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MGM: Josh, Spider, Tiger, and Vince

Posted on August 10th, 2009 9:21am by Bob Sturm
Filed under Machine Gun Mondays, Sturm

machinegun1-300x199“Machine Gun Mondays” is back, but don’t go falling in love with it all over again because it is on borrowed time.  Once the regular season begins for the Cowboys (September 13 at Tampa Bay) you know that Monday morning means the morning-after game notes from the Cowboys, but for now….for a few more Mondays, let’s take a trip around a wild sports weekend, shall we?

I think the story to rock all stories this weekend was the Josh Hamilton developments from his night in January as he clearly and sadly fell off the wagon. I must tell you that this story bothers me quite a bit on a number of levels, not the least of which being that many of us have vouched for him dozens of times as being “authentic” with his story in a world of stories that are not authentic. Alas, He is human, and he definitely is chased by his demons on a daily basis.

But, what does this mean from a Rangers’ standpoint? I think we better understand why he has not had his contract extended by the Rangers. We expected something to be announced in spring training this year, and when it didn’t happen we found it somewhat curious. But, now, we see what the Rangers are doing. They can’t trust him. That is why Johnny Narron remains by his side at all times (I guess not all times – see the pictures from January). And, am I to believe that Johnny Narron knew nothing of this relapse? And if so, what does that say?

Are the Rangers in a tough spot? Not really. Because this is what the arbitration process is made for. They will likely elect to simply go on a year-by-year trip to arbitration with Hamilton. They may eventually have to extend him, but for now, they can continue to pay him 1-year deals for 2010, 2011, and 2012.

By then, the Rangers will know more about Josh. Is he the player he appeared to be in 2008 or what he appears to be 2009? Can he hold up health-wise? Can he avoid his demons? If they like all of his answers, then they can give him an extension. But that can be 2-4 years from now.

I think JD, Nolan, and Tom Hicks will all take a sigh of relief that this did not happen a week after they committed 5-years, $40 million to him last winter. And now, they have a perfectly legitimate reason to avoid the topic altogether until 2012. We have said in the past that Josh Hamilton has cost himself millions and millions over his life by some of his decisions. I believe we can add quite a bit of money lost to those pictures that emerged over the weekend.

In other news…

* Tiger heads to this week’s PGA Championship with two consecutive victories on tour – this one at Bridgestone . Woods-Padraig Harrington in the final pairing looked very intriguing, although I will readily admit I was more interested in Derek Holland’s dismantling of the Angels for most of the day. But, I tuned in for a signature “Tiger Moment” on 16 as Tiger hit the most insane 178-yard 8-iron in golf history to 12 inches. Meanwhile, Padraig, who has won 3 majors in the last 3 years himself, was taking a snowman on the same hole, and the tournament was Tiger’s.

This is Tiger’s 70th tour victory. Check out this from PGA.com :

The win is the 70th of Woods’ career on the PGA TOUR in 248 career starts (234 as a professional). As a result, he moves within three victories of tying Jack Nicklaus (73 wins) for second place on the all-time TOUR wins list. Sam Snead, with 82 wins, leads the list.

So, only 3 golfers EVER have won 70 tournaments. Snead, Nicklaus, and Woods. CBS showed that Snead won #70 at the Age of 41 at the ’54 Palm Beach Open. Nicklaus won #70 at the age of 40 at the ’80 PGA Championship. Woods is 33 years old.

It is possible that when it is all said and done that we will never see another athlete like Tiger Woods. He could be our Babe Ruth.

* UFC 101 was average. Not a ton of quality, but the top 2 fights were worthy. BJ Penn took apart Kenny Florian. Silva-Griffin was another Spider destruction of an opponent. I don’t really understand how Silva knocked out Forrest while back pedaling, but it was devastating. You might be able to see the video of the knockout here if you hurry. With Miguel Angel Torres losing, the pound for pound champion is either Spider or GSP. You cannot go wrong either way.

