No News Is Good News

Every year, when my Padres fade from contention, and there is nothing else (that I care about) going on in sports, I start craving for San Diego Chargers news. Just give me something! It seems that all the other teams are making the headlines on SportsCenter, or in the papers. My Chargers apetite is not being satisfied. Then it happens...

The Chargers make the news.

* Shawne Merriman test positive for steroids
* Steve Foley shot by off duty cop
* Stephen Cooper tests positive for stimulants
* Junior Seau, or Donnie Edwards, or Rodney Harrison sent packing
* Marty fired after 14-2 season
* Shawne Merriman and Chad Ocho-Cinco fighting over Twitter

That is not what I am looking for. How about...

* First round draft pick signs and shows up to camp early
* Charger player saves person's life
* NFL recognizes Chargers as the team of the century

You see, I'm not asking much.

What I have finally come to realize after years of frustration over the lack of coverage of my Bolts is that no news is good news. If I hear a report about the Chargers in the preseason, it will certainly be negative. A player breaks the law, a player breaks the rules, a player gets hurt, a player sits out, etc... So, I am happy not to hear about the Chargers this year.

The news out of San Diego this year has been positve, despite the lack of natinoal coverage.

* Team seems focused on winning, not hype
* Team healthiest it has been in years
* Shawne Merriman shows up to camp with rookies to get started
* Rookies showing great skills and potential

The only negative stuff right now is that their number one draft pick, Larry English has not signed. Norv Turner said yesterday that he is confident that English will sign and he is not concerned at this time. I hope he is right!

So, I guess what I am trying to say is, if you are sitting there craving stories about your team and are frustrated that nothing is coming out. Be happy instead. Those negative stories about Chargers players listed above could easily be about your favorite team next time. So remember, no news is good news.

Name that Film: klvalus Edition! Animal Movies

Blood-N-Bolts Productions would like to welcome you to the first time that Name that Film has ever been on Blogspot.com, and Blogspot.com alone. There is a link to this site on our previous home (foxsports.com), but the switch is official and blogspot is our new home. So, on behalf of bloodredsox and myself (Bolt Backer 21) welcome, and we hope you enjoy the game. This week's edition was brought to you by Klvalus, who suggested horse movies last week. We expanded her idea to movies about, or featuring animals. We hope she does not mind that we took poetic liscence with her idea. Now, here is blood with our intro to this week's edition!

Home, home on the range. You may find this strange but under the sea a horse dreamer, in a dramatic spiral, perhaps the family's black sheep, engages the bashful bachelor (born to the saddle) and a beautiful ebony horse. This holds more value than a meeting of the minds in an octopus's garden...even in the shade! Either way, animals, as created, have it made. Even snakes on a plain or a train can't explain the ways of the wind. Where would they begin? Bark is worse than bite and it's raining cats and dogs out here, plus the passing smells are ripe and rancid. You ken come up on foul stench like a sitting duck...pure luck.

Now, stop monkeying around! Whattaya doing now? O fer Captain's sake, getta doggy-bag! This aint beauty and the beast...at least show taste...save some face...life may begin at conception but it does not typically end in execution, even amid the age old herding of the cow; one must always bee ready for battle; however slight.

Nemo took Flipper to free Willy exclaiming, "Come all ye big fish. Don't be a jackass you scaredy cats! You'll be worm feed 'fore you know it. Haven't you heard of that cat, Darwin?"

How long you think this can stand under natural law and the process of selection? Man as an animal should be on a very short leash. The solemn finality in the final bull's eye exhausts every possibility...into restless...contemplation...I sure could use a cat nap but how long would that last in the long run, and would the rest prove adequate? This may be the straw that broke the camel's back-feeling like a big fish in a little pond under the watch of a hawk. Both sides of any fruitless discussion end up bartering more than intentioned bald as coots (who it turns out aren't bald at all and never able to let sleeping dogs lie). Keep it up and someones gonna be sleeping with the fishes: sick as dawgs!

The tao of Pooh and Scooby Doo says foo but how 'bout Nature's moods of many mockery?

