Humphries stoned, Porter tagged, trade talk

Former CU star guard and long-time NBA player Jay Humphries wanted it but missed from long range in his attempt to become a part of new Buffs coach Jeff Bzdelik's staff, according to Chris Dempsey story in the Denver Post.

Bzdelik apparently handled the request with class, talking with Humphries and offering a way for him to be aligned with the program, just not as a coach. While it might be romantic for the Buffs to have someone on staff that played and excelled in Boulder, it is, contrary to popular belief, not necessary. Bzdelik's job is to put together the most knowledgeable coaching group he can, one that also has chemistry and that he trusts implicitly. He believes he has done that. That all said you wish Humphries a break in the coaching world.

Former CSU and Pittsburgh Steelers standout linebacker Joey Porter got sacked for $ 1,000 as result of his unsanctioned boxing match with Bengals offensive lineman Levi Jones in Vegas. The problem, it seems, was that the tussle went down, inside the Palms hotel-casino and in the valet area, without it being promoted or tickets sold -- Porter was just hacked off and jacked up ready to throw down.

Such a good football player, such a blockhead. To want to go felon on someone for football field trash talk is such a schoolboy move. And to do it in public, well, thought he would have learned better than that from his classes at CSU. I mean, not right, not tight any way you look at it.

It's been written here that the Rockies need an established, veteran bat in the lineup. You've said, 'so what, give me a name, fool.' Well, here you go. Rumor has it that Minnesota will not be able to re-sign centerfielder Torii Hunter. Willy Taveras has played well, as well as a Willy Taveras can play but he's no Hunter (no power or run production). Take the money hit, swap those two players, throw in another big leaguer and a prospect and you could have a deal.

Nonsense, you say? Want more pitching instead? Hear that White Sox lefty Mark Buerhle could be on the curb. He is an innings eater and a winner. He was poor last season but that likely was an aberration. He could be a solid no. 2, no. 3 guy here. To get him you'd either have to deal stud pitching prospect Greg Reynolds. Why would you do that, you ask? For one, Buerhle is proven, Reynolds is not. Two, Buerhele gives you another lefthander to mess with opposing lineups.

Former CSU running back Cecil Sapp has lost weight and will move from Broncos fullback to tailback. Sapp was a rock in Fort Collins but he is not going to be a tailback in Denver. No burst, no wiggle, no 'special' about him. That said, he is the kind of player that is always in the mix for a roster spot because he'll do anything to make the team.

Another wanna-be boxer, current Denver receiver David Kircus, seems to think his passed lie detector test makes him innocent. Funny thing about the law Mr. Kircus, it ain't always about truth and self defense. That little thing of your roundhouse that connected on some guy's face is not going to play well in court. Do believe Kircus is sorry and is scared he could be out of the league soon, which is prompting his all-out public relations blitz but that moment in time where he let it all hang out is going to haunt him.

Seems the magic number for new Denver running back Travis Henry is 1,500 yards -- a level coach Mike Shanahan thinks possible if the former Tennessee Volunteer, Buffalo Bill and Tennessee Titan can stay healthy. Henry can definitely reach that total on talent but the offensive line, once money in the bank, is now a question mark. Nothing is a given anymore until the line proves it on the dirt.

Former CU basketball Dale Vanwright is on the move again, this team leaving Texas-El Paso. Seems that coach Tony Barbee is into this whole get-an-education be-an-example thing. Will be interesting to see if his approach allows him to keep his job after losing some apparent talent.

Prayers sent out to CSU basketball coaching legend Jim Williams who is reportedly gravely ill with pneumonia. The man coached 16 years, piled up 352 victories, four NCAA Tournament triumphs and built the foundation for Rams hoops.

The National Sweep

I prefer not to be one of those fools who says that regrettable word "never." After all, many grand accomplishments in history came after that word was repeatedly said. However, it is taking all I have not to utter it too when Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, no matter his intelligence and business success, wants to try to start a football league that would shark infest the waters for players drafted after the second round in the NFL, as well as late NFL cuts and free agents.

Sounds less intriguing every time a USFL and XFL fail miserably. Such a concept will be a difficult sell to intelligent men, no matter the trail blazers they might be. Cuban's idea that demand is not being met might be false too. People want what they can't have oftentimes and if they get it, they are not hot to get it. What people want more of is quality football, not a watered-down version as prior circus shows have been.

O.K., take my bet. A nickel it will never come to fruition.

Don't take my word on it, look here to see another voice declaring that Browns quarterback Brady Quinn is going to be an excellent NFL player. As some have agreed, he will likely best top overall pick, Jamarcus Russell of the Raiders. Quinn is big enough, strong enough, smart enough, played for Charlie Weis at Notre Dame and knows the nuances as a talent that Russell lacks. Russell is a physical marvel and could turn out to be special, no doubt, but his road is going to be longer and rougher. Allllllll my money is on Quinn as the better player and likely Pro Bowler.

Speak up, Go Warrior

From John Boden, who is in the courts with one important question.

"What is the difference between the CU scandal of 91' and the Duke (lacrosse) scandal this time. The Buff seniors, sure as hell, were not granted immediate fifth-year eligibility?"

WSN: The question is would such a ruling have gone down at a school like, say, Alabama A & M? You don't think Duke has lobbyists? I admit, I don't have all the facts but it appears to me that the accused in this case went from elitist low life's in the public eye to sympathetic figures as framed young men. Virginia coach Dave Sarsia thinks the NCAA went overboard considering Duke was largely responsible for this going down. That, I disagree with, but at the same time, I am, like you, shocked that the team got a reprieve. What this does is set a precedent for future 'scandals.'

Scoreboard Grumblings

Point blank, Utah had a great season, it really did. Next point -- they never had a shot against the Spurs. That series was decided before the Game 1 tip-off. The NBA Finals have also been decided already, you know that, right? San Antonio will handle Detroit, or Cleveland in five or six games. Book it.

Brad Hawpe is HOT, homering to show off again. Matt Holliday golfed one out too. The Rockies went down nonetheless, 8-4, to the Cardinals because Colorado starter Jason Hirsh had GPS on his pitches. Winning streak over.

Random Rambling

Have young children -- check their hands for insight into their potential.

Only men get blamed, couched or divorced because of this but hey, it happens on the other side too.

What kind of garbage is this? The government looking for yet another revenue source in which to put its' hands into your pocket and mine and with that treasure they can now waste more money. Why let us try to use that cash for ourselves and families. That would be too American.

How about better spending habits for Washington? Try that on for size some time.

Rockies bubbling, Shanahan's cajones

Who is Rodrigo Lopez and who are the Colorado Rockies? A stud pitching performance and seven-straight wins? I get it, once I sign on as a believer, once my name is on the dotted line, the rug is going to get pulled out from under me, right? The small print probably details it all.

What ever's shaking down now, it feels real good, doesn't it? Come on, you can admit it, you like it, don't you?

Jeff Francis is hot, Aaron Cook looks quality, Jason Hirsh has proven himself major-league ready and now Lopez is back and strong. Kaz Matsui is healthy and producing, Brad Hawpe continues to streak after a slow start and Scrabble-named Yorvit Torrealba scored big with a grand slam Tuesday. In the moment, this is something that is desirable and marketable. But the Rockies still need a quality, productive veteran presence in the lineup and some medicine for the bullpen.

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan offering lie detector tests? Receiver David Kircus accepting? Where is the NFL's players union on this one? I'm guessing there is going to be some fallout from this beauty of a story, starting with the media who will pick up on it nationwide, which will lead to union bristling and a temper tantrum. Watch for it.

Personally, I lovvvvvvvve the idea. Shanahan was torqued and wanted to find out if his player, like many do, was lying. Kircus didn't try to do a shimmy shake on his coach, stuck his head in there and took the humiliation like a man and passed, getting, at least for now, a reprieve. Old-school justice. I liiiiiiiike it. Think I'm turned on.

Of course, Kircus will be on a thin leash and better produce this summer. Hope he's aware of those facts.

Broncos left tackle and key figure in any potential offensive success in 2007, Matt Lepsis, is back at work after suffering a knee injury last October against Cleveland. A healthy Lepsis helps quarterback Jay Cutler get a little more sleep on the night before games and a lot more confidence when the ball is snapped. Without Lepsis' best on the field, it's all a crapshoot for an offense that was, well, poor last season. The former CU Buff tight end, if he's right, should have a few more productive years left. He's no Gary Zimmerman but he ain't no Jamie Brown either.

I see Bernie Lincicome of the Rocky Mountain News jumped on the WSN bandwagon (get your tix now!) in pondering a Kobe Bryant import to Denver from the West coast. Niiiice. Of course, we agree on the fact that the Nuggets should aggressively explore talks, even if the Lakers just circular filed Bryant's 'request.' The odds might be worse than slim such a deal could go down but that doesn't mean you don't put yourself out there and try, like the Broncos scoring Javon Walker and Jay Cutler through trades, as opposed to the Rockies approach of 'oh, well, no one would want to be with us, so f*** it."

One voice, that's all it is, but how about Nene now being attractive again on the trade market? Moving him to the Bulls? Nyet! Not gonna happen now that the big Brazilian is relatively healthy and showing the promise for which Denver paid big money. Sure, teams will come after him knowing how the Nuggets were once vaguely interested in dealing him, despite denials, but with Kenyon Martin the longest of longshots to ever be what he was in New Jersey and Marcus Camby always capable of a roadside breakdown, you keep Nene or risk becoming the CU Buffs, where size obviously doesn't matter, having no 'bigs.'

Poor Lendale White. He just doesn't see how he's going to throw away a bright career. Bet he still wonders how, as a first-round talent, he slipped into the second round of the draft last season...'what did I do?' Until he changes his either clueless or spoiled attitude he will be a nobody in the Not for Long. If respected teammate, linebacker Keith Bullock, is blasting you as nothing as a player at the same time he's complimenting you as a person then that's...well, that's not good. If your coach, Jeff Fisher, one of the good guys, is also publicly wondering about your attitude, then you know this training camp is make or break for your career in Tennessee.

It's time White quit letting others pump him up with destructive false love strokes and start taking his job seriously. He has talent but seems destined to be a bust.

Just as when Denver took a quarterback high in the draft last season when it already had Jake Plummer on the roster, the Titans grabbed a running back project (Chris Henry) in the second round after believing they scored big with White in the previous NFL flea market. For anyone with a brain (we're talking to you, Lendale), Henry's drafting is a loud drum beating.

Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, a WSN favorite, is getting love in a Ken Rosenthal column on FoxSports.com, where a scout raves about his arm and above-average range. No mention, as there should have been, for the improving hitter Tulo is becoming.

In yet another mock NBA draft, Jeff Goodman of FoxSports.com has CSU's Jason Smith landing with the Nets and another former Colorado prep, Nick Fazekas, late of Nevada, ending up with the Spurs. The call here is that both players will end up near the bottom of the first round, which is a great thing because neither 'tree' is ready to contribute big right away. If they both end up selected from a group that includes the Jazz, Rockets, Pistons, Suns and Spurs, they should be real happy because they will learn how to play the right way and how to win in the NBA.

How about this for a college baseball team -- Ryan Zimmerman (Nationals third sacker), Mark Reynolds (red-hot Diamondbacks rookie) and some cat named Joe Koshansky (powerful Rockies prospect) all in the same infield for Virginia.

An late bit of WSN dope for you -- look for the Nuggets to trade a future pick away on NBA draft night for a shooter, either for a veteran or draft-eligible swisher.

The National Sweep

So, question -- where are those LeBron James' doubters now? Yeah, I questioned the Cavs credentials to get into the NBA Eastern Conference Finals but never looked down on James. That Cleveland is now 2-2 with Detroit is amazing and shows how close the franchise is to being a title contender, which no one thought yet possible.

Detroit got balanced scoring but lost Tuesday because James did what great players do, dominate in crunch time. The Pistons also embarrassed themselves by allowing some gate crasher named Daniel Gibson to punk them at their own party. That hurt.

Daniel Gibson?

Still rollin' with Detroit in this series, front runner that you think I am, but if it doesn't tighten up its' act, come correct, well Cleveland just might be capable of sinking the Pistons boat.

Local forecast, playoff dream, Walker's juice

Guess it's time to shake off the rust of the long holiday weekend and crank it up again.

Gotta pay the bills that go along with living.

Movin' slow, maybe, but willing to take kill shots, as always, from dissenting opinions on the news.

So who's turn is it now? Seems CSU's Tim Miles and CU's Jeff Bzdelik's programs have been going back in forth in the news with players leaving and new blood being brought in. I think these two are embracing the challenge of becoming somebody, what do you think? This is going to be, it says here, an exciting ride.

Is it wrong for me to be talking college basketball with football just a few months away?

Sonny Lubick and Dan Hawkins are winners but they both know that come the season opener, the oven will be opened, the heat will roar out and they will be expected to show they can make it all happen on the scoreboard again. The media and fans will settle for nothing less.

Former CU top dog, Gordon Gee, a good educational man by all accounts, doesn't have the juice. Florida President Bernie Machen does when it comes to talking about a college football playoff. And his logic is so money he doesn't even know it. Read down to the bottom of the page and catch it there. That said, it is too logical to ever come to pass. Why? Presidents are more scared of what they could lose than excited about what they could gain.

What I hear is that Missouri might be the favorite to win the Big 12 North division this fall. While I love quarterback Chase Daniel and the athletes the Tigers are collecting, I think Nebraska, even with potential head case transfer Sam Keller the pick to replace the productive Zac Taylor under center, might be more than angry about that call. The Huskers have to be the preseason choice. Those schools that differ with that forecast can show up and prove it wrong. For now, the Huskers talent is superior and they are the team to beat.

O.K., confessional time again. Must be a flashback from my youth as a Catholic. Honestly, I had no idea who Gabrielle Union was in this world. Wasn't really motivated to find out either until I heard that Broncos receiver Javon Walker was spotted having dinner with her. Being the voyeur that I am, decided I better check out what being a famous athlete with big bank buys you these days on the 'honey market.'

I tried to play football well -- didn't have the genetics. Just wasn't meant to be, me being Tom Brady or Javon Walker. Of course, I kind of like not being tracked by Tommy Lee Jones and the paparazzi with every girl I'm able to blackmail into going out with me.

So, we'll call it good.

Man, how old am I? Just found out that Larry Drew Jr., a California prep shooting star and son of the former standout Missouri guard, has committed to play for North Carolina in 2008.

Sweeping the Nation

Roger Clemens doesn't care. He comes back for season after season, does his time down in the minors to big crowds, doesn't act like a prima donna, prepares as if it is a big league park and succeeds. Then it's back to The Show for more dominance. It is the twilight of a golden age of pitching. It will be a long time before it's this good again.

You know if Don Shula is calling out Nick Saban as a fraud, liar and loser then there has to be some serious fire with all this smoke. You just don't dump on Shula's Dolphins likeSaban did then politic behind the scenes, allegedly, for a job held at the time by Shula's son, Mike, without getting whacked publicly.Saban can recruit and coach at the highest level in college but something tells me the weasel is not going to satisfy the Alabama faithful as much as he thinks he can. The WSN word? He will have some definite success but will leave town after failing to win a national title, which is all the Crimson Tide fans care about outside of beating some country boys from Auburn.

Kansas had to feel euphoric that Brandon Rush withdrew from the NBA draft to return to Lawrence. His presence surely had to mean good things for the Jayhawks. Until we found out he ripped his knee up. Oh. Well, Rush saved himself from going undrafted but now the road back will be full of doubt as scouts will wonder and nit-pick his health. His impact on KU's 2007-08 season will likely be altered too.

Just when I think I could care less (sorry) about golf unless Tiger Woods is blazing towards yet another step in history I see inspiration something off the tee boxes, out of the rough, and away from the greens.

The power of the human spirit, real life, what matters more than sport and victory, what this life is all about -- laying it on the line -- conviction.

