Fear the Rally Monkey

It is Thursday, and I am way behind as we had a late night (by my standards). We were in Anaheim for Orioles-Angels last night, and had a pretty solid baseball experience. Man, Vladimir Guerrero is my hero. He has to be in the debate of “best player in baseball”.

Well, the Modano deal is done, so now we can all go on with our lives. It is now up to him to prove his worth, and I think he will.

Anyway, here is the deal. It is almost 10 am, and I do not have time to blog. I have to get to football practice and listen to the 11 am press conference. So, with that in mind, please feel free to post your own links (within reason), and check back tomorrow.

Do You Believe This?

What a crazy day. It started in the morning with some goofy website and some goofy FM sports radio station in Dallas claiming it was done, Mike Modano was a Boston Bruin. Then, it developed into word that no deal was done anywhere. Then, I spent all of my energy pleading with the Stars to “do something while you still can!” (I do realize that the noon hour on BaD Radio had nothing to do with the scenario, but it is my story and my blog. At least I Hope the Stars are not going to determine the path of their franchise based on a dopey radio show.)

Then, came the news that they are talking again, and the Stars are now back in the game. Then, my phone exploded with news that it was done – He signed in Dallas. Then, the waiting game ensued….and we waited. Nothing. Then, reports that Boston is still in this. And then, Mikey Mo goes to sleep. Why? Because he was annoyed for a few weeks, and now he is going to be a bit stubborn and make the Stars sweat a bit, I suspect. And honestly, I don’t blame him.

But, what was with the Stars reversal? Or did they just have a poor way of negotiation? Is it possible that Tom Hicks put on his cape and saved the day? The final chapter is still being written. But as of this second, I am very pleased for two reasons: 1) it appears the face of the franchise is here for the rest of his career and 2) it appears that the contract is incredibly reasonable. He will get a 5 year deal, but years 4 and 5 (when he is 38 and 39) are both incredibly cheap and you could very well pay that and not sweat the fact that he is no longer half the player he was.

Modano almost done …

Hicks says:

"The last thing I said was, 'Do we have a deal?' and he said, 'Yes.' So I said, 'Congratulations on finishing your career with us,' and we left it at that," he said. "Is it legally binding? No. Could Mike change his mind? That's his prerogative. But in my mind we have a deal."

But, Modano still is dragging his feet:

Modano said he wanted to sleep on the offer and would give Hicks an answer in the morning.

"Boston is still out there, and if they were to make an offer I think I would have to listen," he said. "I think we agreed in principle [with the Stars] and said we need to still take a little more time."

When asked to put a percentage on it, Modano said that 90 percent sounded "about right."

Lebreton says Modano is making the Stars wait …

The Stars' offer to Modano is fair, mostly because it addresses the long-term issue that Mike was searching for. If he can't play hockey four or five years from now, Modano can be the franchise's best ambassador, same as always.

On Tuesday night, Modano slept on the offer. Just because he could, probably, and maybe also because he wanted to give Armstrong a taste of his own medicine.
But don't push it, Mo. There's a puzzle still to be assembled. There are Stars fans' hearts, already wounded, who can't take any more suspense.

Save by Hicks. Goal by Modano.

Anything else, and the news conference would have been a wake.

Meanwhile, NY Times says Raffy knew what he was doing …

The positive drug test that has left Rafael Palmeiro's legacy in doubt involved the potent anabolic steroid stanozolol, a person in baseball with direct knowledge of the sport's drug-testing program said yesterday.

Stanozolol, known by its brand name, Winstrol, was most notably linked to the Olympic sprinter Ben Johnson of Canada, who was stripped of a gold medal in 1988 after testing positive for that steroid.

Now Palmeiro, one of only four major league players with more than 3,000 hits and 500 home runs, is being associated with the same substance.

The person who said that Palmeiro tested positive for stanozolol did not want to be identified because the testing policy prohibits anyone in baseball from disclosing information about test results without authorization.

Palmeiro said Monday that he had never intentionally taken steroids, but stanozolol does not come in dietary supplements and is among the most popular steroids on the market. It can be ingested or injected and usually remains in a person's system for at least a month.

In other news, the Stars grabbed former Avalanche and Duck defenseman Martin Skoula …

Pronger joins Edmonton …

Chris Young – shelled again …

Revo examines the transition of the Cowboys to the 3-4 …

Peter King on Deion’s closet …

I'm in the lobby of the Ravens' team hotel here in Westminster on Sunday night and two 40ish men are sitting at a table a short spiral away with fabric samples and big binders. One of the guys was David Corbitt, who tells me he makes men's suits. He's Deion Sanders' tailor.