Here and now: does fine weather lay a heavier weight on the mind and hearts of the depressed and tormented than a really bad day of dark rain sniveling continuously where the red fern grows? Who knows what hold's value like the stars blazing in the sky. This may be a real boar but we could give universal thought a try? Age has always paid the high price to maturity and belief in a supernatural source of evil is completely unnecessary; man alone as an animal is quite capable.

Danger men working

Never-mind when gathered in assembly, are generally found to be a boisterous barrel of monkey's completely capable of the lion's share of destruction depending on what side of the hedge you've come to look out from...some have even been led to believe they are the cat's meow and can do as they please. Sly fox...you feeling silly? Drunk as a skunk? A first place finish at the Prix de Chantilly, France's biggest horse race? A bestial hootenanny could get lusty flesh hoodwinked into hopeful carnal; it's dog eat dog, Dog. The only thing that rules to be real is to steal but a few free glances at the passing masses where the wild things are wishing upon a star, though it is too late to close the stable door once the horse has trotted.

It can be spotted miles away...you ken pick up on the scent and follow it. The early bird gets the worm and curiosity has so often killed the cat that it doesn't pay to count your chickens before they hatch. Aint no thing but a chicken wing so sing a simple song instead. Less regrets. You know how we know? A little birdie told the Film Edition and we're getting goose bumps juss thinking 'bout it...we have the memory of an elephant and an elephant never forgets!

Take a look at Jaws: a faire is a veritable smorgasbord long after the people have gone. It's like shooting fish in a barrel. 40 days and nights held under the neon glow of bright lights and big city and you can't tell me you're not exhausted? Kills two birds with one stone and takes the bull by the horns because a bird in hand is much better than two in who know what's bush?

Brother bear, stand clear, we are born free and man by nature is more than a political animal. Lion, tigers and bears, o my! Let's take a moment to recognize the salt of the earth who truly comprehend the rites of endowment and therefore tread lightly burning brightly (the clergy of honor bestows the memory of expression rightly). I don't know how to feel about you others...so....for lack of a better term...bug off! You will not super-size nor fry me on the open market grill with that kinda spiel.

Speaking of such a right, to you, with no further ado or horseplay...it is all hogwash! A strike for liberty does not have to be ruined and perpetually racing downhill on an old warhorse, of course, a horse doesn't havta be!

The less on in the rabbit and the hare can't compare to the fun in Run Rabbit Run. Cat gut your tongue? Because of Winn Dixie there are about 101 million more dog movies then there really has to be, yet there is Benji and A Boy and His Dog and Old Yeller sure was a swell feller...aint seen nuttin like 'em but for a few.

Warriors come out to play-he-ay! If I...were...KING...of...the FOREEEST: we could walk and talk in peace listening to Coltrane buzz in the courtyard. I would hogtie this pigsty for the price of peanuts and pass out hors d'oevrs like they was the ashes of __________________. Papa may have been a rollin stone but he is not alone.

(Complications arise from the blue grass of Kentucky to the seven seas and beyond.)

A world class horse whisperer courts a young jockey and convinces him to be all he ken be. Simultaneously, a horse trainer tames and trains the infamous blue fire lady, developing genuine rapport with the likes of Gordy and Garfield, who are content in viewing the great mouse detective over and over with ants intheir pants and happy feet.

Idn't that sweet?

Attention King Kong and all cat people....those among the natural kingdom are all created equal. All dogs go to heaven and he who lies rises with fleas. Now wolf down that gruel and git going cuz we homeward bound now and you gotta do some work! Something sure smells fishy. I tink I smell a rat. There's nuttin quite like the sound of non-judgmental crossing 'round these parts and no such thing as animal tasting or testing, no matter the warrant or pedigree. That type of activity juss will not be tolerated in this here Animal Kingdom.

Hakuna Matata. What is good for the goose is not always good for the gander. We mean know slander...

Alright, now that you have had some time to get on the same wave length as B&B Productions, let's get on with our game! Remember, we are looking for animal movies! Good luck

Directions: Read the quote below and tell us what movie it came from. Simple huh? We'll see.