Scoreboard Grumblings

Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams are one of the best one-two punches in the NBA. If only they played in New York, they would be 'all-that' in the eyes of the nation. But they still aren't enough to lead Utah past the been there-done that San Antonio Spurs, who now lead the Western Conference Finals, 3-1, after a 91-79 victory Sunday.

The Spurs are methodical in the way they take apart an opponent and the Jazz is the latest mark.

San Antonio has whatever pieces it needs in whatever series it plays. The Suns found this out, now Utah and next, Detroit.

The Rockies fell into fortune. They're winning big now and even if it is at the expense of teams almost as poor as them, victories are victories. Jeff Francis, a WSN favorite, continued his recent dominance by shutting down the Cardinals over 7 2/3 innings in a 6-2 win.

Francis is now 3-0 in his last five starts with a sparkling 1.70 ERA.

No, he's not that good but he certainly is capable of being a strong no. 2 pitcher in this league one day. Put it this way -- put Francis in Boston or Detroit and he could win 20 games. In Colorado, he might reach 14.

Matt Holliday and Brad Hawpe did what they are paid to do -- drive in runs. Each homered.

Glory be!

Wanna know something? This Rockies team is not devoid of talent. That you get. But there is a problem, unidentified, that is keeping it from being a better-than-.500 team.

It says here that a bold, accomplished veteran thrown into the lineup could spark a serious offensive breakout. That would help get this machine hummin' more than a elite starter like Johan Santana. Who that is, what position he plays and who would go is not my job, man.

That's for the high-priced suits.

Monday Heat

Nene was strong down the stretch for the Nuggets. J.R. Smith started hot, showing explosive scoring ability. Both should be traded now, along with dishing out yet another bundle of first-round draft picks for...Kobe Bryant.

Yeah, the likelihood of the Lakers dealing their star seem nil no matter the media firestarter but if Los Angeles had a moment of weakness, dealing with Denver could net them a large, effective power forward, a perimeter scorer and picks, a nice booty indeed, for Bryant.

The Nuggets could endure the loss of Smith and draft picks are something they have always been loose with, meaning only the departure of Nene would hurt in the present. A moderately healthy Kenyon Martin could alleviate that pain for the short term.

Of course, maybe this wild idea could never work under the fool thing called the salary cap, but if the teams wanted to make it work they could shuffle other pieces to make it reality.

Bryant teamed with Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony give you a chance to win it all. Add Marcus Camby in the middle and get some insurance for Martin and who knows what might happen.

Roll the dice.

By the way, coach George Karl told Woody Paige of the Denver Post that Denver doesn't need new blood only new chemistry and professionalism. Not just sure how to break this to Karl but when you have selfishness in the list of ingredients you are always going to have a bitter result. Anthony, while a fantastic talent, is still selfish. Iverson, who showed he wants to win with the Nuggets, has long been one of the most selfish players around. Smith? Just watch the games. Even Linas Kleiza is known to be a little bit of all about himself. Shopping for different ingredients will prevent the spoiling of the recipe.

Tim Miles got his big man for CSU through a transfer just the other day and now CU's Jeff Bzdelik has added some size of his own with Wake Forest transfer Casey Crawford.

Let's break this down -- guy signs with the Demon Deacons, thinks about going to Northwestern and ends up at CU. Not a dog academic school amongst the three so consider Crawford's intelligence something highly appealing to Bzdelik.

Now throw in he is, reportedly, a sweet-shooting 6 foot 9 and you have a player that should understand Bzdelik's approach and should be able to excel some how.

Crawford was also originally recruited by West Virginia, another quality program.

Here is a snippet on him from a blog dedicated to the Demon Deacons.

Brick Oettinger, in the Recruiter’s Handbook, offers this evaluation of Crawford: “While he is more of a big forward, with sound fundamentals and a soft scoring touch up to mid-range, he handles the ball (with sure hands) and shoots it proficiently enough on the perimeter to raise the possibility of some future play at wing forward, especially since he moves well for someone his size. Hence, he might be able to defend that position.”

It says here that Miles and Bzdelik are both off to successful starts on their new jobs.

O.K., this is one old article (early May) but just ran across it and it is unique. So how you feel about your favorite NFL team's first-round draft selection? Is that guy going to make it or not in the League?

Looking at Jarvis Moss, the defensive end out of Florida, who was tabbed by the Broncos, this piece echoes the sentiments in this space. While Denver hopes he is the next Jason Taylor, the word here is he isn't and won't be.

Will admit, this article is harsh, to the point of being too aggressive. Yes, most first-rounders fail to live up to the hype but this forecast seems to go muy loco.

Sweeping the Nation

Ah, the spoils of victory -- USC, according to this article, has on its' roster 10, count 'em, 10 prep All-American running backs. Wonder how many the rest of the Pac-10 or a CU and a CSU have combined? Amazing the power of L.A., winning and glitz.

Imagine if you will (at end of column), Derek Jeter playing alongside Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio for years instead of winning World Series titles in New York? Could have happened and Houston might have been a World Series champion.

Falcons quarterback Michael Vick reportedly loves and bets dog fights, going back to 2000. Here's a bigger news flash -- Who Cares! Not saying I'm into animal cruelty or lawbreaking just that this is becoming more than an investigation, it's a witch hunt and media orgy of a scandal. The intensity of this story just doesn't seem justified.

Dario Franchitti wins the Indy 500 and how sweet that must be -- driving one of those cars, taking home a premium victory and getting congratulated by wife Ashley Judd as well as Danica Patrick and even best friend Tony Kanaan. That's all worth toasting here.

Scoreboard Grumblings

Oh, those poor Giants. Already to devour Colorado when the Rockies hit San Francisco, like the home team usually does. This time, however, Colorado put the hurt on its' division rival with a three-game sweep, the first ever over the Giants out West. 6-4, Rockies, as Taylor Buchholz went seven quality innings, the bullpen acted like pros and the lineup generated enough offense, highlighted by Matt Holliday and Chris Iannetta's pair of RBI each. Todd Helton also got a good workout in, rapping out four hits. Good day, great weekend. Let's do this again sometime, shall we?

Just as was written yesterday, don't get too excited about a lesser team winning one game in a playoff series. Cleveland punched back on Sunday and knocked down Detroit, 88-82, in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, which will get the Pistons attention and restore their work ethic and resolve.

LeBron James put forth a champion effort, the Cavs offense hummed along, got great shots and converted at a high rate

Why did Detroit lose this game? Chauncey Billups.

And Rip Hamilton.

The former CU Buff is the gas that makes the Pistons go and he was merely mortal. Hamilton was no factor.

Throw in Tayshaun Prince's less-than-sterling defensive effort and it's amazing that Detroit didn't get blown out.

You can bet all this will be corrected.

Sunday Truth

Former Colorado preps Jason Smith, of CSU and Nevada's Nick Fazekas apparently declined invitations to show (expose) themselves at an NBA predraft camp in Orlando, according to a report by Marc Spears of the Denver Post. Whatever agent yahoo who suggested that move should be told to hit the highway. Smith and Fazekas need to be showing a can-do, all-out effort and intense hunger to scouts. Smith and Fazekas already have the height teams crave. Playing, or approaching this process looking scared only drops them down the draft board. The WSN is still picking Smith in round 1 and Fazekas would be there too if not for his skeleton physique. Both will stick on rosters.

New Broncos defensive end Jarvis Moss, the team's first-round draft pick out of Florida? Upside -- Simon Fletcher, a fair sack dog in his day. Downside? All the other chumps coach Mike Shanahan has drafted and whiffed on at DE, and there have been many.

Didn't like the Allen Iverson trade when it went down, primarily due to my affection for Andre Miller's disrespected game (echoed by coach George Karl) and the draft pick compensation price. However, a healthy, assimilated A.I. could really break out next season. Carmelo Anthony, you'd like to believe will have learned yet another maturity lesson the hard way and be ready to stop all the youthful nonsense and J.R. Smith will be watching that act and getting his together too, creating the perimeter shooting and slashing troika that will be difficult for opponents to handle.

A healthy Nene and Marcus Camby should mean a Denver team that will win a first-round playoff series and have a legitimate shot at competing and winning a second series.

A healthy and happy Kenyon Martin will be a departing Kenyon Martin. The Nuggets would love to pump up his value and then dish him sweetly as a Steve Nash assist to another team.

Don't underestimate the loss of Denver linebacker and drill sergeant Al Wilson. D.J. Williams could replace his talent with some time but Wilson was the heart that fed that defense. Who knows what leadership qualities that Williams possesses.

Cornerbacks Champ Bailey and Dre' Bly would love any sort of pass rush. Look what Bailey did last season with only marginal pressure up front. The potential, well, yeah, baby. Both DBs are top-shelf ball hawks who will smell blood in the water if the defensive front can put any sort of consistent heat on the quarterback. Also remember the name Dominique Foxworth. Thinking he is ready to step up his game.

Still can't believe Darrent Williams is gone. Guns, fools, machismo -- a bad cocktail. Hanging around that element, a real roll of the dice with the price being life.

Look for wide receiver Javon Walker, who had Williams sitting right next to him as his teammate died, to potentially have a tremendous season, a career best.

Believe what you will, all the hype about Broncos defensive tackle draftee Marcus Thomas. The track record of the guy indicates his chances of staying clean, legally, are iffy at best.

Shanahan has quite the offseason going, doesn't he? Bringing in guys with drug and/or personal issues past (Moss, Thomas) and having off-field issues with others (David Kircus, Brandon Marshall). I think this was the Indianapolis Colts model for Super Bowl success, wasn't it.

The Rockies stink. The pitching isn't good enough, still. The real reason, though, for the pitiful place in the standings (the team just can't get out of that hood) is an offense that is inexplicably bad. Anyone with answers, call the Colorado front office, solve the problem and earn salesman of the year.

Humidor?

What this team needs is to start rolling out softballs on game days.

And maybe those fat toy bats.

Or a tee.

So who's going to have a better first season, record-wise -- CSU's Tim Miles, CU's Jeff Bzdelik or Air Force's Jeff Reynolds? Or am I foolishly leaving out Denver University's Joe Scott?

Naming names -- WSN Rockies Prospect Hot Sheet

AAA -- Colorado Springs -- Outfielder Sean Barker (.358) and first baseman Joe Koshansky (.333) are having their way with opposing pitchers and would be kicking down the door to Coors Field if...they were showing any power. They're not. The two have combined for a paltry 8 home runs in 78 games.

Pitching? What pitching?

AA -- Tulsa -- Outfielder Matt Miller (.300, 5 HR, 24 RBI) keeps grinding out quality minor-league seasons in hopes to one day make any major-league roster.

Dominant starter Greg Reynolds (4-1, 1.58 ERA) is out with an injury. Jarrett Grube (4-1, 0.31 ERA) is one excellent reliever. In two starts, Alan Johnson is unscored upon.

A -- Modesto -- Outfielder Dan Carte (.336, 16 2B) and first baseman Jeff Kindel (.289, 5 HR, 27 RBI) are starring.

Starter Brandon Hynick (7-0, 1.50 ERA) got laced last time out but is still one of the hottest names in the minors. Reliever Andrew Johnston (1-2, 1.88 ERA) is also hot.

A - Asheville -- First baseman Michael Paulk (.359) and shortstop Dan Mayora (.321) are hitting machines but drive like a compact -- no power.

Starter Keith Weiser (7-1, 3.39 ERA) is the best here

So, the breakdown? The hit list? Remember, this is for those producing. Obviously players like Ian Stewart or Seth Smith in Colorado Springs are top prospects but their games right now are flat so they're not on the list. With that said, here you go...

The WSN Hot Shots

1. Brandon Hynick, pitcher, Modesto...baffling hitters since 2006
   
2. Greg Reynolds, pitcher, Tulsa...injury delays expected promotion
   
3. Joe Koshansky, 1B, Colorado Springs...power surge will prove he's ready
   
4. Dan Mayora, SS, Asheville...might have to switch to 2B to advance
   
5. Jarrett Grube, pitcher, Tulsa...overbearing out of bullpen
   
6. Keith Weiser, pitcher, Asheville...wins with control and command only
   
7. Dan Carte, outfielder, Modesto...fine talent starting to utilize tools
   
8. Matt Miller, outfielder, Tulsa...future MLB utility player
   
9. Sean Barker, outfielder, Colorado Springs...PCL hitters must show power
   
10. Michael Paulk, 1B, Asheville...no power but fantastic contact hitter
    

Sweeping the Diamonds

Here's an early look at baseball's surprise team developments.

In the American League, everyone knew Boston was going to be very good, again, but running away from the pack like they are? Hardly. The Yankees, meanwhile, are shockingly bad, even with Alex Rodriguez playing lights out. Changes are a coming in the Bronx, maybe both GM Brian Cashman and manager Joe Torre. Next up will be the players.

The Tigers and the Angels were also good bets to excel, which they have but the Indians with the second-best record in the AL?

You picked that one? Really?

The Twins and the White Sox, meanwhile, have stunk for the expectations set forth.

In the National League, when aren't the Braves quality but the Mets, while unproven, are playing better than expected and that is a minor eye opener.

The Brewers are surprisingly on top in the Central division while the Cardinals have been a major disappointment, maybe as big of one as the Yankees. Tony LaRussa, however, is entrenched as manager.

So, who could still slide and who could rise?

Boston is a lock to be the AL's power team and the Tigers are for real too. The Angels could slip and the Indians, while rollin', have no track record lately of being this strong.

The Twins and White Sox are better than they are playing so a rise could be in the cards.

The Braves would be a logical choice to pass the Mets but this isn't the same Atlanta pitching staff of yesteryear so catching the New Yorkers might be much more difficult.

The Brewers are going to keep winning and the Cardinals should improve but maybe not enough to challenge.

The Dodgers should hold off San Diego and Arizona out West.

In the end, it's Boston or Detroit taking the AL and whichever NL team gets aggressive on the trade market.

Scoreboard Grumblings

Did the Rockies just win their second-straight game in San Francisco? Come on now, ain't no way. One of us should probably volunteer to be drug tested on that one because the Giants normally know how to work Colorado on the coast. 6-1 Rockies. Starter Aaron Cook, who has historically received anemic run support fired a complete-game five-hitter and outfielder Matt Holliday drove in three runs.

So the Jazz pounced on the Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference Finals. Nice. Just don't hold out belief Utah actually has a shot at winning this series. It doesn't. For a day the two-headed monster that is Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer ate heartily and as much as their efforts and talents are highly admirable there is simply no way San Antonio coach Greg Popovich is going to let his team be weak defensively for three more games. Tim Duncan won't be human, as he was in Game 3, for three more games either.

Random Ramblings

Fun, Southern style.

Saturday Score sees the writing on the wall

Could Rockies bench boss Clint Hurdle be asked to turn in his uniform? While it might not be a surprise move to outsiders it would be to fans who know that Hurdle and GM Dan O'Dowd both are respected and extended by team ownership. Colorado will do all it can to avoid making a change this season but a 85-90 loss season could mean rolling heads. A typical mid-summer slump could result in an in-season exile of Hurdle. O'Dowd isn't going anywhere yet.

Yeah, it's early, and it is, as advertised, ridiculous but sorry, no Buffs, Rams or Falcons on the radar come bowl season 2007-08. Not a surprise, really. Of course, while the odds are stacked in the article's favor, it says here the Rams could surprise with a healthy, driven Kyle Bell and an improved Caleb Hanie. The Buffs, breaking in a new and maybe inexperienced quarterback are a long shot while the Falcons, according to what coach Troy Calhoun told me, have a lot of work to do.

The early returns on new CSU basketball coach Tim Miles look awfully promising this way. The latest -- signing a 6-foot-10 center who was once good enough to be signed by Purdue. The guy's numbers elicit a yawn but Miles has high hopes for him. Just wondering if the man's name will fit on a jersey? Rams hoops might be headed in the right direction, out of first gear, where they have long resided.

One thing is for certain -- Miles and new CU basketball boss, Jeff Bzdelik are not all about fitting in. They don't mind walking in the front door, shaking things up and taking over a room, or a party. And truth be told, that's exactly what their respective programs most need.

