft for the Blazers Could Get Complicated.

One source, recently said he feels the decision between Oden and Durant may be not be as simple as that. It could also be effected by what other deals the Blazers could swing before or on the day of the draft.

The No. 1 pick probably isn't going to be traded, but the Blazers, have four other second-round picks to use as leverage, to move plyers or get veteran talent. So the Blazers may just wait to see what offers come their way, and if a deal falls the right way they could look at using the top pick as completing a package deal. For instance, if they swing a deal for a small forward they like, it could nudge them more toward Oden. Or if Zach Randolph were swapped for a center, it could nudge them toward Durant. The source seemed to believe there were still several factors that go beyond Oden and Durant waiting to play out before a decision could be made.

Trent Green is Finally Growing Fins!!

In the end, it was compromise that closed the deal. The Miami Organization finally tweaked their offer of a sixth-round pick once more time, giving up a fifth-round pick that could become a fourth-round selection if Green meets performance incentives.

“Trent is en route to Miami right now,” Green’s agent, Jim Steiner, said Tuesday evening. “He’s feeling a lot of relief. This has been very stressful on Trent and his family. We’re just glad that cooler heads prevailed.”On the decision to agree, Steiner added,“Each team made some compromises to make it happen,” and “The Chiefs realized Trent was firm in his position that he wasn’t going to retire. And Miami recognized the need for getting him into its minicamp this weekend so he can get off to a good start.”

Finally justice is done. “Trent is just glad it’s over. This has been going on for three months. Remember, it was the Chiefs that approached Trent and asked him to take a lesser role and a (pay) reduction to come back. They’re the ones that initiated this entire situation. That obviously wasn’t Trent’s desire initially.”

Alright, a Little Extra Press- Now, some Respect Please...

HBO is scheduled to go inside Chiefs camp this summer. Yeehaww! HBO and NFL Films will go behind the scenes at Chiefs training camp in River Falls, Wisconsin, to produce a five-hour, five-part series — “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Kansas City Chiefs” — that will begin Aug. 8. HBO has produced similar series with the Ravens and Cowboys.
Can you hardly wait to see these reviews too!

Question of the day. How sharp is Green looking @ decision making, foot speed, recovery thus far?

Got any ideas? Comments?

Royals Streak Moves to Two... Sweep? LOL!

The final 9-4 Royals but it wasn't that close, the Rays struggled to string 3 in the ninth while it was futile all night.

It was Pirate Night at Tropicana Field. Stadium personnel and loads of fans decked themselves Saturday in swashbuckling garb in order to advertise Hollywood's latest blockbuster. It was the Royals who walked of the field with the booty. A much needed win.

David De Jesus even got a handful of stash, hitting 2 of 4 and upping his average, stopping his hitless skid @ 18! Four of the Royals batters had multi hit games. It was fun to watch. He talked about it after the game. "It was one of those things that I finally got a hit in a clutch situation when we needed it, just to give us the lead and every at-bat after that," DeJesus said. "I just want to bring this game into tomorrow and keep it rolling."

Odalis Perez, 3-5, got his first victory in seven starts dating to April 25. He gave up just one run in five innings before a baseless homer in the sixth. “This was one of those special nights,” Perez said. “The guys scored eight runs for me by the fourth, and the bullpen was great. They came in and stopped their offense.” he delighted, added, "You know how many tough games I’ve been in,” he said, “and I’d come out with a lead and for one reason or another, I’d get a no-decision or a loss. It’s time for me to get a win like this.”

Mike Sweeney did not play, out with an injury. (Oops!)

Latest on the Trent Green trade... (fiasco)

Just a short note.
Lamar Hunts son, Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt, won’t intervene in the trade talks between the Chiefs and Dolphins regarding quarterback Green. Saying, That matter is for Herm Edwards and president/general manager Carl Peterson. He did acknowledge:

“Trent is a person that we as a family have tremendous respect for, whether it’s what he’s done in the community or what he’s done for the football team,” Hunt said. “But that is a football decision.”

Meanwhile Green fumes.

"This is surreal," Green said. "It just reconfirms what I've done the last six years on and off the field and my family's belief about this city."

Portland gets to meet Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant was in town to have his first face to face with Blazer management leading up to the NBA draft. He impressed many. Humility and hard work were what he described as his strong points. "I don't think I'm going to be a savior wherever I go," Durant said. "I'm just going to go in with an open mind and always work hard and get better every day. . . . I know there are going to be players wherever I go who are great, even better than me..."