By the way, we reserve the right to stretch the definition of the word "animal" for our purposes. Animal, mammal, insect, fowl, rodents, etc... you get the idea.

1. "You know, that was the time I was the most frightened."

2. "What does it feel like to be in love with a horse?"

3. "That's fine. But what happens when she unties the gate and lets the other horses out?"

4. "Frederick, I am beginning to see spots."

5. "Tear it, tear it, tear it!"

6. "George, if I could have a word with you before the Carson show calls?"

7. "You don't throw a whole life away, just because it's banged up a little bit."

8. "You're not as smart as Stewart, but you're the only girl in town."

9. "If God ever wanted to be a fish, he'd be a whale."

10. "We've got to do something about that duck."

As Porky Pig would say, "That's all folks!" Now, let's see those answers! We hope you enjoyed this week's edition of Name that Film. Thanks again to Kristen for her suggestion. Want to have an edition named after you? Just help us out with a new idea to use and you are in!

As always, thanks to bloodredsox for his wonderful intro!

Thanks for playing and we'll see you next week!

Does The NFL Owe Micheal Vick?

Follow me, if you will. Pretend that you are the CEO of a major, high visibility company. One of your top employees starts to get into trouble with the law. First, he gets caught at an airport with a water bottle that has been tweaked so that it hides things in a secret compartment. In fact, in this case, there was trace evidence that there was an illegal drug in that compartment. Charges were dropped, but still, the company was embarrassed.


Next, the same employee is accused of financing a huge dog fighting ring where dogs are tortured for financial gain and personal entertainment. In fact, this is reported to be one of the largest dog fighting gambling rings in the country!

Okay, it's time to call this employee in and here his side of the story. You call him in and he says everything you want to hear. "I have nothing to do with any of this!" Great, as long as he is telling the truth, all will wash out in the end and we can go about our business as usual.

Oopps!!! A trial happens and your employee is found guilty and sentenced to two years is prison!! Ouch, that does not look good for our company! What an embarrassment!

Two years go by and your former employee is released and has paid his debt to society. He would like to come back and have his old job. True, there are other people in your company that have done terrible crimes as well, and they are playing, so what about this guy? People seem to think that you owe it to him to let him play? Do you? Is working in your company a right, or a privilage? Don't you have the right to say who represents your company?

So, maybe you take him back, maybe you don't. Maybe you tack on a suspension of your own to show that you didn't appreciate how he made your company look.

My question isn't should this employee be allowed back, but why is it that the NFL apparently owes employment to Michael Vick when any other company in the world (outside of sports) would be free to say that they are not interested in hiring him?

Just so you know that I'm not going spineless on this one. I think the NFL should take Vick back. However, I would suspend him for another year so that he can prove that he has rehabilitated. People say that he has been an awesome person the last two years. Sure he has! He has been locked up! Most of his decisions are made for him behind bars. Now that he is out on his own, let's see what choices he makes for his life. Then and only then would I give him his "second" chance.

How about you? What would you do if you were Roger Goodell?

Are the Dodgers Baseballs Version of the Cavaliers?

In my opinion, yes, the Dodgers look alot like the Cleveland Cavs of baseball. They are a team that is built for a very successful regular season, but not necessarily for the short series that playoffs offer.

The Dodgers have a big star, Manny Ramirez. The Cavs had LaBron. The Dodgers and Cavs also both score a lot and play good enough defense to win the vast majority of their games.

That being said, the Cavs didn't have what it took to win in the playoffs. They competed, but fell short. In the NBA playoffs, you need more than one or two guys stepping up and scoring big. You need toughness and a dominant big man in the middle.

The Dodgers have a batter or two who will have success whenever they play. However, they do not have the dominant big man (or men in baseball's case) in the middle to take charge of a series. In baseball, that big man is the pitcher. In my opinion, the Dodgers don't have pitchers who intimedate the other team. I'm talking about guys who are almost a sure win.

