The Sporting News articles from July 2001

The Sporting News archives from July 2001

Design done right.(Brief Article)(Editorial)
July 2, 2001... Have you ever been to Camden Yards? I love going to the park because I get a great baseball experience. The ambiance engenders everything that makes us cherish baseball, yet the amenities are modern. It's the best of both worlds, and it has set...

Caught on the Fly.(News Briefs)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2001... Hey, didn't you used to be Bill Romanowski's pharmacist? * Ayyyyy, Fonz says he's feeling thumbs-up, but Fly hears the Mess ain't so sure. As Fly well knows, knees are tricky things (Fly's got six of 'em), so this here mismanagement team is...

DEFT SHOT.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2001... `It's like third-and-10 every single day.' --Browns left tackle Roman Oben, who last summer interned for Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-N.J.) and recently received a master's degree in public administration, describing what it's like to work in...

Bob Hille's Starting Five.(Brief Article)(Column)
July 2, 2001... 1 The NBA draft. Sure, Bozo the Clown has gone off the air, but at least one night a year Chicagoans can watch Jerry Krause on TNT. 2 Ripken's retirement tour. When Calapalooza comes to town, you should be sure to go see him play... even...

DUSTBIN.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2001... July 3, 1912 Rube Marquard won his 19th straight, spearheading the Giants' rush to their second of three straight pennants. Marquard beat the Brooklyn Dodgers, 2-1, in the first game of a doubleheader. Marquard's winning streak--a...

The Summer of Cub.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2001... In the neurotic cocoon that is Cubdom, I'm compelled this week to issue a surgeon general's warning. Make sure the heart is healthy and the mind is strong, for the next three months will either enrich your life or compound your perpetual...

The lively debate over tape delay.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2001... (The following column was previously recorded.) Someone in the audience could surmise this is being typed "live," thus the disclaimer. You don't get many of those in TV Land, a place where videotape is idolized and networks habitually...

STATIC.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2001... * Silver clouds, dark lining: Nielsens for NBC's NBA Finals were up 4 percent overall. But the ratings had been up 18 percent through Game 3, so interest waned; the five-game series cost NBC $20 million in lost ad sales (compared to seven...

Voice of the fan.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2001... Choice voice `"Rainbow revival (TSN, June 11)?" Who says that Jeff Gordon went anywhere?' --Joe Daudish, Westchester, Ill. Iverson's makeover It's obvious that Allen Iverson has changed and that, in turn, we have changed...

Not everyone loves Ray.(hockey player Ray Bourque)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2001... Ray Bourque was the sentimental favorite in the Stanley Cup chase for many a hockey lover--Avalanche fan or not. But at least a few people are refraining from toasting the veteran, still bitter over his departure from Boston. "Ray Bourque...

MONSTER year.
July 2, 2001... With his power on the field and playfulness off it, Manny Ramirez has given the Red Sox a lift of massive proportions Manny Ramirez would love to know what has happened to his offense. Hardly a day goes by in the Red Sox clubhouse without...

Bonds excels where it counts: on the field.
July 2, 2001... I'm rooting for Barry Bonds, whether he likes it or not. I'm rooting for him even if he sets the consecutive-games record for blowing off reporters and the world at large. I root for any player striving for greatness. Bonds hasn't done...

Ripken casts a long shadow.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2001... Troy Glaus and Manny Alexander should talk. They've both played behind Cal Ripken, which means they've both played in the shadow of the legend. Alexander labored for years as the shortstop of the future in Baltimore. He might have had...

Around the AL.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2001... TSNumbers 2 Interleague wins by the Indians (out of nine games). Against the A.L. they are 41-21. 6 Interleague wins by the Royals (nine games). Against the A.L.: they are 22-42. 6 Consecutive...

The book on Joe Crede.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2001... In more than five seasons in the minor leagues, Joe Crede played plenty of baseball out of the limelight. On June 15, one week after the White Sox's long-anointed third baseman of the future was recalled from Class AAA Charlotte, he was...

