Two of a kind

Nationals Park has had a great collection of people patrolling center field in its first season. First it was Mr. Gangsta himself Lastings Milledge. Milledge brings speed, power, grace, a love for women and great street cred.
Then on Thursday, a new person was roaming center field at Nationals Park: Pope Benedict XVI. The Pope said mass at the new stadium, hopefully some of the good Karma will rub off on the Milledge. There is really no difference between the two.

Mascot Madness: The Top Ten

After a couple of weeks off, Only Time Will Tell's Mascot Madness series is back. The Canadian Sports Network TSN put together a top list of mascot moments. My personal favorite is the CFL Mascot that has to pay a fine for getting a 10 yard penalty. So enjoy.

The cruel way Arsenal went throphyless

During the Festive Period it looked like Arsenal could have their hands on all four trophy this season. But in the space of four months, the Gunners season went for joy to sorrow in the cruelest way.

Here are the teams that knocked them out of the various competitions:

• Carling Cup: semi-final loss to Spurs
• FA Cup: loss at Manchester United.
  
• Champions League: loss at Liverpool.
  
• Premier League: title aspirations ended Sunday at Manchester United.
  

Lets look at this, a semi-finals loss to a hated local rival, being knocked out of the FA Cup and Premier League title race by Wenger's sworn enemy and being knocked out of the Champions League by another EPL top four team. Being knocked out of tournaments is bad, but being knocked out by all of your rivals is worst.

Arsenal season ended the same way Blackburn Rovers did with no trophies.

Redoing the Past

Few drafts over the last couple of years have had the impact that the 2005 draft has had. From Ryan Braun's break out season for the Brewers last year to the continued development of Diamondbacks future star Justin Upton. This draft has all of the markings of a great class.

If you were going to redo the draft's top ten again, here is what it would look like:
1. Diamondbacks: Ryan Braun, 3b, Miami
2. Kansas City Royals: Troy Tulowitzki, ss, Long Beach State.
3. Seattle Mariners: Ryan Zimmerman, 3b, Virginia.
4. Washington Nationals: Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Oregon State.
5. Milawukee Brewers: Alex Gordon, 3b, Nebraska.
6. Toronoto Blue Jays: Justin Upton, OF, Great Bridge (VA) HS.
7. Colorado Rockies : Cameron Maybin, OF, Roberson (NC) HS.
8. Tampa Bay Devil Rays: Colby Rasmus, OF, Russel County (AL) HS.
9. New York Mets: Matt Garza, Pitcher, Fresno State.
10. Detroit Tigers: Jay Bruce, OF, West Brook (TX) HS.

One of the things that really stands out is the amount of quality college bats that were available. From Braun to Ellsbury to Gordon. It was a great year to be a college hitter.

Wayne's Word: Aggregate

The Voyeur is caught, Rafa is in the pie shop again and Rooney speaks and is told to come home for tea by Sir Alex in Manchester, it's all part of this weeks "I'm on Setanta Sports'' fun.

FSC should look to Russia

With the English and the Italian seasons coming to close, FSC is going to be light on program over the next couple of months, but that does not really have to happen. In order to keep program fresh FSC should look to one of the ever growing leagues in the world, no not MLS, but the Russian Premier League.

I know what people are thing, what the Russian Premier League. Just think about it, because of the weather situation in Russia the season runs from March to November, which would cover the problem areas in FSC schedules, hey who wants to see reruns of a Crew vs. Rapids game. Another thing that might make it attractive to FSC is that the contract might come on the cheap, which is a good thing for the network.

Over the last couple of years, the Russian League has show how good it is. This year Zenit St. Petersburgh has made a great run to the UEFA Cup semi-finals. The Russian League has even had a UEFA Cup winner in CSKA Moscow in 2005. The growth is going to continue with more and more rich Russians investing money in the league, just think little bitty Romans running around.

Besides the money and the schedule, the league features quality players like Vanger Love and Jo. It might be nice to see a different kind of football on TV, so come FSC go out and try to get this contract.

Map courtesy of Bills Sports Map.

It's a two horse race

They play wonderful football, but they have faces that only their mothers could love. Carlos Tevez and Frank Ribery might be ripping up there respective leagues but when it comes to beauty they might be up there with Jimmy Bullard at the bottom of the table.

