Let The Truth Be Known And Told ………….
Just another Realsportsbloggers.com weblog
January 3, 2009 at 12:00 am · Filed under AJ Burnett, AL East, Baltimore Orioles, CC Sabathia, MLB(Major League Baseball ), Manny Ramirez, Mark Teixeira, New York Yankees, Sports, Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays
This cannot be the time for fans of baseball to think that the game is back to where it ought to be. With the New York Yankees simply announcing that they’re able to go out and spend in excess of $420m on three players. The world is of the belief that all is right within the game. Nothing now could be further from the truth.
A J Burnett and newly acquired teammate C C Sabathia smile for the press after the announcement is made by GM Brian Cashman as to their acquisition by the franchise .................
A J Burnett and newly acquired teammate C C Sabathia smile for the cameras after their acquisition by the Yankees was announced to the press by Yankees’ GM Brian Cashman. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Matthew C Cushman ………………………
Whilst no one can complain of this latest development it has to be said that the teams within the AL East may well be looking at this with some trepidation. Well perhaps not the Boston Red Sox. But most certainly the Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles have to be thinking to themselves what is it that they have to do in order to become competitive with the likes of high flying and big spending Yankees. Neither of the teams in question possesses the sort of financial acumen that the likes of the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox have within their means.
At some time in the foreseeable future the commissioner’s office will have to contemplate whether or not it is feasible to consider a salary cap within the game. Albeit that this will present a dilemma for a number of teams. Especially those with the financial wherewithal of the Red Sox and Yankees. Big market teams being what they are can afford to spend lavishly on players whom they feel with be of benefit to their teams. Unfortunately this is not the case for the majority of the teams within major league baseball. And it is something that Bud Selig and the team owners certainly have to face, despite their passionate belief that the game is in a healthy state.
With revenues in excess of $6.5bn a year it can be said that the game still isn’t where it ought to be when it comes to complete transparency and accountability by the league and the franchises themselves. And although it is a private entity the hierarchy of the game itself relies heavily on the goodwill of the public and the communities within which it has a presence. But if this policy is to be accepted by all of the teams within the major leagues. Then it has to be done in such a way whereby it is equitable for all. It’s something that not even the owners can agree to let alone the commissioner’s office. For much of his tenure Allan ’Bud’ Selig has been nothing more than a mouth piece for the owners and when needed most to be assertive. He was almost as docile as a church mouse. So why would we expect him now to be assertive ? He had to be dragged kicking and screaming into the twenty first century when addressing the steroid issue as he himself appeared to be oblivious as to what was happening around him. It was patently obvious what was happening but he and his minions chose to ignore it .
Angels' first baseman Mark Teixeira fields a ball during the ALDS game played between the Los Angeles Angels and the Boston Red Sox . Teixiera was recently acquired by the New York Yankees and was signed to an eight year $180m contract.
Angels’ first baseman Mark Teixeira fields a ball during the ALDS game between the Los Angeles Angels and Boston Red Sox. Teixeira was acquired by the New York Yankees and signed to an eight years $180m contract. With the acquisition the team now possesesses four of the 5 highest salaried players in Major League Basbeball. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mark Tannenbaum …………….
He may well feel that when a team like the New York Yankees can go out openly and spend a quarter of a billion dollars much like a family spends on an entertaining evening out. We may well think of it as an evening’s entertainment for the family. But for the Yankees it’s merely nothing more than a day at the office. With the sort of financial acumen that’s within the realms of the Yankees and Red Sox is now placing an even greater obstacle on the majority of the teams within the game. They in no way can match these teams for their financial muscle or success. Between the two they’ve won six of the last eleven World Series . And as much as many will say that there’s a balance within the game more so than any of the other major team sports. One would also say that when it comes to the financial viability of their teams. Those within the game of baseball are in even more of precarious position than that of their counterparts in basketball, football and perhaps hockey. The latter we know are still trying to create a sound business structure under which they can operate with some semblance of normalcy and success. There’s something that baseball can learn from the pratfalls made by the
NHL.