We get to talking, and this might be the stat of my summer. Deion, playing beyond the twilight with the Ravens, has 1,900 suits. His closet at home is 2,500 square feet.

Which compares to my sartorial stats: I have two suits, and my closet is, I'm guessing, 25 square feet.

How to know you are rich: If you have a closet that is 2,500 square feet.

Napoleon Dynamite Action Figures …

Sports By Brooks on the marriage of Derek Lowe and why it isn’t doing so well …

In Larry We Trust

Various shocking statements:

- Water is wet
- Ice is cold
- Larry Allen is at odds with his coach

I’m not sure which is less surprising, really. As Allen, who will turn 34 in November and is locked up through 2007, continues to get the headlines in Oxnard year after year, despite the fact that it is much about nothing.

Yes, he failed his training camp fitness test. Yawn. He quit like he always does, and some people assumed that this might be the end of the road for Allen. They don’t pay very close attention, as he doesn’t care about fitness tests, nor does he show any signs of leaving big dollars on the table.

The fact is that Allen has been getting by on reputation for quite sometime. Somehow, the “national experts” still generally regard LA as a premier Offensive Lineman when in reality, he is serviceable, and uninspired more often than not. The guy will go down as perhaps the single most dominant Offensive Lineman of the era, but it won’t be for what he has accomplished since the turn of the millennium.

On the other hand, he is still arguably the best player on the OL right now, and the most valuable resource in training camp. Why? Because he stabilizes the entire line, and honestly, with Right Tackle such a mess, I suggest before it is said and done, the Cowboys would be wise to consider a line that looks like this: Adams – Peterman – Johnson – Rivera – Allen.

Parcells said it yesterday in his tedious press briefing; the idea is to get the best 5 OL players on the field at the same time. Well, if that is the case, then I think your above formation is the best way to roll. On the other hand, if Allen is less mobile than Bledsoe at this advanced age, then he cannot be an option at RT where he will face off against the likes of Michael Strahan, Renaldo Wynn, and Jevon Kearse in the NFC East. That sounds daunting, but how would you like that group against Kurt Vollers or Torin Tucker?

Tucker demonstrated last season that the pass rusher off the right side is too much for him to handle, to a point where you would be required to offer TE help anyway. Vollers is a fine utility tackle who can back up on either side, but as a starter, he plays like a backup. I think Allen may be your best chance, and that is why Parcells calling him out early is fine with me. He needs to know that his performance is required for this thing to work at all. Earn that big check big fella, or Bledsoe is going to be in street clothes before Week 4.

Clearly, an offense that depends on Larry Allen to play his best football in years is an offense built like a house of cards. But as far as I am concerned, that sure appears to be the plan. Believe it or not, it beats the alternative. In Larry we trust.



Links:

Fraley demands Raffy tells us more …

Tell us more, Rafael Palmeiro.

Tell us more, for the sake of your sterling reputation and Hall of Fame chances.

Tell us more, to avoid going from one of the good guys in the game to being lumped among the biggest hypocrites in sports.

Revo, who was within 2 feet of me when he found out yesterday, Searches for answers about Raffy, too …

Modano close to gone …

Free-agent center Mike Modano said several teams offered him four-year deals on the first day of free agency Monday.

"We had some teams putting the hard-core press on us to get it done now," Modano said.

Modano said he expects to make a decision soon, possibly today, but that he would probably bring any offer back to the Stars.

"I would like to give them the chance to match any offer, so we'll have to wait and see if they will," Modano said.

The Stars need to get serious about this RIGHT FREAKING NOW…

FC Dallas takes to its new turf …

Top 10 moments in Chatting history …

The late Johnny Oates had a more painful mound memory during a game at The Ballpark in Arlington. Oates, the Rangers' manager, stood on the mound with catcher Ivan Rodriguez, waiting for a relief pitcher to arrive, when Pudge suddenly reached over and tapped Oates in the groin.

"Cup check," Rodriguez told his startled manager, who recoiled in pain.

Oates later told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram: "I've learned from my experiences: You never know what to expect when you go to the mound."