* The Rangers tired of Vicente Padilla finally. And the parting shots are worth reading . This marriage was destined to fail from the time the extension was signed, and it is finally over. Now, the Millwood, Hunter, Feldman, Holland, and Nippert rotation will have to carry things the rest of the way. A bold move by a team that is technically leading the wildcard race this morning.

* Futbol is back! Manchester United vs Chelsea in the Charity Shield match to start the season was played yesterday and won by Chelsea . I tell you this for 3 reasons. 1) If you give the English Premiership a chance (seen on ESPN2 and Fox Soccer Channel) you will thank me for the rest of your life. Pick a team, follow them (the new season starts this coming Saturday), and realize theater that rivals any sport you already love. I promise. 2) the USA plays in Mexico on Wednesday in a big-time World Cup Qualifier. and 3) I want you to prepare for my first ever soccer-only chat coming Tuesday or Wednesday morning on this very website.

* Football is back, too! Yes, it might have just been preseason football, but tell me the NFL preseason opener didn’t catch your eye for just a moment. Terrell was Terrell, and the Oilers uniforms were back. Vince Young looked pretty lost at times again, and I am so interested in his story and where it will go from here. I just cannot believe that Vince Young, the guy I wrote about in 2005 can possibly be this same guy now. I was convinced Vince Young was a superstar-to-be in the NFL. But, it appears I was way wrong. I never figured he would be brought down by something as seemingly harmless as criticism. It appears the guy had never been criticized until he got to Tennessee, and when he finally had it aimed at him, he crumbled. Will he ever rise again?

Another big week in front of us, with the PGA Championship, the Cowboys-Raiders, USA-Mexico, and more Rangers baseball. Let’s get er done.

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27 Comments to “MGM: Josh, Spider, Tiger, and Vince”
  • Chadb @ August 10th, 2009 at 9:32 am

    Bob-

    Is the US game being telecast in English?

  • Bob Sturm @ August 10th, 2009 at 9:36 am
  • Jim @ August 10th, 2009 at 9:38 am

    USA game is in engilsh on MUN2

  • Josey Wales @ August 10th, 2009 at 9:43 am

    Nicely written, Sports Sturm.

    My recollection is that the Rangers made Josh an offer to extend this past spring that he called “very disappointing” or somesuch and I can remember thinking it was the typical Ranger lowball offer.

    Per extension talks now? Nope, year-to-year and we’ll see how things are sometime in 2012.

    I’m also beginning to wonder if Josh is the baseball version of Roy Tarpley. The reason we’re so quick to forgive is because of his all-world talent and the fact that he belongs to us.

    Josh also knows somebody, somewhere is always going to forgive him because of his talent. The wife has unconditional love but what the hell would you expect from Johnny Narron, Jon Daniels or the fans? He knows we’ll be quick to forgive this one – we need him.

    I still love the player but I’m not going to be fooled by the person. I’m sniffing a lot of con in him. This is a kid with a really nasty problem and I hope he can stay sober but I’m not going to be surprised if something like this happens again.

    The surprise, to me, will be if he doesn’t slip.

  • billy v @ August 10th, 2009 at 9:54 am

    You’ve worn me down and I am in on EPL football. A trip to the UK and seeing all of the jerseys also helped. How’s Chelsea sound to follow?

  • DallasManUFan @ August 10th, 2009 at 10:02 am

    Ah yes, SportsSturm…it’s never too early for you and the rest of the Scousers to prepare for another trophyless season at Anfield.

  • Dan @ August 10th, 2009 at 10:02 am
  • keith @ August 10th, 2009 at 10:09 am

    A SOCCER CHAT!!!

    Let me say that if I were a Red fan, I would be worried about the depature of Xabi. It seemed like he was the best player on the pitch, not named Stevie G, for much of last year.