Remember when the Diamond Backs had Schilling and Johnson in their rotation? Every game that they pitched in the World Series, the D-Backs won. The games they didn't pitch, the D-Backs lost. I don't see the Dodgers having anyone like those two in their rotation. Even the San Francisco Giants are a scarier opponent in a short season. They have pitching coming out of their ears (and we all know how painful that is)!

So, you tell me. Do you think the Dodgers have what it takes to go all the way? Do you think they need to make some moves to win the whole thing?

Name that Film: Bad Ass Edition

Welcome back to this week's edition of Name that Film! For those of you who are seasoned veterans, you need no direction here. For those who are new comers, here is how it works.

This is a joint effort between myself (Bolt Backer 21) and my Bostonian pahtna bloodredsox. Throughout the week, blood and I get together and choose a topic to focus on. Once that is done, blood gets to work on putting together his special introduction (in blood red), and I start looking up quotes and clips. That's all there is to it! So, let's get to this week's Name that Film: Bad Ass Edition! Good luck!!!

First of all...I don't have the time and wish you to radio Headquarters and say that you have been captured. It begins here for us on this road. How the whole mess happened we don't know, but we know it couldn't happen again in a million years. Maybe we could have stopped it early, but once trouble was on it's way, we was juss going with it. I see all this potential, and I see squandering. Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we ken buy shaz we don't need. So, don't even think of talkin' ta me...in fact, Mother, tell yer children not to walk my way!

Say, what time is it? Can't find my watch! I think you're way outta line talkin ta me like that. What you're saying is libelous, and you're in no position to challenge my expertise. Did you know equal parts of gasoline and frozen orange juice concentrate may produce napalm? Now, listen, you don't go away one special place, that's cornball style! You juss go. The glow will be waiting, anticipating an attitude of one more or less, Steve McQueen; set in the thick of the scene, knee deep in the mud of bad blood.

Yet our trip was different. It was a classic affirmation of everything right and true in the national character; a gross physical salute to the fantastic possibilities of life in this country. But only for those with true grit; look 'em in the eye and spit. Jah! You tink you're too good for me? Nobody's too good for me! Anybody tinks they're too good for me, I make sure I knock 'em over sometime. Right now I could slap you around to show you how good you are and tomorrow, I'm someplace else and I don't even know you or nuttin. Think I'm bluffing? Ever seen the flaring nostrils of Jack Torrance up close and personal stuck in the craw of your muffin?

One does not require the title of outlaw biker to seek personal justice. Trust us...The Film Edition preys for your success...but...like...you think I'm funny how? Like...I amuuse you? Don't make me beat the snot out of yuse with the handle of this BLACK phone or catch you on the street alone...(you feel that sting big boy? That's pride messin wit cha! Chew gutta fight true dat shaz...)

You hear a little girl Frankie? Is that a little girl Ace? What happened to the tough guy who told my friend this blog was dumb? I believe in Death, Destruction, Chaos, Filth, and Greed. The street would kill you and your rhetoric awful quick, on that I am certain. %*#$ off with your sofa units and striped green patterns. I say never be complete. Stop being perfect. Evolve, let the chips fall where they may. Hay-zeus! You got the time? Bad waves of paranoia, madness, fear and loathing-intolerable vibrations in this place. Muss rearrange face. Get out. The weasels are closing in. Find the time. They drew first blood, not ME! I ken smell the fugly brutes a mile away!

Pride sure is a poor substitute for intelligence. I didn't create some loser alter-ego to make myself FEEEEL better. Take some responsibility! Didn't matter. It didn't mean anything. When I was broke, I'd go out and rob some more. We ran everything. We paid off cops. We paid off lawyers. We paid off judges. Everyone had their hands out. Everything was for the taking. Even a brand new Ford Pinto!

I think I may have broken a rib...but not from giving you oral pleasure. Wolf den this is lone wolf do you read? You know there's more bloggers out there and you know where they are. Find them or I'll find you.

Listen up maggots. You are not special. You are not a beautiful or unique snowflake. You're the same decaying organic matter as everything else! ...whether or not what we are experiencing presently is..according to Holy miracle...insignificant. What is significant is the connection and involvment, no matter how seemingly slight. Nothing is static. I heard even the Mona Lisa is falling apart.