Talking about hard work, this self confessed gym rat admits... "Since I was young, I wasn't a regular kid," Durant said. "All I did was play basketball. I was in the gym all day. I like a lot of different things, but not as much as basketball, so that's all I did." He talked of jogging up hills and crab walks for hours on a maniacal workout schedule. As a pro he has his role models. He likens his own game to Kevin Garnett, because of the passion he plays with, and Dirk Nowitzki, because of the way they both use the post-up game; and Tracy McGrady, with his shooting and ball-handling skills.

Durant isn't really full of himself though, he puts it this way. "I was always taught to be humble, because at any day this could be taken away from me," Durant said. "I never take it for granted. I was never cocky, because I started from nothing, and that always humbles me knowing I started from nothing and that I worked my way up.

Comments?

Shaking up the Place! Royals Snap the Skid ...Start a Streak!!

Royals Centerfielder David DeJesus did not start Friday in the series opener against Tampa Bay at Tropicana Field- he took batting practice all day. DeJesus has been hitless in his last 13 at-bats and as the designated lead off hitter Manager Buddy Bell decided to shake it up, and yank him...

!!!!! It worked !!!!! Streak Snapped @ 7 !!!!

Yes its true! The Royals started this road trip up the 3-3 ace Kazmir and throttled him, for 10 hits and 3 runs while Royals Brian Bannister 1-3 earned the shutout. After pitching 8 innings, along with stringing 6 Ks and while holding down the Devil Rays to a pitiful 2 hits it can be judged safely that Bannister had his stuff. It was an eventful night.

Team captain Mike Sweeney led the Royals breaking out his bat in the third. It was then they would score the only runs they needed. Sweeney ignited the burst with his first triple since 2003. He was 2-4 and Emil Brown, in for DeJesus was 2-3. It was a good night.

Miami Dolphins Up the Ante!!

Well it happened late yesterday. The Dolphins called. Here is a few notes from the Miami Herald side of things. From an article by Barry Jackson:

"The Dolphins recently modified their trade offer for Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green, his agent, Jim Steiner, said Thursday morning. And although the Chiefs didn't immediately accept, Steiner said he continues to believe Green will end up with the Dolphins." adding there have been a lot of conversations lately"

also from the article:

"According to Steiner, the Dolphins offered a conditional sixth-round pick that would become a fifth-rounder if Green meets certain undisclosed conditions. But the Chiefs have asked for a fourth-round pick."

"Steiner has not revealed if Green will report to the Chiefs' training camp if his status hasn't been resolved by late July. Steiner said Green's $7.2 million salary would not become guaranteed until the Chiefs cut down to their 53-man roster the weekend before the regular-season opener.
Could the Chiefs actually hold onto Green until then? It could go to that point,'' Steiner said. ``I wish I had that crystal ball.''

I guess any news is Good news to Trent green. He needs to pack, he has been good to us and still gets no respect from "King Carl" Peterson, the Chiefs GM.

The Royals Look to Shake the Losers the Eight Straight Tag Tonight

Well they got time to sit down and polish their bats yesterday. The wood hasn't been good to them in recent weeks, It just hasn't. This morning though they get to lounge in Florida until about 6pm when they will take the field against Scott Kazmir and the Devil Rays @ Tampa Bay.

Odds are, they will get a win to stop this current skid, maybe not against Kazmir but they face a couple more guys in the next three days. Those guys with eras of seven point something scheduled to start games nine and ten.

I hate to put my faith in numbers... because the Royals haven’t won in St. Petersburg since Sept. 22, 2004. Gulp... Hard..!

We'll just have to see.

Hmmm... Whats next??

The Detroit Pistons are having a little trouble ousting those Cleveland Cavaliers right? Well, I don't think they can beat the Pistons in a best of seven but the Cav's sure are showing younger legs and Detroit can be a step behind at times. My other favorite team in the East is the Chi-town Bulls. I know those guys are all getting pretty tired of watching all this post season action. If only they would have had a "Bull" playing the low post like a menace... hmm, like a... yeah, like a Zach Randolph!!! Then they would have gotten more out of their '07 playoff appearance. Zbo, the Zachman, he "averaged" 26 and 10 against the Pistons this year for the Blazers. He may do that for years to come, if the Bulls play it right, like before the draft!!! The 25yo Zbo had this to say recently, "Anywhere I go, I know I will be able to do the same thing. (26pts 10 rebs) One thing about me, I know I can play the game with the best". Randolph said he doesn't really want to be traded especially if they get Oden, but he knows it is a business and- "if I do, I would like to go to a winning team." Besides it could work out great for all of us. The Bulls get their missing, inside punch and we get to watch Zach and them all year on WGN !!!!! See you in the '08 Championships Zbo!!! What do you think?

