Thursday, July 31, 2008

MLB Trade Deadline: Winners and Losers

What a day. I woke up extra early (3:30 am, to be exact) so I could stay on top of the trade deadline. What a waste of time to see that the only "MAJOR" trade was an aging Ken Griffey Jr, and that was about an hour later.

Needless to say, I've been a grouch all day long, and have pretty much not helped any with the fact that I'm still feeling the ill effects of a cold that some of my other co-workers passed along.

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With the MLB Trade Deadling come and gone, it's time to announce the three Big Winners and the three Big Losers from the drafting game:

THE WINNERS



They only needed one trade to set themselves as the best TEAM in baseball. Picking up 1B Mark Teixeira gave them a bigger bat and a better glove at first base. While the Braves didn't lose here in getting Casey Kotchmann, the Angels definitely improved. And more importantly, the best 1-2 punch in baseball now resides in Anaheim with Vladimir "Vlad The Impaler" Guerrero and Mark "Tex Mex" Teixeira".

Some people may question the move because they already had a big lead in their division (see the NY Mets 2007 for why you should never settle for a big lead), but they are looking ahead to competing with the rest of the best in the AL. Great move.



Although they didn't make the blockbuster deal for a superstar player, they picked important role players to fill voids. With Hideki Matsui out of action in LF, they picked up Xavier Nady from Pittsburgh, while in that same move picking up Damaso Marte to give them a solid left-handed middle reliever. And if that wasn't enough, days after C Jorge Posada was deemed inactive for the rest of the year, they made the decision to go after 14-time All-Star Ivan Rodriguez from the Tigers, getting rid of strong, yet erratic right-handed reliever Kyle Farnsworth.

I've said all along that it doesn't take an all-star lineup to win championships, which explains why the Yankees haven't won a championship in a while. But, these moves put the Yankees in the right direction.



No, I'm not making them a winner just by getting Manny, although the trade did give them a big boost. But, they also made some quality trades beforehand, picking up SS Angel Berroa, former Rookie of the Year, to help out their middle infield defense, and picking up 3B Casey Blake, which was great timing because Nomar Garciaparra is out indefinitely with injury.

With the D-Backs doing little to nothing to help their team, and the rest of the division at a stand still, look for this move to send the Dodgers to another NL West crown.

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THE LOSERS



For a team that is tied for second in their division and is in a big hunt for the Wild Card, they sure did NOTHING to help their cause. All they did was trade away a veteran middle reliever, and didn't pick up any help. Granted, they got help from within with Chris Carpenter returning the other night, and more help down the road with Adam Wainwright, but they could've helped themselves out instead of staying put.



Maybe it's because this franchise is still considered "small market" and they have never been in the position of possibily being a buyer to help improve their odds of winning a division crown, but could they have at least done something? Let's see, Arthur Rhodes, Jason Bay, all went elsewhere. Couldn't lure away Jose Guillen or Raul Ibanez from their respective teams. Great job doing nothing. Just watch the Yanks cruise right past everyone to the top.



No, they didn't get put in the losers category because they traded Manny Ramirez away. I mean, yes, their team isn't as good, and yes, the batting order isn't so fearsome now. But, don't you think with all of the trash and distractions that Manny was causing over the last week that the Red Sox were having a hard time dealing with it?

The bigger problem for Boston is this: Outside of this move, they did nothing. Their bullpen has been dicey, and instead of making a move to improve it, they traded away one of their younger talents. Yeah, offense is good, but if you can't hold on to a lead, it's worthless, just ask the Denver Nuggets and the Texas Rangers.

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"Rocket" Rod calls in from Oahu to say he is extremely excited about the trade which got his team a big time hitter in Manny Ramirez. He also makes sure to note that Bobby Brown is going to be at the Pipeline on Saturday. Yeah, THAT Bobby Brown. The drug addict who married Whitney Houston. Glenn Medeiros is opening for him.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

ESPN Radio Video: State Canoe Races Preview

Ok, I'm not a professional video producer. This is the first one ever. I actually have a remastered version planned for tomorrow or friday. But, until then, here's the interview from earlier today on "The Josh Pacheco Show"

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

What a day of trades!