Frank Ribery

Carlos Tevez

Jimmy Bullard: The King of Ugly

Now those are faces that only a family member can love.

Harry Kewell is the Scott Rolen of Soccer

Salaries reports always make for interesting reading and a recent report on soccer salaries is no different. Some players are just stealing money.

Here is the Only Time Will Tell All Overpaid Starting XI.

Goal: Carlo Cudicini, Chelski, $5.6 million.
Defender: Asier Del Horno, Athletic Bilbao, $4.7 million.
Defender: Kakha Kaladze, AC Milan, $6.3 million.
Defender: Giuseppe Favalli, AC Milan, $3.1 million .
Defender: Robert Huth, Middlesbrough, 4.7 million.
Midfielder: Harry Kewell, Liverpool, $7.3 million.
Midfielder: Fabio Rochembach, Middlesbrough, $4.9 million.
Midfielder: David Beckham, LA Galaxy, $6.5 million.
Midfielder: Patrick Vieria, Inter Milan, $7.8 million.
Strikers: Michael Owen, Newcastle, $10.19 million.
Strikers: Louis Saha, Manchester United, $8.68 million.

A couple of notes on the salary report: Now you know why AC Milan is struggling this year, they have all older players being paid a ton of money. Salaries are so out of control that Mr. West Ham United Broken Leg King Kieron Dyer makes $7.8 million.

The Rooney has some good pipes

Dave has moved to Stoke, Rooney is amazing. It might be the best one of the season so far. Please keep this up.

AAAAAAAAAAAAnnnnnnddddd Good Afternoon Everybody!!!

By Endy in the Outfield
Ah yes, everyone's favorite drive home sports talk radio tag team, Mike and the Maddog. If you live in the tri-state area (or have YES on your satellite dish) you hear these 4 beautiful words every weekday at 1:05 PM. While not everyone loves them you have to admit they get you to listen everyday. Some listen to hear the genius that is (at least he thinks hes a genius) Mike Francessa and his knowledge on all sports, while most just listen to get pissed off at Chris "The Angry Puppy" Russo. For nearly 20 years Mike and the Pup have been one of the most popular radio shows in the New York area. So to show my appreciation to the diet coke guzzling Francessa and the insane San Fransisco Giants fan Chris Russo (San Fran? I thought the show was in New York?) I've picked a couple classic Youtube videos of the guys talking sports and going at it as hard as they can.

Who can forget this classic Dog interview with Yankees GM Brian Cashman. Watch as the puppy disses Cashman's acquisitions of Cory Lidle, Kyle Farnsworth, Jaret Wright and others. I don't know whats worse, Cashman defending players like Farnsworth and Lidle, or the dog completely ripping into Cory Lidle. I'd fly a plane into a building after hearing Dog's rant too.

Sure when the Jets lose Joe Beningo of the Beningo and Roberts show says it ruins the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. But when the San Fransisco Giants lose (San Fran? I could SWEAR this show took place in New York) Doggy takes it to a whole other level. Hide the women and children.

Even Letterman loves these fuckers. Keep your shirt on A-Rod.

Did I mention Mike loves the Inge?

Although it pains me to watch this clip, you gotta say Mike, Dog, and the Mink singing "Meet the Mets" is priceless. Now if they could only get Tom Glavine to take up flying lessons

Rock Chalk Championship

It started in late October and last night as the final notes of One Shining Moment finished up, you knew it was all over. Kansas is your National Championship. Here is the newest version of One Shining Moment.

First it was Roy Keane

Before setting the world on fire with the voices in the "I'm on Setanta Sports" series the Gift Grub group did great impressions of Sir Alex, The Special One, and every ones favorite Irishman Roy Keane.

Here are a couple:

Sir Alex

Roy Keane

Jose Mourinho

Money, Money. Money

The average baseball salary is now up to $3.15 million, which can mean only one thing: For every great player being paid great money, there are some crappy players getting paid big time.

Here is the Only Time Will Tell All Over Paid Team, based on the salaries released in USA Today.