One can't juss expect to stroll around town selling "consciousness expansion" without giving a thought to the grim meat hook realities that lies awake for every beligerent blogger.

Emergency water landing-600 miles an hour. Blank faces, calm as hindu cows. Mass society. Materialism. Property. Capitalism. Technology. Social Order. I'm sorry did I break your concentration? Thank Gawd for the rain to wash the trash off the sidewalk. The idea has been growing in my brain for sometime: TRUE force. All the King's men cannot put it back together again. The days go on and on...they don't end. I see you are no stranger to pain. Do you wish to give your name?

What you muss understand is that we have to interrogate you. There isn't one of us that doesn't want to be someplace else. But this is what we do, who we are.

You miiiind if I have some of your tasty beverage to wash this down? "What" aint no country I've ever heard of. They speak English in What? I pray to Gawd if I ever had a greivance I'd have a little more self respect. Our Great War is a spiritual war..we've all been raised on television to believe that one day we'd all be millionares, and movie gods, and rock stars, but we won't and we're slowly learning that fact.

If my answers fighten you then you should cease asking scary questions. There is this strong desire for chaos and an urge to destroy something beautiful but we're gonna nurse you back to health anyway. You're strong and you're gonna live a long life...in a cage! And this time for life! I want what they want, what every blogger wants who comes over here and spills their guts...for poetry to love us as much as we love it...and the words to stain every page; a master of Destiny with the best of intentions and of the mind to be on time. Please, continue, you were saying something about best intentions. What's the matter? Oh, you were finished! Well, allow me to retort..and that's the hardest part. Today everything is different; there's no action...you have to wait around like everyone else. Somebody messes with me, I'm gonna mess with him.

Any you boys wanna shoot, now's the time. I know what you're thinking.

"Did he fire six shots or only five? Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement I kind of lost track myself. But being this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off, you've got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?

Will you flee? Off to safety. Obscurity. Just another freak in the freak kingdom. I drive by this place a lot and I see you here. And I think you need something. And if you want to call it a friend, you ken call it a friend. Do you happen to have the time? The path of the righteous person is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil. Blessed is thee who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of Darkness; for thee truly is thy brother's keeper and the finder of lost children.

I specifically reminded her-bedside table! On the Kangaroo!

I said the words aloud, "Don't forget my Father's watch." Now I'm thinkin': it could mean this idea is evil. And this blog is ridiculous. Or cencorship is a shepherd for the feeble minded. Or it could mean you are truly righteous for reading til the bitter end and it's the world that's evil and selfish at times.

I'd like that. And that shaz would be the truth.

Thanks bloodredsox for another epic introduction! Now, lets see how many fans we have of action movies out there.
Directions: Read the quotes below and name the movie they came from. This week you could also name the actor who played the bad ass in that movie. When the correct answer is given, I will give credit to the person who got it right first and then add a link so that you can watch the clip that it came from. That's it! Let's get to it!!!

1. "This is where the law stops.....and I start."

2. "We are a rescue team, not assissins."

3. "This is for Franklin.......You lose."

4. "You might try to kill me."

5. "Lady, do I sound like I'm ordering a pizza?!"

6. "There will be no more pills. No more bad food. No more destroyers of my body."

7. "Get three coffins ready."

8. "Someone made me what I am."

9. "Any chance of catching these men?"

10. "I've had my back broke once and my hip twice, and on my worst day I could beat the hell out of you."

Alright contestants, let's see those answers! Some are hard, and some are easy. All are possible and I am sure that you will continue to amaze me by getting all ten once again this week. Keep checking in to find out the ones you didn't know.
Thanks for playing Name that Film and please come back next Tuesday for our next edition!

Sorry, that was real life.

Chargers Antonio Cromartie is Also a Padre!