Not too many people expected this to happen, but the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pick up 1B Mark Texeira from the Braves in exchange for 1B Casey Kotchman and a minor league hurler.

This definitely makes the Angels the best team in baseball. Consider this lineup with switch-hitting Teixeira and the power righty Vladimir Guerrero, to go along with speedster Chone Figgins. I think we have found an early World Series favorite.


Meanwhile, the NBA offseason just got more interesting, with the Houston Rockets picking up defensive specialist Ron Artest from the Kings. Now granted, Artest isn't just a defensive kinda guy, he cal also score.

I still don't think this really helps put the Rockets over the top, however. Shane Battier was their starting SF for the most part, and he is a defensive specialist who has range from beyond the arc. Artest is a little more athletic, but I still don't believe this gets the Rockets past the first round. And, maybe more importantly, I think Ron Artest still has the potential to be a headcase.

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Tomorrow on the show, we'll be talking to Rocket Rod Pacheco to preview the state Canoe Racing Championships at Keehi Lagoon. I'm going to try something different tomorrow. I plan on taking video of the in-studio interview and putting it online later on. I'll let you know how that goes and you may see that here tomorrow afternoon!

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Sports Storylines to follow this week

In what many people describe as a "boring season" in sports, this is going to be one awfully busy week of headline watching. Here are some of the stories that you, as a sports fan, should be paying attention to:

- MLB Trade Deadline is Thursday: Could there be a blockbuster Manny Ramirez trade?

The Red Sox and Manny Ramirez are tired of each other. For almost eight years, the Red Sox have coddled Manny Ramirez, and Manny has, well, been Manny. The Sox are now exploring a possible trade, and according to Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportes.com, Manny doesn't mind.

If the Red Sox feel they can win without Manny Ramirez, then they will do whatever it takes to part ways. The big question is, who will pony up enough for his services?

- Will Brett Favre be a Packer by Tuesday?

For reasons I can't explain, Brett Favre still hasn't sent in his reinstatement letter to the NFL. Last I checked, an important document should be mailed first-class with the utmost care, not sent via a fax machine.

Chris Mortensen reports on when Favre expects to send in, err, fax, his letter of intent. Could a trade be worked out by the time Favre makes his way toward camp?

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In other news, while I was at the Kilauea Volcano Marathon, the rest of our crew was at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel / ESPN Radio Bridal Fair and W****** Expo.

What's with the W******?

Do you realize how young I am? I'm nowhere close to that stage.

Oh, and who do I expect to marry anyway, myself?

Ok, this has gone horribly south. Check out a video clip from our Bridal Fair and W****** Expo.



UPDATE: Thanks to Kelli for the heads up...video was edited and taken down. Put up a different video of a dance contest that took place at the Expo.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

26th Annual Kilauea Volcano Runs




That was the scene at 6 am in the morning at Kilauea Military Camp in chilly Volcano as over 150 outstanding runners got the command to start the 26.2 Mile Marathon. We saw runners from all over the world descend here on the Big Island, not just for the marathon event, but also the 5 Mile Run and 10 Mile Run. Great Britian, Japan, and Canada were just some of the countries represented.

This marathon has been known to feature one of the toughest courses out there, yet boasts one of the most scenic trails in all of the world. There was some worry this year after the eruption of the volcano and all of the vog. But, the race officials worked with KMC to make this year's event work, and it did not disappoint. A total of over 800 Runners were here.



No, the above is not meant to be a gratuitous photo of me (I wouldn't torture you with that!) but is actually of me emceeing the awards ceremonies. As you can tell, I was a wuss for keeping the sweater on all day long, while there were all these runners in tank tops and short shorts.

