The Mariners are in the process of making sure the Yankees don’t get their greedy hands on the teams most prized asset. Soon, the team will finalize an extension for Felix Hernandez that would add up to 7 Years and $175 million. This contract makes the young righty the highest paid pitcher in Baseball. Yes, even more than C.C. Sabathia, Clayton Kershaw or even Justin Verlander.
Believe me, I understand the move. He is by far the best player on that team and he’s what keeps the fans coming to the ball park. So as far the team is concerned, they have to make that deal. Even if it is way too much money. At 26, I don’t see how a righty can possibly have proven to be worth the money they have thrown at him.
Further more, I can’t understand King Felix not at least testing out the free agent market. He was going to make a big paycheck regardless. I don’t see how he could not want to try to put himself in a position to win. Unless he thinks the team can win in the next seven years. If so, he sees more potential in the team than I or most do. Testing free agency is just something that makes sense for his situation but I suppose a record breaking contract can keep someone in one place especially if that person is comfortable.
Presidents and football coaches often get along because they have such personal experiences with victory and defeat.
When President Obama called Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh this week, he lauded him for winning the Super Bowl after the a “bumpy season” that had included three straight defeats.
Harbaugh told Obama that life’s greatest accomplishments can come after “the greatest tribulations and adversity,” and he told the president: “I know you know this as much as anybody.”
Obama joked to Harbaugh: “You know, you and me, we should try some try some time to do some things easy and smooth … I’d like to know what it feels like; it’s never happened to me.”
Obama also spoke with Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome, and the two reminisced about Newsome’s playing days with the University of Alabama and the Cleveland Browns in the 1970s and ’80s.
Well the Ravens are Super Bowl champions (told ya so), and there’s not too many more happy about it than Raven’s running back Ray Rice. The New Rochelle, New York native said that when you win it all, you really reflect on your journey and where you came from. That must be true because in the hours after he was able to hoist up the Lombardi trophy he was tweeting up a storm. Siting his school and his friends and family. He even tweeted to his home town; “New Ro stand up.”
But then he made it clear that he hasn’t forgotten the small city just north of the Bronx.
He tweeted “New Ro I’m coming back Friday it’s on we taking over spectators on north ave.”
So there you have it. If you want to party with the Super Bowl champ, be at Spectators Sports Bar on North Avenue Friday night. You might have to brave some bad weather but it will likely be an unforgettable night.
Last night, the Anthony Bosch saga continued with the exposure of four more names linked to the alleged PED pedaling clinic. Among those names, most notable is Ryan Braun. Braun tested positive for banned substances but appealed in December of 2011. The appeal went in his favor because it was proved that the lab responsible for testing did not handle the blood sample properly. Many felt that though he won the appeal, it was just a technicality. Now being linked to the Miami biogenesis lab only makes it more believable that Braun is a tainted player.
The three other names newly linked to Bosch’s lab are Danny Valencia (Orioles third baseman), Jesus Montero (Mariners catcher and former Yankee top prospect) and Francisco Cervelli (Yankee catcher). All parties have denied guilt with similar statements. Of course, there is a possibility that these four players are not guilty of using PEDs. All four players were listed in the records for Bosch’s lab. However, unlike A-Rod and the others, these four players only had dollar amounts next to their names. No mention of what substances were purchased but still, the suspicion is now there. If the allegations are true, the Yankees are particularly in trouble. Not only is their star third baseman implicated in this situation, now so is one of their very few catching options.
Beyond the implications for teams that have a player linked to this clinic, what does this mean for baseball? I’ll tell you right now that this is not good. Baseball had completely recovered from the blow steroids dealt to the game about a decade ago. In fact, the game had reached new heights seeing the highest international following ever and some of the highest viewing ratings and attendance ratings. The game was certainly taking positive steps to ensure its survival but now with this lab linking so many players to performance enhancing drugs, it seems the game we love is still tainted. If guys like Ryan Braun to guys like Francisco Cervelli are taking PEDs, it really leaves nobody out of the realm of possibilities. We are back to second guessing stats and questioning every athlete.