We have received many requests for the Jamal Charles interview. As opposed to me sending it to everyone, get it here , and no, I do not endorse the video that goes with it…

Dylan blogs about Raffy …

Texas Tornado Draft Update …

BUSTED

Raffy Suspended! ...

In a prepared statement, Palmeiro said he could not explain how the steroids got into his body. "I have never intentionally used steroids. Never. Ever. Period," he said. "Ultimately, although I never intentionally put a banned substance into my body, the independent arbitrator ruled that I had to be suspended under the terms of the program."

I have never intentionally used steroids. Intentionally?

I thought you were waving your finger in front of congress, back in March:

Canseco, as well as sluggers Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa and Rafael Palmeiro, testified. "I have never used steroids. Period," Palmeiro told the committee. Sosa also denied taking the drugs. McGwire said he would not tell on players who might have used steroids.

Oh, Dear.

Day 1 - Oxnard

First day in California, and I am ready for some football. The Blog won’t knock your socks off today, but it will be solid this week with Cowboys topics, so keep checking back:

Rangers keep Soriano …

I like the fact that they drew a line in the sand and insisted that they got a huge ransom for Soriano, but we must now consider two things: 1) he is now your responsibility to tender in the winter, lest you lose him for nothing. That cannot happen. And 2) we must now brace for many, many Wilson, Benoit, Ric-Rod, and C Young starts the rest of the way. I hope they are up for it.

Zubov, 3 years – 12 million …offers good news and bad news:

Good News:

Zubov's deal includes a no-trade clause, according to his agent, Jay Grossman. It makes him the second-highest paid player on the team to Bill Guerin ($6.8 million).

With nine players under contract, the Stars have spent almost $22 million. If the team has a budget around $35 million (90 percent of the NHL's $39 million cap, as prescribed by GM Doug Armstrong), they have about $13 million left to spend on 14 positions.

And now, the Bad News:

The Zubov deal could make it difficult to fit Mike Modano and another high-level defenseman under the cap.

Modano said the Stars have never put an offer on the table, and he is confused by their approach.

Said Armstrong: "We have had conversations with Mike and were never able to find common ground. That said, we still want to talk to him after he explores the market."

But wait, Modano hints that he will give the Stars a chance to match offers …

"I don't think they know my value right now," Modano said. "Maybe come next week, I'll have something to be able to take back to them."

Meanwhile, Finley to the Knickerbockers? …If you are a Knicks fan, aren’t you saying, “wait, we just bought out Al Houston so we can trade for another goofy contract?”…

Finley will be a former Maverick by Aug. 15, the deadline to exercise the amnesty clause.

Trade possibilities exist, but the returns would be marginal. New York appears to have legitimate interest as Isiah Thomas and Larry Brown begin remaking the Knicks. It's possible they would explore swapping Anfernee Hardaway or Tim Thomas for Finley.

Hardaway ($15.75 million) and Thomas ($13.975 million) have contracts that expire this season and both would match Finley's salary this season ($15.938 million) in trade scenarios.

I prefer that deal than Finley ending up in Phoenix now That Joe Johnson is out of the picture ...The Suns just took a big step back..

You Go Now! No Trouble!

If you thought John Hart was a complete buffoon, then you may have to reconsider based on just this: He figured out how to trade Chan Ho Park …

Let us never claim that so-and-so has a “un-trade-able” contract. If Washington can trade Juwan Howard’s deal, if Dallas can trade Juwan Howard’s deal, if Dallas can trade Raef Lafrentz’s deal, and if Texas can trade Chan Ho Park’s deal, then there is NO SUCH THING as a contract that cannot be moved.

And, imagine, San Diego happily did this deal. Without a prospect coming there way at all. Boy, they must have hated Phil Nevin. Oh well, I will take my chances on him, if only because I doubt he will suck the life out of the clubhouse like the finest Korean pitcher in Rangers History…

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Very few blogs in North Texas will spend any time on the NHL Draft. Heck, if you wanted to watch it, you had to join me in front of the laptop to NHL.com…Anyway, I was curious what the Stars were going to do with their two high picks, #28 and #33. Here is a look at what Doug Armstrong and his guys came up with…

Matt Niskanen …
from the 5 outlets that rate players, he was ranked between 30 and 93. The Stars selected him 28th…

Scouting Report:

The future UMD Bulldog is a very smooth skater who has the foot speed and hand speed to quickly move laterally with the puck. He shoots the puck heavily and is experienced at controlling the flow of the game. He is a very poised player who chooses when to get involved with the play, and is capable in all situations.