Witnesses to history.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2001... Reliever Jeff Nelson had the good fortune to be on the 1998 Yankees, who won an A.L.-record 114 games. He also happens to be on the Mariners, who might end up threatening that mark. But calling Nelson merely a witness to history isn't fair. He...

AMERICAN LEAGUE.
July 2, 2001... Anaheim 36-36: 2nd Ortiz uses some advice from Pedro to move forward RHP Ramon Ortiz did not strike out a batter in seven innings in his start June 20, the first time he failed to record a strikeout this season. But he still might...

A.L. LEAGUE LEADERS.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2001... A.L. LEAGUE LEADERS AVERAGE Suzuki, Sea 352 Ramirez, Bos 351 Alomar, Cle 346 Ja. Giambi, Oak 346 Gonzalez, Cle 342 RUNS Suzuki, Sea 67 A. Rodriguez, Tex 66...

N.L. LEAGUE LEADERS.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2001... N.L. LEAGUE LEADERS AVERAGE Gonzalez, Ari 356 Alou, Hou 355 Aurilia, SF 351 Berkman, Hou 349 Pujols, StL 347 RUNS Helton, Col 74 Gonzalez, Ari 68 L. Walker,...

Around the NL.(baseball)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2001... TSNumbers 1 Number of teams (Expos) that have held Barry Bonds homerless this season. 94 Home runs Bonds would hit this year if he always batted with nobody on base. 95 Home runs Bonds would hit if the...

Scouting Report.(Brief Article)
July 2, 2001... Javier Vazquez Expos Ht./Wt.: 6-2/195 B/T: R/R Age: 24 Grading out: (20-80 scale) Four-seam fastball: 55+ Changeup: 65 Cutter/sinker: 60 Slurve: 50 Overall potential: 65+ Record/ERA: 5-9/4.96 ...

Not for the thin-skinned.(sportingnews.com/baseball)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2001... For in-depth analysis of anything having to do with a diamond, check out sportingnews.com/baseball. We've got baseball news three ways from Sunday, and twice that on days ending in "y." But be forewarned: Our razor-sharp analysis draws more...

NATIONAL LEAGUE.(baseball)
July 2, 2001... Arizona 46-28: 1st Anderson's return will lead to changes in the rotation With LHP Brian Anderson about to return to the active roster, it remains unclear whom he will replace in the rotation. Manager Bob Brenly says he has not...

The ups and downs of a wild pitch.(baseball)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2001... The ups and downs of a wild pitch I can't imagine throwing a knuckleball, but a teammate of mine, Steve Sparks, lives and dies by it. Sparky and Tim Wakefield are the two big league pitchers who throw primarily knucklers. Sparky is a...

Recruiting season begins long before its start date.(basketball)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2001... According to the official NCAA calendar, recruiting season begins July 8--which, these days, is a little like claiming the Christmas shopping season commences December 24. Not until the second week of July may college coaches hit the road...

THE kids ARE ALL RIGHT.(drafting basketball players out of high school)(Statistical Data Included)
July 2, 2001... Drafting high school players has a history of paying off, even if NBA executives don't like to admit it Three years ago, on draft day at GM Place in Vancouver, Rashard Lewis sat in a back room wearing the best suit he owned, a tan number...

These really are my final answers.(opinions on professional sports)(Column)
July 2, 2001... In the four-plus years I have occupied a page inside this monolith of sports journalism, I have received 40 to 50 e-mails from readers each week, which means the time has come for you to go out and get a life. It's not that these 10,000...

EASTERN CONFERENCE.
July 2, 2001... ATLANTIC DIVISION BOSTON CELTICS: PF Antoine Walker is making good use of his offseason in Chicago. Until Michael Jordan broke a pair of ribs, the two were battling it out in pickup games along with other NBA players. Jordan also gave...

WESTERN CONFERENCE.
July 2, 2001... MIDWEST DIVISION DALLAS MAVERICKS: With the team looking for better backcourt production off the bench, one of its primary free-agent targets is veteran PG Tim Hardaway. Resigning Hardaway isn't a priority for the Heat because injuries...

Stealing the show.(National Hockey League)
July 2, 2001... For the second straight year, the moves of Islanders G.M. Mike Milbury took center stage at the entry draft It was supposed to be the celebration of the best draft since 1993, but somewhere along the line Islanders G.M. Mike Milbury helped...

