Does Baseball need a Salary Cap?

Absolutely, and without a doubt, Major League Baseball should develop a salary-cap system to control the finances that are beginning to spiral out of control in the sports world. In an era that has dealt with a huge inflation rate over the last 10 years, selected baseball owners have the taken advantage of their positions in the baseball market and have created contracts that were "unthinkable" in the decades of the last century.

While I do agree that the luxury tax and revenue sharing ideas have helped cause somewhat of a soft cap on baseball, it hasn't done the job completely. Large market teams have considerable control over their destiny and success. Padres owner John Moores once wrote in the Wall Street Journal shortly after his team had, ironically, reached the World Series "Unless baseball changes the way it does business, it risks seeing its fans drift away, tired of their teams' futility. Perhaps 12 of 30 Major League teams have any possibility of reaching post-season play, and fewer still have a realistic hope of winning a pennant." That statement speaks volumes. Because Baseball is of course "America's Pastime", however the focus is now the keyword "past".

Football has slowly become the sport of the current age. The shorter season and the single game per week theory has equaled higher ratings and higher anticipation for the weekends. Not to mention the evolution and improvements in physical science that have led to stronger and quicker players which equal better action and entertainment on the field. More importantly, the NFL's salary cap has created an atmosphere that allows nearly any team in the league to have a chance to succeed in a given year. Football fans love the mindset of knowing their underdog team has a much better chance of playing for post-season contention than in Baseball because the cap prevents large market teams from "splurging" with their revenue and buying out the free agent market.

While the luxury tax and revenue sharing rules have helped soften the blow that league was starting to endure in the late 90's, it does not prevent large market teams from creating monsters. Let's take the Yankees for example. New York has payed oodles of cash through luxury taxes over the last few years and are yearly repeat offenders of the tax threshold that keeps teams in the clear. However, the mindset in New York is to win championships and anything short of that is failure. Their is no such tax that can change that mindset and the reason is because the Yankees have such a huge portion of the market and fan base that they do not care about what they have to pay out to the league. The Yankees are the prime example of what is wrong with baseball today. The only thing that could put some containment on these issues is a cap.

A salary cap equals better competition through out the league because it forces big name players to be placed on teams that can afford them. It prevents teams from creating "monsters" that conquer their respective divisions. The problem that results from having too many "monsters" in a league, are the fans of the smaller market teams that are tired of seeing the same "monsters" in championship races every year. It's like watching a David vs. Goliath match every year in the playoffs and fans are tired of it. As a result, we have not witnessed an "exciting" World Series since 1995 and 1996. The only reason why the 2001 series was so great is because the world witnessed the downing of the Yankee empire against the expansion team/underdog Diamondbacks. Fans love football because this doesn't happen. There are different teams in the playoffs almost every year, and the teams that are repeats deserve recognition for being successful teams because it is not easy in a salary-cap world. The New England Patriots are given much credit for being a franchise that has been so successful over the last seven years by winning three championships in an system that makes it nearly impossible to do so. When the Yankees won repeated championships, people accused them of simply "buying" them.

The bottom-line here is that at Major League Baseball is spinning into an uncertain future. With the economy inflating at the rate is has been recently, the league faces the risk of losing fans due to team inequality. Small market teams have less of a chance to succeed every year and their fan bases have shrunk. A salary cap would place these issues in check and give the market a chance to even out.

For a game that has such a prestigious history, it has slowly lost its title of being "America's Game". Now, its just the "Pastime".

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What's more impressive: Barry Bonds' 755 home runs or Roger Clemens' 350 Wins?

This is a topic that should not be argued. Both records show longevity, greatness, and a dominance at their respectful positions. However, 755 homeruns is in-fact a harder record to break than 350 wins. Why? Here is a couple distinct reasons:

1.) The amount of wins a pitcher has over his career can reflect the quality of the team he played for and against. Clemens has pitched for great teams throughout his career and has had great help from his offenses and bullpens to get wins. He played five seasons with the Yankees where his ERA was never below 3.51 and he had an offense and bullpen that gave him gift-wrapped wins. Not to mention his time spent in Houston during an era where the National League was a complete pitchers league. The hitters in the NL failed in comparison to the AL. Clemens's ERA in his time spent in Houston was below 3.00.