With these uncertain economic times it’ll now be very interesting to see how many of the teams operate. A number of the game’s major corporate sponsors are already cutting back on their expenditure and exposure within the game. And it’s going to become all too apparent as to how it’ll end up affecting many of the teams within the game. And with that’ll come the uncertainty of the fans themselves and how they choose to spend their discretionary dollars. If it comes to choosing to feeding their families and going to a game ?. Then the family will win hands down each and every time. Again that is something that the league will most definitely have to think about for the foreseeable future.
The signing of CC Sabathia , AJ Burnett may well have made everyone sit up and take note as to how serious the New York Yankees are about reacquiring their position at the top of the food chain. But it also sets about a dangerous precedence about the haves and have-nots within the game. Their signing of Mark Texieira sets about an even bigger indication as to the direction that some are able to afford themselves whilst others are not. They say “‘all is fair in love and war ………” But it’d appear that when it comes to the game of professional baseball all semblance of common sense on the part of the owners as well as the league and players themselves are falling on deaf ears. What they perceive as sound economic sense and a guarantee as to the aspirations of success is merely nothing more than a bold face charade to lure the fans through the turnstiles. In order that their coffers are filled and at the same time the cycle of greed and avarice on both sides continues amongst the players and league alike. Whilst the fans and consumers alike are thrown up a diluted and often mediocre product on the field of play.
tophatal ……………………………………….
December 7, 2008 at 9:41 am · Filed under Iraq & Afghan Wars, Political & Social Commentary
The scary thing is that we’re being told is that in the time of war the nation has to pull together and be prepared to make undue sacrifices. Wherein I’m of the opinion that the country far outweighing the sacrifices they’ve gone above and beyond themselves. However it now seems that the inevitable is about to happen. The Congress and in particular the Veterans Administration are ill serving the brave fighting men and women of this proud country.
US soldier keeps a close watch on the surrounding as his comrades are keeping vigil in Baghad, Iraq. picture appears courtesy of afp/Thomas Gilmour …………….
So many of the nation’s bravest of the brave are now succumbing to the rigors of post traumatic stress disorder. I find it inherently ambiguous that the administration as well as the VA seemingly are ignoring the issues that these men and women are now facing. Rather than making sure that these men and women are provided with the assistance they so necessarily need. We’re tending to hear a number of horror stories that seem incomprehensible. And if anything with each harrowing story the more inconsolable to the laments to these soldiers in arms.
US soldiers bow their heads in prayer before a plane is flown home to the US with the bodies of fallen soldiers. pictures appears courtesy of reuters international …………………..
And now with over 4,200 dead and a further 34,000 plus wounded we can’t take pleasure in the fact that as this action goes on we’re no longer closer to resolving the situation than on the first day we invaded both Iraq and Afghanistan. Have we caught Osama Bin-Laden ? Is Iraq now safer than before ? Albeit that we’ve been told that a democratic government has been installed under the leadership of Nouri Al-Maliki. Unfortunately the Al-Maliki led government is still in a fight with its Sunni counterpart in steering a democratic path. For all sense and purpose we can no longer sustain this stance of thinking that this war will in effect stabilize a region that hasn’t known a long standing peace in over two decades.
Members of the military bow their heads in prayer during a Sunday service held in Kabul, Afghanistan. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Tom Coltrane ………………….
In looking at the suffering of these men and women we have to ask ourselves what can be immediately done to assist these soldiers without further adding insult to injury ? We’re told how grateful we ought to be for the proud service of these men and women and the sacrifices that they and their families have made. But in effect they’ve been neglected and made cannon fodder for the politicians who’ve used them merely as a sound byte for their own unwavering agenda. And that’s to play on the emotions of the constituent that they’re said to serve. If there’s anything more abhorrent than that then I for one have yet to witness it.