• Catcher: Brian Schneider, Mets: $4.9 million
• First Base: Todd Helton, Rockies: $16 million
• Second Base: Mark Ellis, A's: $5 million
• Third Base: Scott Rolen, Blue Jays: $11.6 million
• Short Stop: Carlos Gullien, Mariners: $12 million
• Outfield: Adam Dunn, Reds: $13 million
  
• Outfield: Jose Guillen, Royals: $12 million
  
• Outfield: Milton Bradley, Rangers: $5.25 million
  
• Starting Pitcher: Javier Vasquez, White Sox: $11.5 million
• Starting Pitcher: Vicente Padilla, Rangers: $11 million
  
• Closer: BJ Ryan, Blue Jays: $12 million

A couple of other notes on baseball salaries from the report: The Rangers are paying two former Phillies pitchers a combined $21 million this year (Millwood and Padilla) and that is never good. Toronto is back to their money spending ways having a payroll of $97.7 million. All ready for 2009 the Yankees have $124.98 million in salaries committed. Combined the Upton brother make $805,000 that might turn out to be a bargain by the end of the year.

Professional Tailgating: Hey there was bunting

Earlier season baseball can mean only one thing issues with the weather and that was no different today as the Only Time Will crew took a day off from work and went to the Phillies vs. Expos (Nationals) game in the cold and wind. Sure the Expos/Nationals lost, but we are still tied for first in the division.

You know its spring when you see a Major League Baseball field for the first time.

A wall details the Phillies recent history, I checked and there was no mention of Steve Jeltz and his great hair.

Rudy Seanez's new home.

Baseball fans can be messy

I still can not believe Omar traded L Mills to the Expos/Nationals, I know that Endy in the Outfield is still not happy about it. Enjoy Ryan Church and that overrated, overpaid catcher you got back.

The Real Star of NCAA Tournament

Some might say the real star of the NCAA Tournament might be Derrick Rose of Memphis or even Kevin Love of UCLA, but the real star of the big dance has been Endy in the Outfields favorite pop-a-shot player Chuck. Just check out the intensity.

Opening Day from Around the Country

Around the country the Opening Day of baseball season is one of the biggest day of the year. Here is how some of the papers from around the country covered the day.

Snow and baseball must be the Twins Opening Day, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press

The Arizona Republic covers the D'Backs win

The Seattle Times covers Mariners opening day win

New York Post covers Endy in the Outfields new super hero's debut

The Press of Atlantic City covers another Phillies Opening Day loss

The Miami Herald reviews the Marlins Opening Day loss to the Mets.

Detroit Free Press covers the start of what Tiger fans hope is a World Series year.

Viva Ronaldo: Its the new hit at the Stretford End

Every United fan should start to sing this. Thanks to Caught Offsides: Manchester United for this one.

This is all too weird

So this morning I was watching Sky Sports and saw Bolton manager Gary Megson talking about his team chances to stay up and one thing game to mind, his he related to the new I'm on Setanta puppet.

Bolton manager Gary Megson

"I'm on Setanta Sport" new signing Wayne Rooney

The pictures really do not lie. In a way it makes you wonder if the Special One signed a younger version of Megson.

It's a Nuclear Mushroom

It's Rooney. Rooney looks really creepy in this video, he might even scare the children. Sven has to stop with the pimping, gimping, and the tinkling.

And you thought that you traveled a lot

Many people in the world travel for business, but few have done it more over the last couple of weeks then West Ham United's American defender Jonathan Spector. There is no game, either for the national team of the his club that he will not play in.

This traveling nightmare started a couple of weeks ago when Spector joined the United States U-23 team for Olympic Qualifying in Tampa. Then after completing group play in Tampa the team then moved to Nashville for the semi-finals. After winning the semi-final on a Thursday and clinching a spot in this summer's Olympics, Spector was allowed to return back to West Ham.

While back at West Ham Spector came on as a second half substitute in their match against Everton. After playing the for the Hammers it was on to Poland to join the senior national.

So to recap, Tampa, Nashville, Liverpool and Poland all in the same 10 period. No matter what the game or the location everyone knows that Spector will be there ready to play. Hey he would even play in a reserve match against West Brom. He really does not care.

The Villanova Kittens?