Not quite going out on a limb when I say that Broncos wide receiver David Kirkus is done in Denver. The hammerin' hamburger head sealed his fate when he punched out some guy escorting the rowdy Kirkus out of a party. Guys like Kirkus, fringe players, have little margin for error. He worked so hard to be called a pro and now his dream will go poof.

Teammate Brandon Marshall (what's up with the receivers for the Broncos) will remain employed and while he is selling his false imprisonment domestic dispute charge as minor, his future behavior will determine whether that was an isolated incident. Hey, we're all human, we make mistakes. What matters is that we don't go overboard with our actions. He failed there, no matter how the other party may have been at fault. Marshall has paid a price. The question is can he stay away from potential bad situations and keep his name clean from now on?

Color me cynical but I don't see the NFL's new hard line on players' bad behavior really being a deterrent, do you?

Sweeping the Nation

Kansas scored a major recruit when star guard Brandon Rush withdrew his name from the NBA draft. Rush would have been a first-round pick but a late one. Not only is this a smart move for his future as he wasn't ready to start no matter how talented he is but it is a huge jolt of vitamin B-12 for the Jayhawks 2007-08 season.

Ken Griffey Jr. is red hot again, hitting career home run no. 574, which of course means he will be going on the disabled list any day soon. If injuries wouldn't have been his curse he would be as much of the part of the discussion about breaking Hank Aaron's record as Barry Bonds and the likely winner when both player's careers were over.

Greg Maddux, victory no. 337 by winning Friday. Amazing the number of future Hall of Fame players currently chopping wood and piling up big numbers.

Love all the criticism of LeBron James, who has simply been a force since he entered the NBA. Michael Jordan had early detractors too. When the final sentence of the final chapter is written, James will have the last laugh. He can even be smug if he wants to. The media knows little on who he is and what he will become. He is a young man learning and basketball is a team game. Get off his back. He is going to be a champion, either of a team or simply because of his body of work. Maybe both.

Hey, NBA followers, remember this name -- he's been on scouts' minds for over a year. The guy is a baller and will become a fine pro. How good is unknown but will tell you he could have been a fine backup to Andre Miller and now Allen Iverson, last season.

Only in NASCAR. And what a great country song it could make. My stripper girlfriend got caught stealing and ruined my racing dreams.

Scoreboard Grumblings

Colorado beating the Giants in San Francisco? Scoring 5 runs late to do so? What kind of Twilight Zone episode was that? Such things just don't happen often out west. Starter Jason Hirsh has proved to be a find by Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd, potentially as good as the departed Jason Jennings. Outfielder Willy Taveras started slow but is now a serviceable talent. Even Taylor Buchholz has contributed. This team still has but a little stick and that remains the mystery of the season. Things are getting so bad with third sacker Garrett Atkins (.221 average) that a decision might have to be made to bench him, ship him to Colorado Springs, get him counseling or start putting the ball on a tee.

Random Ramblings

Is anyone else's email inundated with colon flush spam? Just grateful that I'm also getting Tide sample spam too. You never know when all that colon flush can bust out on you.

Quit cryin', stop lyin', local names back

It's not as ugly as the media makes it seem -- college athletes being told to look elsewhere if they want to play. It's like American Idol -- telling them truth, no matter how unkind, is the greatest kindness. It serves the athlete, it serves the school. Coaches are paid to win, face it, and if they don't believe a player can help them to that end, they need to go. For those kicked to the curb, it's just life. As long as the athletes have time to look for a new school without losing financial assistance, it's acceptable behavior. No player wants to rot on the bench and not feel part of the team.

Colorado and Hawaii in a four-game contract for college football -- I like. Hey, the islanders play an exciting brand of pig and you know the Buffs will love a couple of trips out that direction. They will make the Buffs work to stay in and win those games. Not a bad recruiting pitch either.

Joe Koshanksy is red hot in the month of May down in the Springs, according to a Jack Etkin story in the RMN, hitting .390. In the Pacific Coast League, it you're not dominating with a .320 average or better you aren't much of a hitter. To put heat on the Rockies, all the strapping first baseman has to do is start showing his power again. He does that and really, Colorado has to try to force a trade with Todd Helton, getting rid of some of his salary while eating the rest. Until Koshansky balances power with average, though, Helton stays in town but this is a story that bears close watching.

Speaking of which, maybe someone is interested in Helton after all (and reliever Brian Fuentes). The problems are two-fold. One, the Yankees don't have much to offer in return at either the major or minor-league level and two, those New Yorkers are thinking the Rockies will sell at a steep quality discount. Knowing Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd, that is possible, if forever stupid. The Yankees, it says here, are a poor trade partner. Don't deal with them.

Jack Elway, son of a pretty famous local quarterback legend, is almost ready to embark on a college career of his own and some schools of interest include LSU and Oregon. Little Elway has the size according to a Jim Armstrong column in the Denver Post, but anyone who follows local high school football knows his game doesn't compare at all to Pops. He simply isn't an elite prospect although he has that nationally-famous name. To have to carry that burden is going to be a challenge while he tries to improve his game. That said, with proper coaching he could become a winner, no doubt, if not a star, but he is far from a sure thing. Not saying he will be the same guy but remember the name Adam Bledsoe? Didn't quite become the second coming of his brother.

Word just in -- Denver coach Mike Shanahan falls more in love with quarterback Jay Cutler every day. He's married to him in contract and in heart.

Great....Rockies elite minor-league pitching prospect Greg Reynolds, last June's top draft pick, who is off to a bold start (4-1, 1.58 ERA) at Tulsa has a bum shoulder and is now on the disabled list. Even when Colorado has something going for it, things go up in smoke. The organization better handle him with kid gloves after seeing what happened to former uber-prospect Chin-hui Tsao, once of the better talents in the minors who busted in Denver due to injury. Now a Dodger, he looks promising again.

Sweeping the Nation

Selfishly speaking, I'd love to see Dikembe Mutombo have a shot at winning an NBA championship. It likely won't happen before the ancient center retires but if he keeps coming back season after season, who knows what might happen. Deke has just announced that after a dinner conversation with Hakeem Olajuwon that the 7-foot-2 condor is back next year for the Houston Rockets. Mutombo is one of the good people in sports and his presence, even in lesser athletic impact is a great thing for the Association, both for his closeness to young players and for what he can do image-wise for the NBA.

Congratulations to former Denver prep Micheal Ray Richardson, back in basketball, hired by a CBA team in Oklahoma City. Richardson was simply "forked" over comments that, while stupid, were hardly inflammatory, yet led to his firing. Worse things are said on playgrounds and in offices near daily. It was typical political correctness overreaction and pant soiling. "Big Time Jew Lawyers" oh my, what will we do! All those attorneys so offended they will sue for damages, the entire Jewish population staying home from work to mourn. Ridiculous. That's who we've become as a nation, though, looking hard to punish anyone over words. The way to hurt Richardson was not to throw a fit but, if you were offended as an attorney, simply refuse to work with him, which is still immature.

This really is appalling -- not the New York Rangers conduct but the former cheerleader's. Come on now, it's cheerleading! It's about appearance, more about what guys look at than getting someone excited for the team. Cheerleading has long been overrated as to what it brings to a game atmosphere or how it affects the outcome of a contest. It's about pretty girls, looking their best. So for this honey to be upset that her bosses had the nerve to suggest looking good for the fans is a hollow complaint. It's not some corporate job. Getting groped in the stands is a very legitimate gripe but the rest, is...the jury finds the plaintiff innocent...court dismissed. What's next, Hooters girls or strippers feeling sexually objectified in the workplace?

Fantastic story on Barry Bonds, the home-run record, and top hitters from Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News. Points to mention -- Bonds is lying if he says he wouldn't mind Alex Rodriguez breaking his record one day. Look at how Bonds phrases his statement and you can see he is a deeply insecure guy deflecting, in his mind, weakness over being hurt not being no. 1 one day. Also,Rockies manager Clint Hurdle's remarks about projections, how we can say A-Rod will break the record for sure but minefields remain. A lot of talk also on Bonds unbelievable talent as a hitter and how he almost always powders the baseball. Great work by a Hall of Fame writer.

Speak Up, Go Warrior

From Dolo, a "concerned fan" who is ready to take out a stalking order on me on behalf of one San Francisco Giant.

"I don't know what Barry Bonds has done to you personally, but your fascination with him borders on the insane. Did it ever occur to you that the exact pitchers that served up those bombs to Bonds early in the decade were on roids themselves? Did that not occur to you? Bonds took roids, that's not in doubt, but what bothers me is that you seem to have some sort of bone to pick with him personally. Yes, he cheated, but so was everyone else in baseball, and I stress EVERYONE! Lay off the Bonds, or better yet, when you admonish him, please also admonish the vast majority of ball players with him (not just Canseco, Palmero, Sosa and McGwire)."

WSN: Guess, I've been outed. I do suppose I have been harsh on Bonds because of my "issue" with liars, especially those who mix it in with arrogance. And maybe I am a wee bit insane with my "fascination" with his cheating, only because of the affront it is to Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth and all the accomplished players in history who's bodies haven't abnormally changed since their arrival in the big leagues.

Do I think Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez, for example, have cheated? There is always that possibility they took part in that clubhouse buffet of supplements but I believe those guys, along with Ken Griffey Jr. either only sampled (and didn't take more on their plates) or rejected that sort of enhancement altogether. It's quite obvious the already amazing Bonds, piled that junk up high on his plate. Look at how Bonds and Mark McGwire's bodies changed over the years. That's not merely working out and diet.

To give Bonds a pass is to bury one's head in the sand. To say, 'hey, everyone else is doing it" doesn't wash either. Why? What would your parents and mine have said or what did they say if and when we tried that line on them growing up?

Neuheisel move; Ogirri transfer; free agency

No matter what great things the Baltimore Ravens might do on offense in the next couple of seasons, former CU coach Rick Neuheisel won't get the credit because most believe boss Brian Billick, a noted offensive mind and well, control freak, is runnin' the show.

The reason that Neuheisel should be concerned is he desperately wants to be a head coach again. While Billick gave the former Buffs leader a real break, Neu should split if he can get an offensive coordinator job anywhere if he doesn't want to be forever an assistant.

Kory Sperry is a player and the NFL has noticed. Matter of fact, the League also thinks Jimmie Kaylor ain't bad either -- for a punter. Sperry has a chance to go high in the draft with a big senior season. His size and soft hands are big pluses. With all apologies to the Kaylor family, unless you have a freak of a leg (Ray Guy, Rohn Stark, Reggie Roby or Shane Lechler) you don't normally get drafted high. Right now, the CSU leg is likely a late-round pick. But who knows, if Todd Sauerbrun can't keep clean as a Denver Bronco, maybe the home team will look at Kaylor next spring.

Former Colorado prep star Sean Ogirri, now late of Wichita State, is transferring to Wyoming. Ogirri did some fine clutch things for the Shockers but he is going to end up being less of a factor in Laramie, and that's a reach too. Ogirri had non-legal off-the-court difficulties at WSU that distracted him as a player. If he works his life out he can contribute to the Cowboys but he is a weak guard without much ball-handling ability. He will have to work hard just to survive at Wyoming.

The Broncos can talk up their new cornerback tandem of Champ Bailey and Dre' Bly all they want but with a weak pass rush an advantage in the deep (the secondary) is largely negated. Starve those defensive lineman and poke them with a stick for two days leading up to game time to get them angry and hungry, then maybe Bailey and Bly get fat off the rush up front.

This is a bad (expletive deleted) trade and making such a dumb move would send fans to the franchise, canceling season tickets. Todd Helton ain't what he used to be and Garrett Atkins, a real homegrown star has, without reason, failed miserably this season but you don't dish them to the Angels unless you are getting rock-solid talent in return (see stupid Vinny Castilla trade to Tampa Bay). Getting a hitter or two like Howie Kendrick or Brandon Wood back this way might be appealing or snagging a top-of-the-rotation pitcher might do the trick but the junk that was mentioned in this article -- insulting.

Said it before, the Buffs need help and even if Kelly Jo Mullaney wasn't initially their type, losers can't be choosers. Mullaney started well in Fort Collins so she has to have some game, which CU is in need of -- a shot in the arm, no doubt. Stupid prank but she gets a fresh start at a new school. She will make an impact.

Is it politically incorrect to ask where are students of color for the Steinmark Award? I know the state's minority population isn't large but no student athletes worked hard enough to make this list as a finalist? Hey, don't kill the messenger, just asking.

Here's something good going down -- more Big 12 games on TV.

Denver Post columnist Mark Kiszla, a proponent for easy nights at home with some smoke. Thing is, say what you want, the man has a point. Yes, the rope is illegal but how smart is it to be clubbing, drinking, brawling, groping, maybe packing heat? Which is worse? Not proposing smoking, not condoning it, just flashing the red light on Kisz' column.

Sweeping the Nation

Jerry West is a smart man so does that make me smart if I agree with him that the 2007 NBA draft is overrated? I also agree with West that the draft lottery is a flawed system that needs to go. Instead of worrying that teams are tanking games just fine them heavily or take away their first-round pick. The NFL has docked teams early-round selections for trying to circumvent salary-cap rules so why not deny a dishonest a team their chance at drafting a star?

Is Devil Rays player Elijah Dukes taking relationship advice from O.J. Simpson?

"Yeah, bro, you'se got to set your woman straight -- let her know you'll whack her if she don't do right by you."

Dukes -- potential future murderer.

So, now that Jessica Alba's relationship is on the rocks, do we move in, like now, or play it cool and wait...until tonight? So, if she was/is in a relationship, what's the whole hangin' out thing with Warriors point guard Baron Davis? Is that a California kind of pass?

By the way, hope someone tells this guy that getting asked to show the goods for PlayGirl is not exactly a compliment, or smart career move.

Speak up, Go Warrior

From Zach, who has some heat to send this way on the Paul Backowski comments I made over the big tackle's transfer from CU to North Dakota State.

"I'm sure playing time was an issue, and maybe skill. That said, having graduated from CSU and now currently working as a sports reporter in Fargo, I will say this-NDSU would have beaten CU last year. And that's not just because the Buffs lost to a 1-AA Montana State team that was inferior to NDSU. If you wanna look it up and prove me wrong go ahead. Yes, CU has fallen that far."

WSN: Hope things are going well with your career in Fargo, Zach.

Maybe NDSU beats the hapless Buffs last season but Backowski didn't end up your way because of the great program, education or party scene. He only saw that school as an option because he might get playing time right away, lesser competition to be honest, as he didn't see a bright future in Boulder. At CU, no matter the difficulties he might have been facing, he likely would have gutted it all out if he knew he was going to start.

From Paul, who doesn't but should love my idea regarding collegiate free agency.

"Two things - free agency in college basketball is a horrible idea...where to begin...I just won't touch it. Second, I agreed completely with you throughout the college basketball season until the championship game. Did you see Oden against Florida? That game propelled him above Durant in my opinion."

WSN: Coaches have free agency, don't they? Why not the players? Why don't coaches have to sit out a year when taking a new gig?

You could still put limitations on this proposed free agency in all the sports so you don't end up with an extreme balance of outgoing and incoming athletes. Players would also, unlike recruiting, have to finance all their own trips to prospective new schools. They would additionally be required to be academically eligible to be able to play right away at a new locale.

Coaches would hate this but this isn't about them.

As for Oden, great potential, wonderful skills, going to be good but his demeanor makes me uneasy enough that, the center position be damned, I'd take Durant.

Rip me in 10 years.

Scoreboard Grumblings

Now that is the Jeff Francis I'm talkin' about -- seven shutout innings in a 2-0 Colorado win over Arizona. One day, it might all line up for the Canadian and he will the win 18-20 games that his talent suggest he is capable. He's potentially that good.

Ryan Spilborghs, who should have made the team over John Mabry coming out of spring training, drove in two runs. Another nice Rockies decision putting the thumb on Spilborghs.

Garrett Atkins (.228) and Jeff Baker (.230) are simply the Lost Boys. Amazing how Atkins has gone from emerging national star to invisible.

Now that's magic.