But, one of the special moments of the awards ceremonies was the announcement of the Hawaii Island 3 Runners. The Hawaii Island 3 consists of runners who completed the Big Island Marathon, the Kailua-Kona Marathon, and the Kilauea Volcano Marathon. I believe around 20 or so runners made up this elite group, which sppeaks volumes to their fitness and dedication to running.

Congratulations to all of the finishers from all of us here at ESPN Radio. And, a BIG mahalo to Race Director Wayne Joseph, the Volcano Arts Center, and the numerous hard-working volunteers.

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My good friend and co-worker Keith Vashon of KBIG FM decided to simply slack off during work and take videos of random things in the office. Fortunately (or unfortunately), he decided to walk in on me during the show. The rest, well, eh.

Friday, July 25, 2008

What you should be checking out this weekend

In case you need a little guide for what to check out in sports this weekend, let me help you out:

- 26th Annual Kilauea Volcano Runs - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The marathon starts at 6 am tomorrow. Yes, I am a little biased because I get to emcee and host the awards ceremony there. But, I can attest to how well this event is run. This is also a very tough marathon to run. Hope to have the winners on Monday's show

- New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox - Saturday, 9:20 am and Sunday, 1:35 pm on ESPN Radio

The Yankees got off to a great start in this series with an outstanding pitching performance by Joba Chamberlain (who is slowly making me eat my words with his last few performances on the mound). And, we will have to see what the Nady/Marte trade with the Pirates does to boost the ballclub. I think this will help them out a lot.

- Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies

I said today on the radio that this would be the series that determines whether the Braves sever ties with Mark Texeira at the Trade Deadline. They won Game One in convincing fashion, and a series win does a lot for their late season chances.

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Next Saturday is the State Canoe Racing Championships at Keehi Lagoon on Oahu. Our own "Rocket" Rod Pacheco will be covering the action for us (no relation). I'll be joining him up there later in the day after I take care of some business over here. I have all my plans put together and one of my goals was to go and see the group "Smash Mouth." So, I went to go and buy tickets online for the concert, only to see the word CANCELLED. Turns out, after doing more research, the show actually isn't cancelled, but it got moved to a different venue. I don't think I'm gonna buy the tickets, though. I dunno, I'm just not feeling it for some reason.

So, if you are gonna be in Oahu, email me at joshpachecoshow@espnhawaii.com and let me know what's good to check out or if you have plans I should privy to. I mean, I'm going just to relax. I don't care if I stay in my hotel room the entire trip, but I do want to relax.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Thought the WNBA scrum was entertaining? This takes the cake.

ESPN's Neil Everett (oh, and former KGMB Anchor and HPU SID) reported on SportsCenter tonight on the brawl of all brawls. From ESPN.com:



Now you know why that guy who threw the ball and accidently hit a fan is in the minors. In all seriousness, you should NEVER throw a ball at anyone in that kind of situation. You could seriously kill someone. Unfortunately, that fan is in the hospital.

The problem here, though, is that they felt the need to finish the game after they suspended 17 players. At that point, I could care less about the game. And, those players didn't deserve to be re-instated so the game could be finished. What if their tempers were still boiling and something escalated again?

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On a side note, I'm forcing myself to watch the MLS All-Star Game. As many of you know, I'm not the biggest soccer fan. But, after Keith Vashon of KBIG FM and myself left our lunch stop at the downtown Thai Food place, we ran into one of the UHH Soccer Coaches who was extremely excited about it and was watching it live.

One thing I'm noticing early: Toronto Soccer Fans HATE visiting teams. Who else throws streamers at the opposing players during a corner kick? Normally, during a regular-season game, I wouldn't mind, but it's an all-star game. Let's go all out in fun!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Rick Mahorn's Man-Card In Question



(photo credit - AP Photo/Jerry S. Mendoza)

I've always been told that a man should never put his hands on a lady.