I know that local newspapers like to cater to local readers, but editors at the Hutchinson News might have gone a little to far. With Kansas getting ready to play Villanova in the Midwest Regional tomorrow night, The Hutchinson News showed the Villanova mascot as a kitten. Like a cartoon Jayhawk is that intimidating.

It's Big, Blue, and Ugly

Sure the NCAA Tournament has been great this year with the introduction to the world of such players as Stephen Curry and Courtney Lee, but something is missing.

In the past, sites that hosted the tournaments, would just keep their logos on the floor, but now the NCAA has decided to put these huge blue NCAA logo at the center court. That decision has taken some of the joy away from watching the tournament. During the tournament one of the best things to see was all of the different center court logos around.

From UCLAs Tyus Edney crossing over the Boise State logo on his way to beating Missouri to the Boston College players celebrating on the William and Mary logo after being top seeded North Carolina in the second round. It's was always great to see the other logos on the floor, it something that made the tournament fun.

Please return the logos that is all I'm asking.

Rush, Rush, Rush

A couple of years ago, Major League Baseball clubs had a great idea, draft hard throwing college closers and rush them to the big leagues in order to help them during at tight pennant race.

The trend started in 2003 when the three teams drafted hard throwing college closers and rushed them up. It continued in 2004 when the Oakland took Houston Street. It really wrapped up in 2005, when two teams went with the idea of drafting hard throwing closers.

Here is a recap of what has happened to the some of the those pitchers that were part of the trend:

2003

• Ryan Wagner: first drafted by the Reds and the traded to the Nationals. Has not developed the way that everyone thought. During his career so far he has 4.79 ERA and zero career saves.
• Chad Cordero: won a national championship in college with Cal State Fullerton. He has been the most successful of the group having had two 30 saves season and a 40 save season. Cordero has been an All Star too.
  
• David Aardsma: Could hit a 100 mph on the gun when he came out of Rice. Has played for Giants, Cubs and Red Sox. Probably most affected by being rushed to the major leagues.
  

2004

• Houston Street: Besides Cordero Street has been a good player since breaking into the A's bullpen. Street was rookie of the year in 2005 and has also had a 30 save season.
  

2005

• Craig Hansen: When the Red Sox drafted him, some people thought that he would be a key late season addition that would allow the Sox to beat the Yankees. Boy were people wrong. Hansen has just struggled to hold down a regular roster spot.
  
• Joey Devine (pictured above) : Yes Joey Devin. Coming out of NC State many thought that he would have a huge impact on the future of the Braves. Throws as hard as anyone and had a nasty slider. But that did not lead to success with the Braves during the off season he was traded to the A's.

So as you see rushing pitchers to the major league is not the best way to handle things.

Ready Set Go

Around the country every ballpark has their own tradition. In Milwaukee different sausages race, while in the nation's capital they race dead presidents.

You think that its easy to be a racing president, here is a look inside the tryout process.

First weekend thoughts

The first weekend of the big dance is always the best. This year has been no different with all kinds of drama. Here are some thoughts about the last four days of action:
• Could Mississippi Valley State be the worst team ever in the dance?
• I think Belmont coach Rick Byrd bought his sweater vest at Macy's.
• Is USC loss to Kansas State the last time we will see Tim Floyd on the sidelines of the Trojans. I think so.
• These Nike commercials are starting to get annoying. I know my better is better then your better.
• Davidson's back court of Curry and Richards might be one of the best in all of the land.
• Two weeks ago looked like Villanova might be headed to the College Basketball Invitational, now they are in the Sweet 16.
• Who would have ever thought Quentin Thomas would be winningest player in the history of North Carolina basketball.

The Special One goes Pulp Fiction

Get the Gimp. The new signing will be announced next week, I can not wait.

We all love Searsy

Two games: one goal one post. Not bad for the newest West Ham United Academy kid.

Freddie Sears, who stands a Michael Owen like five foot seven, has burst on to the EPL in a big way. Last week Sears scored winner in the Hammers 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers. Now this week against Everton, Sears came on late in the game and created two chances that could have given the hammers the win, even going as far as hitting the post.

