Trade Talk

I just thought that I'd give my thoughts on a few recent trades by a few of my favorite teams.

The Arizona Diamondbacks trade Ian Kennedy to the San Diego Padres.  It seems like only yesterday that the Diamonbacks appeared to be set at the top of their rotation for years to come, then Daniel Hudson goes down with a career threatening injury and now they trade Ian Kennedy, baseball is sure a crazy game.  Anyways, the Diamondbacks receive LHP Joe Thatcher, minor league RP Matt Stites and a Compensatory B draft pick next year from the Padres.  I'm okay with this trade, Kennedy hasn't been the same pitcher since 2011 and I don't think they wanted to deal with having to extend his contract.  The Diamondbacks got decent (not great) return, they really needed another lefty in their bullpen and Thatcher fills that need, they need a future closer and Stites appears to fill that need, and the draft pick is fairly high so that could turn out well too.  

The Phoenix Suns trade Luis Scola to the Indiana Pacers.  The Suns receive SF Gerald Green, C Miles Plumlee and a 2014 first round draft pick.  It appears to be a fair trade for both sides, Indiana needed another talented big man, the Suns got younger and more athletic.  The first round draft pick really seems like the key to the deal though, the Suns now have 3 number one draft picks next year in what appears to be one of the deepest drafts in years, they can now either select 3 players or they can package them up to move up in the draft, it really improves their flexibility.  The Suns also open up playing time for the Morris twins which will help in their development.  I like it, good trade by the Suns, those had been in short order prior to Ryan McDonough's arrival.

The Minnesota Twins trade Drew Butera to the Los Angeles Dodgers.  The Twins receive future considerations (i.e. a fringe minor leaguer or cash).  Why the Dodgers would want Butera is beyond me, how he stuck around with the Twins as long as he did is puzzling, the dude just cannot hit a baseball.  Congrats to him though, perhaps he can pick up a World Series ring. 

Body By Victoria

You've got to love new Victoria's Secret commercials!

POTpourri

• Republicans apparently have decided to declare war on America.  
• Early 2014 MLB Draft rankings here.  Pay attention Twins fans.
• Why would anyone want Larry Summers to head the Fed.  Why not Janet Yellen?
• Have you bought a Chromecast yet?  It sounds promising. 
• You do know why Republicans want to make it harder to vote don't you?  
• The Shark Week Countdown page comes in very handy.  
• Are you aware of the Republicans upcoming plans to sabotage Obamacare?  
• I have quite enjoyed John Oliver as fill-in host of "The Daily Show".  
• Ted Cruz is apparently not a big fan of facts. 
• RIP George Scott, Frank Castillo & Bud Day.  
• Kate Beckinsale is looking remarkably good at 40 years of age!
• David Cay Johnston calls out Fox News for their position on tax reform. 
• I've really been enjoying "The Bridge" on FX & "Under the Dome" on CBS.
• Why is Clarence Thomas still sitting on the Supreme Court?  
• I have decided that I am a fan of Jocelyn Chew!
• Why exactly are Tea Party members stills clinging to Austerity measures? 
• USA Men's National Soccer team wins the CONCACAF Gold Cup title. 
• Justice Ginsburg calls out Justice Scalia on the VRA ruling.  
• Could we be seeing Michael Phelps in Rio in 2016?  
• Pat McCrory is lucky that he cannot be recalled in North Carolina. 

July Flavor of the Month . . .

. . . is Xenia Deli!  She is so hot!  Facebook here.  Twitter here.  Enjoy!

NFL Training Camps Open!!

I'm so psyched!  NFL training camps are all now open!  Football is just around the corner, there is actually a preseason game next weekend.  Football is by far my favorite sport, I couldn't be happier. 

One thing I'm not real excited about is the Arizona Cardinals moving their training camp home from Flagstaff, AZ to Glendale, AZ.   I realize that it's cheaper for the Cardinals and it does probably open it up for more of the Valley area Cardinals fans to see them practice, I just don't think that it was a very well thought out move.  First of all, they are the Arizona Cardinals, not the Phoenix Cardinals, the fans in northern Arizona looked forward to watching the Cardinals practice every summer, why do those fans not count?  Secondly, many Valley fans loved the trip up north to escape the summer heat of the Valley, it was perfect cost effective, family friendly getaway for many.  Third, I would have to imagine that practicing outside, and at a higher altitude, would be much preferable, and beneficial, to the players than practicing inside the stale antiseptic atmosphere of the University of Phoenix Stadium will be.  Fourth, I'm guessing team chemistry is built much better in the small town, college atmosphere of Flagstaff than it is at some hotel in Glendale (yeah, I know, go ahead, bring up their track record).  Fifth, I can only imagine how chewed up the playing field will be at University of Phoenix Stadium after several weeks of two a day practices.  Lastly, it's tradition, why is everybody so quick to abandon a tradition, they should be building around their history and tradition not abandoning them.  Time will tell I guess. 

