Question? Jersey's: Real or Fake?

Comparison:

http://thevandors.com/michael/images/Other/Philip_Rivers_Jersey.jpg

http://jerseymall2008.com/pic/digi/2008113043134825.jpg

You know, there is one question I'd like to ask?

I've apparently bought my own fake from a Team Store without knowing---but I never cared either way.

Those who have "Real" Jerseys, what are your reasons?

Is it the status of owning an expensive jersey in your collection and "Showing it off"?

Is it displaying your pride in ones team?

Or is it being able to point out who's got the good stuff in a crowd and snickering behind their backs when they are out of sight?

Personally, a fake jersey is the same as an authentic---a flag one wears to celebrate their accomplishments or their failures in all it's aesthetic glory.

From the Dodger Blues to the Dolphin Aqua and Orange---what does it matter? Even most fakes are from the same country the Authentics are shipped from, so the line that "Where's the American Pride in buying Chinese Crap?" isn't going to work.

I ask you, whats your reasons?

The Bud Vs. The King

"It's strange, it's one man, it's Bud Selig. You know Bud, get a life."
Pete Rose
Sports Net Interview-http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/2008/02/06/rose_sportsnet_exclusive/

With that quote, he sealed his fate. He won't get in til the "Bud" leaves the Commissioners Office.

Selig's stench on the game is as strong as any Marijuana plant I've ever encountered.

Nine Time's out of Ten, Bud has harmed MLB then he has every helped it.

Aside from the Mid-90's Development of the Wildcard, there is not one thing this man has done to help the game.

Steroids, Player Strikes, Exaggerated Contracts and the All-Star game are all major blunders under his watch.


The Game is on the Map these days because of two chemically enhanced sluggers from 1998 who took it upon themselves to become the Premier show in the nation at a time John Elway, Michael Jordan, and Wayne Gretzky all were honing their skills in preseason.

Without them, the MLB is still 2nd fiddle.

Selig, Fix the HOF election's if you want the Hall to keep it's credibility as having the best and most influential of the game.

Bonds, who is a Modern Day Ruth should be in. Clemens, a modern Walter Johnson should be in. Mark McGwire, this generations Roger Maris should be in.

Maris had an *astericks* for over 40 years. I think it's time to expand it to the Hall as well.

Let Barry Bonds*, Roger Clemens* and Mark McGwire* have their day in cooperstown.

Just make sure there is an asteriks next to their name, as well as anyone else who is under question or having been proven to have caused the game harm.

Pete Rose* for 2013

Magic Johnson Turns 50 Today

......Announces Unofficially that he has found the cure for HIV.

Magic's Birth name is Ervin Magic Johnson. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson

Congratulations to the 3 time NBA MVP and All-Star, who is also a entrepreneur, developer, and and humanitarian.

The 13 Year Vet plans to announce the latest cure in a tell all book, titled "If you got money, you got it all".

Kanye West Released the following Press Release:
"You know the best medicine go to people thats paid,
If Magic Johnson got a cure for A.I.D.S.
And all the broke muthaf$%&*ers past away
You tellin me if my grandma was in the N.B.A.
Right now she'd be ok?"

Attempts to contact Magic Johnson for a Comment were left unanswered.

(this post is mostly in jest)

Mike Vick is an Eagle

Book it.
Almost 99.999999% guarenteed.

EDIT: Confirmed
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4397938

Alex Rios Claimed Off Waivers

I'm going to reguratate alot of whats been said, but it's important to note.

Two things, word play isn't cool. Some Smart ass poster decided to call Jeremy Hermida by the flame worthy last name of "Her-Mierda" (Crap in spanish). This supposed Marlins "SuperFan" said Rio's needed to be claimed by the Marlins.

Fat Chance.

There is a better chance of me burning down the completed stadium in 2012 if this move does happen (Don't want him, or his massive contract playing in Miami blocking either Cody Ross, Chris Coghlin, or Cameron Maybin.)

With over 60 Million due to him through 2012, he's a likely bet to spell Melky Cabrera in New York, Gary Sheffield in CitiField, or even Alex Rios himself in Toronto.

One intriguing option is also the Chicago White Sox. They have expressed interest in the past, and could have the funds to take on such a salary.

Through Deductive Reasoning Buster Olney of ESPN has signaled out the White Sox as the claiming team. Basically stating they wanted him before and Dye is a possible FA this year.

Dye and Rios would be salary washes next year and Rios can be a super sub, playing 6 days a week at different positions to give Thome, Dye, Quinton, Posednick, and Konerko time off.

Not to mention he's 28 years old and only looks to play better in a new park/home. The White Sox like his upside.

Edit: Another Option, San Fransico could be the claiming team. Rios has been rumored to be moved there before, and since most GM have a preconceived notion of players they have missed out on, he can still be enamored.

Past deals have been rumored to include Tim "Freak" Lincecum and Matt Cain.

Now, it just might include a Minor Leaguer to be named later or a package of 10 bats.

Fantasy Football 101

I've played Fantasy Football since I was knee high to Shaq (16). One of the first things anyone asks another owner is "Who are you going after?".

