Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Quick Tidbits, Baseball Edition

This is just ridiculous. I’m not sure how an online college will gain credibility by being the naming rights partner of a football stadium. Will this deal lead to greater exposure for the University of Phoenix? Maybe. But more exposure than it has already with all of its spam and pop-up ads all over the internet? Somehow, I doubt it. One thing I do know is that this deal won’t buy it any more credibility. Anyone who wanted to use the University of Phoenix’s online programs was going to do so anyway. Call me old-fashioned but I don’t think a degree from a place that now names football stadiums is going to get anyone that next great job out there...

Now, onto baseball...

1. Congratulations to the Detroit Tigers. I know they clinched a playoff spot a few days ago now but it’s worth mentioning. They’re back in the playoffs for the first time since 1987 and even if they get bounced out in the first round, at least they’ll have something to show for all those 100-loss seasons. Pittsburgh and Kansas City need to quit putzing around and get serious about trying to compete. If the Tigers, playing in one of the worst cities in the whole world can do it, so can the Pirates and Royals.

2. Be careful what you wish for. That’s my advice to Torii Hunter on the heels of this comment:

“‘I want to play the Yankees,’ said Hunter, who wants to even the score of playoff losses to New York in 2003 and 2004. ‘I want to take those guys out. For two years in a row they’ve been eating our butts up, and now I want to do the biting.’”

With all due respect to the Twins, who have the best pitcher in baseball, the likely winner of the 2006 AL batting title, and a likely top-3 finisher in the 2006 AL MVP voting, but they shouldn’t get too big for their britches just yet. ESPN picked the Twins to beat the Yankees in 2003 and 2004 and it didn’t happen either time. I’m not saying the Twins can’t beat the Yanks, but I am saying that the Yanks are due their proper respect by the Twins. Until the Twins actually take care of New York, they’d best sit down and shut up.

3. Three cheers for the Cleveland Indians. They had a disappointing season but the Tribe did one thing last night that should make all baseball fans proud – they eliminated the White Sox from the playoffs, ending their reign as World Champions by crushing them 14-1. Hopefully 2005 was the one and only time we have to hear from the slumlords of South Chicago.

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