Few doubts surround top pick Kovalchuk.(National Hockey League draft, hockey player Ilya Kovalchuk)
July 2, 2001... Scouts say new Thrashers right winger Ilya Kovalchuk is the best prospect to come along since Eric Lindros in 1991, who in turn was the best prospect to come along since Mario Lemieux in 1984. Lemieux and Lindros clearly came with guarantees...

Camps often are recruiting tools for coaches, prospects.(college football)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2001... It always helps to have a secret weapon to gain an advantage. The Lone Ranger has a silver bullet. Underdog has that pill in his ring. Football coaches have summer camps. These camps, in full swing throughout the nation since mid-June,...

Harvick's story is the best to come out of the first half.(NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick)
July 2, 2001... The season is halfway done. Well, not technically--the 18th of 36 races doesn't come until July 15 at Chicago--but this is the official midseason break for Winston Cup. The weekend before the return to Daytona. The last chance to rest before...

OVAL OFFICE INTERVIEWS.(NASCAR drivers' favorite sports teams)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2001... What is your favorite sports team? Jeff Burton: I am a pretty big Duke basketball fan.... They are a very talented group, and I have a lot of respect for them. And, believe me, I'm not one of those fans who just jumped on the bandwagon...

SIX-PACK.(NASCAR)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2001... 1. Handsome fellow. People magazine selected Steve Park as one of America's 50 most eligible bachelors. Ladies, in case you're wondering, Park is a Virgo, likes to ride Harleys and loves the Yankees. 2. Smoking hired gun. Robby Gordon lost...

It's now their call.(National Football League refereeing)
July 2, 2001... It will take two men to replace retiring head of officiating Jerry Seeman, the man who has helped instant replay gain greater acceptance around the league For the last decade, every time an NFL coach or general manager absolutely despised...

One way to build: Stack talent in one area.(National Football League draft)
July 2, 2001... You can never have enough of a good thing, right? At this year's NFL draft, many teams ignored pressing needs in order to stockpile talent at a particular position or to bolster a unit that already had showed some strength. The Cardinals...

AFC.(American Football Conference)(Statistical Data Included)
July 2, 2001... Baltimore REDMAN MAKING IMPRESSION: Though QB Elvis Grbac was efficient in offseason camps, Chris Redman wowed the coaching staff with his development since last season. Redman, a 1999 third-round pick, showed tremendous accuracy and an...

NFC.(National Football Conference)(Statistical Data Included)
July 2, 2001... Arizona BUSTING OUT? Coach Dave McGinnis thinks RB Thomas Jones will be a different player this season. Last year, Jones was handed the starting job coming out of training camp even though he had done nothing to beat out Michael Pittman....

A small piece of forever.(Major League Baseball history)(Brief Article)
July 2, 2001... In 1930 in Akron, Ohio, the young man Jimmy Grow worked on the ground crew for the Goodyear Rubber Company's blimp. His job was to grab hold of the mooring ropes and help tug the thing to the hangar. By the late '30s in Teterboro, N.J., Grow...

Top 40 countdown.
July 9, 2001... 2001 should be a record-setting season for Joe Paterno, but can his Nittany Lions make TSN's preseason top 40? Find out as each weekday for two months we preview a different team and ask for your opinions. Go to: www.sportingnews.com/...

Going camping.
July 9, 2001... The critical recruiting month for college hoops has arrived, and senior writer Mike DeCourcy checks in with daily reports from two of the summer's biggest events--the Nike camp in Indianapolis and the adidas ABCD camp in New Jersey. Find out...

All-Star fever.
July 9, 2001... "Nasty Nationwide" with Nestor Aparicio broadcasts live from baseball's All-Star Game in Seattle. Baseball Insider Ken Rosenthal joins Nestor live from Safeco Field from 2-6 p.m. ET Monday during the A.L. and N.L. team workouts and again...