Rare Team Meeting Fails to Fire the Winning Rally- 6 game slide Continues

Well, it was another loss last night, this time ONLY by the score of 6-2! Jorge De La Rosa gave up three in the sixth to about close the relatively interesting 3-2 ballgame. The Royals scattered only three hits while their pitchers gave up about eleven.





“The only thing left is tomorrow,” Royals catcher John Buck said. “Win a ballgame. That’s all there is to it.”

Not even calling a Position Players Only Meeting, the first team meeting called since last year, on May 22nd, when they scattered five hits and still lost their 10th of 13. Back in 2001 they called a total of three meetings I guess... maybe they should just all go out to Worlds of Fun this afternoon and get soaked.

Your opinion?

There is a lot of people just getting aware of the fact that the Northwest division of the NBA is about to get a 'hole lot tougher for Denver and the Nuggets next year. The Denver Post and writer Marc J. Spears wrote of a possible ensuing dilemma. Actually he seems to be almost too positive about the possibility, saying that perhaps, three of the top four teams may come out of the Northwest Division. Optimism fer sure. He seems to be demanding more respect for the TV share in that part of the country. He wants too look forward to all the increased TV money- while the east coast still moans about having to stay up late to watch important games!!! LOL!!!

Spears writes, "New NBA television deals for TNT, ESPN and ABC are being negotiated, but it's uncertain when they will be finalized. Although national ratings have taken a slight dip the past year, word is it won't have a big impact on negotiations." Mainly because most of the country will be sleeping and firing up the TiVo.

It is good to finally be noticed, be a factor again! Chuckle chuckle chuckle.
Comments?

So Un-Memorable Again! So Bad!!

What the hey, its was Memorial Day. Offering too much respect.. the Royals hoisted up a white flag early, right after the grand salami Baltimore lit them up with. Just another 9-1 loss to the Baltimore Orioles at Kauffman Stadium.

It was so ugly, once again, so lopsided early that once the game reached the middle of the fourth... I'm serious, I wondered why so many fans stayed. Once it even rained like the devil, hard, for a moment giving everyone I'm sure the hope the game would be called before deemed "complete". That didnt work either.

Royals selected for their starter Scott Elarton, 1-1, then he paid for four walks in the first four innings. Yes. All scored; one to start the game and three in the fourth. “I was just terrible,” Elarton said. “There’s really not much else to say. The walks kill you, and there’s not a better example of that than today.” Elarton was yanked after he allowed seven runs and six hits in five innings. Pitiful again. Comments?

O O Sam Bowie II ???????

There is smoke in the air, wafting through the breeze could it be- oh please say NO- please! The Potland Tribune Kerry Eggars reports that perhaps the Blazers are bluffing talking Greg Oden over Durrant. Say it ain't so...

It is his opinion after talking with the Blazer GM Kevin Pritchard that "the Blazers may decide that Durant, a small forward who reminds NBA aficionados of Tracy McGrady, has a Jordanesque quality they can’t pass by." he later adds of Pritchard, that "Pritchard wouldn’t confirm it, but I’m assuming he considers Durant the high-risk/high-return player, Oden the lower-risk player with perhaps not quite as much upside. Then Pritchard was asked if he’s inclined to take risks or surer things." When cornered and asked his opinion by the writer, “Normally, I like the higher risk,” the Portland GM answered. “I’m a high-risk person. Sometimes to get to the championship level, you have to take big risks.”

What?

I too think that the running game of LMA and Roy, along with Outlaw and Sergio can be a title team for contention with the ability to kick the ball out to Durrant for the three. Or run a more effective pick and roll with the Texan who would be playing once again with his old teamate from the University. Chemistry cant fail, it is a naturally developing phenomenon the result of two or more elements coming together and the reaction that ensues.

Bring Zbo off the bench to play the low post game and destroy the oppositions' second string for his 20/10 per game.

Pritchard added in closing... “It’s on all of our shoulders,” he says. “But when somebody’s pointing a gun at one person, it will come down to me.” What do you think?

Dotel Gives up Six Runs in Nine Hits- on Top it All!!

Royals Catcher John Buck showed it all when he was infuriated after popping out to the catcher in the fifth Sunday. He then walked slowly to the dugout while slamming the end of his bat over and over off his cleat walking off the field.