To be honest, I always tell them a Running Back. I'm not foolish enough to name names, and I certainly won't let you pick my guy and hold him for ransom.

One reason or another, I always pick a Running back in the first 4 rounds. All four.

Reason being, if you have your Running backs set--everything else will fall in place.

There are the rare years Terrell Owens will find his way to me in Round 3---and in that case you take him.

Another oddity, I always end up with Brian Westbrook. I have no clue why. I'm not an Eagles fan, I'm not a Cowboy Hater, and I certainly am not a Westbrook fan. Face it though, he can play better then 20 other teams starting Running backs.

Over the next week, leading up to my draft, I'm going to try to keep a day by day position by position account of what to draft, and when to draft it. I'd like to see my readers (all 3 of you, not including the owner trying get my strategy) win. Winning breeds Mojo, Mojo Brings Good Cards--- We need more Mojo.

Here's the Deal.

I'm Lazy. I feel compelled to write, but have no clue what to write about.

From now on, if you stumble upon my ramblings, leave a comment as to what I should write about.

I'll be more then happy to oblige you with my opinion on everything from Cards to Kotex.

Sorry for the Delay

Sorry for the delay in updating this site, to the few of you who have passed by.
With the long summer days and the thrill of collecting I've seem to have taken quite a Hiatus.

Don't worry, I'll be back soon. I have way too much to show off.

For instance, My Piazza Collection.

If anybody has any Piazza cards, leave me a comment with your email address. I'll be sure to find some goodies for you, heck---you can even destroy my photobucket. Beckett means nothing to me, so if you see a $100 Card in there (Rare) and you have a $15 Piazza I want---Take advantage of me as if it were Prom Night.

My next post may be on Fantasy Sports. Maybe on the mockery of the Dying Democratic System. Maybe even about how much of a tool Roger Clemens is. More then Likely, It'll be Fantasy Sports and Fantasy Football.

Have a great evening, and until we meet again tommorrow---Goodbye.

MAF, I'm an Idiot.

Marc Andre Fleury, I am an Idiot.

I will continue to rock my White Reebok Practice Jersey with your name emblazoned upon the back and play with swagger in my Sport Gold Replica's of your old pads.

You beat the best in their house on the biggest stage of the game. You deserved that Conn Smythe after the game you played keeping the Wings at bay. You earned a share of that trophy with perhaps the most exciting save in Stanley Cup History, although it was in desperation.

Perhaps you can go back to "teh sportzgoldz beeboxers pads" that us hockey players fawned over as recently as a year ago.

Perhaps, you don't have to do a damn thing. Your the best at your position right now.

Enjoy that Cup. Take it apart. Eat cereal out of it. Find some kid to place inside the Lord Stanley's Chalace. Use it as a dog bowl. Throw it in a river for a night. Just don't defaecate in it (or at least don't tell anybody about it).

Naming Wrong's

Brief and to the point.

Why was it necessary to ruin such a beautiful name for a stadium such as Shea Stadium, Joe Robbie Stadium, or the Skydome?

With such a rich history behind Shea Stadium and the reason why it's named, why would they sell the naming rights to CitiBank? What's Ironic is that it has yet to effect the way those who travel to Queens Borough call the new Ballpark.

I figured I'd give a little free plug today for what I think are some pretty awesome shirts. Over at No Mas, they have devised a cool little T-Shirt Campaign that I plan to purchase a few shirts from. Right now I believe they only have Shea Stadium and Joe Robbie, but eventually they plan to add other cities.

Give them a look. You won't be disappointed in their creativity or design.

Wearing Out Your Welcome

While most are glued to the 2009 MLB Draft, my eyes are set on the Stanley Cup Finals. With hockey's holy grail in sight, it's become evident that the National Hockey Leagues version of the New York Yankees is about to take center stage.

With a powerful lineup boasting such stars as Nicolas Lindstrom, Pavel Datsuk, Tomas Holmstrom, Henrik Zetterberg, and Marian "Benedict Arnold" Hossa- the roster is packed with explosive scoring punch at every position.

Not to mention the ever youthful Chris Osgood, and this team should be repeating and hoisting the Cup around the Mellon Arena ice.

But could this be the end for Marc Andre Fleury in Pittsburgh. This would prove to be the second straight year that Fleury has led the Penguins to the finals only to be a disappointment. This year he has been able to steal one game from the Red Wings after being swept last year but he's done nothing to prove naysayers wrong.

With the two poor goals in Game One at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, I quite honestly gasped watching as even an amateur college goaltender such as my self would have been prepared for the big rebound most boards behind the net produce.

If Mr. Fleury can manage to contain his flair for the theatrics this series should be going to 7 games. With luck, one of my favorite goaltenders in the NHL won't wear out his welcome in Pittsburgh after negating the talent of Sidney Crosby and Evengi Malkin for a second additional year.

The first class city and hardworking people should never settle for second fiddle, and my feeling is that they won't.

Want and Haves List

It's come to my attention that Blogspot tends not to give additional pages for different topics.

Hopefully I can edit this post as time moves forward, but only time will tell.