`Hey didn't you used to be Hubie Brown's haircut?'.(various goings-on in world of professional sports)(Brief Article)
July 9, 2001... * Fly's not sure which is more ridiculous: Beantown celebrating the Ray Bourque champeenship as if Denver were a few blocks west of Dorchester, or the Avs gettin' ready to retire Bourque's number. Reports from Vatican say Ray-ray's under...

DEFT SHOT.(thoughts on John Rocker)(Brief Article)
July 9, 2001... `I'm glad they didn't trade him to us' --Pittsburgh manager Lloyd McClendon on the deal that sent closer John Rocker from Atlanta to Cleveland.

DUSTBIN.(unassisted triple plays)(Brief Article)
July 9, 2001... July 8, 1994 The Red Sox's John Valentin became the 10th player in major league history to pull off an unassisted triple play. Valentin, playing shortstop, caught a sixth-inning line drive off the bat of Marc Newfield of the visiting...

BOB HILLE'S STARTING 5.
July 9, 2001... (1) The All-Star Game. For many, it's a reward for all their hard work in the first half. In fact, the Rangers' rep is the guy who figures the team ERA. (2) Bill Romanowski. Some attribute the Bronco's play to the prescription...

The teen dreamers.(drafting teens into NBA has moral implications)(Brief Article)
July 9, 2001... It would be convenient to brand me a racist. Why else would I condemn the prom-to-pros, corsage-to-Cadillac exodus of America's hoops youth unless I was a small-minded, fortyish white guy who is lost in Midwestern suburbia and simply doesn't...

On Cal Ripken's retirement.(Brief Article)
July 9, 2001... On Cal Ripken's retirement: "It's about time.... He hasn't been an impact player for years. The record isn't even a great accomplishment. If it was such a great record, everybody would want to try to break it. And if I had four months off a...

On high school players in the NBA draft.(Brief Article)
July 9, 2001... On high school players in the NBA draft: "I've got to tell you, I never felt so old in my life as I did watching these 18-year-olds become millionaires. One by one, they trot them up on the stage. All sorts of strange activities. A very...

I want my Y-TV.(imagined line-up on New York Yankees television network)(Brief Article)
July 9, 2001... Your guide to the random date of November 13 as the Yankees launch their 24-hour regional sports channel: (Actually, the Nets and Devils are to "share" the channel. Riiiiight.) DAYTIME 5:55 Sermonette Bob Sheppard 6:00 Cap'n...

STATIC.(goings-on in sports broadcasting)(Brief Article)
July 9, 2001... * Rolling blackouts: Because Fox Sports Net bills L.A. cable systems 23 cents per month per subscriber for baseball, Time Warner retaliated by blacking out FSN's Dodgers schedule to 350,000 homes and will yank Angels games, too, if Fox doesn't...

VOICE OF THE FAN.
July 9, 2001... Choice voice `If and when the Lakers win the title next year, please do not let Mark Madsen dance,'--Jesse Adams, Salina, Kan. Got a comment? THE SPORTING NEWS would love to hear from you. Write Voice of the Fan, 10176 Corporate Square...

My first half.(baseball players on the first half of season)
July 9, 2001... How would you like to be on perhaps the best team ever--or maybe the worst? To tell the world your boss can't cut it, then see him get fired the next day? To try to play while your wife is about to give birth to an entire starting rotation? Six...

JUNIOR PROMINENCE.(American League history)
July 9, 2001... As the American League turns 100, TSN looks back at the best at each position in junior circuit history So you think you know the American League? Try these: How many teams have remained in the same city since the league's first...

A.L. in the family.(American League baseball history)
July 9, 2001... Baseball history comes alive with these roots, roots, roots of the home teams A.L. BOSTON CLUB ANGELS OF Tim Salmon plays for the 2001 Angels. Salmon also played on the 1997 Angels with LHP Mark Langston, who led the A.L. in...

The A.L. History Quiz.(American League baseball)(Brief Article)
July 9, 2001... Test your knowledge of the American League with this insider's quiz. See if you can go 9-for-9--and forget about the DH. 1 Everybody knows the Yankees have won the most pennants in baseball. Which franchise has won the second most American...