During last night's LA / Detroit WNBA game, a tussle ensued in the final few seconds involving, among others, Rookie Candice Parker of the Sparks. But away from the main tussle, Lisa Leslie of the Sparks was seen falling down with Detroit assistant Rick Mahorn's arms outward.

In a postgame interview on ESPN2, both had different sides of the story. Leslie contended she was pushed. Mahorn said he was trying to protect Lisa and keep the peace.

This photo is probably the clearest evidence of what took place, and looking at Mahorn's left arm, it appears that he pushed her, because as I was watching live and viewing the replays it was harder to tell.

Putting this in a broader perspective, no league benefits from coverage of a fight. For the WNBA, this is a first, and I don't think this gets extensive coverage without Mahorn, Leslie, and Parker's involvement.

Expect suspensions, fines, and the return of little attention to the WNBA.

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One of our regular commenters asked if I have posted any more photos of station events. I haven't, although I have a few on my computer. Should I post photos of me up?

Personally, as I mentioned, I know I have a face for radio, and I'm not a big fan of myself in pictures. But, if the public demands, I could concede. For now, enjoy the picture below and the one above.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Michelle Wie against the boys, again?



Before we talk about the topic at hand, thanks to my co-worker Keith from sister station KBIG FM for sending me the picture from the 4th of July festivities at the Mo'oheau Park Bandstand. We were on hand emceeing, and on top of my emceeing duties, I was playing the evening concert with the Hawaii County Band.

First off, if it looks a little weird that I'm next to our sister station's banner instead of our own, it really isn't. I've temporarily (as far as I know) been working Saturday mid-days from 10 am - 3 pm for the past couple of weeks, and will be for the next couple. You can listen in online at KBIG.FM, and e-mail your requests at josh@kbig.fm

Secondly, don't expect to be seeing a lot of pictures of me on the blog. As most people will tell you (and I will personally vouch for), many people in radio have "faces for radio." I'm very secure in myself to say that I fit in that category. And, no, I don't mind it. I rely on my personality, not my looks, to get me by in life. That's how it should be. And honestly, it's all I got :) .

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Big news of today is the announcement that Michelle Wie has picked herself back up just days after forgetting to sign her scorecard. Michelle Wie has received a sponsors exemption to play on the PGA Tour's Legends Reno-Tahoe Open.

Before you get mad at Michelle Wie, let's realize what the even't promoter must be going through:

- On the same weekend, the World Golf Championships are in Ohio, luring the best players in the world.

- His tournament boasts (for lack of a better term) the weakest field on the tour season.

- The economy's is rough.

So, of course, you are gonna find away to get people to show up to your tournament and boost up the ratings! That's why you give Michelle Wie a chance.

On tomorrow's show, we are going to talk to the tournament director, Michael Sterns, to talk about how tough it is to put together a tournament, why Michelle over Annika or Lorena, and what the future of this tournament could be if the numbers and the dollars don't come through.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

You want big stories? This weekend delivered.

Before we start with the big sports headlines, we must start with the big movie of the weekend:

This weekend was the premiere of the new Batman movie, "The Dark Knight." Thank you to everyone for coming out in Hilo and Kailua-Kona. I was at the Hilo location at the Prince Kuhio Plaza. First off, someone actually admitted in line that they were related to me (still checking on that one), its amazing how annoying people can get to show that they want to win tickets, and free cookie and malasada samples REALLY make my day!

As far as the movie is concerned, I really loved it. I rate it an 8.5 out of 10 possible points. There were a couple of lull spots for me, but other than that, the action was great, the Joker character deserves an award, and it left me asking questions. I'm definitely seeing this again. (If you are a friend of mine and you read this, do you wanna go?)

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Now to the BIG sports stories of the weekend:

- Padraig Harrington wins The Open Championship. While many people are disappointed that we didn't get to cap the story of Greg Norman's honeymoon with a win at a major championship (by the way, at the ripe young age at 53), Harrington's story is also pretty good. Just a few days before the tournament, there was a very good chance he wouldn't even be healthy enough to tee off with a wrist injury. Four rounds later, he successfully defends his championship.