Just wonderin'

Is the Nuggets front office out on the golf course or working in the conference room and on the phone lines trying to get some better two-guard and defensive help into the team mix?

Is the Avalanche committed to becoming a formidable group again?

Is it just me or should the Rockies concentrate on finding a hitter more than a pitcher early in the June amateur draft?

Is CU better off going with shared quarterbacking this fall with JC transfer Nick Nelson and redshirt freshman Cody Hawkins since neither of them has demanded the job with their play yet?

How much is CU sweating getting stud recruits P.T. Gates (RB) and Markques Simas (WR) into school?

If Sonny Lubick's Rams flounder in 2007 is the best coach in school history a dead man walking?

Who's a better player, a better Hall of Fame bet -- Ken Griffey Jr. or Barry Bonds?

Why are many sluggers having down years this season? No Wheaties? The return of Gibson and Koufax?

Which city will more disappointed at not winning the NBA title -- San Antonio or Detroit?

Hump day arrows

Woody Paige is saying it, Mark Kiszla is saying it and many fans feel the same way.

The Monforts should sell the Rockies.

They have no clue as owners and the fans deserve better leadership.

Only three obstacles here.

The Monforts don't want to sell, don't have to sell and aren't going to sell, at least anytime soon.

Too bad, so sad.

Face it, this franchise, while having a solid foundation of talent, is a ship without direction, just wandering the seas that are Major League Baseball, aimlessly.

Without smarter men on the baseball side of things and as ownership, without less excuses and more accountability, the song will remain the same.

See, the issue here is the Rockies truly believe patience is the final hurdle to being a playoff team. They are wrong.

The pitching is still nowhere close to being strong enough, the hitting prospects aren't impact players yet and there is this erie feeling of disconnect between the team and manager Clint Hurdle.

In the end, a Pat Bowlen-type needs to come to town, a GM with a history of playoff success needs to be hired and a new culture must be implemented.

The Nuggets won't get invited, as of now, to the NBA draft party in June. However, if some crazy change were to happen and the team were to acquire a first-round pick, no matter how unbelievable that seems now, a name that could help Denver would be Texas A & M guard Acie Law, a gunslinger, an effort player, a leader who can infuse a little attitude and hunger on the court.

David Kircus, have you called a realtor yet? Sent out resumes to new teams?

Carmelo, A.I., Marcus Camby, Nene -- isn't it great being on vacation while other teams have to sweat in playoff basketball? So much less work being left at home, isn't it? The Spurs and Jazz send their best.

Where have all the homers gone?

What do you think about college sports having, like the pros, free agency? Why not let players, over a period of one month, maybe, check out new schools and move on to a better situation, as long as their academic progress was in good standing.

Sweeping the Nation

Have to say, this is one big story, if only 32 years too late -- George Foreman on drugs. Well, being drugged. Before...a...fight. Not just any bout but a championship tilt against Muhammad Ali. Hey, who am I to doubt him. It could have happened. I just don't expect Big George to get much interest or mileage from the media and especially the public out of this revelation.

Hey, I know everyone is loving all over Ohio State center Greg Oden, the expected top pick in the June NBA draft, but for all his skill and potential, something doesn't feel right. Kick me again (I like it) but I haven't seen the passion from Oden to be great. He has that Sam Perkins kind of cruise control to his game. I don't watch his games and see Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O'Neal intensity. Now, before you bring up Tim Duncan's name, let's remember that Duncan was college polished and if you look closely, Duncan actually is intense. Oden is a fantastic prospect and I'm on an island here but I would still take Texas forward Kevin Durant no. 1. You know, that is if Darko Milicic isn't available.

Speaking of Oden, the Portland Trailblazers might be able to turn around a flagging franchise by just getting Oden's character and potential. Somewhere, Bill Walton is smiling.

The Sonics are crying. Yes, Durant is there for the taking but with Rashard Lewis on the roster, Durant doesn't exactly fill a need. Is Lewis on the move?

The Hawks could have instantly morphed into somebody but end up with the third pick. North Carolina's Brandan Wright is thought to be the third-best talent in the draft but Atlanta is loaded at forward. It needs a point guard. Maybe a trade coming here.

It's not just the fans who know Barry Bonds is a phony. In maybe the harshest words spoken yet, former baseball commissioner Fay Vincent and Hank Aaron show their disgust towards the bay area bomber. Deep down inside, yeah, I'm smiling. And I, too, deny taking steroids. I also deny ever drinking, smoking or ingesting anything in my youth. No sex either.

Joe Paterno is going to have people screaming against this, saying it is further exploiting college athletes, that he can't do this, that he is old and has lost his mind. Yeah, like JoePa is going to care one bit what those yahoos are going to say. Good for him. The man cares about character and wants his team to learn

Tuesday Run

North Dakota State? Now, color me skeptical, stupid or whatever works for you but I'm guessin' that an athlete doesn't split from a Big 12 school like Colorado because he's all amped to go to some football hotbed and vacation spot like Fargo, N.D. Yeah, football is football anywhere and the NFL is possible to reach at small schools but if ex-Buff offensive lineman Paul Backowski ends up at North Dakota State then something tells me he wasn't going to make it in Boulder on the field, making the reasons for his departure very clear.

The real reason Broncos coach Mike Shanahan traded superstar running back Clinton Portis? Not for his flash or his outrageous money demands. No, Shanahan shipped him to Washington because Portis, despite his other-world talent, is an idiot. Exhibit A presented to the court, your honor. Those from the University of Miami who don't graduate should shaaaaaaaadup! I can only assume Portis didn't graduate. To be honest, from these comments, I'm not even sure he ever went to class.

Read this and see how Garrett Atkins' name, as well as Todd Helton's, continue to be mentioned in trade talks. Interesting how Atkins can still be desired considering his awful play in 2007. If he's being sold right now, it's in the bargain bin. Helton is also discounted merchandise. You don't sell low and buy high. Wait on Atkins, move Helton if the value is there because his power, friends, ain't coming back. It's retired.

Now, if you want to talk about shipping Atkins to Tampa Bay for outfielders Carl Crawford or Delmon Young, hey, I'm on board. You can even throw in Brad Hawpe and/or a prospect.

Former Rockies outfielder Jeff Salazar is in Triple-A Tucson trying to make it back to the majors with the Arizona Diamondbacks and doing well (.310, 5 home runs, 24 RBI). Salazar was, at one time, thought to be the future in center field in Denver, a blend of power and speed but his star fizzled. Earning playing time for the Diamondbacks, a team rich in young talent, is not going to be easy but with strong minor-league numbers Salazar could catch the eye of another organization.

In the 2002 draft, Colorado took pitcher Jeff Francis with its' top pick. The next choice for the team was a high school pitcher/hitter named Micah Owings, who chose to go to college. Now Owings is starting for the Diamondbacks (2-1, 4.96 ERA). That the Rockies picked two arms, back-to-back, that made the majors as starters is a rarity and impressive, even if they couldn't sign one of them.

The National Sweep

Philly trading Donovan McNabb to Chicago for Lance Briggs? Yeah, right. No matter how good some believe Briggs to be you don't trade a high-quality quarterback for a linebacker. This deal will not even be discussed unless the Bears throw in a lot more chips, and we're not talking Rex Grossman. McNabb, a local boy, would be a major coup for the Bears, one of the best deals the franchise ever made if they could hold up the Eagles but I think Philly is a little too smart to do something so dumb. Briggs makes the Eagles defense better but McNabb could win Chicago a Super Bowl.

Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince is one of the few guys who can stink (1-for-11 from the floor) and smell like a rose (6 rebounds, 9 assists, a win) in the same game.

By the way, Prince was not lottery baby. Went no. 23 overall in the 2002 draft.

I thought Kentucky basketball, where Prince played, was all that. You know, the mecca of the sport. So, if so, why then is it bailing on a game at UMass? Absolutely ridiculous. I don't care if you have North Carolina, Louisville, Indiana, the Spurs and Pistons already on your schedule, if you made the commitment and you think of yourself as basketball royalty you show up and play the game. Pulling out does nothing but leave egg on the face of the Wildcats program.

Future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson appeared to be experiencing serious slippage as a Yankee but don't look now but he's digging deep for a little more excellence. He's embarrassing hitters again and with his drive he just might scrap out the 18 more wins he needs for 300 in his career. Do you think young pitchers see the hard work and dedication of old coots like Johnson, Roger Clemens, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz? Those arms didn't get where they were without wanting and working for it. They all have more than money, they own history.

Crazy Sam Smith of the Chicago Tribune thinks Phoenix could possibly dump Amare Stoudemire over money and team chemistry issues and that Kevin Garnett could be traded for the rights to Greg Oden. Muzzle him. Dude is just out spouting madness.

Rick Adelman is the Houston Rockets new coach. How inspiring. Yes, he won big in Portland and Sacramento but how many championships does he own? Wonder why young guys, why minorities feel they get a raw deal? Pitiful choice and I'm laying money that Rockets fans are far from thrilled. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

Remember the name Rick Ankiel? The one-time pitching phenom for the St. Louis Cardinals, long gone from the major leagues could return as a hitter, which would be one good story. The guy's been through some rocky times in his life, personally and professionally.

Scoreboard Grumblings

Brad Hawpe is starting to produce, Kaz Matsui returned and drove in three runs but the heart of the order went 0-for-10 and the pitching just wasn't quality as the Rockies lost 6-5 at Arizona.

Matsui is going to make a difference in the lineup but Todd Helton and Matt Holliday have to get back on track, Garrett Atkins has to solve the riddle of a season-long slump and the pitching has to become more consistent. Right now, unless you are in a bad relationship with your wife or girlfriend there is no reason to blow a few hours with the Rockies.

The Pistons roughed up the Cavaliers and LeBron James in an ugly 79-76 win. Unless James' teammates step up, unless James shows the leadership expecting them too, Cleveland is going to go home fast. Detroit will win the series, it's just how easy the Cavs are going to make it for the them that is unknown.

Just wonderin'

Does Chauncey Billups wish he was doing all this winning in the postseason in Denver as much as locals wish he was doing it here?

If elite big man Tim Duncan went head-to-head with ex-Celtics center Robert Parrish during his prime, who would show less emotion?

What would their trash talk sound like?

Do the Nuggets realize they desperately need quality help for their backcourt?

Is Jay Cutler really ready to be a star-quality quarterback in 2007 for the Broncos?

Is pass rusher Elvis Dumervil capable of building on his sometimes flashy rookie season?

Will Dre' Bly prove to be a good buy for Denver?

Does Jeff Francis know he has the skill to win 16-18 games a season?

Does Colorado management still think Willy Taveras is the answer in center field?

Random Ramblings

Hey, just make sure you drive by and wake me up so I get to work on time tomorrow, o.k.? Tell me, how does this happen? Is it even possible to sleep that hard?

MySpace.com would get some good publicity if this action was their initial stance -- but it wasn't. Seems someone decided to backtrack. Now MySpace looks like a spineless bunch who put sex offenders over public safety and only gave up its' fight due to public opinion and a possible threat of legal consequences. Chumps.

Monday Heat

So do you think the Nuggets can win this series and play in the NBA Finals?

Wait, isn't that what Allen Iverson was supposed to do for this team?

O.K., maybe the plans didn't quite work out as expected, that first-round flame-out and all but maybe A.I., Melo, K-Mart, Nene and the Misfits (that is the name of the band, isn't it?) will reward owner Stan Kroenke and the fans next season with what the front office is selling out the back of its' car.

I agree with Woody Paige that former Broncos hit man, Al Wilson, if he can't play again should be brought back to town to coach, if he's interested, but Woody is a hayseed Tenneseean if he believes Wilson was a better linebacker than Randy Gradishar, Karl Mecklenburg, Tom Jackson or the insane-but-highly productive medicine man, Bill Romanowski. Wilson was solid, a strong leader, and likable but not the playmakers the others were in their day.

I confess -- thought Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall was the typical talented, rocks-for-brains young athlete who was dropping clues he would be too immature to realize his gifts and give Denver what it desperately needs, a young, stud pass catcher. I think I may be wrong. A shout out to Lee Rasizer for educating me in this story today -- the boy is driven, talks to and works with Cris Carter and admits his past foolishness. Marshall might make it after all. I think the guy really wants to be good. Still think he should look at a guy like Shannon Sharpe and join Tony Scheffler as a tight end but hey, what do I know?

One recent NBA mock draft had CSU's Jason Smith ending up in San Antonio as a first-round pick. Like the Spurs really need another skilled 7-footer. That goes down and Smith works hard, he could get plenty of TV time for a Spurs dynasty.

If Denver wide receiver David Kircus is guilty, he just lost his roster spot and deserves the orange jumpsuit. Who knows what happened, maybe the other guy deserved getting blown up but you can't give in to the temptation and go Felony Frank on someone. No excuse is going to play in court or in Mike Shanahan's office.

The National Sweep

Who wants to hit the beach and go surfing? You go first.

Few have a bigger mouth; one that roars as loud as columnist Jason Whitlock. Except me, maybe. But the difference between Whitlock and me is that he actually is on the money often. He scores again with a better approach for better behavior from NFL players. Put the work in up front. Focus there and not so much on the back end. Until that model is adopted you can just expect stupid story after stupid story of athletes acting like jackasses.

I don't know if I have enough energy to go hatin' on Sammy Sosa but man, I do think he's one dirty bird too, in the white collar-drug pack that includes Bonds, McGwire, Palmeiro, Canseco and who knows who else. So, it will be hard for me to get too juiced over Sosa reaching 600 career moon shots. I won't puke as Gregg Doyel will; I'll likely yawn. Hope Sosa knows his fat numbers will not get him into the Hall of Fame. Maybe what we need to do is create a wing for the cheats. You even get in free.

I love this -- a writer who blames the media and fans for the drug-using athletes in baseball, like we condoned or encouraged it. What a joke. We were just along for the ride. We weren't even driving. We would have got out of the damn car but it refused to stop. We thought the circus music playing meant it was a legitimate show. And to then add insult to injury, the writer gives Jason Giambi credit for apologizing. That was an apology? Really? And then for this writer to think that other players will fall on the sword and cop to using? I'm trying to control my laughter. Absurd.

All this makes me wonder how the clean players even handle being around and watching the cheatin' dogs. How do they stomach it, how do they not confront these losers? Were there people around McGwire, Sosa, Giambi and Bonds who didn't genuflect during the glory days, who knew that something wasn't right, who shot them a look of disgust, a "hey, I know what you're doing, you chump" look? Seeing crazy money contracts being made by being the type of person our parents railed against.

Now, this is a fine example of how to conduct yourself -- there aren't many better than Henry Aaron. He did it through all sorts of emotional turmoil and assault off the field and likely on it but he excelled anyway. Since retirement, he's built a business empire, as a black man in a country where that is no advantage. This gentleman is a role model. Only, I'm guessing not too many are looking up to him as they could and should. Wouldn't be cool, you know? Bonds and Sosa can hit a thousand home runs and not be able to hold Aaron's jock as a player or as a human being.

Forgive me, but what a crazy f***ing world, full of people that should be thrown away, permanently, for the garbage they are. Please don't bring me any argument to the contrary on that statement because it won't wash. Like it was written yesterday, being rich and famous doesn't insulate you entirely from hell on earth.

Scoreboard Grumblings

If losing two out of three games to Kansas City doesn't tell a team how much it sucks then nothing will. The Royals doubled up the Rockies, 10-5, Sunday. Sorry, just not much good to say about that effort. Not going to lie and try to even pick something out. That can be best done by the spin doctors in the franchise's front office. Call them and ask for a pill. I'm sure they have something that will convince you it will all be better tomorrow.

Not saying Utah won't win a game or two in the NBA Western Conference Finals but they have no shot at beating the Spurs in the series. The Jazz are to the NBA what the old Cleveland Browns used to be to the NFL. Nice story, no contender.

For Cleveland to beat Detroit out east the Pistons would have to have a complete defensive breakdown and LeBron James would have to prove himself to be, not Kobe Bryant, but Michael Jordan. Important distinction. Bryant scores at will. Jordan won by imposing his will on the game and raising the level of those around him because he demanded it. As amazing as James is, that is not something he has shown he can do yet.