Back in the 1980's when former San Diego Padres first baseman, Steve Garvey knocked up multiple women at one time. There were bumper stickers, and t-shirts, all over town saying, "Steve Garvey is not my Padre." Now, Antonio Cromartie, of the San Diego Chargers, is looking for the title of Padre as well

Apparently, the Chargers defensive back has been very busy since making it big in the NFL just a few short years ago. Recovering from college injuries, intercepting 10 passes in his first full year, including three against Colts Peyton Manning in one game, coming back last season for two more interceptions and trying to play through a fractured hip was not enough to fill his time. It seems that Cromartie also had time to father seven children, across five states, over the same time period! Yes, Seven! aka 7!

Cromartie recently came out and admitted his situation and said that football was not the only thing on his mind last year. Five paternity suits in the last two years, along with his fractured hip (sustained in week 2) apparently made it difficult to focus on his job--playing football in the NFL.

To his credit, Cromartie is taking the right approach to this season. He is working hard to rehabilitate from his injury and has decided to do right by all of his children and financially support them. According to his agent, he is trying to grow up, take responsibility for his actions, and make better decisions in the future.

As a Chargers fan, I truly hope that this chapter of Cromartie's life is in the past. Not only for the Chargers sake, but for the sake of the poor kids who did not ask for some stud athlete to impregnate their mother and hop on the next jet out of town.

The changes needed in his profession are obvious. He needs to think "intercept", not "intercourse". He needs to "receive", not "conceive". He needs to play hard so that his defense can sack the opposing quarterback, rather than play hard to get women in the sack. Perhaps the Chargers should move Cromartie so safety rather than leaving him alone on the corner. Safety first!!! Apparently, the closest Cromartie has ever been to a Trojan was when Florida State played USC.

The sad thing is that the NFL puts on a rookie symposium every year to warn rookies about the pitfalls of becoming rich and famous. Every year the rookies go to the meetings and some chose to listen and others think, "it will never happen to me." Silly rookies.

Name that Film: Sports Edition

Hi everyone and welcome to this week's edition of Name that Film! This is the internet game where I say the lines, and you name the movie! Sounds easy enough, let's see how you do!

This week, all films are sports related! Therefore, every quote you read will be from a different sports movie.

Directions: Read the following quotes and name the film it came from. Simple as that! Just leave your answers in the comments section and I will let you know if you were right. If you are correct, I will add a link to the clip containing your quote in the comment section.

Warning: Some of the clips may contain adult language. It is up to you to decide if you want to hear such language. If not, don't click. Again, simple as that!

FYI: This game has been played on my Foxsports.com blog for over a year now and has been very fun to do. On Fox, my partner bloodredsox and I have a more elaborate edition, but the quotes are the same.

Okay, enough delay. Let's get begin playing Name that Film! Sports Edtion!!

1. "That's Buckingham Palace. If you plan on living there, you're going to have to marry the Queen."

2. "You can't buy what I'm gonna give you. I mean, I've got pain. I've got experience."

3. "How's an old fart like me supposed to keep up with a dedicated young Christian stud like Harding? It's discouraging."

4. "Did I ask for your excuses? If you're gonna act like a star, you're gonna have to give me a star effort."

5. "You're too stupid to even catch the ball."

6. "I know an 11 year old girl who is already on the pill!"

7. "Tempo is everything, perfection is unabtainable."

8. "Take it easy, you're as tight as a drum."

9. "Dave's a mess."

10. "They buy those for the gum."

Alrighty then, let's see those answers! Some are easy and some are hard. Last week 9 or 10 quotes were answered correctly by the foxsports bloggers. Let's try to get all 10 this week. Funny thing about last week was that the last two movie quotes left were the only sports related movies on the list. Hmmm, I'm not sayin'...

Thanks for playing and we hope to see you next week. Keep those ideas for new editions coming. We can use all the help we can get.

Friar Sale Has Begun!

Step right up folks, the "rebuilding" has begun! July 5, 2009 marks the official start of the dismantleing of the San Diego Padres. That's right, the to far below .500 to count San Diego Padres moved one of their few good ball players to Oakland in exchange for three minor league pitchers.