Be Lazy . . . .

. . . .  for 23 1/2 hours a day!

POTpourri

• Batman and Superman set to team up on the big screen. 
• Isn't it time for the middle class to stand up to big monied interests?  
• Phil Mickelson wins the 2013 British Open.  
• Is Walmart bankrupting the country?  
• Did you know that looking at porn can be good for you?   
• Why didn't Trayvon Martin have the right to stand his ground? 
• The 2013 WSOP November Nine is set!  
• Watch out for those Republican plants at those town hall meetings. 
• Isn't it time to rethink our prostitution laws? 
• Brewer Ryan Braun admits to PED use, suspended for the remainder of season.
• Why isn't the GOP in an uproar over actual acts of voter suppression? 
• The Royal Baby has arrived!  Welcome Prince George!  I guess? 
• Anthony Weiner apparently is still very proud of his wiener.  Idiot.  
• How familiar are you with the Obama economy? 
• I really need to see more pictures of Barbara Guerra.
• U.S. House Representative Steve King set to take over as craziest congressman. 
• Groundswell should concern you for several reasons. 
• Do you know what really caused the downfall of Detroit? 
• Have you heard about the Goldman Sachs aluminum scam?  
• This just in, Heidi Klum has still got it!

Middle Out is the Way!

It's long past time that we start to focus on building the economy from the middle out.

AZ Tidbits

• Citizens for Responsibility & Ethics ranks Jan Brewer amongst worst Governors.
• Are you familiar with every Arizona Diamondback All Star in team history? 
• Keith Law names Diamondbacks Archie Bradley as the best pitching prospect in baseball.  
• With VRA gutted, Arizona GOP pushing for less competitive voting districts. 
• Does Ryan Braun owe the Arizona Diamondbacks an apology?
• John McCain calls for Arizona to review it's Stand Your Ground Law. 
• The Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale ranked as the best hospital in Arizona.  
• SI.com breaks down ASU point guard Jahii Carson here. 
• Has Arizona become an apartheid state?  
• ASU President Michael Crow calls out the Grand Canyon University athletic aspirations.
• Arizona Diamondbacks unveil a new mascot, welcome Luchador!
• ICE halts the deportation of dozens in Arizona. 
• The Arizona unemployment rate rises to 8 percent.
• CBS Sports breaks down the ASU 2014 NFL Draft prospects here.   
• Lawsuit seeks to block increase in Arizona campaign contribution limits.
• ASU set to retire Eddie House's jersey.  
• Has Arizona Governor Brewer moderated her view of Mexico? 
• Phoenix Coyotes 2013-2014 schedule released.
• Brittney Griner has the most popular jersey in the WNBA.
• Arizona ranked 47th in the nation for Children's Quality of Life.

RIP Dennis Farina

RIP Dennis Farina.  A very underrated actor.  He'll be missed.

TPSG 100 Most Influential People

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

POTpourri

• Can marijuana help in the treatment of diabetes and epilepsy?  
• It's official, Keith Olbermann gets late night Sports Talk Show on ESPN. 
• I'm guessing that Carly Rae Jepsen will not be throwing anymore ceremonial first pitches. 
• I would love to workout with Emily Ratajkowski someday.  
• Florida woman gets 20 years for firing a warning shot, I guess she should have just killed him.
• Leilani Dowding still looks amazing in a bikini.  
• Obamacare really is the right wing's worst nightmare.   
• 2013 Emmy Award nominations announced.  Welcome to the party Netflix. 
• The U.S. House of Representatives is the most conservative that it's been in 60 years. 
• Ending the tyranny of the Mitch McConnell minority. 
• Evangelical scientists issue faith based call for congress to address climate change. 
• Syfy Channel announces plans for "Sharknado 2".  
• GOP official admit that voter ID laws suppress democratic votes.
• Do you know how CEO pay drives inequality? 
• You can find the 2013 ESPY winners list here.
• RIP Cory Monteith & Helen Thomas.
• Why won't Darrell Issa stop with his 'IRS Scandal' witch hunt?
• Is it time to re-evaluate how students pay for college? 
• Rip Farrah Abraham all you want, the girl has got a great body.
• "The Walking Dead" season 4 set to premier October 13.