My want lists right now, are very crudely:

2009 Topps Heritage (need most Short Prints).
2,,38,39,42,45,56,74,82,96,114,154,179,200,207, 259, 286, 346, 347, 361, 379, 394, 399,
407,

Short Prints
427,428,429,430,431,433,434,435,436,437,438,439,440,442,443,444,446,447,448,450,451, 452,454,455,457,459,460,461,462,464,467,469,470,471,473,474,477,478,481,482,483,
484,485,486,488,490,492,493,494,498,499,500?


2009 Upper Deck (I'm pretty close to completion so why not)
509 Doug Slayton
539 Aubrey Huff
601-Brandon Phillips
611-????
652-Volstad
712-James Loney
746-Carlos Gomez
906-Brandon Boggs
935-Daniel Cabrera
992 Indians Check List
1002-Trevor Cahill
1003 Jordan Schafer


2009 UD Goudey (Close to the base set 220)

Any Mike Piazza Cards in addition to Game Used and Autographs

Any Mike Piazza Cards of him as a Florida Marlin

John Vanbiesbrouck Cards

Marlins Cards and Autographs

Some Sports 8x10's.

I currently have a massive box of UD 2 to sort out, and over 220 2009 Topps Heritage and Inserts to trade to help fill wants. Let me know if theres anything you'd like.

Forecast: 75% of Rain, 25% Chance of Respectable Attendence

One of the basic facts of life is the inevitability of rainfall. It's coming, prepared or not.

However Major League Baseball (MLB) really did it this year for the Florida Marlins. As many of us South Floridian's know, come June there is no need to water your grass or plants til October hits. That happens to be the rainy season for Miami.

MLB screwed the Marlins into 3 straight rain delays this weekend, and 7 in the past 10 home games against the Diamondbacks and Giants.

The reason: The Schedule called for the Marlins to spend the last week of April and 3 weeks of May almost exclusively on the road.

Why would MLB not try to work with the Marlins and eliminate the fear of rain for about 15 home games this year.

Sports Progamming tends to make a running joke of the Marlins attendence records as much as the Lions and Pirates ability to actually compete.

They need to realize once and for all, that South Floridian's refuse to pay top dollar for a product that has a 50/50 chance of never seeing the field.

Until the Florida Marlins get their beautiful new Ballpark on what is now the gravesite of the Orange Bowl, the Marlins will never draw more then 12,000 fans a game in the Stadium formerly known as Joe Robbie (Dolphin Stadiun, Dolphins Stadium, Pro Player Park, Pro Player Stadium, Construction Site A).
_____________________________________________________
Note for Out of Towners: Joe Robbie Stadium is a 23 Year old Football Stadium built in 1987 to sustain a Major League Baseball Franchise if ever an opportunity arose. Joe Robbie Stadium seats over 60,000 for football, however it is reduced to 30,000 for baseball. The Marlins were purchased by a businessman who looked to have the Stadium occupied with a tennent year round. Although the Marlins have been sold 3 times in their 20 year history all money generated by Parking, Concessions, Luxury Boxes and Team Shops goes directly to the owner of the Stadium (which is the Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross). Which explains the 2 "Fire Sales".

Welcome to Card Cluster

Welcome to Card Cluster---
Over the next few months, I'm slowly going to start developing a portfolio of sorts to determine whether I should continue with a change of Majors in College. I'm going to work through a wide range of sports topics. Topics I plan to stick to are: Sports as a business, as a means for competitiveness, a escape from life, and also the ever growing space between players and their fans. Collecting Cards will be a big topic here and I plan to have numerous guest posters. This by no means will be a one man operation. Although I will play a large role in content, I plan for this to be a place where anyone can speak their mind and get feedback from the masses.

Right now-- My brief history:
I'm a Florida Marlins Fan, but also grew up rooting for my Grandfathers team-The New York Mets. Growing up, My favorite player was Mike Piazza due to his Italian Descent and the fact that Piazza is a cool name to say while at the age of 7.

I'm a Mike Piazza Card collector, and I try to focus on his playing days with the Florida Marlins (all 3 hours of it). Despite the lack of a huge history with the Marlins he has about 25 Cards, which makes it a lot easier to collect.

I'm also a Student at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, FL You might remember this school from a little scuffle with UM in the Fall of 2007, or the most recent hiring of Isiah Thomas.

My majors as of right now are Criminal Justice and Political Science, but with a slow eye towards law school once I can afford it. Although, now a day's my mind has been drifting. I love to write, have since a young age. No, I've never tried to get published-but it comes natural to me.
Combine that with my love of sports and anything competitive and I've decided to test the waters before the next semester and more than likely beyond.

With my mind somewhat stuck, I want to get a feel for being a broke Sports Journalist--thanks Mr. Lebatard to sparking these creative juices.

It won't be easy, but one things for sure. If this comes naturally, I may just end up a Sports Marketing and Journalism major.

Who knows, I might even be able to develop such a distinctive voice in the sports world that I become synonymous with broadcasting. Don Cherry, Joe Buck, Dan Fouts, and Dennis Miller--look out, the next crappy broadcaster is born right here.