2.) If Clemens played for poor teams, he would not have reached 350, maybe not even 300 because he would have had more no-decisions.

3.) Barry hit 753 homeruns on both good and bad teams. The homerun is not a statistic that is based on the quality of a team's performance. It is an individual accomplishment like a strikeout is to a pitcher.

4.) Bonds will be number one for All-Time homeruns hit. Clemens is number eight and needs another 163 wins to beat Cy Young. Granted that its a record that may never be broken due to the evolution of the ball and the game.

If you want to compare these two players, talk about Clemens's strikeouts numbers. (number two all-time) He needs about 900 more to pass Ryan. Even though Bond's would win that debate too, remember the name "Clemens" has been thrown around in steroids talk as well.

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Let's talk some FANTASY FOOTBALL!! (Part 2: Tight End)

Hey everyone! I am back after a few days layoff - sorry, had some personal issues to take care of. With that being said, lets get into my top 10 NFL Fantasy Tight End's for the 2007 season:

#10) Ben Watson (NE) - One of Tom Brady's favorite red zone targets. He is now the undisputed #1 TE in New England w/ Daniel Graham going to Denver. I drafted him last year, I wasn't dissapointed.

#9) LJ Smith (PHI) - Contract year - will perform well as long as McNabb is healthy. If McNabb is hurt... LJ will tank. 18 red zone targets... thats 3rd best last year.

#8) Vernon Davis (SF) - BYE BYE Eric Johnson! Vernon was hurt for a good chunk of the season last year. In training camp this year, he has shown that he can lineup as a WR which could bolster his value even more. SF is my pick to win the NFC West this year by the way.

#7) Todd Heap (BAL) - Team leading 73 receptions last year, look for that number to stay consistant. 29% of Baltimore's receptions were from Tight Ends... think about that.

#6) Chris Cooley (WAS) - 19 TDs in the last 3 years. Campbell really likes this guy. Cooley might be the only consistant weopon on the Redskins offense.

#5) Alge Crumpler (ATL) - 750-800 yards I project this year. 6-8 TD's. Yes ATL will run the ball alot, and Michael Vick is not a great passing QB, but Alge was 2nd in red zone targets last year, and I look for that to continue.

#4) Kellen Winslow (CLE) - PLEASE STAY HEALTHY! The Browns just completely suck, I predict them to get the #2 overall pick in the 08 draft. But Kellen is an ANIMAL! The Browns were by far the team that used the TE the most last year. Someone please throw him the damn ball!!

#3) Jeremy Shockey (NYG) - No Tiki means more targets for Shockey. He has 20 TDs in the last 3 years, thats the best in the league. He had 7 red zone touchdowns last year (#1 in the league) 70 rec. 700 yards 7 TDs.

#2) Tony Gonzalez (KC) - Even at age 31, he is the most reliable Tight End in the game today. Only missed 2 games in his entire 10 year career. Extrememly durable and is the #1 receiving option in KC. Look for 70 rec, 900 yards, 6 TDs.

and finally my #1 Tight End for this year... (WHAT A SURPRISE THIS IS GOING TO BE!)

#1) Antonio Gates (SD) - What can I say about this guy that nobody else has in the past? Yes the Chargers used a (smart) pick on WR Craig Davis... but how much do you really think he's going to cut into Gates' numbers? SLIM TO NONE is my opinion. Since 2004, Gates has had 900+ yards with 9 or more TDs every year. This man is the undisputed #1 Tight End in the NFL.

Next time I will be going over Defense rankings. These are my personal rankings, and I am sticking to it! Peace : )

- Gabe

Barry Bonds getting thrown in the Fire...Literally.

If Barry Bonds hasn't gotten burned enough in his career, then one fan might set a little more fire to it.