- Michelle Wie ALMOST proved me wrong. She did shoot a career round on Friday at the LPGA State Farm Classic. She also put herself into 2nd place during the 3rd round in Springfield, IL. But, that third round wouldn't matter, as she was DQ'd for not signing her second round scorecard. Tough break Michelle, but I can't feel bad for you. You are a professional. You must always remember to follow the rules. If you were an amateur, I may feel a little remorse, but as a professional, there is no excuse.

(by the way, the fact that Golf has the top two big stories on the blog is good for the game. this rarely ever happens.)

- Jason Taylor is now a Washington Redskin. Believe it or not, this deal makes sense. The 'Skins lost their top defensive end to a season-ending injury. Jason Taylor on record has said he will only play one more year. Why not trade for Taylor to fill in for the season? You give up only two draft picks, but in the end you strengthen your defense. Good move, Washington.

All of this and more, including our "Squawk With Brock" segment (hopefully) on Monday on the program!

Friday, July 18, 2008

Lead with your head, not your heart

Sports fans are very passionate fans. We love our players, our coaches, and our surroundings. But, the Brett Favre story has shown me one thing more so than everyone else:

Fans can't think straight.

As a sports talk show host, I have a duty to give you facts and straight talk opinion. Yes, I am a Brett Favre fan and a Green Bay fan. And, I could easily spend two hours talking to you about my favorite teams and players.

But you don't want to hear that.

I've heard people try to shove their "fandom" down everyone's throats, and I honestly don't want to hear that. When people make opinions based on their hearts, and not on their common sense and mind, they say things that don't make sense, and that's what I've gotten from a lot of people.

This could be applied to any situation, but nothing good comes from opinions that are formed by the wrong substance.

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On a lighter note, thank you to Hollywood Theaters for a couple of things:

1) Our radio premiere of "The Dark Knight" is tonight at 7:00 pm. We're giving away exclusive movie posters and other garb...I don't think there are any tickets left for you :). We gave em all away on our FM stations.

2) I also scored promotional stuff from the new Step Brothers movie. It stars Will Ferrell and John Reilly. They gave me a fake wooden drum pad with mini drum sticks. Absolutely fantastic!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Don't cut JV Sports!

Thanks for clicking onto the blog! Before I get to JV Sports, I told you guys I would put up the link on Natalie Gulbis here on the blog. As I teased on the show on Thursday, there is a contest out there for one lucky person to win a day with LPGA Golfer Natalie Gulbis, according to the Steady Burn blog.

Now, I know our targer demographic is males, and you younger ones I'm sure would definitely jump at this chance. After all, wouldn't you want to brag to your friends about going on a morning workout, round of golf, and dinner with a golf beauty?

But, at the same time, I wouldn't tell you this if I wanted this for myself. I'll let you guys have this one. I mean, after all, I'd embarass myself in the morning workout by barely lifting any sort of weight, I'd lay a gigantic egg on the golf course, and by the time dinner came around, I would be such a mess I would want to hide in my hotel room to prevent myself from further embarassment.

So, it's all yours, guys. Good luck writing your essay. I still need to learn how not to strike out with the smart women here before I take any kind of shot at a professional.

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I couldn't believe my eyes when I read this article on the DOE proposing a cut of Junior Varsity high school sports and two lesser varsity sports.

First things first, I'm a proud former JV / Varsity athlete. I realize that playing JV basketball was more than going on the court and playing, er, trying tying to play the game I loved. It was more than just trying to be popular while being on the top school's squad (I still wasn't popular either way). But, I realize how much playing sports kept me out of trouble.

If you are a parent, JV Sports served a dual purpose. You had a couple hours off from your kids every day while they were at practice (don't lie, sometimes you feel like you could use a breather). You also had a golden opportunity to bring the family out to watch your son or daughter play.