R.I.P.D.

From what I can tell, there's really only one reason to go see "R.I.P.D." .



It opens tomorrow BTW.  

White Shorts

There's nothing quite like a hot girl in white shorts.

Former Diamondbacks

Since I looked at former Twins last week, I thought I'd make a list of former Diamondbacks too.  This would be a pretty formidable team too don't you think?  

OF - Justin Upton - Braves
OF - Carlos Quentin - Padres
OF - Carlos Gonzales - Rockies
OF - Chris Young - Athletics
SS  - Stephen Drew - Red Sox
SS  - John McDonald - Phillies
1B  - Adam Dunn - White Sox
1B  - Adam LaRoche - Nationals
1B  - Lyle Overbay - Yankees
2B  - Kelly Johnson - Rays
3B  - Mark Reynolds - Indians
3B  - Chris Johnson - Braves
C   -  Henry Blanco - Mariners

SP - Max Scherzer - Tigers
SP - Dan Haren - Nationals 
SP - Trevor Bauer - Indians
SP - Chris Capuano - Dodgers
SP - Edwin Jackson - Cubs
SP - Jason Marquis - Padres
SP - Jarrod Parker - Athletics
SP - Joe Saunders - Mariners

RP - Craig Breslow - Red Sox
RP - Chad Qualls - Marlins
RP - Jon Rauch - Marlins
RP - Daniel Schlereth - Orioles

Wealth Inequality in 60 Seconds

We can do better.

POTpourri

• Are you aware of the price we are paying for Republican obstruction? 
• Is Carlos Rodon the prize of the 2014 MLB Draft? 
• It's a sad state of affairs when the filibuster needs to be reformed.  
• Do we really need a National Park on the Moon?  
• 2013 AL & NL MLB All Star Teams selected.  
• Have you seen the Kate Upton GQ pictures?  You should!
• Do you think the actions of the GOP constitute treason?  
• Don't let it be said that I'm opposed to a woman's point of view.  
• Aaron Hicks of the Twins appears to have a cannon of an arm.  
• Why are Republicans so opposed to assisting those in need?
• Baseball America updated their list of the Top 50 Prospects in baseball.
• Do we really need Liz Cheney in the U.S. Senate? 
• Is a 'Breaking Bad' spinoff in the works?  Please let it be true!
• WTF is going on with Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell?
• This just in, Sophia Turner looks damn nice in a bikini!!!
• Something just doesn't smell right about the Brooklyn Nets signing of Andrei Kirlenko. 
• A late night talk show on ESPN for Keith Olbermann?  I like the sounds of it.  
• Did the Founding Fathers really believe in "limited government" as the GOP claims? 
• What was Anna Benson thinking?  Or is she just nuts?
• Are you aware of the cost of Walmart to taxpayers? 

George Zimmerman Acquitted

George Zimmerman acquitted.  WTF?  Is this really what our justice system has come to?  We have a dead teen, he died due to the direct actions of George Zimmerman, yet nobody is going to held responsible.  Again, WTF?  How is this possible?  George Zimmerman's story was full of holes.  And why was Trayvon Martin put on trial?  Didn't Trayvon have the right to defend himself when he noticed an armed stranger following and then confronting him?  I'm just sickened by this verdict.  My heart bleeds for the Martin family.   The kid was just walking home from a convenience store, he was doing nothing wrong, he wasn't breaking any laws, now he's dead and nobody is held responsible.  WTF?  What a disgrace.

AZ Tidbits

• My thoughts and prayers go out to the family & friends of the Granite Mountain Hot Shots. 
• The Coyotes are staying and will eventually be rebranded as the Arizona Coyotes. 
• Diamondbacks Paul Goldschmidt & Patrick Corbin named to the NL All Star team.  
• I need to stop taking Arizona for granted.  Vermillion Cliffs. 
• Arizona State football lands commitment from a 14 year old. 
• Coyotes sign free agent Center Mike Ribeiro.  
• John McCain should look into the mirror when talking about the lack of funding to fight wildfires. 
• Phoenix Suns trade Jared Dudley to the Clippers for Eric Bledsoe & Caron Butler.
• Coyotes resign Goalie Mike Smith to extension.  
• I find it interesting how much federal money deep red Arizona receives.  
• Arizona State to add Women's Sand Vollyball.  Color me intrigued. 
• Arizona Varsity has updated their list of the top Arizona 2014 HS football prospects.
• Can Arizona spark a Republican movement for solar power?
• James Arthur Ray released from Arizona prison. 
• Do you know the history of the Territorial Cup rivalry? 
• What kind of second year do you expect from Rick Rodriguez's UA football team?
• Dierks Bentley's Whisky Row is now open in Old Town Scottsdale.
• What are Arizona militiamen doing in Wisconsin? 
• Former Penn State Guard Jermaine Marshall set to transfer to Arizona State.
• How much do you really know about Martha McSally? 

