Tuesday Night Links

So I've decided to go a little more mainstream with this blog thing. Obviously, I still want my usual contributors (Z and Cuyler) to post as often as they would like, but I felt the need to make a "face-lift" on this little blog. I doubt Z will care since he is headed to Espana tomorrow morning, and Cuyler is working up in Chi-town. Until then, I will be flying solo. So anyways, here are some links you may or most likely may not want to check out.



A's continue to roll in the AL West

Somewhere Jeff Hurst is smiling, because the A's are as hot as Jessica's Simpson's ass right now. And no, I'm not afraid to comment on Jessica Simpson's ass. It's very nice. Someone who we can all be proud of is Huston Street. The kid is only about 14 months removed from his last game at Texas. It is amazing what he already doing for the increasingly immortal Billy Beane and the A's. NO matter what you think of Beane's "moneyball" philosophy, you can't argue with his results given such a limited payroll. Anyways, just wanted to give Street and the A's some credit. They sure are kicking our asses in the AL West. And the Arlington triumverate (Hicks, Hart, and Buck) or maybe stooges is a better name should get their act together in '06, or Anaheim and Oakland will completely leave the Rangers organization behind for years to come.



Modano Appears to be Staying in Dallas
Although most people in Dallas or anywhere else could give two shits about the Stars' season, Hicks considering to resign Modano seems newsworthy. Here is a link a DMN article that says Modano is 90% certain to remain a Dallas Star. Now I don't know about you, but if I'm Tom Hicks right now, I'm making damn sure Modano resigns with the Stars. Sergei Zubovs of the world are not going to bring the fans back to the AAC. Hockey is still going to have its die-hard fans, but to win the average hockey fan back in this area, the Stars need to show a commitment to winning. This is a good step in that direction.

Gerry Fraley is an absolute joke of a sportswriter

While most good and decent sportswriters like Fort Worth Star Telegram's beat writer, T.R. Sullivan, do a fine job in the sports media world. Hell, Sullivan announced Peter Gammons (another fine albeit nerdy sports journalist) induction to the hall fame. Guys like Gammons and Sullivan are class acts, Gerry Fraley is the anithesis to the guys I just spoke about. Gerry Fraley is the worst DFW sports media person at that says a lot considering Ric Renner resonantes across our airwaves from his Dallas studio. I couldn't stamach this article, but here is a sample. And yes, I
can't believe I'm giving Fraley free publicity.

How hot are the damn Astros?

As much as it pains me to do this, you have to talk about the Astros right now in any discussion about the current happenings in major league baseball. Outside of the Raffy Palmeiro fallout, the Astros and A's are two good things actually worth talking about right now.

This article from Baseball Prospectus (they are running a free trial through today) talks about just how dominant Pettite, Oswalt, and Clemens have been this year. Obviously, everyone knows how good Clemens has done all year (his sick road ERA being the most astonishing thing about his season). Pettite and Oswalt have been been slouches themselves. In fact, the 3 are on pace to finish with one of the greatest seasons in MLB history for any 3 starting pitchers on one team. Despite their obvious offensive shortcomings, the Astros are going to be a tough out in the playoffs if they do end up making it.

Dodgers pitcher Derek Lowe leaves wife for Fox Sports Net news anchor

In an attempt to attract the US weekly crowd, this is a sordid tale of former Red Sox hero Derek Lowe cheating on his wife with someone who covers his team. Interesting read if nothing else.