MLB News and Notes

Manny Ramirez has been picked up by the Chicago White Sox. He will mainly be used as a DH with the hopes of adding power to an inconsistent lineup. Ramirez is in a contract year, so he may have some extra motivation to perform down the stretch. Ramirez could prove to be a pain in the ass for Ozzie Guillen and the White Sox, but I think this move could actually work out for both sides. It's good to see Man-Ram back in the American League.

Aroldis Chapman is expected to join the Cincinnati bullpen later today. The long wait for the highly anticipated Cuban defector is finally here. The lefty has blazing stuff, bringing the heat up to 105 mph. If he can locate his pitches, he will be a force for a Reds team that has played very well this season.

The Baltimore Orioles have had a winning August with a 16-11 record this month. With an overall record of 48-83, they are a long way from .500. However, before this month, it looked like achieving 50 wins would be a struggle. At least the Orioles under new manager Buck Showalter have pulled the pieces together to compete during the latter stages of this season. It can be argued it is too little too late, but at least it gives Orioles fans some hope heading into next season.

Epic High School Football Fail

 

Here is an example of a high school coach's nightmare.

Leinart, Anderson QB Battle Heats Up In Arizona

I have a feeling that as long as Matt Leinart is on the Arizona Cardinals, he will always be battling somebody for the starting job. The reason is simple: he is not that good. I will hold off on saying he is a bust right now, but the No. 10 overall pick in the 2006 is almost there. I don't think I am the only one that feels that way either and it's probably safe to say that Derek Anderson knew that when he agreed to a two-year contract worth $7.25 million this past off-season.

Anderson has clearly outshined Leinart this pre-season and has earned the start this week against Chicago. Leinart will come off the bench in a bit of a role reversal from the previous games, but we feel that this is the way it will be from this point forward.

Hardesty To Be Ready For Season Opener

After Cleveland Browns rookie running back Montario Hardesty went down with a knee injury on the last day of rookie camp in July, many feared the worst. Everybody can now rest easy as the new injury is a only a deep bone bruise. Many remember in 2005, the former Vol underwent reconstructive surgery to the same knee, but this injury is believed to be completely unrelated.

Hardesty may get some snaps in the final preseason game against the Chicago Bears on September 2, but according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, he said he will definitely be “ready way before the opener.” Browns coach Eric Mangini said Hardesty is "not going to need a ton of reps'' to catch up, because he knew the system in organized team activities and has good instincts.” The Browns open the regular season against Tampa Bay on September 12.

I’m expecting big things for Hardesty in Cleveland and there is not a Vols player that I would love to see succeed in the NFL more than Hardesty.

Portis Is Clear Favorite In 'Skins Backfield

When the Washington Redskins needed depth at the running back spot, they went out and signed proven veterans Larry Johnson and Willie Parker. Both are past their prime, but both were still considered to give Clinton Portis a little competition for the starting job. After two preseason games and off-season practices, it is safe to say that Portis' starting job is not in danger.

Johnson was dreadful in the Redskins 23-3 preseason loss to the Raves. He rushed eight times for four yards and looked like a dumbass after he dropped a short pass from quarterback Donovan McNabb. His pass blocking was terrible and in a Mike Shanahan offense, that will not fly.

Parker is scheduled to start this Friday against the New York Jets, but he hasn't impressed anybody in practices. While he may play well this week, it is unlikely he will unseat Portis as the team's number one back.

According to Jason Reid of the Washington Post, the Redskins are high on young backs Ryan Torain and Keiland Williams. Which means that it would not be surprising if both Johnson and Parker do not end up on the Redskins final 53 man roster heading into the regular season.

Breaking News: Haynesworth Is Out of Shape

Breaking news out of Washington Redskins camp is that defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth is out of shape. After having suffered throughout training camp with various medical issues, the report out of Washington is now that the lineman is suffering from rhabdomyolysis, a condition that causes the rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle because of injury to tissue. The condition has the effects of dehydration, all symptoms Haynesworth complained about last week. Severe fatigue is a cause of rhabdomyolysis, which probably wouldn't have happened if he did everything he was supposed to do this offseason.

After the Redskins 23-3 defeat Saturday night, Haynesworth lashed out about his second half playing time, citing he should not have been in there. Redskins head coach Mike Shannahan responded by saying if you don't practice, you don't play with the first team.

I don't know why Haynesworth feels so entitled to everything. There is no question that the guy is a hell of a difference maker when he is on the field, but that doesn't excuse him from not doing what the rest of the team is doing. The other Redskins have to be tired of hearing and dealing with the Haynesworth drama. He may be the highest paid player on the team, but he still needs to earn the respect of every other player on the team. Right now, I don't see how that can happen.

Clemens To Be Indicted

When we were all kids, our parents and teachers taught us all a very important lesson - Do Not Lie. Apparently former MLB pitcher Roger Clemens didn't take a note, but most likely he is just an asshole and thought that he could get away with lying to Congress in 2008 when asked about his performance enhancing drug use.

Either way he is going to be indicted and that is the truth.

Donavon Frankenreiter Lives The Good Life

 

Donavon Frankenreiter giving us all a taste of how awesome his life is.