Call to arms

So, anyone out there with passion? Big cajones?

Please, no wallflowers.

If you're bold, here's the deal -- you're the new owner of the Colorado Rockies. The public is highly dissatisfied and you know revenue ain't what is used to be. So, what changes are you going to implement, short-term and long-term to make baseball matter again in Colorado? What will you do to ensure the Rockies become relevant?

This is your boardroom, your press conference, to turn this carnival into a success.

Personally, sick and tired of ownership and management sitting up there in their big offices, big houses, pretending nothing is wrong and still marketing this junk as quality.

They're pushing a cheap product as if it were Boston baseball.

Just wonderin'

Think the Rockies have missed Kaz Matsui? Here's hoping the guy can stay healthy. He does a lot of good things on the field when he's right.

Has Ponderosa's defensive standout Jon Major committed to play for Colorado yet?

Are CSU's Tim Miles and CU's Jeff Bzdelik pacing the floor in their homes, impatient for basketball season to start so they can prove they have the answer for the woes of their respective programs?

Are the Rams Sonny Lubick, the Buffs Dan Hawkins and the Falcons Troy Calhoun feeling optimistic about 2007 or trying to find ways to keep their ships from taking on water?

Are the Nuggets really going to stand pat, do nothing and expect everyone to be healthy and agreeable next fall, resulting in a 50-55 win season?

Will Denver listen and go hard after ticked-off Bears defensive end Alex Brown like I have told them to twice or will we be bemoaning the lack of a pass rush next fall from an undersized, worn out group of Jarvis Moss, Tim Crowder, Elvis Dumervil and others?

Are the Broncos looking for a potential third receiver should Rod Smith really turn out to be old, as stated here, or will they be making excuses when quarterback Jay Cutler doesn't have enough pass catchers who can get open and catch the pig?

Is anyone really expecting Travis Henry to be a Pro Bowler?

Is Mike Bell a quality backup?

Terrell Davis, where have you gone?

Final Salvo

Lost my father to cancer just over two years ago. He was gone so quick.

Last night, someone I work with in my industry, John McGee, passed after a short but very big and painful battle with brain cancer. He appeared perfectly fine a couple of months ago and now he leaves a wife, children at home and off on their own as well as grandchildren. God rest his soul and may many come to support his wife and young family.

John, life calls the shots, and we have no choice but to roll with, oftentimes, punches below the belt. You hung in there and took those shots and came back for more. In the end, cancer is a brutal, uncaring opponent that can steal your body but not your heart.

I salute you and am grateful that you are suffering no more.

Sunday Truth

Here's the deal for the Rockies -- trade first baseman Todd Helton and his minor-league backup, Joe Koshanksy, for Texas big bopper Mark Teixeira. The "why's?" The Rangers are going to lose Tex to free agency soon so why not get genuine value in return. Throwing Koshansky into the mix gives them protection if Helton doesn't dial up his power. For Colorado, this is simply being an opportunist. Tex's upside is far greater than a worn-down Helton and even bright-light Kosh.

Of course, the team will not listen to this and instead do their own thing. Take a look at Troy Renck's story today in a local paper and see some of the news going around. The Rockies interested in Houston's Chris Burke? Why? The Angels asking about Garrett Atkins? Sure, as long as those Californians take time to look at the price tag first -- a third baseman in return and two premium arms.

And about time Ryan Spilborghs got invited back to Denver. Dude got done when he got sent down so John Mabry could stick. Mabry once could play but he's cooked. Spilborghs is not an everyday player but he's the type of guy that sparks good things and heaven knows Colorado needs some of that good stuff.

Do you believe this? Larry Brown coming back to coach -- the Houston Rockets? One of the smartest, most dedicated, neurotic men of his sport of his generation. Wonder if even his friends 'get him?' If a young hotshot can't get his big break as the new leader of the Rockets, yeah, it would be nice to see Brown work with Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady. Imagine the minds of Greg Popovich in San Antonio playing chess on the court with Brown. Cool.

Rockies masher Matt Holliday getting some recognition outside of Denver. The Okie would get a whole lot more national love if only he played on a team someone cared about, one that actually cared about winning.

A salute to Rocky Mountain high school shortstop Andy Burns who put on a five-game show in the state tournament to lead his team to a 5A championship, hitting .600 with four home runs and 12 RBI. Pressure? What pressure.

A name to remember -- Cherokee Trail high school stud -- and 15-year old Micah Green, who slugged his team past Thomas Jefferson in the 4A title game.

Congratulations to Faith Christian, Wray and Eads, who also won championships in their respective classes.

Calhoun talks Falcons

Had a chance to talk Air Force football recently with new coach Troy Calhoun.

It says here that Calhoun is an intriguing choice to replace Fisher DeBerry due to his own playing and coaching experience in Colorado Springs as well as his time working under Mike Shanahan and Gary Kubiak.

The man certainly knows winning.

WSN: What about the Air Force Academy called you back from the NFL -- was it to become a head coach or where there other factors?

Calhoun: I guess there were other factors but first and foremost it would be the caliber of young person with whom you're able to work.

WSN: How do you feel your broad experience will help you do great things in the Springs?

Calhoun: I don't know if I would put it like that. I'd say a familiarity with the Academy is a benefit and then the chance to put together a staff that works hard, has tremendous integrity and guys that are very proud in whatever capacity to be a part of Air Force.

WSN: What do you see as the current obstacles or challenges to building your model program?

Calhoun: You have to look at what your advantages are. For one, you have unselfish kids that have a ton of passion for football and are proud to be associated with an institution, that later on following graduation, are going to serve their country.

WSN: Personnel-wise, what are your initial observations of the program?

Calhoun: It helps having an experienced quarterback but candidly, we have a long ways to go. Yet, I like our work ethic, like our spirit.

WSN: With the limited recruiting base as a service academy does that limit what systems you can use on both sides of the ball?

Calhoun: The key is this -- you have to know time-wise that you don't have 20 hours a week, you don't even close. We're probably in the neighborhood of 15 hours a week that we spend with our players.

We're going to identify two things we can do really, really well on both sides of the ball and make sure we get a ton of (repetitions).

On offense, we have to execute some option and we want to utilize some zone principles.

WSN: What are your short-term goals, maybe for the first three seasons?

Calhoun: I want to see us make improvement, especially being stronger in the second half of the season and we'd like to go to bowl games. That's what we want to do here.

WSN: What characteristic do you most admire when you talk about Shanahan and Kubiak?

Calhoun: Work ethic.

WSN: What made DeBerry so successful at Air Force?

Calhoun: He was exceptionally proud to represent the Academy.

WSN: Maybe I'm full of myself playing psychologist but the discussion I had with Calhoun had a lot of things to say between the lines. Maybe he had fantastic relationships in the pro game but what really matters to him most is what he will find at Air Force. Morals, values, work ethic, serving others and the pride of doing a job well. He comes off as a man of high character. We know he has the pedigree to coach. In time, the word here is he is going to be highly successful, as in frequent bowl games. And it would not surprise me if Calhoun roots himself long-term in this job.

The National Sweep

Hate to be the bad guy, although I'm good at it, but you get pregnant, well, not me but women, and you're an athlete, you should lose your scholarship at least for a year. No investigation is needed. We're not talking academics here, we're talking coming to school to play a sport then not being able to play. It's cool you want to have a baby or had, um, one of those moments, but don't penalize the school with your decision. Now, rebel all you want with your selfish position but that's the word.

Maybe it's just me but I don't think I have ever seen Michael Jordan, Mr. GQ, out in public so casually dressed. Is he really like the rest of us? Yeah, didn't think so.

Co-ed party boy reborn -- a 20-win season and a contract extension. Redemption is out there for all of us. Larry Eustachy could always coach but obviously his success gave him the impression that he was bullet-proof. Hey, all for someone pulling themselves out of the gutter.

Scoreboard Grumblings

The Rockies beat up Gil Meche, no easy task, in beating the bad-news Royals 6-4 Saturday. Good thing Colorado got to play a team that is more pitiful than itself. Nice to see former homeboy Ryan Shealy bring a gift to the host team in the form of a home run.

While I dislike doing this, I will admit Taylor Buchholz turned in another quality start (one unearned run in seven innings) but remember, this was Kansas City. And what's up with the best Rockies relievers? Last night, Manny Corpas got smoked and today it was Ramon Ramirez getting worked. Is there some Dominican holiday going on this weekend?
Brad Hawpe, Garrett Atkins and Todd Helton all woke up for a day and homered. Nice fireworks.

Nice day all around. Everyone gets ice cream!

WSN Rockies Prospect Report

Colorado's farm system is developing players but it's the new names that are impressing not the ones who were closest to The Show.

Before breaking down each level of the chain, let's just hit on what you want, which is names.

The Hotshots, based on production not that fluid thing called potential

1. Greg Reynolds, starting pitcher
   
2. Brandon Hynick, SP
   
3. Joe Koshansky, 1B
   
4. Keith Weiser, SP
5. Jarrett Grube, relief pitcher
6. Ian Stewart, OF
7. Seth Smith, OF
   
8. Jon Hererra, SS
   

AAA-Colorado Springs -- Outfielders Stewart and Smith continue to disappoint but that's a shortcoming that a solid hot streak can cure. Koshansky has his average up to .321, a must in a hitter's league, and his power is likely just around the corner. He is the one to watch on this team.

Right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez is not a prospect currently despite his physical skills because he has regressed into just another Joe (7.65 ERA). The pitchers on this roster are afterthoughts only at this time.

AA-Tulsa -- Shortstop Hererra (.312) is the best of a motley crew of hitters.

Reynolds (4-1, 1.58 ERA in 7 starts) is dominating and Grube (0.36 ERA) and Matt Daley (3.13) have been strong in relief.

A - Modesto -- Outfielder Daniel Carte (.333), a player the Rockies have had high hopes for, is finally producing but the man has drawn but two walks while striking out 33 times, something to watch as he moves up the ladder. Such poor strike-zone judgment usually spells d-o-o-m.

Hynick (6-0, 0.68 ERA) is the most productive player in the minors right now for the organization, toying with opponents. Keep him healthy and he will be in Tulsa shortly. Andrew Johnston (2.14) has been solid in relief.

A - Asheville -- First baseman Michael Paulk (.375) has been amazing but no power means he is not much more than a bench player in the eyes of major league scouts. Shortstop Daniel Mayora (.331) and another first baseman, Logan Wiens (.314), are also stinging the baseball now.

Weiser (7-0, 2.32) doesn't overwhelm hitters as a big arm but his pitching smarts have him winning big. Sean Jarrett (1.15 ERA) is tough out of the bullpen.

Random Ramblings

Funny, isn't it, how a President who's work in office was once highly questioned is now dropping the hammer on another President. Laughable. He, like all Americans, has a right to express his feelings and it is interesting to hear them but maybe one should have more achievement behind him before denigrating another. Just my ever so humble opinion.

The decision on whether to withdraw troops from Iraq is not mine to make but this assertion that the reason for the terrorist activity is due to the American presence is -- hahaha-- insulting, inaccurate and delusional. The reason for the terrorist activity is because that has long been and will long be these people's mindset. Pain, anger, rage, pride, more anger, amplified rage, hell on earth, and the best thing -- zero remorse and empathy. Wish they would go sell their request for help elsewhere. Terrorism was a bedrock long before the United States became involved.

Michael Moore goes SiCKO to talk about what the government continues to try to repress because they don't wish to get tossed out of the bed they share and all the naughties they do with their lover, the health insurance companies. What's that old song -- Running with the Devil.

Hate to break the news to the government but immigration issues are not the ones that should be at the top of the list of things we should be getting dirty dealing with. Not saying it isn't a matter that doesn't need attention, it's just that this little think called a war should be getting more effort, that health care, which affects our lives daily, should be getting our love, that helping those in New Orleans, Kansas, Missouri and anywhere where towns, cities and people have had their world's rocked. What about supporting entrepreneurs who will one day provide jobs to all of us? What happened to prioritizing?

I'm perfectly cool with the idea of no Bibles in school. Just don't then play the other side of the fence and jam new-age culture down the throats of children and parents, thinking you're beyond reproach. And no introducing other forms of religion. Like any athletic event, call it the same both ways and this guy will live and let live, roll with the punches.

Well, now that Leo has said it, I believe it -- our planet is in peril. Leo, people aren't going to listen to you anymore than they will nerd scientists who's business it is to study and educate. We prefer not to know until it's too late, which will be the case on this matter.

A story that is very real to some families. These truths about personal sacrifice for others serve as lights of inspiration. In this life, some run, some stick tight. The Feuerstines, by all appearances, are in it to win, to the very end. They get a WSN salute.

On the flip side, there's this slice of life. Maybe we should give her break. After all, she says she called for an ambulance and tried CPR. How responsible is that! Think we should forget about cruel and unusual punishment, turn our heads and let someone do the same her way. And what is anyone doing taking on eight young children, outside of a public insitution. Even for the best in the business, that's showing off, thinking you're superhuman. That itself should be a crime.

Love how the media believes that the setting of this story means something big. Affluent people have issues just like the rest of us. Money doesn't completely insulate you from pain and suffering. And face it, there is insanity all around us. We just hope we and our loved ones some how avoid it all.

Final Salvo

Ever had someone pass through your life, leaving you for the better, then they're gone to presumably do the same for another?

Lose someone so very special and in the end all you're left with is the fact that you've been changed, never again to be who you were and all you can do is be grateful for a taste of something so strong, powerful and beautiful and how it gave you new eyes, a new heart.

Choose to hold on to that transformation and that time instead of how short-lived the experience.

Saturday Score

Ah, injuries. How they wreck the best of plans. Denver tight end Tony Scheffler has broken his foot. O.K., so maybe it's not a season-ending setback but it is something that will have to be monitored. Scheffler is a bright receiving talent who needs healthy wheels to push off on and get away from linebackers and safeties. A bum foot, not good. Quarterback Jay Cutler just lost one of his wing men. Love new addition Dan Graham but without a healthy Scheffler, the offense will not have the diversity it needs to bounce back from a disappointing season.

So CU fans, the red neighbors to the east just scored "6" with their verbal commitment from maybe the top quarterback prospect in the land, this on the heels of snagging Arizona State transfer Sam Keller. Difficult to imagine Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne's Husker program is now all about the passing game. Of course, Oklahoma also showed change in philosophy works. Buffs coach Dan Hawkins better keep recruiting hard for pass rushers or his team is going to get picked apart to the bone.

The tide is changing up Boulder way. You can just feel it. Basketball is about to matter. With new coach Jeff Bzdelik and his driven band of fundamental drill sergeants the Buffs are about to get good. Throw in some more talent and Bzdelik should be able to recruit to the Flatirons and you have the makings of a postseason program.

When should preps sign on the dotted line to play for their school? Read to the end and count me in with Joe Glenn. Recruiting has become such show and it's ugly and slimy. Take away the showing off by the players and the positioning and let kids decide what program, what school best fits them and then be an adult and sign off without all the "look at me, look at me, everyone's chasing me, aren't you lovin' it" garbage.

Sweeping the Nation

Notice, ex-Celtics' great Kevin McHale didn't say he never smoked marijuana, only that he didn't enjoy the herb with John Mellencamp and Larry Bird, which is quite a visual I might add. Of course, what else is he going to say. Mellencamp likely got chewed by McHale and Bird on this one. Of course, even if the three shared some smoke, as illegal as it is, they wouldn't be the first entertainers to partake.

Love this! Florida Gators basketball coach Billy Donovan is ready to set down financial roots in Gainesville. Yes, the guy recently rebuffed Kentucky but then was strongly linked to a pro job. So remember this -- the contract extension coming, for seven years, means little. If the Knicks or another plum job were to come Donovan's way, he will be on a big ol' jet airliner. Don't get me wrong, I love Donovan but dude is not going to be a UF lifer.