Scott Hairston (.299, 10, 29), who started the year as a part-time outfielder and playing his way into the everyday lineup, was traded to the A's for RHP Ryan Webb (7-1, 4.34 ERA in AAA), and Craig Italiano (5-6, 5.63 ERA in A ball). Along with these two players will be a third "player to be named later". It is believed that the hard throwing Webb will join the Padres tomorrow in Arizona and Italiano will play in the Padres minor league system.

Personally, I have no real problem with this. The way I see it, you had Hairston when you lost 99 games last year and he has been their for the Padres 35-46 start this year. With that in mind, all players are expendible. As long as Kevin Towers, the Padres GM can judge talent well enough to get solid players in return, we can call this rebuilding, not a "FRIAR SALE".

So, what's next for Padres fans? Look for Kevin Kouzmanoff, who currently leads all major league third basemen in fielding percentage, and All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to get shipped for prosects (or suspects). Gonzalez is considered the big ticket item for the Padres. He is young, talented and cheap right now. "Experts" have said that Gonzalez will be worth four or five players in return for his services. Unfortunately, his numbers are slipping as pitchers have no real reason to pitch to him. He is tied for the lead in walks with Pujols at the moment. The problem is that he has not recently capitalized on the opportunities he has had, as Pujols has proven himself able to do.

You may have noticed that I left ace Jake Peavy off of the trade list. That is because he is currently injured and may not return this season. Brian Giles and Chris Young are also injured players who may have gotten some bites on the trade block.

Now, who does that leave the struggling Padres that may be on the team over the next few years? Believe it or not, there are a few talented youngsters who look like the real deal.

RF/CF Tony Gwynn (not the Hall of Famer), has stepped in after his recent trade to San Diego and has done a very nice job at leadoff and plays a very good outfield. He is hitting .294 after 40 games in San Diego.

Twenty-three year old shortstop Everth Cabrera is bringing back memories of a young Ozzie Smith for Padres fans. The kid is playing a sparkling short and is currently hitting .299 after 22 games. He played single A all last season and has made the transition very well to the big leagues. He runs like the wind and has a Raphael Fucal type arm from short.

Heath Bell, NL All-Star closer is another probable to stay in San Diego for a while since he is still relatively cheap and very talented. He is a hard throwing righty with a closers chip on his shoulder.

Chase Headly has been the jewell of the farm system for several years. So far, it has not translated into great production for the big club. He will play everyday now and get his chance to impress. Look for Chase to head to his natural position once the Padres deal Kouzmanoff.

Only time will tell if yesterday's move and the obvious future moves will payoff for the Padres. With the current payroll at $45 million and the owner wanting it lower, it is a sure bet that there will be many changes. Padres fans just hope they will be for the better. Quite a way to celebrate 40 years in the majors, isn't it?

Artest to the Lakers! Look Out NBA!!!

I was just watching SportsCenter and saw a report that Ron Artest says that he is in the process of signing a three year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.

On the flip side, it is reported that Trevor Ariza is going to the Rockets!

In my opinion, if Artest can keep his head on his shoulders most of the time, that is a huge upgrade for the Lakers! Artest is a beast and won't backdown to anyone. He also will not tollorate slackers! DEFENSE! DEFENSE!

When you are trying to decide if you like this deal, think of whether you would have traded Ariza for Artest straight up. If you would, then you have to like this because that is basically what happened. I would jump on it!!

Good news for Lakers fans!!

What is your take?

Looks Like A Change Is In Order!

Well, up to this point, I have been writing my blog posts on foxsports.com. I had a nice little blog that was pretty popular and a fun place to be (for the most part). Now, Fox just came up with this new format and it looks like I have to start over again! I just don't know if I can do it. They have come up with point systems, badges, and all kinds of new garbage to deal with.

I"ll give it a few days, but if all my archieves are gone, it is as difficult to navigate as I first took it to be, and most of my friends have bailed out, I will be moving over to this site for the majority of my blogging. Some posts will be added to Jokerswild's new site, but that is not family friendly, and it is also a private site, so I won't use it for everything.

Anyway, if you have found me, please keep checking in. There is a great chance that I will be writing a lot of posts on Blogger instead of Fox.