But more importantly, high school sports, Junior Varsity and Varsity, helped as an avenue to teach the kids a few life lessons. Obviously, after playing high school basketball and tennis, I didn't pan out to be a fantastic athlete. But, I did learn how to be a leader. I got to be a three year captain of my Varsity tennis team. I learned how to interact, communicate, and work as a team with people that I was around all the time. There aren't too many opportunities for people to get that kind of hands-on learning.

I know a few people teaching at the DOE, and they tell me that other extra-curriculars are being put on the backburner, like music and other arts activities.

It would greatly sadden me if JV sports were knocked out. I realize how much it helped me, and I'm sure you can say the same thing.

Let's look at the other side of the coin, though. Our economy stinks, for lack of a better adjective. Job cuts, lighter wallets, panic. That is the honest look at what we are seeing not just here in Hawaii, but across the country. And the DOE is in that same boat. They see a $4.2 million dollar budget, look at it and see how they can cut it down....a million bucks lighter.

We could all play the blame game. One caller today said the DOE is mis-managed. I hinted that maybe the government is improperly spending a lot of our money.

But, the fact is, we need to find a way to save Junior Varsity sports.

Any ideas?

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Why is MMA so huge?

Before I blog about the topic at hand, I first want to send out my thoughts and prayers to those who were let go at the Honolulu Advertiser on Wednesday. For those of you who haven't read the news, you can read it here.

As someone who works in the media, my heart goes out to those who were victim to these cuts. We all work our hardest to deliver news, opinion, and stories that you can talk about to relate to. Unfortunately, because of the crumbling economy that we are living in, some of these outstanding professionals have had to be let go.

Sometimes, we in radio compete with those in print. But, in the end, we are all part of the media. I hope that those who were let go will be able to get back on their feet and support themselves and their families in their tough times.

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I'm very fortunate to have a group of people, both male and female, that I can talk to about sports, pick up ideas, throw around opinions, etc. I recently asked one of my newest friends about a blog idea, and this trustworthy person said "Why not talk about MMA?"

Sure.

MMA is growing. Whether you think the sport is barbaric or not, it has garnered a growing audience of blood-thirsty, action seeking fans.

I think part of the allure of MMA, at least here on the Big Island, is that we are seeing guys who live here and train here compete. And it all starts with B.J. Penn, born in Kailua, but residing here, doing business here, and training people here to become MMA fighters, and more importantly, keeping fighting off of the streets.

I also believe that MMA is a sport that EVERYONE can enjoy. While Boxing is normally viewed as a sport where the rich people watch, bet, and enjoy, anybody can go to a MMA fight (as long as you can pay the rising ticket prices) and watch guys go at it. No meddling Don King wannabees, no worrying about fixed fights, just clean action.

If you are looking to to find out what I am talking about, go to the Civic in Hilo for the next Beatdown event on August 9th. ESPN Radio will be broadcasting a Big Island first, live MMA play-by-play, with yours truly on the call beginning at 7 pm.

Monday, July 14, 2008

All For Nothing: The Josh Hamilton Home Run Show

I got home from work just in time to grab a seat on the couch and watch one of the most amazing home run derby rounds in event history. Texas Ranger Josh Hamilton (who in case you don't know, already has 95 RBI's at the break) went absolutely bonkers at the dish, knocking out 28 Homers, setting a first round record.

But, as the first round ended and the second round went through, I started to feel like we were going to see an upset. See, Josh Hamilton had so many home runs that he didn't even need to take a swing in the second round. He had already clinched his spot in the final round. Yet, he went up, looked alright as he knocked four dingers out of the park, but wasn't as crisp.

The final round pitted Hamilton against Minnesota Twins slugger Justin Morneau, and while both didn't look as solid as they did in the opening rounds, it was Hamilton who had nothing left in the tank. He couldn't belt out another 500+ Foot Home Run. He ran out of gas. And even though Justin Morneau hit 13 less Home Runs in the entire derby, he still won it all when it mattered.