On ESPN's Cold Pizza today, Jay Crawford interviewed a man named Keith McDonough who is the owner of "Bleacher Sports Memorabilia Shop" outside of Chicago. McDonough is one of the many baseball fans in this country who is outraged at the possibility of Bonds breaking Hank Aaron's record within the next few weeks. So outraged, that he has created an event called a "Bonds-Fire" where he is asking people around the country to donate Barry Bonds memorabilia and have it burned in a massive bonfire when 756 is belted. McDonough will be donating $2000 worth of Bonds items from his shop to get the event "heated up". The email address (for anyone interested) is Bondsretire754@aol.com to receive more information on this event.

McDonough also asked during the interview to have fans bring 8 x 10 cards to the stadium that say "B.R.754" which means Barry Retire when you hit 754. If Bonds were to do this, McDonough says it would be "A classy move." He also stated that Bonds will not be making the Hall of Fame, just tarnishing a great accomplishment in sports history.

Now, we can all see that this man is a leading example of the disgruntled fans that would love to protect Aaron's record. But, lets be real here. A bonfire? Sorry, a "bondsfire?" To put it simply: That is hilarious. I don't own any Bonds stuff. But if I did, I would rather keep the value. His Topps rookie card is worth over $500 on the Internet. Don't expect to see too many of those getting thrown in the fire.

As crazy as this event may seem, it's gonna happen. This is nothing more than an outlet for fans to really take a stab back at baseball. For letting players get away with taking performance enhancers and steroids for so long. Because in the end, even though Bonds got away with taking steroids (so far), theoretically he hasn't because its the fans and the general public that have the last say to a player's greatness. If steroids were never a factor then we the fans would be applauding these record breaking years we have endured through the skills of Bonds and McGwire. Baseball would not have any shadows covering the greatness and history of the game. Instead, Hall-of-Fame caliber players are getting black marked and denied induction to the Hall.

Mr. Keith McDonough there is no need to worry. Bond's record will be shattered within the next 10 years. And we can put this issue to rest.

Let's talk some FANTASY FOOTBALL!! (Part 1: Kickers)

Hey everyone! Welcome to my very first blog of my entire life! My name is Gabe, and I consider myself a fantasy baseball and football guru. I'd first off like to thank my good friend, former roommate, college buddy Chris for giving me this opportunity! With that being said, LETS GET RIGHT INTO THE ACTION!

There is nothing I like talking about more then Fantasy Football. (Maybe with the exception of my Chicago Bears or WWE). Each day I am going to talk about my top 10 for each position. The first position I will discuss, is the Kicker spot.

Here is my top 10 Kickers for this upcoming season:

10) Josh Scobee (JAC) - made 80% of his kicks last year, and was #6 overall in kicker total points in 2006
9) Neil Rackers (AZ) - new coach, much improved offense, huge leg (despite only converting 1 50+ yard FG last year)
8) Matt Stover (BAL) - 93.3% kicking accuracy for best in the league last year. Willis McGahee HUGE upgrade over Jamal Lewis means more points for this 39 year old from Lousiana Institute of Technology
7) Robbie Gould (CHI) - league high 143 points last year - no Thomas Jones this year however, so the offense maybe a little inconsistant at times (especially with Grossman at the helm)
6) Jason Elam (DEN) - top 10 in each of the last 5 years in terms of points. Travis Henry is an upgrade in the running game, this 37 year old should have no problem putting up points.
5) Jeff Wilkins (STL) - league leading 32 FG's last year... high powered offense, a MONSTER at long range field goals.... enough said.
4) Stephen Gostkowski (NE) - the unbelievable WR core that the Pats now have will prove to be HUGE with Gostkowski. The Pats will score LOTS of points this year.
3) Adam Vinatieri (IND) - Colts offense? Playing in a dome? Future Hall of Fame kicker? Do the Math.
2) Shayne Graham (CIN) - Converted 52 of 63 FGs in the last 2 years. Top 10 in scoring each of the last 3 years. Carson Palmer the QB? Chad Johnson the WR? Rudi Johnson the RB? POINTS!!!!

and my #1 overall Kicker: Nate Kaeding (SD) - Nate has the luxury of having the greatest RB in recent years with LT. Phillip Rivers is improving each and every year. Gates is a monster. SD in general is a very solid team.. I just hope they lose to my Bears Week 1 haha!