ACS Bark For Life Coming Soon!

In conjunction with the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life, Bark for Life is a dog-centric fundraiser that honors the care-giving qualities of our canine companions. The event features Jack Russell Terrier and all-breed races, a dock-diving competition, cutest trick contest, and other fun activities and games for canines and their companions. Bark for Life Bazaar is a marketplace where vendors and non-profits promote their organizations. Funds are raised from sponsorships, vendor participation fees, and the entry fees paid by dog owners. 100% of funds raised help save lives by supporting the mission of the American Cancer Society.

Sunday, September 19, 2010
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
REGISTRATION : 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m
PetSafe Village Dog Park at Tommy Schumpert Park
Knoxville, Tennessee

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

REGISTRATION: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Registration fee of $20 per dog/companion team includes a bandana for the dog and a t-shirt for the companion. $5 for each additional dog. Limit 2 dogs per companion.

MR & MRS BARK FOR LIFE: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Have your dog’s picture taken and submit your entry form for the Mr. or Mrs. Bark for Life contest. The winning dogs selected by a panel of judges will be “crowned” at Bark for Life and featured on the cover of Critter Magazine!

BARK FOR LIFE BAZAAR: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Visit the tables of BFL sponsors, participating vendors and various animal rescue groups for information and networking. Let your dog “Bob for Bones” or create his or her own custom artwork at the “Paw Prints” station!

CONCESSIONS: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Feed the beast inside of you and the one beside you, or just grab a cool beverage!

BUBBLE FEAST: 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.

The kids will love this game! Dogs leap through the air to feast on bubbles created by kids from ages 4 to 84!

MUSICAL HOOPS: 3:40 p.m. – 3:55 p.m.

Just like musical chairs but with hula hoops and your best canine buddy! Prize ribbon for the winner!

DOCK DIVING: 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

A panel of judges determine the best diving dogs based on style and distance with prize ribbons awarded for 1st through 3rd place. Experienced diving dogs only, please.

CUTEST TRICK: 4:50 p.m. – 5:05 p.m.

Show off your dog’s abilities for spectators and our panel of judges. Prize ribbons awarded for the fan and judge favorites, so bring your own cheering squad!

RACING: 5:10 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

Jack Russell Terriers race first and you won’t want to miss this! All breeds race next in small, medium and large divisions. Prize ribbons awarded to the top three finishers in each division.

CLOSING CEREMONY: 5:50 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Witness the “crowning” of Mr. and Mrs. Bark for Life.

For more info please visit:
www.knoxvillebarkforlife.org and facebook

Haynesworth Daily Update

Since Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is an obvious joke at this point because of his inability to pass a fitness test in order to practice, we have decided to keep up with the ordeal.

The Test:
The test consists of 300 yards of sprints -- called a "shuttle" -- back and forth 25 yards at a time. It has to be run twice, with only a 3½-minute break in between. The first one has to be done in less than 70 seconds in order to move on to the second part.

Day 10, Saturday, August 7 - Finally Passed
The fat piece of shit decided to finally pass the test. About time. Now he can try to earn all the money that the 'Skins paid him.

Day 9, Friday, August 6 - Not Attempted
Haynesworth had an MRI on his sore knee and everything showed up okay. So not only is Big Al out of shape, but he is a baby as well.

Day 8, Thursday, August 5 - Not Attempted
The knee is still sore and it looks like Big Al is going to have an MRI on it to see what's going on. It looks like this test is not going to be passed any time soon.

Day 7, Wednesday, August 4 - Not Attempted
Knee still sore, did not run.

Day 6, Tuesday, August 3 - Not Attempted
Knee sore, did not attempt yet again.

Day 5, Monday, August 2 - Failed
Knee still sore, tried to take test, but pulled back early into it. Most likely he was going to fail again. To add to the insult, ESPN analyst and former NFL player Mike Golic took the test and passed it. See previous post.

Day 4, Sunday, August 1 - Not Attempted
Knee still sore, did not attempt again.

Day 3, Saturday, July 31 - Not Attempted
Sore knee from the previous failed tests, did not attempt.

Day 2, Friday, July 30 - Failed
Haynesworth arrived early to take the test. He finished the first part in 71 seconds, one second over the limit. Haynesworth failed again.

Day 1, Thursday, July 29 - Failed
Haynesworth attempts to take the fitness test mandated by head coach Mike Shanahan as a result of missing the off-season conditioning program. Haynesworth finished the first part and needed a bathroom break. He took 10 minutes and when he came back, he was instructed he needed to do it all over again since he took more than a 3 1/2 minute break. Haynesworth failed.

Vote Basil Marceaux For Governor

 

In honor of election day, August 5, we would like to share our support for Basil Marceaux as the next governor of Tennessee. If you are asking yourself why you would vote for this candidate, you obviously haven't watched the above video clip.

I'm Knox Animal, and I approve this message.

Golic In Better Shape Than Haynesworth

Former NFL defensive lineman and current ESPN analyst Mike Golic took the same test that Redskins overpaid defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth keeps failing. The only difference is that the former player passed it.