Just shut it

Perhaps one of these days, Rory Sabbatini will learn what it takes to become a real professional - not just play professional golf, but learn how to act professionally as well. Or maybe just learn to not call out the greatest golfer on the planet. Didn't he learn anything from Stephen Ames?

After saying Tiger had only won three tournaments so far this year (Sabbatini has won 4 times since turning pro in 1998), he said Tiger looks "as beatable as ever" and that he "likes the new Tiger". Tiger then dismantled him on Sunday, starting the day one stroke back and finishing 8 strokes ahead, winning the WGC-Bridgstone Invitational again.

Sabbatini is no stranger to making an arse out of himself, but one thought he may have learned a lesson in humility and professionalism after his tantrum while playing with Beaverton's own Ben Crane two years ago. You may remember, Sabbatini was irked by Crane's slow play, and finished the 17th hole at The Booz Allen without waiting for his playing partner. After the round, Crane was nothing if not diplomatic, accepting what he thought was his part of the blame for the fiasco.

That came as no surprise to me. Ben and I grew up in the same neighborhood. We played youth soccer together for years. We went on church youth group missions together. Through all of the years I've known Ben, he truly is a genuine, humble person, even in the face of someone who is not.

Mr. Sabbatini, my only hope is that someday you will learn your lesson and keep your mouth shut. After all, golf is supposed to be a gentleman's game. Apparently, somebody forgot to tell you that.

But for now, to borrow a line from Seinfeld, "The jerk store called, and they're running out of you!"

Mariners Quiet at Trade Deadline

For a team that has arguably passed expectations for this season, and finds themselves firmly entrenched in the postseason race, the Seattle Mariners were conspicuously docile as yesterday's trade deadline approached and passed.

Yes, the Mariners managed to move Julio Mateo, but he has spent most of the season in AAA Tacoma or suspended. Not a big surprise, as the Mariners made it clear to Mateo that he would never pitch in Seattle again (nor is it a surprise that Phillies' GM, and former Mariners' GM, Pat Gillick, would swoop in and take him). Also, Seattle's bullpen has been lights out this season without him - J.J. Putz and George Sherrill have been nearly unhittable.

But why didn't the Mariners pick up another bat? Only two everyday players are hitting over .300, and much as it pains me to say it, Adrian Beltre (especially after his breakout 2004)and Richie Sexson haven't exactly been as good as advertised at the plate, although nobody can deny Beltre's value on defense. Sexson has power, but it seems like he's all or nothing at the plate.

The Mariners' starting pitching has been somewhat of a mystery, too. It seems like everybody has been struggling all year, but most everybody has at least a .500 record, even with some high ERAs (Can Jeff Weaver - who in his two wins looked like a Hall-of-Famer - figure out who the hell he's going to be?). How is Horacio Ramirez 6-3 with an ERA approaching 6.5? And poor King Felix, who just hasn't been the same since a stint on the disabled list early this season, is only 7-6 with a 3.85 ERA - he just can't get much run support.

It's a shame the Mariners' brass couldn't figure out something to try to improve this ball club, who is only 4 games back of the Angels in the division and only 1.5 games back of the Indians for the Wild Card. While most teams in that position would try to make some type of move to get themselves over the hump, the Mariners have a history of standing pat at the trade deadline, watching the teams around them make deals instead.

Although, I guess M's fans shouldn't be too disappointed - they weren't supposed to be this close to begin with. Consider yourselves lucky?

Make a Decision, Bud

With Barry Bonds inching ever closer to Hank Aaron's hallowed home run record, Bud is still riding the fence on whether or not he will be in attendance for the record breaker. He has said that if he has no prior engagements, he will make an effort to make it to the game. Wow. way to take a stand, Bud.

Here's the question: What the hell else does he have to do? I would think that the breaking of the sport's most respected record would weigh rather heavily on the importance scale. Couldn't Bud get out of some other previous engagement by just saying, "I know it's your kid's birthday party, but there's something kind of important I have to go see."

Many have their reasons as to why Selig should not be in attendance (most notably, the suspicions of Bonds' use of performance enhancers), and I can't argue with them too much. I wish Bonds wouldn't break the record. I still find myself hoping for some sort of cataclysmic event that would end his career right now, but I'm not holding my breath.

Barry keeps trying to get everybody's sympathy, comparing his quest with Aaron's in the '70s. (I almost threw up in my mouth writing that) Hank Aaron received death threats because he was a black man about to break the Bambino's longstanding record. That was an era where African-Americans were still fighting everyday for their civil liberties. Barry tries to play the race card, saying the public doesn't want him to break the record because he's black. I've got news for you Barry: the public doesn't want you to break the record, not because you're black, but because we all think you cheated (at least, outside of San Francisco) and because you're a horse's arse. You're a jerk. You treat the media like they're sub-human. You have no regard for your fans (although I'm still amazed you have any). And when the going got really tough, you hid from the TV cameras behind your kids.

These, I think, are the reasons Bud wants nothing to do with your home run chase.

But, he is the commissioner, and the biggest event since the strike-cancelled season is upon us. Bud, I can't blame you for not wanting to go, but you've got to be there.