James Neal …

Scouting Report on James Neal from hockeysfuture.com:

Talent Analysis
Scout #1: He was better earlier in the year than he was late; he made better plays and saw the ice better and. He looks like he might be a decent skater sometimes and then other times I’d see him try to make the turn at center ice and I’ve seen a river barge with more turning ability. I soured on him as the year went on.
Scout #2: I like James Neal and I think he has a good upside. I don’t think he had the second half of the season that I had hoped he would to prove his worth because I think he wore down a bit. I still think he’ll be a pretty good player.

In other news, The MLS all-stars destroyed Fulham, 4-1 …Fulham is a middle-of-the-road English team in the premiership in England. In debates with my English soccer friends, I would generally be told that the best the MLS has to offer would be a 3rd division team in England. That means the equivalent of a AA baseball team. Well, let’s remember that this is a pre-season exhibition for Fulham, and on their best day they cannot play with Chelsea or Arsenal, but for a group of MLS All-stars to dominate in the final 20 minutes of the game like they did, sure convinced me that the MLS is making great strides.

The Morning News sits with a wise man …Just ask him…

The Good News: Barry Horn mentioned our show today …for maybe the first time ever.

The Ticket hasn't had a daytime lineup change since 2000, when BaD Radio took over the noon-3 p.m. time slot. That's Cal Ripken-like.
Program director Jeff Catlin calls the consistency "one of the key reasons behind The Ticket's success."

The Bad News: Just a few factual errors from Mr. Horn: Norm was the last lineup change in 2000 when he took over 10a-12p from Chris Arnold, and BaD Radio actually took over in 1999. Otherwise, flawless work again.

My Friday Bag

DallasNews.com is almost impossible to use these days with those new pseudo-pop up ads. Between the weight loss ad that makes you sit through it for 10 seconds, and the new Cowboys Season Tickets ad that moves with you while you scroll to increase your blood pressure, I am about ready to boycott. Yeah, that will make them change it.

Mets continue to ponder Soriano and Soriano continues to audtion well…

My Views on Soriano and what to do with him? Allow me to remind you:

From the June 18th edition of the blog:

He currently leads the Rangers in Home Runs, 2nd in RBI’s, tied for the lead in Total Bases, 2nd in Slugging, and 1st in Runs Scored. He also has more errors than any player in baseball that doesn’t play shortstop, and for that matter, is 3rd in the big leagues in errors for anyone at any position. He, of course, is Alfonso Soriano.

He is the lightning rod of the Texas Rangers. Whether it is a talk show, a message board, or a conversation around the water cooler, he is the guy who Rangers fans share a love/hate relationship with. Is he the best 2nd baseman in baseball, or is he a dog who needs to be dealt?

Depends who you ask.

At the end of 2005, he will be eligible for arbitration. That means he will likely get a sizeable raise off of his $7.5 million salary. That means he may not be long for the Tom Hicks financially frugal plan. He isn’t home grown. He occasionally reminds people of Juan Gonzalez with his casual play and inconsistent concentration, and he also made it pretty clear he had no desire to play in the outfield here when the Rangers dealt for him last spring.

Can the Rangers invest the future in Soriano? Can they marry him to his beloved 2nd Base position? Many will say that this would not work long-term given his defensive liabilities, but if you don’t like his 11 errors, can you really be eager to give his job to Ian Kinsler who would be the next in line since he has 14 errors in Oklahoma City?

Does he get criticism from fans and media because he really has huge holes in his game? Or, is it perhaps a byproduct of him not being a home-grown son, like Blalock, Teixeira, and Young. Young of course was technically not home-grown, but he has never played an inning in another uniform. Soriano played for the hated Yankees, and seems to not be a stereotypical “Buck guy”. He has flare, he showboats a bit, and he blows the occasional routine play. These are not things his skipper cares for.

I write this today because I am not sure I know the answers. I watch him play, and I think he is a valuable middle-of-the-lineup guy who the Rangers should be discussing an extension with. I do concede that those conversations should include serious discussions about an Outfield or Designated Hitter assignment, and therefore should be held in the off-season so as to not rock the boat in mid-June. But, I read my email or the newspaper, and I am told that he is what is wrong with the Rangers. Is Fraley wrong? Is the Rangers Fan wrong? Or are my own eyes?