    I took your advice last year, studied, researched and decided to support a club…Newcastle. Oddly, their relegation struggles makes me feel like I made the right choice. Having now spilt blood, I feel like a true Geordie, and worthy of admitance in the Toon Army. I will always be a fan of that club, having lived through a relegation battle, there is nothing like it in sports. Unfortunately, the EPL is better experienced picking a club and having a dog in the hunt. So for the next year(I hope) I am going to support Everton or Aston Villa. I’m leaning towards Tim Howard and the fro that is Felani, but having a hard time getting to geared up for it. Which leads me to my question, how hard it is for a club to recover from a devastating season like Newcastle? It would seem that a club with a place like St. James Park behind it would be more equiped than others, but whats the history? Will they recover, or will they suffer the same fate as a Leeds United?

  • SkyMasterson @ August 10th, 2009 at 10:12 am

    How does Woods’ victories per start percentage compare with others (Nicklaus, Snead, etc.)? On its face, Woods’ 30% seems amazing.

  • Beesley @ August 10th, 2009 at 10:35 am

    I think they said yesterday that his percentage is around 25%. The next closest? Phil Mickelson at 9%!

    And as for Josh, man, people have vices. He has to surround himself with accountability, but I’m willing to bet everyone on here struggles with something. I think the positive thing here is that everyone got a phone call the next morning (except the press, thank goodness) and he owned up to it.

  • DallasManUFan @ August 10th, 2009 at 10:42 am

    @Keith –

    Newcastle are in super deep doodoo, as they have an owner who wants to sell the club, but can’t find any buyers. Plus, he has no true football sense and can’t settle on a manager that’s worth anything. Shearer was overmatched, O’Leary was responsible for the mess that Leeds is in.

    Bottom line for them is they need to bounce right back up, or they may become the next Southampton or Charlton.

  • GhettoBear04 @ August 10th, 2009 at 11:37 am

    Blue is the colour, football is the game
    We’re all together and winning is our aim
    So cheer us on through the sun and rain
    ‘Cause CHELSEA! CHELSEA! is our name!

    Losing Xabi Alonso will hurt the Scousers, but I’ve always had a soft spot for his replacement, Aquilani. Shame to see he’s hurt. DallasManUFan, any ideas what to expect from Nani this year?

  • Adam D @ August 10th, 2009 at 11:43 am

    I’ve been a Tottenham fan ever since the fact that KK was their starting keeper coincided with my starting to watch English Football. Looking forward to your chat!

  • DallasManUFan @ August 10th, 2009 at 12:04 pm

    @Ghetto –

    Depends on how long he’s out with that shoulder he dislocated yesterday. But, if you saw any of the match, that’s about what he’s good for. Running at defenders, decent passing and some extremely ill-advised shots. He won’t be Ronaldo, but between him and Valencia (hopefully) they’ll pick up some of the slack.

  • Rossometown @ August 10th, 2009 at 12:26 pm

    I think Norm hit the nail on the head today on the Hamilton subject.

    I think it’s sad for all the people who now say nothing, but bad things about Josh now. He said he thought he could have just one and if nothing else he learned a lesson and hopefully will take that lesson with him in the future. He has been nothing but open and honest with his story, and he said the first thing he did the next morning was inform his wife and employer, you think those were easy calls to make? Just because he didn’t tell you the fan doesn’t make it shady. One slip up in 4 years doesn’t seem like the end of the world to me, especially when it was just a legal substance. I have been that drunk many a time and I guarantee you that NO ONE on this blog could care less. My prayers still go out to Josh and his family. Besides, he answers to someone bigger than all of us, and what we think doesn’t matter…

    I think the Roy Tarpley thing is a joke. Drugs are the only parallel in the 2 stories.

  • BeefSupreme @ August 10th, 2009 at 12:41 pm

    Silva looked absolutely dominate in that fight.

    He was quite literally toying w/ Forrest, a man not even 9 months removed from being king of the LHW division.

    I mean honestly, Anderson was “Ali-esque” in that bout.

    I think he moves up to the 205 division full time after that display, and if he’ll agree to fight his friend and countryman, we’ll get to see an absolute gem of a fight in Machida vs. Spider for the LHW strap.

    It is a good time to be an MMA fan!