Sears pace is something that is needed in the current West Ham set up. With golf swing expert Craig Bellamy out for most of the season. Sears pace has been a great answer to Dean Ashton height.

Sears has been able to find the back of the net at all levels. He had scored 25 goals in 24 matches for the youths and reserves in the 2007/08 campaign. So the Upton Park faithful will hope that he continues to do that for the senior squad.

So in a couple of years we might be adding Sears' name to the long list of academy graduates at the home of football that include: Carrick, Lampard, Cole, and Ferdinand.

Buckeyes beat Michigan Again

During the last couple of years, few players in high school football have been as chased as Terrelle Pryor. During National Signing Day he decided to put off his college announcement then on Wednesday he decided to choose Ohio State.

Here is how some of the papers covered the announcement

The Columbus Dispatch

The Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Move over Erin Andrews

For years American sports fans have been lusting over every ones favorite former Florida Gator Cheerleader Erin Andrew (video below).

But, over the last couple of years, the Only Time Will Tell crew has been watching a lot of Sky Sports News and noticed something, could Sky Sports have the hottest collection of the girls on television.

Sky Sports features Millie Clode (featured below) and Georgie Thompson. While ESPN features the likes of Andrews, Linda Cohen and Dana Jacobson.

Aside from Andrews, the rest of the ESPN would probably look better cooking dinner, rather then being on TV. Cohen, Jacobson and for that matter Doris Burke can not even hold a candle to CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson, and that is not saying anything. If that does not want you to watch more English sports television, nothing ever will. I am asking ESPN to throw all kinds at money at Thompson and Clode for them to come over.

I'm very nice

Two in one week could this be. During this episode Sven kicks off his wonderful world of football feature. Callers this week include Arsene from London and Alex from Manchester.

Don't forget the 68 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Jose.

The Pain and Joy of Bid Day

Few days in sports have the emotions of Selection Sunday. Here is how Monday's papers covered the Selection Sunday drama. Sorry it has taken so long to post, I actually have a job.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: covers Wisconsin and Marquette

Las Vegas Review Journal covers Mountain West champion UNLV

Philadelphia Inquirer celebrates the Big Five getting three teams in

The Tennessean looks in on Belmont as they wait for their match up

Quick reviews all of the fun associated with the big dance

Waco Tribune-Herald tells the amazing story of Baylor trip to the big dance

Athens Banner-Herald reviews UGA improbable win in the SEC Tournament

The Des Moines Register follows the Drake Bulldogs around

Indianapolis Star loves that fact that four teams from the Hoosier state got in

Lexington Herald Leader talks about the Cats have another shot

Winston Salem Journal says it all ACC Champs

One Shining Moment through the decade

One of the things that makes the NCAA Tournament so much fund is the end, when CBS decides to run One Shining Moment. The song has been the unofficial ending of the college basketball season for almost 30 years. Lets hope this years is as good as all of the prior years.

2000

2001



2002

2003



2004

2005

2005: 25th anniversary of One Shining Moment was show right before the national semifinals

2006


2007



2008: ???????

Bracketology with Joe Wolf's Vertical Jump

With the brackets out here are a couple of quick thoughts about what the selection committee has done.

• A week ago, everyone in the Philly was talking about there would not be a Big Five team in the dance. Boy was everyone wrong cause half of the group are part of the field.
  
• Tim Floyd and USC knocked out Kevin Durant and Texas last year, this year he gets his shot at another Big12 freshman hot shot in Micheal Beasley and Kansas State, in the game of the first round.
• The selection show is cruel and the committee and CBS made Baylor wait to the last spot before announcing their name. Its good to see the Bears in the dance following all that they have had to gone through over the last decade.
• The committee did not do A-10 regular season champion Xavier favors as they hooked them up with SEC Tournament Champion Georgia.
• After three years of using the city of the regionals as the name of the regionals its good too see that they have gone back to the East, South, Midwest, and West.
  
• It's fair to say that Villanova was the last at large team in the dance.

Selection Sunday: Lets hope it ends like this

As the hours tick down to the selection show lets hope that it ends with ole Roy winning it all and crying, just like it did in 2005. ""There is a new dean of College Basketball, North Carolina takes the title,'' there were no sweeter words.