Let's go back to Hamilton for a second and forget the Homers, the Runs Batted In, and the Yankee crowd falling in love with him. His comeback story is one to write home about. Just a few years ago, he was immersed in the wrong crowd, drugs, alcohol, the wrong life. This former #1 overall pick was bound to be the biggest disappointment in draft history.

But, he cleaned it up. During his interviews on ESPNHD, he repeatedly thanked his friend, God, upstairs, for giving him a second chance and giving him a chance to utilize his talents. He still has his tattoos from his bad days. He said he's tried to take them off, and some have come off, but because they hurt so much to take off, he's decided to just live with them.

These are the kinds of stories we should be embracing as sports fans.

Colt Brennan signs contract

Promising news for former UH Warrior quarterback Colt Brennan this morning. ESPN.com's John Clayton is reporting that Brennan has inked a 4-year deal worth $1.8 Million dollars.

From the very beginning, I have liked and respected the way Colt Brennan has played the game of football. My only question mark was his somewhat side-arm throwing motion, but I felt that if that could be worked on, he would make a pretty decent NFL QB.

But, let's also not forget where he is. He's with the Redskins, of course, but the Head Coach, Jim Zorn, just recently left the Seattle Seahawks, where he was the Quarterbacks Coach. I think he knows a thing or two about making quarterbacks better, and that can only help Colt.

Along with the positive health report that Clayton reported on, this signing should give Colt a little bit of comfort that he may be on the roster once opening weekend starts. Some are saying that he could be the #3 Quarterback on the Depth Chart. Hopefully, he doesn't take this to heart and start to cruise through training camp (I think he will continue to work hard and strive to move up the depth chart).

With young Jason Campbell still at the helm, fresh off of watching current #2 QB Todd Collins lead the team into the playoffs, I think Campbell may be looking back over his shoulder, might press the issue at times, and might play his way on the bench.

If so, this could be the prime opportunity for Colt Brennan. Just keep working hard, young man.

Friday, July 11, 2008

What A Crazy Week!

I love having this blog up here at ESPNHawaii.com, because it gives me yet another avenue to spread the truth.

And the fact is, this past week has been absolutely crazy. For those of you who listen on the radio, you know me just as the guy who talks sports for two hours every day. But, over the past week and then some, I was added to a temporary task of managing the station's commercial production.

What did that mean? Less time creating show content, more time creating client content.

Luckily, there are people who I must thank who helped make this week's shows go by (and probably saved my job too!)

- Kelli Miura, The Honolulu Advertiser's Campus Life 101 Blog on why it isn't strange to meet women who like football.

- Bob Valvano, ESPN Radio's V Show, talking about the V Foundation for Cancer Research, co-founded by his late brother Jim and ESPN

- Gwint Fisher of the PGWSA, who shared the importance of getting our high school athletes ready for college

- JE Orozco, KBIG FM on the Big Island Canoe Racing Scene

- Daniel Brock, West Hawaii Today for his weekly segment

- Bert Roussel on the Mardi Gras golf tournament

- Brett Favre, for giving me breaking news to spend most of Friday's show on!

Most of these interviews are online right now at ESPNHawaii.com, and I am working on putting up a few more while I have a chance.

Oh, and while I have a chance to make another "SHAMELESS PLUG," if you are one of those people who need great tunes to get you through your weekend, you can find me this Saturday live from 10 am - 3 pm on KBIG FM on a fill-in basis. It's been a while since I've been on the FM Dial, and that was where I was prior to making the jump to sports talk, so I'm very excited to be back for the time being. You can listen online as well at KBIG.FM!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

When should we start talking about "The Perfect Game?"

In the past three days, we have had two instances of so-called "near perfect games" between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves (oh, and both times, the Braves were on the short end of the stick).