  • Jack @ August 10th, 2009 at 12:46 pm

    We all love to rip on Greggo and cast him off because he is a addict, but yet we are quick to forgive Josh. I think Josh opened everyones eyes that any, and every addict can fall off the wagon. I hope this is the last story we here about Josh but…he is an addict.

  • keith @ August 10th, 2009 at 12:50 pm

    @Dallas-

    Oh god, please don’t say that! Ashley has certainly created a disaster. Running away Keegan, taking away his authority, primarily in regards to selling Milner was the start of along list of things to follow. Kinnear seemed to have them on the right track, a tie at Stamford Bridge was a highlight. But he went away, and the team was just lost. I hope Ashley is succesful in selling the thing so someone can save a great franchise.

  • Bryan @ August 10th, 2009 at 1:48 pm

    Silva is no doubt the best pound for pound. He has not even been pushed yet in the UFC he is like Roy Jones Jr. in his prime. I think he will be the first two title holder in the UFC.

  • GunDog @ August 10th, 2009 at 2:09 pm

    1st futbol chat!
    Don’t root for Chelsea. Do you really want to support a big bad Russian owner?
    I think keith’s advice, support either Everton or Aston Villa, is solid. Both teams have American keepers. Also, Texas boy Clint Dempsey plays for Fulham.
    Isn’t Newcastle’s owner trying to sell the team?

  • IrishP1 @ August 10th, 2009 at 3:33 pm

    Bryan: Dana has already said if Spider stays in 205, he’ll have to vacate the 185 belt. UFC won’t allow two-belts to a fighter now.

    On a cool side note to the 2009 HOF game, I just saw the eligible list for the 2010 HOF and, let’s just say maybe they should think of doing the 92 NFC champ game matchup for the game….

    Eligible in 2010: Gary Anderson, Tim Brown, Eddie George, Jerry Rice, Emmitt Smith

    If Goodell lets that happen, I will DEFINITELY be buying tickets to Canton!!!!

  • BeefSupreme @ August 10th, 2009 at 3:53 pm

    I think Silva would willingly forefit his 185 belt soley based on UFC’s champion clause.

    Anderson is under contract for what, 2? 3 more fights w/ Zuffa?

    When those are obligated he wants to box RJJ – something he cannot do if he is still the MW belt holder based on UFC’s champion clause.

    Regardless, there are ample opportunities for good match-ups w/ the Spider @ 205. Can’t wait to see his next fight in the octogon.

  • Harry Rosen Bag @ August 10th, 2009 at 4:45 pm

    He among us who has not gotten drunk, licked whip cream off a fake boob and dry humped a slut, cast the first stone…

  • tony @ August 10th, 2009 at 9:50 pm

    no no, our hero josh is nothing like roy tarpley.
    tarpley was taller, for one thing. Also, while Josh likes ‘Cool Whip,’ Roy was more of a generic-brand guy, Kroger’s whipped cream, whatever. And Roy had fewer tats.
    HUGE difference.

  • IrishP1 @ August 10th, 2009 at 9:53 pm

    @Beef: One word: Rampage.
    Dana needs to make this happen ASAP!!!!

  • GhettoBear04 @ August 10th, 2009 at 10:28 pm

    It depends on your style, I suppose. But if you were trying to convince somebody to start following baseball, you wouldn’t tell them to follow the Tigers or Astros, even though those teams have some history. You would want to pick a team with lots of history and that has a good chance to win this year so they get to experience a pennant chase (Dodgers, Red Sox, Cubs, even the dreaded Yankees, etc).

    Sure Aston Villa and Everton have interesting teams (I especially like Aston Villa’s style), but at least pick one of the big 4 teams that have a chance at winning the EPL and Champions league, it makes it more fun. Rooting for Chelsea is like rooting for the Steelers or Ravens in the NFL-they play great, tough defense, play well as a team, win close games with a veteran team, and can piss other teams off with their physicality.

  • signal forex @ May 10th, 2010 at 4:37 pm

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