Look, I don’t like his defense, either, but I could live with one butcher in the infield, if he will occasionally make a spectacular play (see his throw on Friday night to the plate) and the rest of my infield is gold glove caliber. I could really live with him playing an outfield spot. His bat can carry you through many tough days even if his “Runners in Scoring Position” average is down this year. He can flat-out rake. If he would settle for a 4-year/$40 million dollar deal, I would sign it tomorrow morning.

Little has changed since June 18th, except the reality that they are moving him this weekend. Oh well.

Evan on the struggles of Chris Young …

Young, who lasted four innings Wednesday, has seen any hopes for Rookie of the Year honors wilt with a horrid 10.18 ERA for July. In four of his last five starts, he's failed to get through five innings. And he's averaging an unworkable 21 pitches per inning for the month.

Rangers pitching coach Orel Hershiser, however, said he is not concerned by Young's struggles. He considers Young's season as a whole – the 8-6 record, the 4.50 ERA and a team-best 100 strikeouts in 115 innings.

Stars do something they had to do: Sign Shawn Belle …I really like what I have seen of this kid. Not sure if he is ready yet, that may depend on the signings of Zubov and Hatcher, but I would buy stock in him…

Razor has a blog now …

Can you do a sports media column 2 days after the Radio Ratings come out and not mention them? The Star-Telegram says, “Yes, you can” …

The Mick-a-roo on Drew Bledsoe …

It is fairly obvious, I don’t have much to offer you today. Its Friday. Sue me.

Sorry Sosa

What a low-class move by Sosa last night at home plate with the karate kick slide followed by the “my bad” apology before Rod Barajas pummeled him. There was nothing unintentional about that move, and if the Rangers are old school, and they are, Sosa needs to have one buzzed by his ear tonight. There is a good chance Barajas will need a trip to the DL, and Sosa needs to pay. That was weak.

By the way, the Rangers won, and GMJ is putting up AL Player of the Week numbers.

One more thing about Los Rangers, In Early June, we were discussing pitchers in the Rangers system, and who would be “untouchable” among the young arms. I made the controversial statement that Chris Young would not be untouchable, because A) he would have the most value (at the time he was among the league leaders in ERA) and B) I was concerned about his lack of pedigree, and wondered if this was a mirage. If you had to chose a young pitcher to use to get Roger Clemens here, I would recommend Young before the DVD boys. Many thought I was high, and screamed at me how wrong I was.

I sure hope I was wrong, but what you see now is not good.

The graphic that the TV guys used before last night’s game showed this:

Chris Young ERA
First 13 starts 2.78
Last 7 starts 7.83

In 5 starts in July, he has an ERA of 10.18 with 23 Earned Runs in 20.1 Innings. Now it is up to him to adjust to the adjustments AL hitters have obviously made against him.

Rogers begins suspension, Rangers play with 24 …

Rangers owner Tom Hicks said he planned to call Selig to once again pass along the Rangers' unhappiness at what Hicks deemed "unfair" treatment. Hicks was upset that the commissioner did not allow the Rangers' request to keep 25 players on the active roster in Rogers' absence.

"I'm not surprised by the decision not to reduce the suspension because Bud told me he wasn't going to reduce it," Hicks said. "What I'm disappointed about, though, is that we have to play short-handed. That's very unfair."

And for once, Me and Mr. Hicks agree on something…

Fraley with a quick take …

It's a second-guess, but Rogers and the Rangers would be better off today if he had never appealed Selig's decision. The suspension would have been served by now, and the club could not be in worse shape. The Rangers went 8-12 in the first 20 games after Selig's initial ruling.

Bob Gainey’s farewell gift to the Stars, Pierre Turgeon (above) is bought out …He will go down as one of the softest players ever to wear the star. He will also go down as one of the nicest humans ever to roll through town. Kinda like Shawn Bradley, I guess.

Why do we feel cheated by this guy? Production. Plain and simple. He tried hard, but he never produced here. In the 3 years BEFORE he came to Dallas, Pierre averaged 71 points per season. In the 3 seasons he was here, he dropped to 43.

2003-04 Dallas NHL 15 25 40
2002-03 Dallas NHL 12 30 42
2001-02 Dallas NHL 15 32 47

Say what you want about Guerin and his deal, but his production is almost exactly at the levels they were when he signed.

Only watch this if you enjoy incredibly juvenile humor Click Here if you do…and don’t complain about what you saw to me…

Once upon a time, on planet Bob …



How goalie pads used to look …

Coming soon: Arrested Development, Season 2 ...Excellent.

