World Baseball Classic

The World Baseball Classic was first held in March 2006. It is sanctioned by the International Baseball Federation and created by Major League Baseball. I think this was a great idea, and I personally love it. Every country is allowed to put together a team. They can even invite players that currently play on Major League teams in the US. The only country that does not do this is Cuba.


















It shows how much pride these athletes have for their countries. You have Hanley Ramirez that plays for the Dominican Republic, you also have Ichiro Suzuki for Japan, Miguel Cabrera playing for Venezuela, as well as Jorge Cantu playing for Mexico and many more. The USA also has their own players, such as: Derek Jeter and Chipper Jones. It gives these players a sense of pride. They aren’t only playing in front of the United States but instead they are playing in front of the entire world! I cant even imagine how great a feeling that must be. It is a great honor to be invited to play for your native country. Japan defeated Cuba to become the winners of the first WBC in 2006.

Getting Greedy

Do athletes really deserve all the money they are asking for these days? It seems that after every season athletes ask for more and more money. The contracts get bigger and bigger. I think it started with Alex Rodriguez. First he signed a 10 year contract with the Texas Rangers worth $252 million, averaging about $25.2 million per year. Then in 2008 he signed, with the New York Yankees, a 10 year $275 million contract, averaging $27.5 million per year. That number can go up to $30 million per year if he reaches certain milestones. I don’t believe that an athlete should be making this amount of money, when a Doctor who saves lives is making MUCH less.

Then came defensive lineman, Albert Haynesworth. He signed a 7 year $100 million dollar deal with the Washington Redskins. He is a great player but everyone knows he does not deserve that amount of money.

Lastly, we have Manny Ramirez. His contract talks went on for months over a measly couple million dollars. Until he finally signed a 2 year $45 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. But whose fault is it? Are teams throwing money around? Or are the athletes spoiled?

Dan Marino: Best Ever??

It can be argued that Dan Marino had the best arm of any NFL Quarterback. During his career, many argued that he would be the best Quarterback ever! But now, many found his career to be very disappointing after no Super Bowl rings in his 17 years. He holds many records, including 31 Miami Dolphins franchise records. He was also a 9 time Pro Bowl Selection. What should decide who the best Quarterback ever is? Is it Super Bowl rings? Is it who has the most records? Or just best pure talent?



Even though he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, many don’t believe that is enough. Marino single-handedly carried the Dolphins to Super Bowls but was never able to win one. Joe Montana is considered to be the best Quarterback ever, primarily because he has four Super Bowl rings. But Marino never had the supporting cast that Montana did, one being future Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. Marino also has more Pro Bowl selections and more NFL records. But what matters to everyone else are the rings. I think Dan Marino is the best Quarterback ever. It’s not his fault he did not have the supporting cast to help him get to the top. Here is a clip of a fake spike for a Touchdown, performed by Marino, that gave the Dolphins the win:

Fake Spike

Dwayne Wade for 2009 MVP??

DWAYNE WADE IS THE BEST BASKETBALL PLAYER ON THE COURT THIS YEAR! Plain and Simple. If Dwayne Wade does not win the MVP this year I don’t know who is more qualified.








Everyone pretty much has the same answer when asked who should be considered for MVP this year: Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade and Lebron James. In the previous seasons many wouldn’t even consider Wade, but not this year. Wade leads the league in points-per-game (29.7 pts) and he leads the other 2 candidates in rebounds and assists per game. Some may argue that statistics do not define a Most Valuable Player. The MVP should go to a player that is MOST VALUABLE to their team. If this is true, Wade should still get the award. Last year Wade was battling injuries resulting in the team having the worst record in the NBA. Now, Wade is back and he has them fighting for the 4th spot in the playoffs. The season is not over and they have already doubled their wins from last year. It’s all because of Dwayne Wade! D-Wade for MVP! Here is a clip of his latest buzzer beater:

AROD or AROID??

Back in the mid-90's baseball was honored with the arrival of the young, Alex Rodriguez. Ever since his first year, Arod has been putting up career stats. He has won 3 MVP’s and is a 12-time All-Star selection. It can be argued that after his career, he could be the best to ever play. Recently he has fallen into trouble after he admitted to using Anabolic Steroids from 2001-2003.

I admire him for coming out and admitting it. Don’t get me wrong, he is still at fault and there is no excuse. I believe that steroids are EVERYWHERE in baseball. I also think that there are still current baseball players that are finding a way around the testing. Not everyone has the talent to play the game of baseball. You can’t just give steroids to anybody off the side of the street and expect them to be great. Yes, I know Arod’s numbers would be lower if it were not for the steroids but I believe that without them he could still be one of the best. For me, he will always be AROD, one of the greatest ever. What do you think? AROD or AROID?