Perez's second shot is on target.(Tony Perez as manager for Florida Marlins)
July 9, 2001... Dan Miceli was right. Too public, too personal but accurate in his criticism of former Marlins manager John Boles. Ridiculous with his claim that only former major leaguers make good managers but correct about the Marlins needing a change. ...

The break isn't much of one.(All Star Game)(Brief Article)
July 9, 2001... The All-Star Game festivities are a wonderful experience for the players selected to the team. The people who put it on really do a great job with all the events. There are galas and receptions and parties to fill up every day you are...

DOGHOUSE.(baseball player Harold Baines)(Brief Article)
July 9, 2001... When the White Sox toured the White House, DH Harold Baines didn't go, "Why would I want to go visit him?" Baines said of the building's occupant. "I sure didn't vote for him." Well, he sure voted for you. When he was Rangers co-owner,...

Another great side to Gwynn.(Tony Gwynn appreciated by journalists)(Brief Article)
July 9, 2001... For 20 seasons, Tony Gwynn has been the game's best "go-to" guy, bar none. In the clutch, nobody is better. Nobody is more reliable. Gwynn's clockwork performances, day after day and night after night, would make Rolex envious. His...

A.L. Midseason report.(professional baseball)
July 9, 2001... Anaheim Angels www.sportingnews.com/baseball/teams/angels/ 38-41 T 2nd in West Pitching is strong, but production at first base is a problem WHAT WENT RIGHT: Pitching, surprisingly. Because RHPs Pat Rapp and Ismael Valdes had weak...

7th inning stretch.(brief baseball notes)(Brief Article)
July 9, 2001... TSNumbers 23 Home runs allowed by Curt Schilling, the most in the majors. He has 12 wins, the most in the majors. 3 Mariners in the top 8--Ichiro, Mark and Mike (Suzuki, McLemore and Cameron)--in stolen bases in the A.L. 7 Walks...

TOP FIVE.(baseball players)(Brief Article)
July 9, 2001... Cast Away, starring a volleyball named Wilson, is the No. I video in the country. Baseball's top Wilsons: 1 Preston Wilson, OF, Marlins. He has more tools than a stack of Tim Allen videos. A free-swinging slugger, he has cut down on his...

COMING ATTRACTIONS.(professional baseball)(Brief Article)
July 9, 2001... There will be no Subway Series this year, so the Yankees and their fans will have to be content with beating up the Mets in July (Friday-Sunday), not to mention June. Expect RHP Roger Clemens to intimidate the Mets into a pile of goo. Not that...

PROSPECT WATCH.(baseball player J.R. House)(Brief Article)
July 9, 2001... J.R. House Catcher, Pirates House could be ready to start at catcher by next season, which is one reason there has been talk about finding a new position for Jason Kendall. House, who holds the national high school record for career...

One on One WITH ... BRET BOONE.(baseball player)(Brief Article)(Interview)
July 9, 2001... The Mariners are shaping up as one of baseball's all-time winningest teams, and second baseman Bret Boone is one of the reasons for their success. He talks with senior writer Michael Knisley about how Seattle compares with other great teams....

One-team wonders.(baseball players)(Brief Article)
July 9, 2001... When Cal Ripken and Tony Gwynn hang it up at the end of this year, they will join an elite group of 15 players. The membership requirement: a career that has spanned at least 20 years and involved only one club. Only two of those 15--Alan...

N.L. Midseason report.(professional baseball)
July 9, 2001... Arizona Diamondbacks www.sportingnews.com/baseball/teams/diamondbacks/ 49-31 1st in West Johnson, Schilling lead the way to first place WHAT WENT RIGHT: LHP Randy Johnson and RHP Curt Schilling lived up to expectations as a 1-2...

Swap meet.(player trading during National Basketball Association draft)(Brief Article)
July 9, 2001... The Clippers, Kings and Hawks were the big winners as the draft took a back seat to draft-night trades Forget that the average age of the lottery picks was 19.6. Or that, for the first time, high school seniors went 1-2, a junior college...

Draft report card.(professional basketball)(Brief Article)
July 9, 2001... Draft report card A look at last week's draft and trades. Team Comment Grade Atlanta With SF Shareef Abdur-Rahim in the fold, the A Hawks are...

