Can't Blame Johnny Damon; Random Thoughts (August 25, 2010)

The big news in Boston the last few days has been the Red Sox waiver claim of Johnny Damon and subsequent denial on behalf of the Tigers outfielder. Don't pay too much mind to Damon's public comments that he loves Detroit. No one loves Detroit. It is a city that will be a footnote to American History in a few years when it becomes as relevant as Atlantis. The real reason why Johnny Damon is still with the Tigers is that he would rather not play his home games in Fenway Park after being tortured by the Boston fans after he chose to leave the team following the 2005 season for a better opportunity in New York. Not to go all Peter Abraham on you but I was hoping Damon would have been interested in trying to resurrect his "relationship" with the Boston fans ... you know, considering because he looked like Jesus during his time with the Red Sox. However, I don't blame Damon for his decision... I hope that the Baseball Writer's who have a vote for the American League Manager of the Year can look beyond the success of the Texas Rangers and their skipper Pablo Escobar and realize that Terry Francona should be recognized for keeping the Red Sox even remotely close to the Yankees and Rays in the A.L. East. With all the injuries suffered by the Sox stars this summer, they should be closer to the Orioles in the standings than to the two teams that will be fighting for a spot in the World Series in a few weeks. It is a testament to the Francona's abilities that the Red Sox are still within striking distance... With roughly seven weeks to play in the season, Albert Pujols of the Cardinals and Joey Votto of the Reds are not just trying to lead their team to the N.L. Central title or capture the MVP, they are fighting to become the first MLB player since Carl Yastrzemski in 1967 to win the Triple Crown. Votto is the National League's current batting leader, hitting at a .326 clip but Pujols is within striking distance at .319. Pujols is the N.L. leader in homeruns and RBI with 33 and 92 but Votto is right behind him with 31 and 90. Pujols would be the betting favorite to win the Triple Crown considering he has a Hall of Fame resume that has been punctuated with a World Series championship in 2006 and three N.L. MVP awards. However, in the spirit of Yaz and the "Impossible Dream" Red Sox of 1967, I am pulling for Votto to win the Triple Crown and lead the Reds to the World Series... The Patriots are losing ground in their battle with Logan Mankins. The Pro Bowl guard has sat out all of training camp and the preseason in a contract dispute. Bill Belichick and the Pats seemed content to move tackle Nick Kaczur into his position but back surgery has ended Kaczur's year and now veteran journeyman Dan Connally holds down Mankins' spot on the offensive line. It's time for the Patriots to blink in this standoff and pay Mankins what he wants. He plays too valuable of a role in protecting the health of Tom Brady to be sitting on the sidelines in a financial dispute... I am trying my best to keep my excitement down because preseason games are no time to make serious judgements on rookies but I can't wait to watch Devin McCourty, Brandon Spikes, Aaron Hernandez, and Rob Gronkowski breathe some much needed life into the Patriots... Count me in as a fan of Rajon Rondo's decision to withdraw from the USA BAsketball team at the upcoming World Championships. Even if it was a preemptive strike to avoid being cut, I want Rondo completely rested and healthy for the NBA season when his perimeter defense and offensive genius will play a huge role in leading the Celtics to their 18th NBA championship... Enjoy the Motor City Johnny...