Spring Breakers

"Spring Breakers" - starring James Franco, Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens.  This movie is now available on DVD.  It's not at all what I expected.  I figured it would be just another teen spring break comedy, it was not.  It was actually quite disturbing.  I'm guessing parents sending their teens off to see a lighthearted Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens flick would be quite perturbed if they were aware of all of the boobs, booze, drugs and gun play that were involved in this flick.  It's about a group of girls who fund their spring break trip by robbing a diner.  During an ensuing night of partying while on Spring Break they get arrested on drug charges only to be bailed out by a local thug/drug dealer/rapper wannabe (Franco). Their trip continues to spiral out of control from there, it's quite the ride, although I suspect it's not for everybody.  Franco was fantastic, he was hardly recognizable as the drug dealing thug.  I was entertained, I would recommend it. 

I will give it 4 out of 5 stars (*****).

Sharknado

Did you catch "Sharknado" on the Syfy Channel?   It was hilarious, cheesy television at it's best.

Former Twins

I wonder how this group of ex-Twins would do against the current crop of Twins?  I'm guessing they'd do quite well.  Somewhere along the line the Twins may need to re-evaluate how they are making their player personnel decisions.

OF - Torii Hunter - Tigers *
OF - Michael Cuddyer - Rockies *
OF - Carlos Gomez - Brewers *
OF - Jason Kubel - Diamondbacks 
OF - Denard Span - Nationals
OF - Ben Revere - Phillies
OF - Delmon Young - Phillies
SS - J. J. Hardy - Orioles *
1B - Garrett Jones - Pirates
2B - Alexi Casilla - Orioles
3B - Nick Punto - Dodgers
C  - A.J. Pierzynski - Rangers
C  - Wilson Ramos - Nationals
DH - David Ortiz - Red Sox *

SP - R.A. Dickey - Blue Jays
SP - Matt Garza - Cubs
SP - Kyle Lohse - Brewers
SP - Francisco Liriano - Pirates
SP - Jason Marquis - Padres
SP - Kevin Slowey - Marlins

RP - Joe Nathan - Rangers *
RP - Matt Guerrier - Cubs
RP - Jesse Crain - White Sox *
RP - Jon Rauch - Marlins
RP - Grant Balfour - Athletics *
RP - Pat Neshek - Athletics
RP - LaTroy Hawkins - Mets
LP - Craig Breslow - Red Sox
LP - Jose Mijares - Giants 

* 2013 MLB All Stars

Michael Smerconish on Prostitution

I couldn't agree more.  As long as there are consenting adults involved who is it hurting? 

Top 10 Pandemic Movies

Seeing "World War Z" got me to thinking about the best Pandemic movies that I've seen. 

Here are my Top 10 Pandemic Movies:

1. Contagion - Matt Damon, Laurence Fishbourne
2. World War Z - Brad Pitt
3. 28 Days Later - Cillian Murphy, Naomi Harris
4. Children of Men - Clive Owen, Juliane Moore
5. Outbreak - Dustin Hoffman, Rene Ruso
6. The Omega Man - Charlton Heston
7. Twelve Monkeys - Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt
8. The Andromeda Strain - Arthur Hill
9. The Crazies - Timothy Olyphant, Radha Mitchell
10. I Am Legend - Will Smith

World War Z

"World War Z" starring Brad Pitt & Mireille Enos.  Action, suspense, drama and a worldwide zombie pandemic, what more could you ask for in a summer movie.  I really enjoyed this one, in fact I think that it may be the best movie that I have seen so far this year.  It moves briskly through nearly two hours, the special effects were top notch, the acting was very good, there's really not much not to like.  It was also much more smart than gory, I didn't expect that coming from a zombie move.  Brad Pitt was also excellent as UN employee Gerry Lane who first must save his family then the world.  I'm finding that I generally like most movies that Brad Pitt is in, he's doing an excellent job of picking roles.  Anyways, I was highly entertained, I highly recommend.  

I will give it 4 out of 5 stars (*****). 

Corporate Sponsorships for Congress!