Now is no time for Webber to leave Kings.(basketball player Chris Webber)
July 9, 2001... Whew. Some party last night. My head still is beating like the back line of the USC marching band. I am not quite sure where this sombrero came from, and if anyone sees my shoes, let me know. My stomach is telling me I probably was one...

A trade of all jacks.(automobile racing pit-stop mechanic Jeff Clark)(Interview)
July 9, 2001... Every crew member's job is the pits, but one in particular has its fair share of ups and downs A jackman has little time to be nervous during a 15-second pit stop in the world of Winston Cup. Still, that doesn't mean some moments don't...

Playing by the rules--again.(racing safety regulations of National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing)
July 9, 2001... Here we go again. Back to the high banks of Daytona. Back to where Dale Earnhardt was killed. Back to where Tony Stewart's car, running fifth, landed on top of Bobby Labonte's car, running 26th--the cars were that close--during a 20-car pileup...

OVAL OFFICE INTERVIEWS.(what automobile racing drivers would change about the Winston Cup race)(Brief Article)
July 9, 2001... What would you change about Winston Cup racing and why? Matt Kenseth: I don't like how they tear down engines and shocks in front of all your competitors. I think racing should be about trying to get an advantage and working harder than...

DOWN THE ROAD.(Pepsi 400 automobile race)(Brief Article)
July 9, 2001... Race: Pepsi 400, No. 17 of 36. When: 8 p.m. (Eastern) Saturday, NBC. Where: Daytona International Speedway, 2.5-mile tri-oval, Daytona Beach, Fla. Last year's winner: Jeff Burton. Three to watch: Jeff Gordon, Ricky Rudd,...

TSN's POWER POLL.(automobile racing drivers)(Brief Article)
July 9, 2001... Rank Driver TSN points Winston Cup pts. 1. Jeff Gordon 1,723 2,351 (1) 2. Dale Jarrett 1,468 2,225 (2) 3. Ricky Rudd 1,449 2,206 (3) 4. Tony Stewart ...

Welcome to the BIG TIME.(hockey player Dan Hamhuis)
July 9, 2001... SEE A DIFFERENT GAME One top prospect, a small-town Canadian teen, rides the unnerving waves of the draft day experience Dan Hamhuis picks at a piece of imaginary lint on his brand-new suit. He shifts in his aisle seat at the National...

Shelves stocked for big-ticket shoppers.(player drafting in professional hockey)
July 9, 2001... I wouldn't begin to compare a hockey player with a loose cannon like recently traded relief pitcher John Rocker, but every team is looking to add someone who can come in during the third period and close out a tight game. And there are...

Reed finds his shot in the Rockies' rare air.(basketball player Justin Reed)
July 9, 2001... Although he has sweated through 19 Mississippi summers, which can be like walking through a sauna chugging Tabasco sauce, Ole Miss forward Justin Reed complained he could not catch his breath upon being introduced to the atmosphere in the Rocky...

Clausen on the road to greatness for Vols.(quarterback Casey Clausen)
July 9, 2001... Football legends don't leave Knoxville, Tennessee. The school that is based there won't let them. The players are embraced forever, all wrapped up in garish orange and smothered in worship and adoration. Quarterback Casey Clausen knows that....

Big D, as in decay.(Dallas Cowboys)
July 9, 2001... After their run of success in the '90s, the Cowboys are withering away under owner Jerry Jones, who is in a deep state of denial about his team's need to rebuild It has been a great ride. Three Super Bowls and the Triplets and dominant...

A wealth of snap judgments about quarterback depth.
July 9, 2001... Quarterback used to be the most stable position for NFL teams. Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Jim Kelly and John Elway were expected to line up year after year and play 16-game seasons. Times have changed, and many teams have an unsettled situation...

AFC.(American Football Conference team-by-team analysis)
July 9, 2001... Baltimore Ravens www.sportingnews.com/nfl/teams/ravens YOUNG DUO: The team is pleased with the offseason play of young WRs Brandon Stokley and Travis Taylor and would like to start them. Taylor, whose rookie season was cut short by a...