The Sandlot

As you're all aware, I'm a big sports fan. Probably 75% of what I watch on TV is sports or sports related. As such, ESPN is one of my most watched channels, specifically the program Sportscenter. I have a growing concern with this show/network though. Simply put, too much basketball, be it NBA, WNBA or NCAA.

Granted, basketball is among the top 4 sports in American society (the others being baseball football and hockey*). Ever since the NHL lockout though, hockey has become a 2nd tier sport in regards to media coverage. If your city doesn't have a team, odds are you get little to no hockey coverage. ESPN is a nation-wide channel that covers all sports, but since the lockout, hockey has fallen off the radar. The thing that ties hockey and basketball together, is that their seasons coincide with each other for the most part. During the heart of hockey/basketball seasons, no other major sports like football and baseball are operating, nor are any other "lower" tier sports like golf, tennis, soccer or cycling, because of the weather.

Spring is a different story though. The PGA has begun tournaments in the warmer climates, baseball spring training and the World Baseball Classic begin and even the NFL has started some pre-season conditioning and training programs. Add to this that the NBA and NHL start their respective playoffs, spring is a veritable cornucopia of sporting action.

Which brings me to my point. Why the fuck, is a spring time Top Ten highlight reel on sports center 90% basketball? How is a guy shooting a 3 pointer a better/more skilled act than a golfer sinking a ship shot from a bunker or holing one from 175 yards out. How is a slam dunk better than a goalie making an unbelievable save or a forward scoring on a breakaway using some sick move. Nothing that happens on a basketball court is worth of being a weekly top 10 highlight unless its something absurd like a half court shot or some type of game winning buzzer beating play.

My only question is why a sport with such dismal ratings for even its championship series and a dwindling fan base continues to get the level of media coverage it does.

Its been a couple weeks now since the news broke that my beloved Bills signed a player I've gone on record as saying I hate the most in the world. I can still remember getting the news and my initial emotions. I was working in the kitchen at the restaurant when word began filtering back that the Bills, who never make good off season player/coaching moves, had signed recently cut WR Terrell Owens.

At first, I was in a state of mild shock. I hate TO, but I love the Bills. How could this be, is it even true? Gradually we got more confirmation from radio, TV, and Internet that the rumors were true. Various emotions took over my body ranging from disbelief, anger and cautious optimism. I realized I was neither for nor against this move. I was dead on the fence about it. TO, while a great and future hall of fame player, is a selfish locker room cancer team killer.

Now, two weeks later, after reading numerous articles and listening to countless analysis the shock has worn off. My official position is that I support the move. With a 1-year contract, it minimizes the damages that TO can do to the Bills organization. At this stage in his career, one would have to think TO is looking for the team he's going to retire with in another 2-3 years. He's going to have to behave unless he wants this to be his last year in the NFL. If he becomes his infamous self, well he wont be around next year anyways and the Bills will be no worse off than they were before they signed him.

On the plus side, he instantly makes the whole offense better. His presence will eliminate the double teams Lee Evans faced all last year. It will also help Marshawn and the run game as teams will now have to respect the Bills passing attack. Of course all this is dependent on Edwards having enough time to throw and actually completing the passes he needs to, and that includes a plethora of deep balls. The Bills haven't had 2 great WR since arguably Andre Reed and E Moulds teamed up. (Moulds and Peerless Price you could maybe consider).

Now that suckster Robert Royal is gone some of our young TE have a chance to step up and become the next Pete Metzelaars. Really the only thing they need now are a couple stud pass rushers and a lock down corner. So say what you want about TO's past, but he instantly makes the Bills offense that more potent and if nothing else, brings a deep desire to win to an organization that hasn't won much in a decade plus.