The Cavaliers are good and building towards great. Detroit takes them apart in the Eastern Conference Finals, nonetheless. Place your bets.

The Suns will be mad all summer and into the fall. Life can suck, what can you say. The Spurs now just have to mess with Utah for a while before meeting the Pistons in the finals.

Former Bronco flash Clinton Portis is breaking down, which is sad, because his talent is electric. Personally, miss him dearly in a Denver uniform, as the man was one serious home-run threat. Of course, that cat named Champ Bailey has been more than special, hasn't he?

Another former Bronco, Sammie Smith, showing down doesn't have to mean always down and out for good. Good story of redemption. Huge bust as a player and a human who has learned from his past of indiscretion and lawbreaking.

Here is one of the best pieces I've seen on hot baseball starts that don't last and why. Check it out. Brief, but "money."

Scouting talent is not an easy job and even the experts have no idea what they are talking about oftentimes. Sometimes, they see big flaws and still pick that player. Take a look at these comments and see that Roger Clemens and Randy Johnson, two of the best pitchers ever, were seriously doubted, that Alex Rodriguez and Ken Griffey Jr. never were and that Barry Bonds has always been a head case.

Hey, Jason Whitlock is an excellent thinker and writer but he's dead wrong on Barry Bonds here. White people, black people, whoever people can think what they want. This is not a racial issue. It is, instead, a failure to do the right thing and then the lyin' and denyin' act, with a big dollop of his typical arrogance and condescension on top that has people upset. There, I feel better.

Good for him, getting Carrie Underwood but is it just me or is Dallas quarterback Tony Romo all Hollywood. Every story about him shows the dude is all about getting out, living and playing, soaking up his celebrity and something tells me football (I know it's the offseason) is just a vehicle for fun. Romo, it says here, will be out of a job as Cowboys' QB by 2009, if not sooner.

Best wishes to the good Doctor, who has done a lot for the game, giving far more to basketball then he's taken.

Scoreboard Grumblings

The Rockies? Not good. Bad. Starter Jeff Francis was outstanding over seven innings (one run allowed) but Manny Corpas, a talented reliever, stunk (four runs given up while recording only one out). This team is awful offensively and when the best two hitters, Matt Holliday and Todd Helton, are slumping, you have no chance. Nice that the franchise keeps collecting revenue while doing nothing. Hey, let's just accept a 90-loss season. Wonder if that goes over in Boston or New York?

Random Ramblings

So educate me, please. Can you really demand an apology from the Pope? Is that permissible? I think I love my stones but I'm not sure if they are, shhhh, that big. I realize he's just a man but he's not just a man, you know? This story is so not a story but pride is a funny thing.

Sorry, but I can't stop laughing at this piece of trash story. I'm sure Keith Olbermann loved this news coming out. Who knows if any of this is real or a big show but that girl is funny, playing with Olby and Neil Cavuto (Neal Cavuto?). Hahaha!

Cal Ripken's consecutive-games streak? Impressive. But this guy right here, this Paul Harvey, come on now, he's the man! Can't touch this! Amazing talent and tireless worker.

Here's some dreck that made the New York Times, if you can believe it. Seems, all you single men out there, that you are, well, not cool in the eyes of many women. Perfect career women everywhere and you just are not appetizing for their tastes. Sorry, someone has to be the bearer of bad news.

Head's Up

New link for those with the basketball jones. This will also be able to found on the HotLinks in the left-hand margin of this page. This same site has CSU's Jason Smith pegged to become a future teammate of Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison.

Friday Jam

How can you not appreciate the Rod Smith story if you follow the Broncos? Nobody to best wide receiver in team history. He is also one of the hardest working guys around and all about winning. But, improved health or not, Smith is cooked, as in his days of impact on the field are gone. The man is not a no. 1, 2 or 3 receiver at this stage and I simply don't see him accepting that reality. Would be shocked if he breaks camp on the team. Look for retirement unless injuries hit or others on the roster fail to show up.

CU is on the way up. Jeff Bzdelik is potentially the best basketball hire in school history and now, finally, a respectable line of assistants. From last season to now -- night and day -- and the results will be evident on the court in 2007, regardless of how you see the talent level. Steve McClain is a better coach backing up Bzdelik than anyone on last year's staff.

The Rams continue to re-do their roster and bring in some guards. One thing is for sure, anyone joining new coach Tim Miles is going to have a legitimate shot at floor time in 2007. Look for better energy on the court and a more exciting product. Yeah, losing Jason Smith is a crusher but it's not like CSU was a national power with him. Miles will show coaching matters and if he can create a break in recruiting he can get this program back into postseason play.

Sonny Lubick must think size matters as he finally scores a defensive lineman who is not a add water-and-grow kind of guy in Jake Landers. From the story, sounds like Landers might be a name to remember. Good get for the Rams.

Mark Schlereth as an actor? Why not. Hey, if the man gets chased to do it and he's got skills, go for it. How much fun would that be, regardless of the grief he's going to take from friends. Still waiting for my invitation to end up on TV. It would be a sight, I promise you that.

Say what you will about Gerard Warren's up-and-down play but the man has character. He's not a blockhead that feels no remorse about stealing as some players these days are.

WSN Rockies farm HotShots

Pitchers

1. Brandon Hynick - A - Greg Maddux of the farm system; smarts, control, command
   
2. Greg Reynolds - AA - future Rockies no. 3 starter leaving minor league hitters puzzled
   
3. Keith Weiser - A - far from dominant stuff but knows how to pitch

Hynick grabbed the club's attention last season and now the word has to be he is no fluke. Only health can derail him from reaching Denver in the next few years. Has the ability to be a top-of-the-rotation starter. Reynolds is making the front office look good after he was the second overall pick in last June's draft. He will push one of the back-end starters off the roster in the next season or two. Weiser is still developing but shows promise because he is smart and showing big-league skills.

The National Sweep

Who knew bicycling was so uncivilized? Oh course, any sport with doping coursing through its' ranks is capable of anything. And once people get fingered all bets are off as the claws come out, every man for himself. Floyd Landis, let's just speculate he's the guy on the sinking ship knocking women and children aside to save his own bacon.

So the rich have wrestling matches with the IRS too? Golden State Warriors suit Chris Cohan has some green with a lot of zeroes to dig up out of the backyard or pull out of the mattress to satiate the government. It looks like no more eating out, no more beer for a little while. Might even have to ask family for a loan.

One question -- who is Kyle Farnsworth? Has he worked his tail off for years to become one of the greatest players of all-time? Or is he just jealous of a man who has earned his due? Remember, as it's been written here before -- the Yankees chased Roger Clemens, not the other way around. If they didn't like Clemens' act, they could have passed on signing him. So, Farnsworth, go back to being an non-descript reliever.

The Pistons win because they have chemistry, play together and win they want, can "D" you up. Poor Cleveland. Not going to be pretty. The Cavs are getting there but Detroit will mow them down.

The Suns could rally to beat the Spurs but I just don't see it happening to Greg Popovich's veteran team.

Clueless Jason Giambi giving himself a pass on the issue of steroids. Jason, just shut up and play. It's what you do best. Politicking is not your game. Point blank, you knew what you were doing was wrong. No one forced you to ingest that stuff and you did it anyway. Yes, doing drugs doesn't help you hit a baseball but it does help you in other physical ways so don't try to pull the wool over our eyes. We're smarter than you so don't insult us, o.k.?

Opportunity for Broncos, Rockies, Nuggets

Yes, the Broncos drafted defensive ends Jarvis Moss, who they hope will be the next Jason Taylor, and Tim Crowder, who they pray won't end up being nothing more than a backup but that is still not likely to be enough to generate a fearsome pass rush. What would help significantly as has been written here before is trading for disgruntled Bear quarterback hunter Alex Brown.

Brown may not be Bruce Smith but adding him to the mix of Moss and Crowder and the Denver holdovers gives the team upgraded talent and fresh players to turn up and keep the heat on opposing passers.

Brown is worth a third-round pick. The question is will Chicago sell at that price.

If the Broncos are still lusting for a large, squatty man in the middle then here's a guy who might come to town if you sweet talk him -- with a large amount of money and snacks. Of course, that works with me too.

We all know it -- the Rockies are not going to all of a sudden start playing .600 ball. The organization owes it to the fans to not sit idly by like they have Alzheimers. Yes, patience is a virtue and often pays greater dividends than forcing the action but this season is not yet a lost cause and likely only needs a bold move to jump-start the engine.

How about eating some salary yet again and dishing Todd Helton and a mid-level prospect (to sweeten the pot as Rick Pitino once said) to another team to make room for Joe Koshanksky at first base. In return for dealing Slappy Helton (catch him in the next Adam Sandler movie), Colorado should demand and receive either a no. 2 starter or big stick.

Look here for potential suitors -- Carlos Delgado looks horrible now for the Mets so maybe New York is a possibility for Helton. Nomar Garciaparra is awful in L.A. and the Dodgers are loaded with talented arms in the minor leagues. The Angels, Indians and Tigers also have black holes at first base.

Everyone is window shopping these days. Writers in Chicago want the White Sox to purchase Alex Rodriguez and those out west want A-Rod for the Angels. If the Rockies want to make up with their fans they'd admit they were wrong for their approach to winning, say sorry and then do the equivalent of a Kobe Bryant mega-diamond to his wife for cheating on her by bringing the Latin hammer to Denver.

The more I think about it, the more I like the ridiculous Kenyon Martin-for-Ron Artest trade rumors involving the Nuggets and Kings. While I still don't see any team taking on the broken body of Martin for much, if the deal could be made, do it. Then express Artest to Seattle for sharpshooting Ray Allen or Phoenix for Leandro Barbosa. Won't try to figure out the great riddle of the money match. That's why we have the financial minds on staff.

The more I see, the more I think I'm falling in love. Curtis Cunningham of Columbine busts up offensive players in the fall and crushes baseballs in the spring. The guy makes so much look easy. Probably is the best dancer in his school too. CU's Dan Hawkins and CSU's Sonny Lubick need to make a pact not to let this guy get out of state.

Sweeping the Nation

The Phoenix Suns let one get away against the Spurs Wednesday and with it, their season will soon end. This, I shared, was the deciding game in this series. Of course, I wrote that before the suspensions that cost the Suns Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw. San Antonio won't lose two straight. They could, but they won't. Another disappointing season for the Suns. At least they can go cry with the Mavs now, who know how it feels, getting dumped by the Spurs.

The New Jersey Nets, still down 3-2 to Cleveland in their series, are not done yet. The Cavs, it says here, should not blow this series but the maturity question is still unanswered. No surprise if the Nets win three-straight games to take Cleveland down.

Did I hear that right -- LeBron James is expecting his second child with his girlfriend? If the man can't commit after two kids, I think it's a done deal, Girl. Of course, she's gettin' paid so I guess it's all good. And the Cavs, even if James is an Ohio boy, might prepare themselves for the superstar to split town when his contract expires. The man and the word commitment don't know each other.

Count me as a Braylon Edwards' fan. The Browns wide receiver, get this, pledged $ 1 million to area high schools for scholarships. That works for me. I usually laugh when players give money because the amounts reported are the equivalent of me tossing a dime into the hat but Edwards' generosity speaks volumes about his heart.

Could Jason Kidd, long rumored to be on the move to L.A., end up a Laker yet? Seems someone wonders if Magic Johnson is scouting the Nets distributor. Come on now, Magic doesn't need to scout Kidd. Only a fool wonders if rebounding, passing whiz can fit in with the Lakers. Every playgroup needs someone who shares as an example for others.

Here's why, even with his top talent, Lastings Milledge has been trade bait since last season -- his skills rock the boat but his head is a box of rocks. The Mets would be wise to leave him on someone's doorstep and run. After getting something in return, of course, from some unsuspecting sucker.

The poor, poor Bonds' family. Now the younger brother of star Barry is ranting against the injustice of Hank Aaron not wanting anything to do with a record-breaking ceremony. Maybe that's because Aaron doesn't want to condone cheating. Guess he's funny that way, you know? As for the Bonds' clan, like I say, many people in this life live their own reality, not the world's. Barry and little brother Bobby, Jr. just don't get it. People would love to celebrate the rare skills of the future home-run king but him being dirty and Pete Rose-style arrogant and in denial takes the luster off of that desire to party. So fill up the boat with pity now, wanting the love you always refused before and realize you brought this upon yourselves.

Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies, Future Hall of Famer. Book it. Or so this might indicate.

Heard Tiger Woods was mistaken for Michael Jordan on the golf course the other day. And people wonder why black athletes shake their heads at fans. Isn't Jordan 6-foot-6, isn't his face entirely different than Woods, doesn't MJ smoke cigars, isn't Woods more a better golfer, more articulate?

Scoreboard Grumblings

Aaron Cook gave a B-game performance, which is a step up from what he has been doing, and it was good enough to lead Colorado past Brandon Webb and Arizona, 5-3. Outfielder Brad Hawpe, a puzzling hitter every season, blasted a pair of homers and drove in four in the victory. That slacker, Todd Helton, struck out twice. The bullpen blanked the Diamondbacks over three innings but they might be because it was Ramon Ramirez, Manny Corpas and Brian Fuentes in the game and not fire starters that populate the rest of the bullpen.

Random Ramblings

Nothing like over-reacting. No, we're not talking about me. We're talking THIS ARTICLE. Who knows, maybe the sky is falling. Hey, I do care about the environment but this shot seems like a clanker. Of course, I might be too arrogant for my own good.

For those with children -- the internet playground we know can be dangerous and especially when there is no caring supervision from those who's land the playground rests.

Wednesday Hits

It's spring so let's hit the backyard to start things out today...

So is Denver the new rehab center for the NBA? J.R. Smith. Allen Iverson. Ron Artest? Now, as juicy a rumor as this is, it is also lunacy as Sacramento, while desperate to cut Artest (personality in picture) out of their team like the cancer he is, are not going to take broken down Kenyon Martin and his sick contract in exchange. Now, if the Nuggets can make this deal, they shouldn't be criticized for premature "excitement" over being able to pull off such a heist. Not so much talking about talent for talent but a healthy Artest is much easier to ship elsewhere than a lemon of a body like Martin. Only if Denver were to keep Artest would this be a stupid, arrogant, chemistry-wrecking move. That said, don't see it happening.

CSU makes some noise by bringing in a basketball transfer for new coach Tim Miles when it gets an SEC player in Andy Ogide. The good news is he was enough of a prep stud to end up in that power conference. The bad news is he didn't do anything once he got to Mississippi. Of course, in Fort Collins he will be a big, bruising, athletic bundle of potential that with some strong coaching and a work ethic could surprise.

Here's Ogide here.

New CU coach Jeff Bzdelik pulls the shroud off of the other side of Ricardo Patton's recruiting when he tells three players forgeddaboutit. Kowal and Van Burck, I doubt are too dumb too learn Bzdelik's system. They simply didn't have the talent necessary is the only speculation one can make. Inge was a scoring phenom before hitting Boulder but it was obvious he was in over his head when he couldn't earn any court time on a horrible team. What this move will do is open up precious roster spots for recruiting for Bzdelik. A cold, but smart decision, even with the loss of size. It was length in Kowal and Van Burck but apparently it was unplayable length.

Bzdelik then gets a player who gets some praise from Chris Mullin. Cory Higgins, an off-guard, will sign with the Buffs and if Mullin, who is friends with Higgins' father -- Rod -- is credible, CU added some talent. Michael Sanchez, a stud forward from Arkansas, ended his ever-so-brief flirtation with the Buffs to become a hog. That loss hurt more than the Higgins' verbal commitment scores.

Chauncey Billups and the Detroit Pistons are not going to lose their NBA playoff series to Chicago but the young Bulls are a team on the rise, maybe but a season or two away from being an elite team.

Check this list of smoking prospects. At no. 6 is a player the Rockies drafted but couldn't sign. At no. 4 is a pitcher who could be a dominant starter one day and the Colorado passed on in the draft and at no. 1 is a power-hitter that the Rockies thought they didn't need. One question, if you have time today? How many games does Colorado lead the National League West by again?