Baseball needs to really step up and set ground rules here. The MLBPA makes it difficult to make big changes to policy because these players are in a union. However, it is imperative that the league start to setup stricken guidelines as far as which wellness clinics are aloud near these players. The game depends on it. This already happened to baseball and the game nearly drowned. This time around, a half-assed attempt to clean up the game will not suffice to save it. There needs to be real changes made. However, nothing can change until (and I must admit that I am growing tired of these words but it will probably not be some time until we can stop using them) MLB concludes their investigation.
On that note, MLB has asked the Miami New Times to turn over their information so as to aid in MLB’s investigation. The newspaper is still deciding if they want to help.
The children from the Sandy Hook Choir performed America The Beautiful last night in front of what could easily be their biggest audience yet… the Superbowl. Joined by Jennifer Hudson, the group of kids who, just a few months ago suffered an unimaginable horror as a gunmen walked into their school and murdered their friends and teachers, danced with smiles on their faces as the rest of the world watched.
Of course, there’s no silencing to the critics on the right who say that the children are being used by Washington politicians to bring gun control laws, but where ever you stand on the gun debate presently occupying the airwaves, you must admit that seeing these particular children perform this particular song at this venue, was something special to behold.
In case you missed it, here are the children from the Sandy Hook Choir.
Happy Super Bowl Sunday to everyone! It’s that special day of the year for sports that has something for everyone. Maybe your team is finally in the big game or maybe you’re a diehard football fan and just want to see a good matchup. Maybe you’re the occasional fan who makes the day more interesting with Super Bowl pools or maybe you’re just in it for the commercials and the half time show. And if none of that interests you, there is still the food. Oh the glorious amounts of super eats for Super Bowl Sunday!
No Super Bowl party is complete without its share of tailgate delectable. Buffalo wings are a staple today. Other fan favorites can be chilli, seven layer dip, pizza, jalapeño poppers or whatever else you’re into. It’s a day certainly built around eating foods you don’t need a table for. Just a napkin, maybe, and your mouth. But me, I’m a burger man so today I’ll be making my take on Wendy’s bacon mushroom cheddar melt. And I don’t usually do this but today I will make an exception. I’m going to tell you just how to prepare this artery clogger of deliciousness.
The first thing we need to talk about is what we do to prepare the burgers. It’s still early so quick, run and get yourself a bottle of Samuel Adams. No, don’t drink it! Pour that brew into a ziplock bag with some sirloin burgers. Use a second bottle if one was not enough to submerge the burgers like a marinade. Sam Adams is a strong beer but it is also one of the worlds most tastiest beers and when the alcohol cooks off, it’s going to give the burger a nice sweet taste. Oh and let’s not forget that Sam Adams is made right here in the USA. So once we’ve marinated our burgers in America’s finest beer and we are ready to grill them up, only season with some salt and pepper and throw them on the grill. If no grill, use a pan. It’s all good.
I don’t want you to make a rookie mistake here, don’t flip the burgers too much, you’ll dry them out and then you might as well just buy them from Wendy’s. While you’re burgers are going or even a little while before, you should be sizzling up some bacon and sautéing some mushrooms. And in a small pot or sauce pan goes a can of Campbell’s cheddar cheese soup. This soup is the perfect consistency to match Wendy’s cheese sauce.
After my mushrooms are sautéed, I like to dice em up and throw them into the soup. So once everything is done and your burgers are just about done, place a thin slice of cheddar cheese on each burger. To assemble this treat, start with your bottom bun. Place a bit of the cheese sauce on the bottom of the bun followed by your sirloin burger. Then the bacon is placed on the burger and over the bacon goes a healthy scoop of your cheese and mushroom sauce. Top with the bun and enjoy! But have plenty of napkins because its about to get messy. I hope I’ve given you guys and gals a good suggestion for your Super Bowl feast.