Thats it from here, until tomorrow... those are my rankings, and I'm sticking to it!

Mark Cuban to the Windy City?

Sources say Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is interested in purchasing The Chicago Cubs organization and taking a venture into baseball. Cuban filled out an application to take over the team which has been up for sale since April by the Tribune Co.

Cuban has owned the Mavericks for seven years and has improved the franchise greatly since his arrival with a 20% increase in overall winning percentage and a trip to the NBA finals. The Mavs had previously never reached the finals.

Cuban has always been known to be an aggressive and outgoing owner with a great sense of enthusiasm during his tenure with the Mavericks. A personality that is needed for the Cubs. An organization that has seen its share of hard times and could absolutlely use the optimistic lift that Cuban brings to the table.

However, Cuban must first get through Commissioner Bud Selig and Chicago Sports Mogul Jerry Reinsdorf. Considering Selig has the power to deny the purchase to Cuban at his expense. But why would Selig want to deny Cuban ownership? Because Selig is very close to Reinsdorf who is the owner of the White Sox and the Bulls. The same person who voted against Cuban purchasing the Mavericks in 2000 during the owners voting session. He lost 29 to 1. The connection between the two men may prevent Cuban from getting into Chicago.

But from a business aspect, how could you not want Cuban running the show in Chicago? What negative aspect does he bring to baseball? Cuban has proven to be dedicated to his team and has done wonders for the Dallas franchise. Cuban knows he can be the difference maker in Chicago and I think the team and fans know it too. He brings a level of enthusiasm that Chicago has not seen in quite some time.

If your Bud Selig, you have to consider Cuban to take part in a franchise that has tried so hard to stay alive for years. Especially in a market that is there for the taking. Who knows. Maybe Cuban could even persuade a certain Rodriguez to join the Cub family next season.

Is the Ichiro signing the "end of the world?"

Florida Marlins President David Samson seems to think so.

During an interview on a local sports talk radio show, Samson called the possible Ichiro contract extension as "the end of the world as we know it", "a joke", and "it will take the sport down." According to Yahoo.com.



Samson, however was the same president who twice held a "fire sale" after two world series appearances by trading and cutting key players from both 1997 and 2003 world series teams in attempts to start over with a low budget. Also, Samson fired NL Manager of the Year Jack McKeon after their World Series Win over the New York Yankees in 2003. Not to mention he is the president of an organization with one of the lowest season attendance record averages ever.

If Ichiro and the Mariners come to an agreement on a contract extension that will pay roughly $100 million over the next 5 years, it will make him the most over-paid lead-off hitter in the game and it will add to the list of over-priced players in the league. Do I agree with Mr. Samson? Yes, but you won't hear me on talk shows ranting and raving about it either.

Ichiro will be 34 this year. He is currently an exceptional lead-off hitter due to his speed and great contact ability at the plate. Not to mention he has great range with an above average arm as well. However, Ichiro will be turning 39 in his contract year. By that time his speed and range will have diminished to a point, and his bat speed will have slowed as well. All the things that Ichiro depends upon currently and what make him what he is today will be well under the value of his contract.

This deal is similar to the Johnny Damon deal of almost two years ago. Damon in his prime was an elite leadoff hitter with great range and a strong bat. The Red Sox decided to let go of Damon after the 2005 season because of contractual reasons. The Red Sox were afraid to sign the 31 year old Damon to a long term extension because of his age at the lead-off position. The Yankees soon signed Damon to a four year deal that December. Damon will be getting paid over $12 million during his contract year at age 36. As a lead-off hitter.