Sweeping the Nation

The Suns now get a, um, gut check after having Amare Stoudemire and Borias Diaw suspended for their roles in a melee against San Antonio in Game 4 of the team's series after Phoenix guard Steve Nash got punked by Robert Horry, who also gets suspended. Funny how the aggressors in this whole series created such a power play for themselves in a critical Game 5.

Golden State was a great story knocking off Dallas. Utah is a warm one too, advancing to the Western Conference Finals but all that Cinderella fluff is over now. The Warriors matched up well with the Mavericks all season but got done in by the Jazz because Carlos Boozer looked like Moses Malone. Utah beat a solid Rockets team and an upstart group from California. The Spurs or Suns are in an entire different league and will show that against Jerry Sloan's boys.

Here's something to think about the next time a trip to the airport irritates you. It could be worse -- just ask Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor. Think he kept it all together and played the part of the composed man in front of his wife when that went down?

Ex-Longhorn knucklehead Cedric Benson is still tripping over his own feet when it comes to character and image. The Chicago Bears running back, who is a pot-smoking underachiever did it again -- showed his lack of maturity. And the Bears think he's going to be the heart of their running game, helping take the heat off of Rex Grossman? If I laugh hysterically will you think I'm high?

Ken Griffey Jr. hit home run no. 571 last night against San Diego. Wonder what he could have done on Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire's diet.

O.K., a little help for those people out New England way. First, quarterback Tom Brady. Enjoy being the king and scoring women like free throws but realize you have to sack it first if you're going to find new receivers all the time. Second, coach Bill Belichick. Better be careful with your celebrity. Yes, you're the toast of the region and are obviously getting women out of your league but learn your lesson. What did your previous flame cost you for her time and body? Now look at your new honey closely. Did I read "thrice divorced?" Maybe you should read that again. "Thrice divorced." Get it? You are like a quarterback on fourth and long and she's Julius Peppers.

Remember this name -- Tyler Palko. High school stud, collegiate star, too small and weak to get drafted as a pro quarterback and just signed by New Orleans as a free agent, where he will learn from offensive mind Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees, who has succeeded in the league being 6-foot-5, 250 pounds. Palko one day will end up being a starter outside of the bayou.

Hey, anyone seen my jockstrap? No, really. Did you take it?

Scoreboard Grumblings

So guess Randy Johnson isn't old yet, is he? Against the Rockies on Tuesday he looked like the once-dominant beast he was -- six shutout innings and nine strikeouts in a 3-0 win. Colorado starter Jason Hirsh got off to a hot five innings but a lack of offense cost him when he gave up two homers in the sixth. He didn't, however, lose this game, his hitters did as even the best Colorado bats were swinging samurai swords, not good wood. Think the hitting coach is sleeping much these days? Better get down to Kinkos and pump out some copies of the resume.

Random Ramblings

Want national attention coming to your town, your methods questioned? Try this stupidity, Colorado Springs' style. Sure makes a lot of sense to me and I'm sure it makes the citizens feel real comfortable. Think some young man better go into hiding as in...underground. Can't wait for the legal explanation on this one and the spin job that will be used to sell it.

So, you're a man and you're 40-plus, then maybe this is a quick read regarding your health that is worth a look. So, vitamins protect you or they don't, does anyone know and even more importantly -- does anyone tell the truth while holding on to their agenda of making serious bank?

So what do you think -- technological overkill or clever idea? Maybe there are people out there begging for this and maybe some will pay the price simply to have the newest thing but I'm missing the appeal and wonder if the price integrity will remain strong. Then again, I could just think too much.

Back in the saddle again

Being a one-man play you have to, at times, unplug.

No exotic vacation this past weekend just no responsibilities.

It came unexpected and hey, I apologize for those who showed up looking for the goods and found a padlock on the door, but my battery was about dead. Thanks for coming back.

Let's get back to looking at the landscape, talking 'bout the news and punchin' holes in the myths.

The Backyard

Todd Helton is hot. He looks like the sweet slugger of old. Sort of. The power is long gone but he is back to being a bear of an out for opposing pitchers. That said, forget the foolishness -- he ain't hitting .400 this season any more than you and I. Just like Alex Rodriguez won't hit 75 home runs or whatever pace he is currently on these days. And while it is encouraging to see Helton healthy and raking, let's not forget his sick salary is not paid for him to hit .4oo. He's loaded up with green paper to be productive which means driving in runs, lots of them, say 120-130. That's not looking to be in the cards so let's go easy on Helton is "myyyyyyyyy hero" junk from the media. Matt Holliday is even a more ridiculous suggestion as a .400 hitter but that man, health permitting, will likely be the power source he's expected to be and Helton once was back in time, finishing with 120-plus RBI.

A disappointing story to read on long-time-ago Nugget power forward James Ray, a big-time athlete and even bigger draft bust who is now fighting for his life. Ray proves that on-court failure means little when compared to off-court contributions to this world. Blessings his way. Hopefully Mark Kiszla's story will generate some meaningful support.

Call me a hater, who cares, but former CU coach Ricardo Patton is little more than a wanna-be in Chauncey Billups' posse. Yes, Smooth loves Patton and Patton is all too willing to ride the coattails of Billups but the former Buff and current Piston star guard did it on his own in Boulder and would have been the same sort of star elsewhere. Coaching didn't make him a collegiate star. Patton can do all he wants to sell how he will bring in the next Billups but getting the former George Washington prep phenom was a gift and once on campus it was the player not the coaching of anyone that made him who he became. He ran the program.

Could it be true? Button-down Jeff Bzdelik already getting a blue-chip talent to consider CU? Michael Sanchez, a low post load from Arkansas, writes Jim Armstrong of the Denver Post, is including the Buffs along with more reputable basketball schools as a place to showcase his talents. If Sanchez is serious on any level about Boulder then Bzdelik is showing he is not married to the belief his system doesn't need talent. If Bzdelik can drive CU to a winning record in 2007/2008 and score a victory along the recruiting paths then he will get the attention of even the doubters.

Ah, this has to hurt -- Rams lose to the Buffs and the games haven't even started yet. Big loss for the Rams but bigger catch for CU. This will be interesting to watch.

Dave Krieger of the Rocky Mountain News is always a writer I've appreciated. Cerebral. But the dude is way off suggesting the Rockies call up last season's top draft pick -- pitcher Greg Reynolds. Yes, the big Stanford right-hander is dominating now -- without elite stuff -- but he comes to Denver now and he gets punched in the nose. Let him refine his talent, work through Triple-A and show off there too then consider the move to the big-league club. Let me offer this reminder to Krieger. There once was a pitcher who flew through the Rockies system, mowing down hitters, destined to become a star. His name? Jamey Wright. How many big seasons did the tall one have in Colorado or anywhere? Yes, Reynolds went much higher in the draft but most experts saw him as a middle-of-the-rotation starter at best, which is a whole another story using a high pick on such a guy. Wait. Be patient.

The National Sweep

For all his talent, Randy Moss is simply a headcase. There is no nice way to sell his behavior. Here is just the latest. Like Patriots coach Bill Belichick is going to change him? The Minnesota days were ages ago. Moss just set it on cruise control in Oakland and cheated the organization and fans. He will be better in New England but the days of dominance -- gone like the wind.

Florida Billy Donovan, a two-time champion, is a college coach. He should stay in school and dominate. But ego and money gets the best of most men in this life. The Gator magician could end up in the pros yet with Houston and Orlando the latest potential suitors. Here's one vote against that proposal.

His name, they say, is Chipper Jones. Sounds more like Grumpy Jones or Hot Head Jones, which I don't particularly care for because their is only one Hot Head and that's me. That said, Jones is a marvelous player, Hall of Fame all the way, and one straight-up fellow. He gets the WSN salute. Fact is, he's on the money with this quote. Not that Major League Baseball can do anything about it though. Just one of those things that Jones and the Atlanta Braves are going to have to grind through.

All you need to know about the NBA playoff is this -- whoever wins Game 5 of the Suns-Spurs series is...going...to...win...the championship. Phoenix and San Antonio are both capable of rallying from a 3-2 series deficit but won't. The rest of the teams in the Association party are good and can be rough in any one game but won't beat either the Suns or Spurs in a seven-game brawl.

And what is up with the Spurs, aka Street Punks. San Antonio continues to go hockey and check Suns stud Steve Nash hard. The little Canadian isn't cool with it either. Personally, I think the Spurs are playing right into Phoenix's hands, adding more fuel to the desire. Amare Stoudemire complained, Nash is battered and in the end the Texans could feel the most pain.

Are the Lakers really this stupid? Potentially importing Ron Artest? I think not but hey, foolish people have the ability to do the unexpected more than they should. The boy is an all-out baller, no doubt but he is also a high-probability freak out re-occurrence waiting to happen. To L.A. -- just say no. You'll thank me later. Just also remember to pay my consulting fee -- tix to Nuggets-Lakers games.

Bush and Kardashian? Oh, brother, that's all you need to know about the former Heisman Trophy winner. Look her up and check out her story (I, um, already knew it). Sexy, oh my, yes, but if Bush is looking to improve his dirty image (see USC) this ain't the way. His future endorsements continue to dwindle. Bush seems likable but the WSN is really starting to question his intelligence and decision-making process. Must be that Trojan education. Good thing he's protected with a fat bank account.

Random Ramblings

This is what the media orgy of coverage to the killing fields (mass murders), domestically, does for sick minds. No surprise. What's just as sick is the hunger, the lust for television ratings that creates a powerful allure to broken souls and minds. Removing the stigma of seeking mental health counseling is paramount as is making that service for available, cost be damned. Finally, punishment, even for minors needs to be harsh, with out exception, once someone crosses the line.

Ever needed an attorney after being hurt because of someone else's negligence? Check out the movie Civil Action, with John Travolta, Robert Duval and William Macy and learn all that goes into getting your case represented, or not. Fast paced, educational, entertaining.

WSN down and out

With apologies, the Warrior Sports News isn't able to provide content Sunday or Monday.

Come Tuesday, it will back in business.

I regret the lack of stories.

Saturday Score

Starting out back...

Former Arvada West star and current Toronto Blue Jay pitcher Roy Halladay has been shelved after having an emergency appendectomy. That is a crusher for the Jays and a tough break for one of the American League's best pitchers. Injuries are seemingly the only thing to slow Halladay down. The WSN word is this -- if Halladay were in a bigger market he'd be much bigger news. He is a workhorse with skill, an old-school pitcher and a rarity in today's game. Get him out of Toronto and on to a competitive team and he becomes like another former Jay and current St. Louis Cardinal, Chris Carpenter.

New Broncos back Travis Henry gets praise from one of the great football writers of his generation, Paul Zimmerman. The WSN says Henry is a tough, a grinder who will never remind of Clinton Portis or even Tatum Bell's big-play talent but he might be a souped-up version of Olandis Gary, which ain't half bad.

If Denver wants to jump start its' offense it could do far worse than offer Pittsburgh a second-round draft choice for disgruntled guard Alan Faneca, a prototype Broncos' lineman. He would dramatically improve the chemistry and toughness of the line and make things easier on Henry and second-year quarterback Jay Cutler.

Sweeping the Nation

Ah, Ricky Williams just can't say 'no' to his seductive mistress. Ganja is too alluring, too sexy, too fun to turn his back on even when he knows she is no damn good for him. His emotional pain was significant enough for him to chill out on the weed and now he is just a slave. Too bad for him as a person and what a wasted talent. His days in Miami showed he can be a dominant back. In the end, he will go down as one big flake and enigma.

Staying truth to a brother. Jacksonville vice president of player personnel James Harris decided Byron Leftwich is his man at quarterback even if coach Jack Del Rio wanted Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn in the first round of the draft. The Jags took Florida safety Reggie Nelson instead. Remember that move. Leftwich is tough, competitive and talented and yet Del Rio doesn't believe in him. If Quinn excels like the WSN says he will, in time, Harris could get fired.

Anyone seen those ghastly San Diego Padres uniforms? The commissioner ought to punish the team for exposing fans to such visual pain.

Ken Griffey Jr. has 569 career homers and despite his chronically injured body, he gets saluted for his accomplishments. Sammy Sosa has 596 homers and to me, that total might as well be zero because he's a cheater. Sadly, Sosa had the eye, bat speed and talent to hit a ton of balls out of the park without the juice. He's likely clean now but for a long stretch, he wasn't. Come Hall of Fame voting time he should remember he did this to himself.

Golden State is more athletic than Utah and has more firepower but the Jazz have Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams and will that series in seven games because the Warriors will struggle to win in Salt Lake City.

Scoreboard Grumblings

Josh Fogg had it going for six innings, blanking San Francisco before it all came unraveled. The Giants raced around the bases for eight runs over the final three frames to steal a game on the road, 8-3. Fogg faded, the bullpen blew up and it was over. Todd Helton homered and recorded two hits on the night to raise his average to .397.

Random Ramblings

Sorry, but is this some carnival game where you are supposed to toss the ball into the hole?

Final Salvo

Don't miss the big Sunday Truth column tomorrow.

Friday Jam

Out in the backyard...

Third team All-NBA selection -- Carmelo Anthony. Congratulations, that's a commendable step forward for Melo. The scoring rat definitely picked up his game this season, even playing something that appeared to be defense, at least on occasion. Now, if it's not too much to ask, we want to see maturity, leadership and playoff victories. Yeah, chicks dig the points but us men, well, we want to see the goods. If money is success to players, media, management and fans see postseason heroics as the proving ground.

Can you keep a secret? If I'm the Nuggets GM and in this space I am, I'd seriously consider trading Melo. A high-scoring small forward sells tickets and is fun to watch but I can find another acceptable talent at that position. What I need as GM is a big, skilled, mature two-guard and some more frontcourt size. While I'm at it, let's reel in some guys who actually get offended when the opposition scores on them. So Melo for big package deal works for me, if I can sell it to a fellow GM.

Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki may only be hitting a pedestrian .256 but it says here that he is going to be a winner. Why? The cat is making adjustments at the plate, the big bugaboo for many young talents, which is allowing him to overcome a pitiful start to be a big bat in the lineup. The power, I believe, is going to come around too. Eventually, Tulo could be a .280-plus hitter with 10-15 HR power and 70-80 RBI. Maybe not All-Star numbers but definitely a strong part of any team.

Want to add some explosives to the Rockies lineup? Deal pitcher Aaron Cook or Jeff Francis plus minor leaguer Joe Koshansky to Texas for basher Mark Teixiera. Todd Helton's salary is near unmovable so he stays for the moment. Cook and Francis, while talented, are slow developing. That said, they have skills and value. Koshansky can be a 20-25 HR guy for the Rangers and either pitcher could still one day win 15 games. Bring Teixiera to town, unload Helton and his scorching but powerless bat, eating a lot of salary, plug in Teixiera at first and watch him bomb 30-40 HRs and drive in 110-plus runs for the next 5-7 seasons.

After the highly-publicized drinking and driving death of St. Louis Cardinals wild man Josh Hancock teams have been thinking of or actually stopping beer drinking in clubhouses. Now the Rockies are following the lead. And honestly, any action that ends the flow of Coors is a good thing, isn't it? Whether it was my father's Coors or that high school swill, Coors Light, those products are an insulting assault on people's taste buds.

The National Sweep

So is Barry Bonds on the run, the victim of a witch hunt? Milo Bryant of the Colorado Springs Gazette explores that question a little and all this space is going to say is hahahaha. Look, Bonds is being castigated for being a liar and then being arrogant about those lies, not because of his skin color. You don't think Mark McGwire isn't seen in a lesser light now after his joke of an appearance before Congress, refusing to answer questions about substances in baseball? What color is McGwire? Pasty, I think. Black he is not. Yes, some blacks feel Bonds is being treated unfairly just as some believed O.J. Simpson worked on the board of directors of shelters for abused and battered women. Here's a little secret -- people, your neighbor, my neighbor, maybe some in our own family -- believe what they want to believe, regardless of reality and that's why some in our society feel America is trying to bring down Bonds and undermine his accomplishments. Bonds, truthfully, brought this upon himself. It wasn't the (white) man. Shhh...let's keep that between us.

