There are a lot of exciting things coming very soon with this column – last week’s podcast was only the beginning of what I hope develops into a series of local interviews, covering the entire local sports/youth landscape. Also fall will be here before you know it, and with it coverage of MLB postseason, NFL, NHL, and more.
However, right now we’re in a little lull, kind of the ‘eye’ of the storm that is the sports year. Therefore, I thought I’d take the opportunity to write a notes column, which touches on many different subjects.
-In golf, the British Open is going on this weekend, and Tiger Woods continues his chase of Jack Nicklaus’ record 18 major wins. It’s clear to me that after his major knee surgery a year ago, Woods is still trying to reconfigure his swing – for a few years he had to compensate for his bad left knee, and now he can fully utilize his lower body and it’s an adjustment. Tiger is at his best when he DOESN’T try to overpower the ball, when he just puts it in play and lets his superior iron play and putting do the job. His driving has been very erratic, and it’s kept him from victory at both majors thus far. Still only 33, I am confident he will blow Nicklaus’ record away – my prediction is 23 majors when it’s all said and done for Tiger.
I know many people find golf boring to watch, but I always appreciate watching greatness. My late stepfather HATED golf until Tiger came along, after Tiger’s emergence he watched constantly. If you get a chance to see any of the British Open this weekend or the PGA Championship next month, it’s worth your while – we may never see Tiger’s like again.
-Also going on now is the Tour de France, and Lance Armstrong has returned to the Tour at age 37 to try to win an unprecedented 8th Tour title, after taking 3 years off. Thus far Lance remains in contention, only a few seconds off the lead. Of course, the elephant in the room is the persistent rumor that Lance ‘doped’, or used performance-enhancing substances, during his past wins. Mr. Armstrong has never tested positive for these substances, and to me that really is the key fact in all this. Yes, there’s much circumstantial evidence around Lance, and the rumors never stop, but I believe in due process. As such, in the absence of a positive test I will continue to support his right to compete in cycling, and root for his continued success. Let’s keep in mind that this man has beaten cancer and served as an inspiration for millions of cancer victims – I fail to understand this need to vilify public figures.
-Late-breaking news: the Pirates have offered contract extensions to SS Jack Wilson and 2B Freddy Sanchez. I agree with Bob Smizik, I think this is a low-risk move for the Pirates. With no middle infield prospects of note in their system, and no significant trade interest, why not try to keep these players if the price is right? I 100% agree with Pittsburgh’s rebuilding process, but in this case I see no better use for the money – and a real opportunity for a rare positive PR move, one desperately needed after years of losing.
I would like to make one thing clear: GM Neal Huntingdon is right not to care about the record-breaking 17th straight losing season that appears inevitable. He was not responsible for the 16 losing seasons that came before, he rightfully is focused ahead not behind. Fans, of course, are angry and impatient with the losing, but a decade of attempted ‘quick-fixes’ netted no gains at all. I applaud Huntingdon, and the rest of the front office, for sticking to the plan and keeping their long-term vision. Only time will tell if they are on the right track – more than anything else, they MUST be able to accurately judge talent – but at least they have a solid plan.