A severely wounded veteran lays within a triage hospital ward of a US Army base hospital in Bilad, Iraq. The wounds that are not visible are the one which’ll go unssen. And those are the deep psychological wounds that’ll come to be known as post traumatic stress disorder(ptsd) picture appears courtesy of ap/Phil McIntyre ……………………………
Without a military that’s high in morale , the nation as a whole cannot be fully defended with the prowess that’s eagerly equated with its might. But above all what’s expected is that the men and women who so willingly serve their country are treated with the command and respect that they so fully deserve. It serves no one any good if they’re left by the wayside like some cannon fodder. If anything that was what was seen under a Bush led administration where the foibles of war are preyed upon. But the real loss was the precious loss of life without there being any semblance of care by the administration as to the well being of the nation’s bravest of the brave.
Wounded and disabled vets await treatment at a Veterans Administration facility. picture appears courtesy of huffingtonpost.com/ Pete Schneider …………………………
In a time of war we expect more of our leaders and legislators. But it has to be said what we’ve seen thus far has bordered on ineptitude from not only the administration but the Congress as a whole. Can we at least have some accountability from someone at this juncture ? Rather than there being members passing the buck at each and every instance.
Arlington National Cemetery , Arlington, Virginia. A site where a number of military veterans of these ongoing wars have been buried. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mary Talbot …………
It’s an unadulterated fact that post traumatic stress disorder (ptsd) is now laying waste to the effectiveness and morale of our men and women in the military. In particular amongst those who’ve served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. What is even more apparent is the medical assistance that’s so urgently needed and even provided hasn’t always been forthcoming from the Veterans Administration. And other such services that should be making it their paramount duty to assist these men and women. It begs the question which is worth more to this administration ? A fallen soldier or one who may well cost the country even more in costs in terms of their overall long term treatment. To my mind if they’re good enough and brave enough to fight for their country and laying down their lives. Then they ought to be treated with the accord and respect due. And not like a waif or stray found on the side of the street. Only to be cast aside or put down as one would see fit .
Members of the House and Senate joint committee on Veterans Affairs convene in Washingon , DC, to discuss issues facing returning US soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan. Amongst the topics addressed were the lack of efficient medical treatment ways in which they could be improved. Pictured from left to right are Sen. Tim Hutchinson of Arkansas, Rep. Michael Simpson of Idaho, Rep. Cliff Stearns of Florida ,Rep. Terry Everett(who’s partially hidden)of Alabama, Sen. James Jeffords of Vermont and Rep. Michael Bilirakis of Florida . picture appears courtesy of afp/ Tim Hutchinson ………………………..
And while we know that all Federal government agencies are nothing more than a bureaucratic waste heap. It has to be said that within the VA it’s become almost the norm for these men to be treated as nothing more than a name and number ! Far be it for those in the most dire of need to be treated with some semblance of a modicum of decency. But even when the staff on hand are clearly not always able to address and meet the needs of these individuals. It serves notice as to the dire task and needs they’re up against in fulfilling the most basic of medical needs. Much less deal with something so acute as post traumatic stress disorder. Bureaucracy far outweighs the needs and right of these individuals more than anything else. But then again we have also got to remember that we’re dealing with the archaic wheels of government when it comes to meeting the needs of these men and women. They tend to turn ever so slowly and if anything we only tend to hear from the hierarchy therein when there are no real problems or they’re in dire need of funds to deal with many of the apparent problems that we all know to exist. God forbid we should expect or are ask anything more of our government when it comes to treating its military with the utmost respect ! Thus far all we tend to get from many of our legislators appears to be nothing more than sound bytes. And at best it has become all too insulting of these men and women who’ve sacrificed so much for their country and for our liberty as well as their own.
tophatal …………………….
December 7, 2008 at 3:41 am · Filed under College Football
Well the SEC championship game lived up to some of the hype . But it’d be foolish to think that the two teams involved weren’t giving it their all. Much has been made as to the prowess of the Big 12 and Big 10 conferences this season. But far in a way week in week out it’s in the SEC where we see many of the teams when facing their conference rivals that we truly get to see the game played with an all too keen intensity.
Alabama fan Hayley Satterfield watches the final moments of the game between Alabama and Florida as the crucial minutes wind down. The game would be won by Florida 31-20 which was played at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Stephen Morton…
And most definitely that was the case yesterday when we saw the #1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide taken on the # 4 ranked Florida Gators for the SEC title. And would hopefully have thought the right to a berth to play for the national championship. Such are the whims of the BCS Bowl Committee than one can never be sure as how they go about voting and when they actually make up their minds to vote.