Javon Walker does report on time ...Not sure what to make of this...

Revo on the Ballpark …

In the four years before The Gold Club opened, 780 home runs were hit at The Ballpark in Arlington. In the past four seasons (2001-04), 936 homers have flown out of the park, a 20 percent spike.

From 1996-1999, 1,031 homers were bashed at the hitter's paradise known as Coors Field in Denver, 251 more than at The Ballpark during the same period of time.

But in the past four seasons, only 15 more homers were hit at Coors than in Arlington, and with 155 homers already hit at The Ballpark this season compared to 107 at Coors, The Ballpark has become baseball's most prolific launching pad.

Finally, here is Attorney Dan (not to be confused with Lt. Dan) to discuss corporate economics:

Bob,

I would’ve posted this on the Blog, but it’s long, so I thought if ya’ll deemed it worthy, you could put the stuff on that’s interesting. Dan, please give it a chance even though the minute you saw the length, you put your head on the desk for a nap.

With all this talk about Hicks, revenue, players and ticket prices, I thought it would be important to look at corporate accounting and how it really relates to Hicks. I do NOT work for, have never worked for Mr. Hicks and do NOT have financial information that would be considered confidential so a lot of this is extrapolation (guessing with part of the facts).

Most large companies, including professional franchises, diversify their revenue streams and expense streams in order to break even or take a loss every year. Corporate tax rates are ridiculous so it makes no sense to “turn a profit”. If you see that you’re going to make money in a year, increase expenses. If you see you’re going to lose too much money, transfer expenses. As you said, it is called creative accounting and believe me it is standard operating procedure.

What the average fan needs to know is that in order to dilute liability, transfer income and above all reduce taxes, it is smart to have a separate business entity (Corporation, L.L.C, Partnership) to:

Operate the front office
Operate travel
Operate parking
Operate concessions
Operate the stadium
Operate the actual team
Contract with media/TV
Contract with sponsors
Deal with government incentives (tax breaks, abatements, real estate interests around the stadium)
And more, but you get the point.

Until all of these things are put into one large financial statement, there is no telling how much Hicks is making or losing. God knows what his annual salary is. He could be paid $500K from each entity, show a loss for the year from the companies of $20 million and STILL make out with $15 or $20 million in personal income.

As I said before, I don’t know exactly what Hicks has to disclose and include on his financial statements that he turns into the league, but he should be aware that we’re not that stupid.

I’m sorry guys, but unlike the other two owners, Hick’s financial model is clearly all business. Winning is a pleasant surprise, but not expected.

Dan

Wednesday Sports Thoughts

Today, let's read some email:

Hi Bob and Dan,

I must admit, it has taken me a while to warm up to BaD radio, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the past few weeks, maybe it's the return of hockey, maybe not. I listen all day on the road and at work, and I used to tune out from noon to 3, but not anymore. I guess what I'm trying to say is, good work. I don't think you've changed anything, so I guess the problem was me. I just wasn't used to your style. Anyway, please keep killing the Rangers front office, especially Hicks and that coward John Hart. Since we live in such a brutal media market, maybe if you guys keep calling them on every stupid thing they do, and the Star-Telegram and Morning News write at least one derogatory article per day, we can run him out of town before completely ruins our Stars too.

Anyway, got to get back to work, just wanted to say a quick word.

Patrick Lowry
Frisco, TX

Then, this zinger from Dallas Bat Girl:

Nice game of softball yesterday with John Daniels. Big Talkers. What about the leaks in the organization? What about the cancelled Winter Carnival, the autograph sessions? The Kenny Rogers mess? Financial flexibility?

Another thing Bob, do some investigative work. You keep bringing up the Fox money. It is spent, gone. Its not there. When is the last time the Rangers paid a bill within 60 days? Spent to keep Hicks afloat. Spent for a Gold Club that ruined the wind patterns. THERE IS NO FOX MONEY COMING IN. SAME FOR THE AMERIQUEST MONEY SPENT TO PAY THE BILLS.

Gay or not gay? The Bob and Dan interview with John Daniels.

Obviously, I had to respond to these charges, so here is what I sent her:

you address two entirely different issues, so allow me to answer them:

1) our handling of Jon Daniels: I make no apology for how we handle the assistant GM- When we get the GM or the owner on, we ask them direct questions about their jobs. Jon Daniels is their assistant, and it is really easy to bully someone's assistant, but not proper. He has nothing to do with their handling of autograph sessions. Further, we have never built a relationship with him, as yesterday was our first visit. One way to insure you will never receive another visit from someone is to throw at their head when they are just meeting you. It is always easy to ask tougher questions as you sit at your radio.