The display represented alot of the ire the team was suffereing in its fourth straight loss, 7-4, to the Mariners at their own, Kauffman Stadium. After an 8-2 winning stretch recently, this Kansas City club has dropped its last four games by a combined score of 36-10.

Of the losing streak following the winning streak Buck said-"It's bad," later. "Obviously we had some good momentum going, but it got stopped real quickly."

Manager Buddy Bell after pondered it all, lamented "Unfortunately, we are not swinging the bats well enough to bang with these kinds of guys,"

All this writer has to say about that observation is "Duh!"

Royals Play like Pond Scum Again! ...Sigh!

The fine KC Royals were the hottest team in baseball just about a week or so ago. This team won eight times of ten, came home from a winning record on a long road trip and then took two of three against the division leaders. Buddy Bell has no answer for the latest sweep dust and trash at the hands of the Mariners at our own ballpark. The Royal manager puts it simply, we gotta manufacture good run support so our starting pitchers arent thrown in a hole in the game's, any game's, first three innings. “Sounds like the last four games we’re talking about the same game,” manager Buddy Bell said. “Not enough pitching, not enough offense. That’s a bad combination.” Losing their fourth sweep of the season, he adds, “We’ve got to do some things offensively that we haven’t done consistently all year,” Bell said.

“We don’t hit a lot of home runs, so we’ve got to string hits together. I really believe we will start stringing hits together because we are capable." Maybe this team will start to finally follow through, drag a few bunts, steal a few bases and use their team speed. They have the weapons, in the young legs, but thoase weapons are not yet being called from the closet. Maybe while this team is down in the division basement they can do the housekeeping necessary to clean out those closets! What do you think?

Milwaukie Newspaper gets R.O.Y. opinion on NBA draft

It's been quite a season for Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy. After being a near-unanimous choice for this season's NBA rookie of the year award, he represented the team at the Tuesday's draft lottery, where Portland landed the No. 1 pick in the draft.

Q. How do you feel about the prospect of playing with a potentially great center like Greg Oden of Ohio State?

A. It would be great to play with a player like him. He has the ability to change the game defensively and offensively. He has the chance to be special.

Q. What went through your mind when you realized you were going to be in the top three?

A. I was really getting nervous. Before it started, I figured things would probably hold up. Then when we made it to the top three, I started thinking about the possibility of playing with a Greg Oden or Kevin Durant. We really have a chance to have a great young team, and I'm excited to grow with this team.

Q. What was your good-luck charm?

A. I didn't have one. Everybody said you have to make up something, and I told them that wouldn't be me. I've never had a good-luck charm and I didn't want to start (Tuesday) with one. I came out here being myself and it worked for me. We really have no control over it. The balls bounce the way they do.

Q. Is this team headed toward competing for a championship in a few years?

A. I think you have to start thinking that way. When you get a chance to get a top player, that bodes well for the future. I think we really have the chance to build something.

Tom Enlund

(Portland fans) really Hate that city, says coach Nate

"This rivalry is just going to continue to go up," said Ron Matthews, the Sonics' director of digital media. "Needless to say, we're very eager to see this thing play out.

Coach Nate McMillan in Portland vividly recalls the days of true "Blazermania," when red and black-clad fans invaded the Kingdome for Seattle home games. Only three opponents caused a ticket demand that forced the Sonics to relocate from the Seattle Coliseum to the larger Kingdome: the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan, the Boston Celtics and Larry Bird, and the Portland Trail Blazers.

Now it would be in GM Kevin Pritchard's best interest to leave the NBA world in limbo about the Portland Trail Blazers' plan with the No. 1 pick. However, the rest of the NBA is extremely upset that NEITHER of the two best rookie players in the league next season will be playing on the east coast.

Yes. Half of the nation will now know what is like to have to stay up long hours to watch a game on NBA.live (that doesnt hurt my feelings!) televised until about 11:30pm EST. Those talented players, Oden and Durant, the Trail Blazers and Sonics are expected to draft at 1-2 and perhaps begin a new tremendously regional one-on-one rivalry. It would in this bloggers opinion be GREAT for this league to have another "piston" to drive this west coast NBA machine.

You know the NBA already has the LA rivalry in place, the bay area rivalry in north Ca. and now they will add millions more viewers from the Great Northwest tuning in five nights a week and buying season tickets and all that NBA licensed material for sale on the internet.

The NBA doesn't need worry, moan, to whine about potential viewership problems in the east tonight, it doesnt have to redo the lottery system. They need to just hop aboard, and follow the old Lewis and Clark trail to all those fresh NEW unexplored dollars in the Pacific Northwest.