Everyone out there, we at EZKOOL.com wish you an enjoyable and safe Super Bowl Sunday!
Friday morning, the Miami New Times again released information regarding Alex Rodriguez and his steroid use. Sources say A-Rod was spending $14,000 a month on steroids and was injected regularly by the head of Biogenesis of America, Anthony Bosch. Bosch has publicly denied treating Alex.
Sources also revealed to the Miami newspaper that A-Rod had an agreement in place with Bosch that would have Alex paying $12,000 a month for the next 4 years. Proof that Alex had no intent to stop what he was doing any time soon. Clearly, A-Rod does not trust his own level of talent. It also stands to reason that Rodriguez has likely used PEDs for almost all his career.
Alex again denied allegations Friday through a spokesperson. The evidence released was very damning to Rodriguez.
In a letter obtained by the Miami New Times from the BoA director, Anthony Bosch claims that Melky Cabrera owes him $14,000 including “a $5,000 bonus for making the All-Star Team.” The letter was addressed to Juan Nunez, a consultant who worked for agents Sam and Seth Levinson of ACES. ACES is the agency that handled Cabrera.
The Levinsons are currently under investigation by MLB but have been cleared by the players union. Juan Nunez has since been fired from ACES and could not be reached for comment.
A source with knowledge of the situation has told the media that the Yankees are looking into at least 20 different ways to void the remainder of Alex Rodriguez’s contract. The source did not go in depth with information but one route is by claiming A-Rod accepted treatment from a physician not authorized by the Yankee organization. A definite violation of his contract. Another option is to try to void the contract based on the drugs he purchased. Let’s not forget what A-Rod did was not only against the rules, it was illegal. Not only should he be out of a job, he should be doing 3-5 in a prison somewhere.
Does this all sound good so far Yankee fans? Don’t get too excited. The Yanks face an uphill battle. Although a situation like this should allow a team to void a player’s contract, it most likely will not. The way the MLB drug policy was written was so that a team could not get out of a contract just because of a steroid violation.
The truth is, the rewards out-weigh the risks of PED use right now. Mainly because the MLB can’t just do what they want. These players are in a union therefore the MLBPA must agree to the drug policy. Recently, the two sides did come to an agreement on a much stricter testing system. One that includes random in-season human growth hormone testing. However, until the punishments get more intimidating, you’re still going to have players taking a chance.
Currently, the rules are for the first infraction, a player receives a 50 game suspension without pay. After the second infraction, the player receives a 100 game suspension without pay. Finally, the third infraction results in a lifetime ban from baseball. Three strikes and you’re out. This policy was a step in the right direction but it’s not there yet. A better policy would have a player suspended a full season for the first infraction and receive a lifetime ban after just a second infraction. Furthermore, a team needs to be able to void the contract of any player found guilty of breaking the MLB drug policy. If these rules were adopted, players would think twice about cheating.
Getting back to the Yankees, though they face a tough task of voiding the contract. The attempt shows that they are done with Alex and want him off this team and there maybe a simple way out.
A-Rod already admitted to using PEDs between 2001-2003. Now with the evidence suggesting use from 2009-2012, it becomes pretty clear that Rodriguez is not confident in his own ability without the assistance of banned substances. So battling back from a hip injury now that his help is gone could prove to be a very daunting task for him. Also, the fans and media haven’t exactly been his biggest supporters recently and now with all this going on, it makes sense that the fans and media will be brutal towards him if he does come back. Who would be in a rush to face hostility like that?
If Alex simply retired, the Yankees would be off the hook for the remainder of A-Rod’s contract but he would not earn another penny. However, if he were to find a doctor who stated that he was suffering from a career ending injury, he could walk away from the game with his $114 million owed to him. The Yankees would have to pay him in full but they can then turn around and cash in on the insurance policy they have on the contract and make at least 85% of the money back. It’s a win-win situation that is not so far fetched.
Alex has disgraced the Yankees as well as Major League Baseball. It’s time the game moves on and this could be how it happens.