2) Tom Hicks money. Enjoy your fantasy land. The Fox money is spent? Perhaps you could believe your faulty sources, or you could believe Forbes magazine:

Forbes 2001

"Sure enough, News Corp. soon stepped up to the plate with two deals that were rich enough to keep Hicks from launching his own sports channel. In October 1999 Fox Sports Southwest signed a 15-year, $300 million cable TV deal with the Rangers and Stars. Six months later Hicks signed a separate $250 million, 10-year local TV package with another News Corp. subsidiary to broadcast Rangers and Stars games. "

Do the MATH!!!

That is $550 in local tv money through 2015, and roughly $45 million every year being paid through 2010. Then, $19 million from ESPN/Fox- But, if you say the money is spent, well, I guess you are right, and Forbes is wrong.

I am sure you mean well, but there is no reason to write with such attitude- We can certainly debate this in a more polite tone, no?

Thanks for listening to BaD Radio!

Bob

Adam reminds us that despite Hicks, Dallas is still pretty spoiled:

Bob, I trust your judgement here but maybe its appropriate to remind the metroplex that while this owner spending transition is dramatic, they have had three of the best owners in all of sports for the past decade. Be upset. Be angry. But for the love of god, realize how fortunate you are for having the opportunity to enjoy such great ownership and having such a terrific product on the field for so many years. If we are going to change the situation, we all need to quit putting money in Hicks' pocket. Keep Sportsing. Midwesterners rule.

Adam

Jason writes in defense of the iron glove of Ian Kinsler:

Bob,

Kinsler in no way has an "iron glove" as you suggest. If you only look at his error totals, it may appear that way, but you can't simply look at error totals. Keep in mind that Kinsler is changing positions from SS to 2B. His AAA defensive numbers are very comparable to Mike Youngs the year he made the same switch. Considering Mike turned out to be a gold glove caliber 2B, please don't spread the misconception that Kinsler is poor defensively.

Jason Allen

My response:

17 errors is a ton. Are you telling me Mike Young had 17, too? That is something I might have missed. I am just making the point that Kinsler is clearly not ready, yet everyone suggests he is.

And his response to my response:

Bob,

you're right, 17 errors is a lot, but keep in mind when Kinsler was drafted in the 17th rd out of the University of Missouri, he was drafted as a slick fielding light hitting SS. The offense was a surprise. I am not going to condemn him for 17 errors in 2/3 of a minor league season in which he has changed positions. Compliments of jamey Newberg:

"July 15 Newberg Report:

Norm Hitzges called Kinsler a "butcher" defensively on his radio show yesterday, and I couldn't disagree more. Hitzges evidently based his assessment on Kinsler's 15 errors in 82 games, in what's basically his first work ever at second base. Frame of reference: when Texas acquired Michael Young from Toronto in 2000, he'd played 90 games for AA Tennessee. Young had 16 errors in that span, and another seven in 41 games for Tulsa following the trade.

Jason Allen

Very interesting stuff, Jason. I may have to re-evaluate that.

A few links:

Art Garcia on the Mavs desire to trade Finley ...You can want to trade him all you like, but it takes two to tango...

A list of the first black players for each MLB franchise ...

Kelly Chase vs. Jim Cummings ...a great fight!

Chuck Wilson leaves ESPN Radio ...One of my childhood influences for sure...

Rosenhaus's life of poverty ...

Rosenhaus lives on Allison Island on Miami's intracoastal waterway. There's one street on the island, a palm-tree-lined boulevard, and 24-hour guard service to keep the public out. Rosenhaus, along with his younger brother and partner, Jason, purchased the house a little more than a year ago from Warren Sapp, one of his clients. The purchase price, according to Miami-Dade County property records, was $2,159,000.

The house includes five bedrooms, five baths and one of the most elaborate communication systems this side of NASA's Kennedy Space Center.
Rosenhaus says he owns two Treo 650s, a high-tech phone system that includes a palm pilot, a calendar, Internet and e-mail access, and also a message center that automatically forwards his calls to his cell phone. In all, Rosenhaus said there were four phone lines installed in his home office, which also happens to be his only office.