Jared Allen is Back!

“You’ve got to play on the edge to be a great player,” Allen said, “but you don’t have to live on the edge to be one. I’ve always lived and played football the same way. I was playing on the edge and living on the edge."

To go along with it, Jared Allen has made a lot of positive change in his life. He has trimmed his wiry whiskers into a well-kept beard. People now have been asking about him- he is smiling much, much more.

He spouted trash- all spring, he once did have his grief with the GM "King Carl Peterson" You see, Allen was seeking a multiyear contract while he is approaching the top of his game. He wanted to be paid similarly to the best at his position. He got in the end , just a one year contract.

Someone asked Allen whether he’d shed some weight, he answered “Fifteen pounds,” “Thanks for noticing.” Is this the same Defensive End who was suffering his second DuII just last year?
Allen has spent the off season learning jujitsu and kick-boxing. He’s busy, he has got himself a personal trainer and uses a high-protein diet.

“Haven’t had a drink in eight months,” Allen says. “I don’t need any more headaches.”
No more beer. Herm Edwards is beaming, couldn’t be more pleased with the new attitude. Jared said. “I’m here to get the rust off and help these young guys get ready for the season,” adding “We’ve got a great team. Someone has to step up. Whether it’s an injury, a suspension or whatever, things happen in football. Someone has to step up. Being a leader on the team, my job is to help get that person ready.”

Allen said he’s chosen the latter — and it’s not just about giving up drinking.

It’s little things, like going to bed earlier so his workout the next day will be more productive. Or hiring a personal trainer to monitor his exercise and diet. Along with chicken and steak, Allen likes sushi.

“I love my diet,” Allen said. “I’m eating lean, man. Even when I’m out having fun I try to make sure my diet stays clean.

“For me it was all about deciding to do something in life. My hand was forced, sure. It is what it is. I’m a self-driven guy. I started making these changes eight months ago. This is how I live now.”

Allen is hoping his hard work pays off on the field. He led the league in pressures a year ago, but, for him, that’s not good enough. Instead he dwells on the sacks that he narrowly missed, the ones that “slipped through” his hands. If he’d just finished a few of those plays he may have been in Hawaii in February.

“I missed the Pro Bowl again,” Allen said. “I’m trying to get to the Pro Bowl. I’m trying to help our team more, maybe by getting a sack late in the fourth quarter or whatever. There are all sorts of different things running through my mind about how make our team better.”

The only problem is that the Chiefs will have to wait until October to reap the benefits of Allen’s offseason work. As optimistic and bubbly as Allen is now, Edwards said he realizes there could be mood swings during the ensuing months.

Coach Herm definiely likes what he sees, yet... he has reservations. “He thinks it’s easy now,” Edwards said, “but when we kick the ball off in Houston and he can’t play … you’re talking about a healthy player that loves to play football. He won’t be able to go out there and help his team win. It’s going to bother him. And it should because he’s a heck of a player who brings a lot of energy to this team. It’s something we’re going to have to help him with.”
Allen has insisted he’ll be fine, that his positive attitude will help him persevere.

Kansas City Chiefs May Be in Control

The Chiefs acquired new life at middle linebacker when they signed Napoleon Harris during the off season. He was seen as more mobile at 255 than his predecessor Kawika Mitchell who has left the team in free agency. This guy Harris was a standout on the roster at Oakland before moving to Minnesota and the Vikings the last two years. He seems to not mind the handle "control freak"- he feels has lived up to it over his career.

“It’s not like I boss people around. I just don’t want to have the clamps put on me to where I can’t do something I’m accustomed to doing. That way I can’t control my own destiny.” Translation: "You are supposed to be over there teammate- don't make me have to cover for your ass, I got a job to do!"

He seems to be adjusting well to KC despite the uproar over Trent Green and his public displays during OTA week. Napoleon likes what he sees. “This is one of the more athletic groups I’ve played with,” said Harris, who has 333 career tackles and six career sacks. “Hopefully that will translate into some wins."

Speaking of his latest defense, to that Chiefs coach Herm Edwards said “They move around very well... “and our defensive line is very athletic all of a sudden, too. We’ve got some speed over there. We’re trying to do some things to create competition, to maybe push some guys. That’s what you want to do on your football team: You want to make guys compete within your team.

Meanwhile Trent Green just wants to play in Miami, he hopes all this player movement and pushing around results in a ticket to Florida real soon. Everyone pray, this all-pro veteran quarterback deserves a whole lot more respect.