On Saturday, it was exposed that a Miami area clinic was being investigated for ties to steroids but details were not clear. Tuesday morning, the picture became much, much clearer. According to an in depth article that was three months in the making published in this morning’s Miami New Times, Anthony Bosch was the head of Biogenesis of America, a clinic which had a list of clients that included several notable MLB players. Most notably, Alex Rodriguez is said to be a client of Bosch’s and although Rodriguez had already admitted to using steroids during his career, he assured the MLB Commissioners Office that his use was limited to 2001-2003. Evidence acquired from the investigation into Biogenesis of America is suggesting that A-Rod was lying. There is evidence that suggests A-Rod was using PEDs in 2009 after his admission to using band substances and during the Yankees’ World Series run as well as in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
The other players that have been named so far are Melky Cabrera, Gio Gonzalez, Bartolo Colon, Nelson Cruz, Yasmani Grandal and even former University of Miami star pitcher Cesar Carrillio. The implications are said to be well founded and if proven true, MLB would be well within their rights to suspend all players involved. Alex Rodriguez is looking at a bad situation since it seems he lied during an official investigation by MLB. According to the agreement between the MLB and MLBPA, the league does not need a positive drug test to suspend a player for breaking the drug policy. They just need proof of an infraction. MLB may be able to treat each season as a different infraction and possibly ban A-Rod for life. It is a far fetched situation but if the commissioner finds it necessary to make an example out of him it could end up happening.
Alex has completely destroyed his legacy. By admitting to using steroids early in his career and being found to use them late in his career, there is little doubt that he has used PEDs for most if not all of his play. He will never be the “clean” player to break the all time home run record or even break the record at all. He will never realize his dream of owning a professional baseball team, MLB would never allow it. He likely blew his chance at the Hall of Fame after being viewed as a first ballot Hall of Famer. If the Yankees succeed at voiding A-Rod’s contract and no other team wants to take a risk on him, A-Rod may never reach his 3,000 hit.
Alex is denying the allegations in a statement he put out today. The statement said; “The news report about a purported relationship between Alex Rodriguez and Anthony Bosch are not true, Alex Rodriguez was not Mr. Bosch’s patient, he was never treated by him and he was never advised by him. The purported documents referenced in the story — at least as they relate to Alex Rodriguez — are not legitimate.”
The Yankees then released a statement of their own. After the team supported him in ’09 during his first steroid scandal, it was interesting to see which direction the organization would go. The statement read as follows; “We fully support the Commissioner’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, This matter is now in the hands of the Commissioner’s Office. We will have no further comment until that investigation has concluded.” There was no mention of A-Rod at all. It seems the Yankees are done supporting him.
This morning, the Miami New Times broke a story of epic proportions linking Alex Rodriguez to performance enhancing drugs as recently as last season and as notably as 2009. The 3 month investigation into a Miami area clinic uncovered overwhelming evidence linking not only A-Rod but several other well known players.
The clinic’s client list includes Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzales, Rangers slugger Nelson Cruz, Blue Jays outfielder Melky Cabrera and Athletics pitcher Bartolo Colon. In what is being called the East Coast version of BALCO, this most recent blow to Major League Baseball will likely have a lasting impact on these players.
In order to officially acknowledge their NBA championship win in 2012, LaBron James and the Miami Heats took a trip to the White House and met their host, President Barack Obama. The starstruck James, who couldn’t contain himself at the fact that he was in the White House with the President standing a few feet away, even made a mistake, calling the President “coach” while making a brief statement.
“I mean, on behalf of myself and my teammates we just want to thank you for the hospitality, for allowing us to be in the White House,” James said. “I mean, we’re in the White House!
“I mean, Coach said — Prez said — it’s real casual, so, we’re kids from Chicago, Dallas, Texas, Michigan, Ohio, South Dakota, Miami, we’re in the White House right now! This is like, ‘Hey, mama, I made it!’ “
Coach Obama? James and the Heats will have to wait at least four more years before something like that could happen.
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