On Monday, Hiroki Kuroda had a perfect game through the first seven innings before being broken by the first batter in the 8th, Mark Texeira, with a double.

On Wednesday, Derek Lowe had a perfect game through six innings before being ended by a Gregor Blanco base hit.

During the "Tuesday Night Confessional" with me and a group of well-versed sports fans out in town, we talked about this very thing, and I asked the question: "When is it okay to start telling people that there is a perfect game in the works?"

One person said, "going into the Ninth inning." But the majority, myself included, said after the 7th.

See, I could be sarcastic and tell you that after the 1st inning, ANY pitcher could have a "perfect" game. But, a perfect game isn't really impressive until after the 7th. Once you start going through the order a third time around, and still get everyone out, then I can be impressed.

So, shame on you ESPN, for telling me that a perfect game was going after 6 on Monday. And shame on you for wasting a "BREAKING NEWS" crawl on the TV Screen telling me Lowe's perfect game was foiled after 6 innings. Tell me about it when it starts sounding really impressive.

Monday, July 7, 2008

I'm tired of this A-Rod Divorce Story

We really must be in a dead period in sports, after all.

With football a few months away from the regular season, and the NBA just about a month removed from the championship series, most sports fans are looking for something to follow. Plus, most casual baseball fans are just waiting for the start of the postseason to begin to care.

So what kind of stories do we have to fill the time?

We have this from the Associated Press (courtesy of the Honolulu Advertiser) on the marital status of Alex Rodriguez.

Cynthia Rodriguez calls Alex Rodriguez an "adulterer" and says that his extramarital affairs have caused him to "emotionally abandoned his wife and children." C-Rod filed for divorce today in Miami. This all comes off of the heels of the NY Media reports that A-Rod has been in an affair with Pop star Madonna, which the Material Girl denies.

And seriously, this comes from someone who has been reportedly linked to Lenny Kravitz? It guess it doesn't work both ways.

I guess this is what happens when you make it big, have all the money and power in the world, and can seemingly do whatever you want. It's too bad that there are kids involved in this divorce.

Listen, this is a story that should be followed by those TMZ.com guys or Entertainment Tonight or whatever show it is that likes to follow the pitfalls of the rich and famous. More importantly, this is a story that should be talked about behind the public eye, away from the ridicule of the so called "experts" and pundits.

I hope I never have any kind of personal "rubbish" reported on by the media.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Changing of the Guard in Men's Tennis

I didn't have to watch the entire Gentlemen's Final at The Championships Wimbledon to know that it was an instant classic.

Watching the last set told me everything I needed to know.

The longest championship match in Wimbledon history saw Championship points defeated, breaks in serve, break points fought off, spectacular shots, amazing aces, outstanding gamesmanship, and a helluva lot of fun.

Yet, after today's five set thriller, the defending five-time champion Roger Federer would fall off of his throne to the golden boy of the sport, Rafael Nadal.

The men's tennis landscape is no longer Roger's to dominate. Nadal is soon to be the number one player in the world, as long as he learns to play well on surfaces other than clay and grass. Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open earlier this year, and is currently regarded as the best hard court player on tour. Fed's got some competition.

And you know what, that competition is good for the game's popularity. It's no longer a given that Roger Federer will win every tournament.

Let's make a comparison between Men's Golf and Tennis and show why Tennis has been more popular in the overall grand scheme of things. In golf, who has been Tiger's biggest rival? Phil Mickelson is the closest to him, but that isn't much of a rivalry. Rocco Mediate? Please....one close playoff doesn't make him a rival.

In tennis, Federer vs. Nadal has been the rivalry of all rivalries. You could make comparisons to Aggasi / Sampras, or Bjorg / McEnroe, but in the current game, Nadal / Federer has ignited the frenzy of tennis fans all throughout the world, even here in America.

Congratulations to Rafael Nadal, and maybe even more importantly, congratulations to Men's Tennis.