It's from here that Rosenhaus remains in almost constant contact with his more than 80 clients, the National Football League clubs that are on his negotiating list and the reporters he uses to enhance his profile.

"You call his number and I've never gotten a secretary," said Ernie Accorsi, general manager of the New York Giants. "I don't care what time of night or day, you call him and he answers the phone."

Rosenhaus says his whole life revolves around his work, but that might be somewhat
misleading.

His home includes a pool and a gym. He says he has a new 21-year old girlfriend. And he owns more than his share of toys, including a black Hummer H2, a red convertible Ferrari 360 Spider, a boat and three jet skis.

Can a great player be named, Lastings?

For full coverage on the situation regarding Soriano to the Mets for some top talent, you must check out this morning's Newberg Report …Jamey is all over it.

Meanwhile, Baseball Analysts rates Lastings Milledge …Who is the top Rangers target from the Mets…

12. Lastings Milledge- OF- New York Mets- 20

Derek Zumsteg had a very good piece profiling Lastings’ sketchy background, which (combined with his signing bonus) was the reason that Milledge was not a top-five pick. That background is also one of the only flaws against him, who should definitely be considered the best five-tool talent in the minor leagues. The Mets, who frankly could use a new development staff, promoted Milledge a bit early, where upon he was disastrous in the Florida State League. He’ll get a second chance in the league this season, and this time should be ready. I think the world of Milledge, and it’s unfortunate that we won’t be able to see him roam centerfield in Shea Stadium. Well, I guess not too unfortunate for the Mets. What’s really fun is imagining a Milledge-Beltran-Cameron outfield, and the amazing defense that could produce. Even more so, at least with Lastings and Beltran, is the top offense.

And ESPN's John Sickels says :

Milledge has the best overall potential of any prospect in the Mets farm system, and one of the highest pure physical ceilings in the game overall. If he can develop the skills to go with his tools, he can be a star. Will he develop those skills? The early returns are mostly positive, but we need to see if he can hone the strike zone. He doesn't need to draw 100 walks a year, but even adequate plate discipline would make him a special player.

Incidentally, it appears this sketchy background is discussed Here ...Underage Sex Stuff...

Rangers prepare for the deadline …

Hicks refused to second-guess the organization's winter thinking, when it passed on the free-agent market.

The Rangers believed the market was bloated, and opted to stay away from the likes of Carl Pavano, Jaret Wright and Odalis Perez, all of whom got multiyear deals worth in excess of $7 million per year.

"Some of the dumbest deals I've ever seen were the deals that were made for pitching this winter," Hicks said. "There are a lot of clubs that wish they could take those deals back. We've got to address starting pitching, but we've got to find a different way."

A different way? What did you have in mind, Hicks? Barter? Perhaps a couple of raccoon pelts and maybe a bushel of tomatoes? If you want pitching, you MUST pay the price.

By the way, Revo says Hicks should shut up …

Stars – Modano to meet soon …And finally, one of the sides says something that makes you slightly optimistic:

"If the Stars are serious about me staying here, it shouldn't be hard to do," Modano said. "I think they can get creative and still not hurt the team in any way."

You know, the more I talk to people (Jim Lites yesterday) the more I think he is done here. They really appear fine with building the team around Brendan Morrow. I sure hope I am wrong.

Meanwhile Hatcher wants security, too …

"You can put this on the record, I won't go anywhere on a one- or two-year deal," said Hatcher, 33, from his home in Michigan. "I'm not going to pick up my family every year or so and move them to another team. I need to have some security."

Shocking. A player wants security.

Aikman re-signs with Fox for 7 years …where’s my money?

Ernie Harwell loves today’s game …no Good Old Days Syndrome here…

Skip Bayless decides to take a run at Lance Armstrong …

But forgive me if I don't leap aboard the P.C. bandwagon and anoint him the greatest all-around athlete and greatest athletic performer ever. I'd just be selling out so the legion of Lance lovers would love me, too. My mission, as I see it, isn't to tell you what you want to hear.

It's to tell you the truth: Armstrong is limited when you compare him with the greatest athletes and clutch performers because he rides a bicycle.

But if you're a cycling zealot, and you want to believe he's the greatest athlete ever, believe away. I have friends who are so consumed by cycling -- training, racing, talking about nothing but -- that to suggest to them Lance is anything but a wing-footed god is blasphemy.

Gary Hogeboom in Survivor 11 …

Sweet.