Around the Horn: News and Notes from Last Week

o many topics, so little time. The sports world last week was packed with lots of games, tons of shame, and an overkill of fame. Without further adieu, let’s take a peek at some random happenings.

My prediction of an Indiana-LA Laker NBA final matchup a few months ago proved accurate. The Lakers roared back from a 15-point deficit to oust the Blazers and win their best of seven series, four games to three. Quite simply, the Blazers couldn’t hit the ocean from the beach down the stretch. Rasheed Wallace was their only real consistent offensive threat throughout the series, and Scottie Pippen proved that he is not, and never has been, among the elite players.

That being said, I’d like to congratulate NBC and NBA for getting their wish: Shaq and the Lakers made it. Can you say "ratings sweep"? Before you Laker fans start screaming, turn back the clock to a certain non-call late in the 4^th quarter. With Portland trailing by six, Steve Smith drove the lane and was met with an obvious bump by Sir Shaq himself. I realize that some refs swallow their whistles late in the game, but this was ridiculous. I’ve always said that superstar favoritism is much more blatant in the NBA than any other sport, and this game proved it. If any of you think that David Stern doesn’t have at least a casual hand in this, I recommend you to NA (Naïve Anonymous). Stern is all about marketing, especially come playoff time.

Speaking of fakeness, how about that nauseating introduction by Bob Costas, who felt the need to point out all of the celebrities sitting courtside in the Staples Center? As my wife said to me: "Gimme a break!" I mean, only my 9-month old boy doesn’t know that Dyan Cannon and Jack Nicholson have ringside seats to Laker games. The only thing new is how much they've aged?

By the way, the Lakers in six in the finals. Shaq will be the difference (duh!), especially since Rick Smits can’t fetch the morning paper without wincing. Dale Davis can do a serviceable job guarding O’Neal, but power forwards guarding him eventually fizzle out. Reggie Miller and Jalen Rose need monster games the entire series, which is a lot to ask. The Pacers aren’t as talented as the Blazers, but I believe they’re smarter. I still think LA wins 4-2.

As you know, I have not written a single vowel about the John Rocker fiasco thus far. Why? Cuz even the weathermen have discussed it. Allow me to break that vow briefly. On Tuesday, Rocker was demoted to the minors because A) His teammates were sick of him, and B) Management was too. Granted, he was struggling on the mound, but that’s only part of it. In Green Bay, the Packers finally cut ties with tight end Mark Chmura. Chmura is coming off a possible career-threatening neck injury, and oh yes. He’s also being accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year old girl at his neighbor’s house. Like the Atlanta Braves, the Packers tried telling us that they made the move for purely professional reasons: on-field concerns with his neck and the chance to clear some salary cap room. We can venture a guess at the real truths behind these transactions, but both sports could do without these two anyway.

… The Washington Redskins inked a deal with Deoin Sanders that will pay him near $56 million over seven years. Not bad for an injury-prone, part-time player. This will turn into a careless move by Skins owner Dan Snyder, and further evidence that these franchises really are cash cows.

… The Major League Baseball draft is under way, and the Florida Marlins have selected Adrian Gonzales with the first pick. Gonzales is a firstbaseman out of Eastlake High School in Chula Vista, Calif. The MLB draft isn’t as sexy as the NFL or NBA versions, largely because players drafted almost never reach the big leagues right away, hence, command less pre- and post-draft hype. Regardless, the baseball draft is just as important. This from a lifelong Milwaukee Brewers fan who has witnessed bad pick after bad pick the past decade. ESPN’s John Sickles on the Brewers first-round pick, high school outfielder Dave Krynzel: "This is the first player that seems truly out of place in the first half of the first round. Most teams did not rank him this highly." ……God, I hope he’s wrong.

… The Montreal Expos are in second place in the NL East. Yup. The Expos. As the late Mel Allen would say: "How about that?" Felipe Alou’s team is young, but their continued success in player development is starting to pay off. Did I mention the MLB draft?

… Four teams inhabit the Al West, with the last place squad one game behind first. Don’t be shocked if this division remains up for grabs the entire season. Speaking of young talent, one of the AL West teams, the Oakland A’s, are the Expos of the American League.

… The Charlotte Hornets are looking to finagle a new basketball arena out of the Charlotte citizenry. How old is their current arena? I’ll be traveling down there a week from now, and can’t wait to assess the public opinion climate on this. Speaking of going there, stay tuned in the coming weeks for some reflections and ruminations of minor league baseball in North Carolina, namely the Piedmont Boll Weevils. First reader to tell me what a "boll weevil" is (see email address below) will get a mention in this column.

Any comments, criticisms, or condemnations on this sports column or previous ones? Feel free to email me at andydan@milwpc.com