Florida quarterback Tim Tebow barely escapes the clutches of Alabama’s Rashad Johnson during the first quarter of the SEC championship game. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Dave Martin …..
And with two renowned and respected coaches leading these two programs. It can be said we had all of the makings what ought to have been a classic game. In Urban Meyer of Florida and Nick Saban of Alabama you have two coaches who are in the upper echelons of the game amongst their peers. And amongst two of the very best within the conference and some might say within the college game as a whole.
Tebow(15) again seen here escapes the cluthches of Alabama’s Javier Arenas(28) during the first o the SEC Championship game played at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. picture appearsm courtesy of ap/photo/Dave Martin ………..
And as it there was great deal on the line for the two programs. The winner would have the bragging rights as champions of the conference. And as alluded to before a chance to play for the national title. And for each coach it’d be the chance to play for a second national title that they could add to their resume’. At the same time it creates an even wider exposure for their respective programs and lures potential recruits with the added notoriety that playing for a national championship brings. And it certainly does help also that with that other than the presitige of saying your the national champions of college football. Along with it comes a lucrative financial windfall for the program and the respective conference.
John Parker Wilson of Alabama is sacked by the Gators’ Ahmad Black(35) with the assist coming from Will Hill(10) in the endeavor. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ John Bazemore ………….
For a number of players as well the game itself it gave them a chance to add to their luster and impress no doubt a number of professional coaches and GM’s. Make no mistake the likes of Tim Tebow and others who are considering the jump to the NFL may well have bigger fish to fry once the season is over. The next game may well be the most important one of their collegiate lives.
Alabama receiver Julio Jones walks off the field after his team’s loss to Florida 31-20 in the SEC championship game. It’d deprive the Crimson Tide the chance to play for the national championship gainst Oklahoma. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Dave Martin …………
The fundamentals if the game is where this one in particular was won and lost by the repective teams. And it has to be said that th game was closer than it seemed. Though the gane score doesn’t necessarily reflect that. Florida did what was required of them and that was to win. Knowing that they’d be at least guaranteed a berth in the national championship game.
A disappointed Nick Saban leaves the field having seen his team endure a loss to Florida in the SEC championship game. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Stephen Morton ………….
Much of Florida’s advantage came from the very fact that they knew that they couldn’t allow Alabama to dictate the pace and flow of the game. Albeit that they did have a fright with which the way Saban’s team took to negating the running game of Florida. It meant that Tebow would have to rely on his arm and legs. As he’s so often done for this team. It worked but not without one or two scares along the way. But such is now the heightened confidence of the team and Tebow in particular. He has if anything placed himself in the running for a second consecutive Heisman Trophy to say the least. As to whether or not that’ll materialize is certainly dependent upon the voters at this juncture.
An animated Tim Tebow gets the crowd excited as the game reaches its culmination. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Dave Martin …………..
Tebow’s play in the game though not flawless was enough of a catalyst to get the team going in the right direction. And with that thety were able to be victorious and thereby eliminating the Crimson Tide from the national championship race altogether. Statistically the game was in Florida’s favor and it can be said that for much of the game they held the upper hand and it can be borne out by the fact that they held Alabama Tide to just 136 yds of rushing offense. Effective enough to negate whatever they thought that could gain from a ground attack.
Coach Urban Meyer and his quarterback Tim Tebow of the Florida Gators have time to reflect upon their achievement as the confetti comes raining down around them at the Georgia Dome after the team’s 31-20 victory over Alabama. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Dave Martin ……….
As to the aspirations of the team it can be said that the winning of the national championship is dream that seems ever closer for the program at this juncture. And the only thing that now stands in their way is overconfidence and Oklahoma. Who by any means are not to be taken lightly. They’ve proved themselves more than capable and worthy of making it this far. And it bodes well for the national championship game between two evenly matched and offensively minded teams. As to the outcome that’ll be open to debate and a great deal of spectulation at this juncture .
tophatal ………………….
May 20, 2008 at 8:35 am · Filed under
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