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.