I love this sign!  What a great idea!  So spot on! 

POTpourri

• When do we start reigning in CEO compensation?  
• I kind of like the sounds of a Universal Voter Registration system. 
• Sonic unveils a Bacon & Peanut Butter Shake! 
• Brad Stevens named head coach of the Boston Celtics. 
• How low can the Republican Party go?  
• Why don't I know more about Melissa Riso or Suzanne Quast? 
• Isn't there a better way to fight wildfires?  
• Andy Murray & Marion Bartoli win 2013 Wimbledon Tennis Crowns. 
• The current congress is on pace to be the least productive ever.  
• Protests spur military coup in Egypt.  Where did Morsi go wrong?
• Have the Republicans and the wealthy hi-jacked the Supreme Court?
• Joey Chestnut defends his Nathan's Famous 4th of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest title.
• LaTroy Hawkins has carved out a nice career for himself. 
• I'm gaining a deep appreciation for the UFC's Octagon Girls.  
• Ted Nugent thinking about running for President. 
• Why didn't anyone tell me that "The Horse Gentleman's Club" had opened in Las Vegas? 
• Dwight Howard spurns the Lakers for the Rockets. 
• Do you still think we don't need the Voting Rights Act? 
• What is up with the Republicans fascination with the vaginal probe? 
• Is Byron Buxton baseball's next big thing?

Inequality

Is this sustainable?  I say we can do better.

Timberwolves Thoughts

Just a few thoughts on the Timberwolves offseason moves to date:

• I'm very happy with the signing of Kevin Martin.  Of all of the available free agent shooting guards, Martin was at the top of my list. He's got good size, he can score, he can shoot from outside, he's a good athlete, he's played (and thrived) under Rick Adelman previously and he fills a huge hole in the Wolves starting lineup. If there's a weakness in his game, it's his defense, but I can live with that if he's lighting things up offensively.  
• The re-signing of Chase Budinger was also a good move in my book.  He really is a great fit in the Adelman offense with his ability to hit the outside shot, he also adds some versatility in that he can play either the OG or SF spot.  I really wish he had been healthy last year, I think he would have helped them a lot. 
• I'm sad to see Andrei Kirlenko go, not only does he have one of the best nicknames in all of basketball, he's also one of the most well rounded players in the game.  He just does so many things well, he is the consummate team guy too.  I do understand the reasoning though, his contract was less than ideal and his ability to stay healthy and in the lineup was a problem.
• I wasn't particularly impressed with the drafting of Shabazz Muhammad.  He does fill a need for a wing player but his game has a lot of holes in it and it may not translate all that well to the pro game. He's a bit undersized to play the SF spot and probably not athletic enough to play the OG spot, his defense is spotty, his outside shot needs work, he's a black hole when he get's the ball and his ball handling skills needs improvement.  On the bright side, from everything that I've heard, he's got a work ethic that is second to none, and he doesn't shy away from taking the big shot, those are attributes that can be surprisingly rare.  Hopefully, I'm wrong and he turns into a quality player. 
• I did like the drafting of Gorgui Dieng later in round 1 of the draft.  The Wolves are really lacking in athletic big men and they don't get much more athletic than Dieng.  He's a great shot blocker, solid rebounder, very effective defender and a surprisingly good passer from the high post.  I don't expect that he will be a perennial All Star but he can certainly become an important part of the Wolves rotation. 
• I really like the selection of Lorenzo Brown in the 2nd round too.  I think he's got first round talent and may end up being one of the sleepers of the draft.  I know, I know, very few second rounders ever make much of an impact but I really like this guys game.  He can play either guard spot, he's a good ball handler, he's a got great vision, he's got some quickness and he's a good penetrator.  He does need to work on his outside shot though.  I can envision him taking Malcom Lee's spot on the team. 
• I doubt that the Timberwolves are done making moves.  They still have too many point guards, they may want to add a SF who can defend and they really need to find a way to re-sign Nikola Pekovic.  I suspect that either Luke Ridnour or JJ Barea (not both) will be dealt soon.  I also wouldn't be shocked if Derrick Williams or Greg Stiemsma are dealt either (although, at this point, I'd personally like to see if Williams could handle the starting SF spot).    
• Here's where they stand at this point.  Center:  Pekovic, Stiemsma, Dieng.  Power Forward:  Love, Cunningham.  Small Forward:  Williams, Budinger, Muhammad.  Shooting Guard:  Martin, Shved. Point Guard:  Rubio, Barea, Ridnour, Brown.  I think they could make a playoff run with that lineup.