Petey Baseball's New Friend

With the allegations of Tim Donaghy's involvement in helping to fix NBA games, I am surprised that Pete Rose's name has not come more into the conversation. Rose's ban from baseball (he bet on his teams games while he was manager, but says he never bet on them to lose) has made a fool of baseball's greatest hitter. But he was never proven to have fixed anything or altered the game. It is alleged that Donaghy altered outcomes of NBA games to cover gambling debts with low-level mob members.

If it hasn't happened already, the NBA needs to suspend Donaghy indefinitely. In a league where there are already cries about officiating being one-sided, swift action is needed.

If the allegations are proven false, or sufficient evidence is lacking, then Donaghy should be allowed to work again, on a probationary basis. But, if they are true, then a probe is needed to determine how far this scandal reaches. It is not yet known if other officials or players are involved.

My hope is that, if proven true, Donaghy doesn't just get off with a slap on the wrist. Plea bargaining in this case is wrong. He should not get off scott-free for throwing other involved parties under the bus.

Throw the book at him - hard.

With Blake coming in, do we still know Jack?

I really like the Trail Blazers' signing of Steve Blake. Trouble is, I really like Jarrett Jack, too. So what's the problem, you say? The problem is that with Blake back in town, it probably means that Jack won't be. The Oregonian's John Canzano sees it that way, too. Blake will probably be the starter, leaving backup minutes for Jack and Sergio Rodriguez, but remember, many in the organization think that Brandon Roy is the Blazers' point guard of the future.

Of course, the Blazers are saying all the right things, denying trade rumors that Jack is indeed headed out of town. But it just doesn't make sense to keep all those point guards - there just isn't enough room. With Blake freshly inked, rookie of the year Roy, and Rodriguez (the Blazers previously had many offers for him, but refused them all) not going anywhere, I just don't see any other alternative.

All of this aside, another puzzling part of this off-season is the Blazers' attempt to re-sign Travis Outlaw. He did show some improvement last year, especially in his jump shot, but I still don't understand their affinity for a guy on whom they spent the #23 pick in 2003 who has shown little improvement since. With the addition of James Jones at small forward, I think the Blazers would be better served to get a contract done with Ime Udoka and let his solid play come off the bench.

All that being said, things are definitely looking up for your Portland Trail Blazers, and when Steve Francis' contract comes off the books prior to the 2009-10 season, in addition to Raef LaFrentz, Jones, and Blake, the team will have tons of room under the cap with which to sign a monster free agent or two.

Whoa, daddy.

7/16 Facilitator - Cuban and the Cubs?

Jeff here, giving you to lowdown on my topic for tomorrow.

Apparently, Mark Cuban has submitted an application to purchase the Chicago Cubs. The billionaire owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks seems to be further branching out into the world of sports. Cubs fans have to be excited about the prospects of having an owner willing to break the bank to bring in top talent.

The only problem is, few people seem to think it will actually happen. It is thought that the other 29 owners in "the Club" would never approve of his ownership, mainly due to his reputation as an owner in the NBA. Cuban is often outspoken, and the league and its referees are often the subjects of his ire. It is thought that baseball would rather have just another anonymous owner, especially since Major League Baseball already has an outspoken owner, the Yankees' George Steinbrenner.

So, that raises the question: Should the other 29 owners approve Mark Cuban's bid to buy the Cubs (by the way, the price tag is probably more than $600 million)?

Arguments for:

• Cuban would add to a recent aura of excitement for the Cubs. Hiring Lou Piniella, acquiring Alfonso Soriano, and the Cubs recent stellar play to get their record over .500.
• It could help them re-sign their ace pitcher, Carlos Zambrano, who is a soon-to-be free agent.
• Imagine Cuban vs. Steinbrenner in the World Series - the ballgames would practically be an afterthought.
• Anything to shake the Curse of the Billy Goat.

Arguments against:

• Baseball doesn't want loudmouth owners. The attention should be on the field.
• There's a good reason there aren't many owners with multiple teams in the 4 major sports - it's just too much of a financial risk.
• Some say he already makes a mockery of the NBA. What's to stop him from doing it in MLB?
• Billy Goat, Schmilly Goat

See you all tomorrow!

I love me some Blazers, again

Now, don't get me wrong. I love the move the Blazers made to finally unload Zach Randolph. Sure, he was a 20 and 10 guy - one of very few in the entire league - but he was also an offensive black hole.

That being said, bringing in Channing Frye and Steve Francis was a good move, but only if the Blazers can actually buy out the remaining two years on Francis' contract. There were early reports, right after the trade, that the buy-out could get Francis' salary off the books as early as this year. That would be great, getting the team enough room under the salary cap to sign a big name free agent, all but assuring a return to the playoffs for the first time in four years. But since, there have been reports that the contract won't be able to come off the books until 2008-09, possibly even 2009-10. This hurt a little bit, as I was drinking the "Rashard Lewis to Portland" Kool-Aid. He would have been a great fit here, and seemed like he may have wanted to play here, due to his relationship with his former coach, Nate McMillan. And he would have been our Kevin Durant, since they are very similar players. Alas, the only way that could happen is through a sign and trade deal, but the Sonics are unwilling to help their neighbor to the south in such a manner, especially with the recently rediscovered rivalry. But the delay is not entirely bad, with a free agent class next year that includes guys like Corey Maggette, and the following year with names like Chris Paul and Kevin Garnett.

Names like these used to be a pipe dream, but with the new direction of the franchise, Portland is rapidly becoming a very attractive destination.