Is Ichiro better than Damon in their primes? Yes. Which is why Ichiro deserves better money. However, signing him to a $100 million dollar contract would be crazy at his age. I understand much of this contract has to do with Japanese media and marketing politics. Still, $20 million is too much money for a player who doesn't drive in runs and solely relies on hits and OBP. In my mind, Ichiro is worth roughly $17 million a year for the next two years. Watch his value drop after age 36.

The Dish is back in Full Swing.

I have taken some time off for personal reasons. The web site is back up starting Thursday July 12th. Please spread the word and give me good reader feedback.

Chris

What to expect at No. 756.

San Fransisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds is only five home runs shy of breaking the game's All-Time record set by Hank Aaron 31 years ago. And as that time comes closer, many questions surround baseball about what will happen at that time. Where will commissioner Bud Selig be? Where will Hank Aaron be? What park will Bonds do it in? What will the fan reaction be? How many more will he hit afterwards? Will he retire after the season?



It seems to be a touchy subject as of late, but I figured I would give a little insight into what fans can expect from this upcoming event.



1. Where will Bud Selig be at 756? Thus far, Selig has expressed emotion showing that he will not be at the event. To say that he will stick to his guns and not show up is hard to say. The hard fact that Selig must face is that Bonds has not been technically convicted of taking steroids even though he and the rest of the world knows he did. With that being said, he should show up. Although deep down he doesn't want to. Frankly, I don't blame him.



2. Where will Hank Aaron be? This one is simple: At Home. Earlier this year, Bonds publicly announced that he had been trying to contact Aaron for quite some time and that he deeply admires him. Bonds obviously wanted Aaron's support behind the record. Aaron later sent Bonds a telegram (yes, a telegram) saying he wished him luck however, wanted no part in the event. Aaron not only doesn't want to be in attendance, but he wants nothing to do with Bonds or the milestone itself.



3. What Park will Bonds hit 756? It's tough to say which stadium, but I can tell you it will be in California. Giants play three at home starting Friday, then go on a seven game road trip, followed by an eight game home stand against the Braves and Marlins. If he doesn't hit it against the Marlins, he will have an eight game road trip in California against the Padres and Dodgers to do it.



4. What will the fan reaction be? Depends on where he does it. If Bonds hits it at home it will be a big ovation and a big deal. If he hits it anywhere else he will still get an ovation, but it won't be the same. It will be a more of a mixed ovation. But one thing remains true: He will do it at a sold out stadium.



5. How many more will he hit afterwards? I expect Bonds to reach the 770 mark. So long as Bonds stays healthy the remainder of the season he should duplicate the 17 home runs he hit in the first half, if not more.



6. Will he retire after the season? Yes, absolutely and definitely. If I had to bet my soul on it I would. Bonds wants nothing to do with baseball or the spotlight anymore after he breaks the record. Bonds hates people and the negative attention he keeps getting. He has never been a fan-friendly player and never will be. Once he retires, he will vanish off like Mark McGwire has. I wouldn't even be that surprised if he retired soon after he breaks it.



I hope this helps you expect what will come in the next few weeks. Regardless of the steroids case that surrounds baseball, the record deserves recognition and Bonds should still be honored for it. Asterisk it if you will, but I have a feeling Bonds will not be holding this record for very long.

A-Rod will be Guaranteed $30 Million Annually says Boras

New York Yankees third basemen Alex Rodriguez's agent Scott Boras has indicated that he will not be negotiating with the Yankee ballclub during the season and has raised the ante on what it will take to keep the league's best hitter in New York, according to the New York Post.

During a telephone interview with the Post, Boras indicated that Rodriguez will opt out of his contract at the end of the season that will pay him an estimated $28 million in 2008. This conversation coming only two days after the Yankees announced that they will break tradition and re-negotiate A-Rod's contract during the season.

Rodriguez is already among the highest paid players in the league along with teammates Roger Clemens and Jason Giambi.

It is also noted that if A-Rod does opt out of his contract, then the Texas Rangers will no longer have to pay their share of his contract due to trade stipulations back in 2003.