A Hodgepodge Of Links

I really wish I had time for a detailed and focused post, but alas, life intervenes. Here are some links that I found interesting to help tide you over:

• The Red Sox released starting pitcher and failed mega-bargain Brad Penny. Coupled with John Smoltz’ ineptitude and subsequent departure, this development is more than a little bit satisfying considering the praise heaped upon the Red Sox for their low-cost offseason shopping. I have a serious but unrealistic suggestion, though: the Yankees should look into acquiring Penny. The Red Sox couldn’t afford his poor performance because (a) he was effectively their #3 starter and (b) they’re in the thick of the playoff race. Surely, however, Penny would be an upgrade on the Sergio Mitre/Chad Gaudin duo that currently occupies the Yankees’ fifth rotation slot, right? Rob Neyer may well agree with me.

• Deadspin has a brief but outstanding piece about the damaging role of machismo and toughness in professional football. I’ve often thought about making this same point, but Dashiell Bennett conveys in a few hundred words what would have taken me about a thousand. Beware: some of the language in the accompanying video clip is a little off-color.

• An appeals court has ruled that the government was wrong to seize the list and samples of the 104 Major League Baseball players who tested positive for banned substances in 2003. Great, this really helps David Ortiz and Alex Rodriguez, who have had their reputations and accomplishments tainted by the egregious violation of their basic rights. What do the players think? Most seem to want the entire list released which, as I’ve said, is a horrible idea. Brian Bannister has the right idea though. Just another reason he’s one of my favorite pitchers.

• Schadenfreude for Louisville (and probably many Kentucky) fans.

• Masochism for Knicks’ fans.

Happy Thursday, everyone.

Isiah Thomas, I Hate You

The New York Knicks were my first sports love. As such, it absolutely pains me to see what Isiah Thomas has done and will continue to do to the franchise. I recognize that James Dolan isn’t free from blame either, and probably deserves more than Isiah.

Anyway, this quote caught my eye:

“Overall, I was pleased with our effort,” Thomas said. “We had to do a better job at the foul line. If we could do a better job from the foul line, it’s a different ballgame. In a six-point basketball game, it’s the little things that beat you.”

The score was 110-106, Cavaliers. It was a four-point game. Not six. I am being a nitpicky jerk, and I am comfortable with that.

More infuriating is the fact that Isiah seems to think that poor free-throw shooting is the reason the Knicks lost. Here’s an idea. Let me know if you’re with me on this. I think – maybe – the main problem is letting the Cleveland freaking Cavaliers drop 110 on you. The Cavs are awful. They are bad at basketball. Maybe, Isiah, the problem is you constructing a roster that has less than zero interest in playing defense. Maybe the problem is your strange fascination with obtaining as many guys as possible that need the basketball to be effective. And usually they aren’t even all that effective when they have it. I think that might be the problem. Not free-throw shooting, you idiot.

I hate Isiah Thomas. Rant over.