We are getting into the heavy-hitters, with each remaining list littered with first-ballot Hall of Famers and multi-time All-Stars. Believe it or not, though, I’d venture to say that the last few lists were a great deal stronger than this one.
The Supersonics franchise is ecstatic about their impending move to Oklahoma City, and why shouldn’t they be? Buster Gunning, a Seattle native, recently took a trip through “The Big Friendly” (it is really called that) and can whole-heartedly agree with the players' excitement.
Born within six months of each other in opposite corners of the world, two seven footers who are finalists for the Basketball Hall of Fame this fall are two of the best ever to play the center position.
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by Andrew Perna
I hope you all enjoyed the Fourth of July holiday. I admittedly got a little too much sun on Friday, but that’s neither here nor there. As we enter mid-July it’s a great time to be a fan. Baseball pennant races will soon heat up, training camps will soon open in football, and both basketball and hockey are in the midst of free agency.
Oh yeah, and the birthday of yours truly is very close.
Beasley returned to contact drills on Saturday afternoon, just three days after suffering a slight crack in his sternum. That’s good news for the Heat, who were already receiving some criticism for taking him at number two.
There are rumors that point guardChris Duhon may have been promised a significant role with the Knicks. His agent was quoted as saying that he wasn’t signed to ride the bench, something he did last season in Chicago.
The Jazz are expected to meet with Deron Williamsthis week about a contract extension. Plain and simple, Deron is one of the best players in the game today and belongs in the short conversation involving the greatest point guards. Utah needs to give him what he deserves.
James Poseyis still considering numerous offers this month as he remains homeless. Posey has pulled ahead of Corey Maggette as the most-coveted free agent of the month in the NBA. With two titles in the last three years, Posey has earned the reputation of being a “glue guy”.
Brad Lidge has signed an extension with the Phillies. He has been a very pleasant surprise in Philadelphia this season, earning himself the three-year pact worth close to $40 million. Chase Utley and Co. wouldn’t be in first place without Lidge’s 1.00 ERA.
The American League All-Star roster was announced on Sunday afternoon. The team is dominated by Red Sox (seven), with just a trio of Yankees earning a spot. Four Rangers made the cut as well, with only two Rays named despite their league-best record.
The All-Star roster for the National League was revealed as well. There is a nice array of players on the team, with each team obviously represented, but no one club dominating the squad. A sneak peak into my ‘NL Selection’ column, I think Tim Lincecum should be starting next Tuesday.
However, there are reports that Brandon Webb will start for the NL in the 2008 All-Star Game. It’s hard to argue against a guy like Webb, who began the season with nine-straight wins, but Lincecum has been more consistent during the first half of the season.
One of five players will be added to the AL roster thanks to a fan vote held on MLB.com this week. As a Yankees' fan I’d really like to see Jason Giambi earn the spot, but I think Evan Longoria deserves to make the Midsummer Classic as a rookie.
The same thing will happen in the NL, and I think of the litter, I’d like to add Pat Burrell or David Wright to the team. Looking at this, and the previous blurb, I think I might have an Eastern Division bias.
Carlos Beltran could be moved to the No. 2 spot in the order for the Mets very soon. Beltran occupied the fourth spot with Endy Chavez as the second hitter, on Sunday afternoon against the Phillies. New York climbed to within 3.5 games of Philadelphia with the win.
The Titans will switch to their light blue jerseys this coming season after wearing dark blue for the last eight years. I prefer the powder blue unis, but I highly doubt the change is going to help them on the field.