Personally, I like Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers but GM Danny Ainge extending his contract is stupefying. Rivers could get another position but his work for the C's has hardly been worthy of more time on the job. Now Ainge might get fired before his coach does.

New rules...who cares. The NFL is reportedly going to drop the hammer on bad behavior but that won't stop players from being human. Even in the case of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair, when he tries to protect himself, stupidity will cost him in court, if not in the league office.

Dirk Nowitzki is your NBA MVP. His team's playoff flameout doesn't render his regular season accomplishments null and void like some fools like to think.

The Chicago Bulls are definitely a team on the rise and next season could be an elite group but right now they are getting schooled by the old man on the block, those experienced, hard-nosed Detroit Pistons. Spankings are used to teach. Maybe the Bulls will learn from them.

Excuse me while I stand and applaud Ken Griffey Jr., a real home run hero. The man has 569 for his career and he's still out there launching. I hit one in all my not-quite-pro career. I think I earned an ice cream cone after the game.

Former USC star and current New Orleans Saints high-profile guy Reggie Bush, a Heisman Trophy winner, has talent that is often jaw dropping. He also appears to be a very likable guy. But the man is a fraud because despite his public act he is as dirty as they come, as is his family. He's sleaze, really. And USC's program now has to constantly be under the microscope. Yes, Bush was paid and I'm guessing with all that pro talent on the roster, others were too. You know that's truth. People are lining up for that USC health plan.

God bless the Derek Fisher family. I bleed a little at the thought of anyone having cancer but when a child is fighting that hideous battle, you feel the knife a little deeper. Blessings Fisher's way and gratefulness for all of us who are healthy.

Question-- if you're the highest paid basketball coach in the WAC, does anyone notice? Ask Reggie Theus. Of course, like he really cares. Dude won't be having his utilities shut off anytime soon.

Scoreboard Grumblings

Aaron Cook was effective and the bullpen didn't spaz out as Colorado knocked down the Giants, 5-3, getting two RBI from Troy Tulowitzki. When is management going to do something to jump start this team? Standing pat or sleeping on the job ain't gonna get it done, Dan O'Dowd. Patience is one thing, laziness is another.

Random Ramblings

The next time you're sitting in your car think about how normal an occurrence that is, usually. Then ponder for a moment how a TCU kicker was recently shot to death while doing the same by some mentally ill nut job. Then think about how some hacked-off dude in Kansas City upset over a job-related matter pulled his car into a Target lot and then picked off people in cars on each side of him. Interesting how stories of freaks shooting others triggers more of the same type of violence. What do we need now...security to enter parking lots?

How short is short? How short is too short? When it comes to dating, who cares. You go after the girls you like and desire and don't worry about the rest. But, if she's taller than you, you have to make a decision -- are you cool with that? Don't worry about what she thinks. Can you handle feeling like, playing the role of...her miniature poodle. Hey, your call but personally, if a girl is markedly taller than me, if she doesn't write me off first I'm going to do it because it's hard to walk into any social situation and feel like the man when you look like you're a grade schooler with your older sister.

Back to lying, expenses style. So counterfeit receipts are wrong? Uh-oh. Hey, gotta go.

Little restaurant tip, courtesy of Christine Bockelman of Smart Money, via MSN.com

10. "Never go out to eat on a Monday."

"If you think that Monday, when restaurants tend not to be crowded, is a great time to eat out, think again. "You're being served all of the weekend's leftovers," says Francis, the exposé co-author. Kitchens prepare food on a first-in, first-out basis, meaning whatever is oldest gets served first. It's a way to ensure that everything on the menu is as fresh as possible.

The system works great most days, but it can run into a little glitch over the weekend. Distributors typically take Sunday off and make their last deliveries Saturday morning, which means that by Monday any food not used over the weekend is at least three to four days old. And it will be served before the same ingredients arriving in Monday's delivery.

What to do if you wish to dine out on a Monday? Ignore your instincts and go to a place that's perpetually crowded. "If you are open 24/7 and busy all the time," says New York chef Lucia Calvete, "all your ingredients are fresh all the time."

Naeole wants raise; Mo-Pete; booty

The Backyard....

Former CU guard Chris Naeole wants to get paid and if he has to say "no huggy, no kissy" until he gets enough zeroes on a new contract, then so be it. The Jacksonville Jaguars, at least coach Jack Del Rio, don't appear too motivated to loosen the purse strings. If Naeole holds his ground he could become trade bait. He just wouldn't draw much. In time, both sides will give and the two will get back together.

The Nuggets find a more dependable, better offensive perimeter player for next season and that's a fact. How does Morris Peterson sound? Not sure if the money lines up but hey, if this is possible, I like the idea.

How much would the Suns love to have Denver center Marcus Camby to pair with Amare Stoudemire up front? Apparently some are pondering that thought. Great move for the Suns if they could sell the Nuggets on it. The question then remains -- what does Denver get out of it? A package included Boris Diaw or Leandro Barbosa? A draft pick? Giving up the rebounding Camby would hurt so proven talent and the right puzzle piece in return is necessary.

Former Colorado preps Jeff Byers and Calais Campbell are getting ink as is CU punter Matt DiLallo.

The National Sweep

Oh, please. Pack the booty away until the wedding for Spurs point guard Tony Parker. Not smart. Not cool. Dude is an NBA player. A man. Like he doesn't have flesh thrown his direction all...the...time. It would be one thing if the two had not sacked before but to give, take, give again, well that, Tony Parker, is one big sign of who your little kitten is and will become once she's rung you up. Think I have to cheer the Texas Frenchman on a little more now. Eva Longoria, definitely attractive, but with some Viper in her too. Oh, I'm sure she thinks wedding night sex will be amazing by holding out now but her man ain't thinking anywhere along those lines.

Seems the Detroit Lions feel they can impose a drug-free workplace on employees. Guess no one told former draft bust Charles Rogers. Now the team is saying "where's my money!" Look for more contracts, if the players' union doesn't go loco, to insist on specific wording in contracts based on to make sure they are getting better run for their money. Going to class or college practice stoned might play but do that in the NFL and you're lucky you don't end up in an ambulance.

Curt, Curt, Curt...why be phony? Seems Boston pitcher Curt Schilling retracted his verbal assault on Barry Bonds, apologizing for his outburst. Thing is, he's not sincere, he's only doing it because he's trying to avoid a bigger firestorm than he just started. When he popped off, at least he was honest, no matter how little discretion he showed. Apologizing shows character if you mean it. Schilling, shhhhh, really doesn't. That's being a fake.

Why is anything in golf top secret? Who cares how any player swings? Yet Phil Mickelson seems to think it matters. Mickelson can keep his trade secrets because, honestly, that information rates right up there with my desire to read the back of a cereal box.

Golden State knocked off mighty Dallas but is about ready to be done in by Utah, now down 2-0 in the team's Western Conference semi-final playoff series. Why? The Warriors are playing no defense, getting kicked, shoved and dominated by Carlos Boozer inside and Deron Williams outside. The Jazz in the conference finals -- who would have thunk it? Of course, that will be the end of the road should they play Phoenix next. The Spurs, though, might have some trouble with Utah.

Who is Amanda Beard? Is it wrong for me not to know? Guess I could decide to see her soon and so could you. Funny, how she's going to get some serious cheddar to take her clothes off while I'd do so for free.

Scoreboard Grumblings

The Rockies aren't playing last season's St. Louis Cardinals. This year's version isn't that good yet bumbling Colorado got wasted 9-2 Wednesday. Starter Jason Hirsh fell apart and the bullpen further let the game get away.

Todd Helton collected two more hits and is hitting .393 on the season after a run where he has been scorching hot, with 39 hits in his last 87 at-bats (.448).

This team is puzzling beyond belief. Minimal power, good players struggling to hit and no answers in sight. Management seems to be taking the approach it will all work itself out...with no adjustments.

"So how's that working for you?"

Random Ramblings

Here's why I try not to pre-judge athletes in domestic situations-- I separated from my wife back in Dec. 2003 and then was officially divorced in July, 2004. Since then, an almost daily hell, worse than the strange trip that was our marriage.

Then yesterday, out of the blue, despite never, as in not once, missing sending money, not one penny, to the state for my children, I receive a letter saying I'm almost $ 10,000 behind in payments. I have often gone over and beyond, financially, for my children who are my life, so many times I can't keep count, which I only share to make a point in a moment. I believe my truth-challenged ex-wife might even vouch for me on my dependable nature in doing the right thing.

Now if I were well known or famous like an athlete you know such a story would be big news immediately and then the world would see a painting of me as a deadbeat, loser father and human being.

So back into the game I go. I get to roll up my sleeves yet again (the end of the marriage never stops the bloodletting with the legal system or an acrimonious ex-spouse) and prove my claims as I am, again, guilty until proven innocent.

I hope I remember to wait a brief period of time before commenting when domestic fallouts involving the sports world hit the news because sometimes, some people's reality is not the world's reality. Some times, facts and logic are missing.

Keyshawn; Melo; Elway; Billups

So, Keyshawn Johnson in Denver?

That's what Woody Paige of the Denver Post is stirring up.

You know, when Johnson was released in Carolina, I thought for about a moment that he would be a good fit in Denver before I came out of my fog and reality set in.

Why it won't work is simple -- Johnson might accept Javon Walker as the alpha male amongst receivers but he's not going to respect Brandon Marshall at no. 2 and his personality wouldn't jive with Rod Smith's.

Then you add the fact that Johnson, while still productive, reminds me of all the other over-the-hill receivers coach Mike Shanahan has brought to town in search of a dependable third receiver.

So I'll answer the Johnson-in-Denver question using the words of Randy Holtz of the Rocky Mountain News, when I asked for an interview recently.

"I'll pass."

Just not to Johnson in a Broncos uniform.

If Denver truly wants a veteran pass catcher to push Marshall and replace Smith, here's a better option, if only one idea, if the money can be worked out and the compensation to acquire him is reasonable. Honestly, he should come cheap based on performance.

More Back Yard

Rockies manager Clint Hurdle knows if you aren't part of the solution then you're a part of the problem. Maybe Hurdle's idea of instant replay doesn't work in baseball but why not flesh it out first to see? Yes, baseball is sometimes tediously long and slowing it down further is not desirable but if winning matters then you can't sweep issues under the rug either. We love technology in this country so let's find a way to make it work in areas where we come up short as human beings. If we use technology to market the sport, to run stadiums, and more, then let's use it in the game too.

Last I checked basketball is a team sport but with Dwyane Wade winning a championship and LeBron James winning in the playoffs, Carmelo Anthony, scoring phenom or not, continues to lose ground and stature to his draft classmates. Playoff victories are the only way to get into the country club, Melo.

Paul Forrester waited until the fifth page of his playoff loser analysis (not good) on the Nuggets and then reveals the "dreaded mantra." Denver is going to have to realize its' dead broke and must make something happen with the parts already in house. The WSN thinks only a creative front-office approach will improve this team. Stay pat, even with Kenyon Martin coming back, and the Nuggets don't have enough to get past the second round.

Love how we, as a society, or at least those journalists, assume drugs are the cause of death until proven otherwise and then these journalists act surprised when an athlete like deceased Broncos running back Damien Nash is clean. Seems a guy just can't die unless he overdoses, I guess.

The National Sweep

Steve Nash is John Stockton if Stockton could only score. He is also, as stated here yesterday, one tough hombre. He shredded the Spurs Tuesday to help Phoenix even that playoff series at a game each. Still amazes me Dallas thought Nash was close to being washed up once. The Mavericks are an elite team but what would they be with Nash?

Here's one reason why Houston center Yao Ming continues to become more and more dominant. His head isn't fat like many young stars. His heart is to be great. When he first arrived, his height was as big a pull as his skills but he was no where near the player he is now. Yao has worked to become one of the best bigs in the game. And with his attitude he's not done improving. With a leader like that on the team, the Rockets have a chance each season to be a winner.

So Donovan McNabb was "shocked" that the Philadelphia Eagles used a second-round pick in the NFL draft on quarterback Kevin Kolb? Yeah, while a lot of us were, Donovan. And if you need a therapist for it all, maybe give John Elway a call. Denver did the same to him once, drafting some boy wonder from UCLA when Elway needed someone other than a clipboard holder for his offense. Thing is, Donovan, it all worked out in the end out this way.

Sorry, but while I will acknowledge some dude out West hit another homer and is closing in on Hank Aaron's all-time record for parking balls I'd prefer to talk about Ken Griffey Jr.'s 568 career homer and Alex Rodriguez's 15th of the season. You know how it goes -- sometimes it's good to be the king.

I saw this and wondered what in the world Golden State Warriors coach Don Nelson was thinking. Thing was, he wasn't thinking. No discretion. And in the current climate, and on the heels of a pro athlete dying in an alcohol-related accident and you come to a press conference with beer? I'm shocked that commissioner David Stern, as big a control freak as there is in sports, didn't pop Nelson with a fine.

Georgia Bulldogs coach Mark Richt likely couldn't coach at Nebraska. His character is too strong. He prefers character over allowing bad behavior out on the field. Here, he athletically whacked one of his own. Imagine the Huskers doing the same. No, try imagining. Try harder. Once saw an interview with Richt and was mesmerized at who he was -- he left me impressed.

So Patriots quarterback and chick magnet Tom Brady takes a night off and his talent, Gisele Bundchen, parties like mom and dad are out of town? Maybe it's an open relationship. When you win Super Bowls, you can do that, you know. So wonder if I'm her type?

Scoreboard Grumblings

So is this the way the Rockies are going to be all season long? Punchless? They look like the CU offense of 2006, the Broncos offense of 2006 -- just no juice. Losing 4-1 in St. Louis isn't a crime but this is an ongoing pattern of disappointment. Taylor Buchholz throws six shutout innings, and that's not going to happen often, and his teammates reward him by scoring once. At least Matt Holliday (homered, doubled twice) and Todd Helton (two more hits) are succeeding but where was everyone else? Were they even at the ball park?

The front office has to make a move or show the fans it is willing to accept an 85-90 loss season.

Getting Kaz Matsui healthy would be nice, moving Garrett Atkins up in the batting order might help and sitting Brad Hawpe might be starts. A trade should also be explored.

Post Office

A letter railing against my Chauncy Billups/Denver Nuggets comments of Monday.

"Come on, my man. You know that Billups was not that great while in Denver, so to call that trade horrible is misinformed and a simpleton statement. It took Larry Brown's coaching to turn Billups into the NBA player he is today. Before that, he was struggling. If had stayed in Denver, his career would have never reached these heights."

WSN: I'll give you Billups was not the star in Denver he is in Detroit nor the player we became in Minnesota to earn the big paycheck and transfer to the Motor City. That said, when Smooth was with the Nuggets the team was hardly well run, from top to bottom.

While he moved around often before finding a home and while Brown did have a powerful effect on his career Billups always had the talent. It was just a matter of sculpting it.

It could have happened here.

It didn't but it could have.

Signed,

Simpleton

Tuesday Truth

Looking in the backyard and, um, it appears there is a commotion going on.

No intruders, no grill fire but I think I see lawyers and that's normally not a good thing.

At the great risk of getting punched out, I venture out to investigate.

Think we've been here before. Smells like scandal related.

The WSN wonders if any of the women involved in past cases at CU truly received what they deserved, which at the very least, should have been the belief that something terrible could have happened, that what they were saying might really have gone down.

Yes, I know all about the Duke case, know all about lying people (trust me), know all about the burden of proof but would people work so hard to pursue this if there wasn't at least some fire with that smoke? Would we see such determination? Winners don't quit, losers do.

Hey, maybe it's just me, maybe I'm a bleeding heart, maybe I have no idea what I'm talking about but I do feel one thing strongly -- something wrong occurred, something Lisa Simpson and other women are driven by to prove, one day, no matter the stone walls they've run into, no matter the heckling hey have received to this point.

More Backyard

Former CSU offensive lineman Clint Oldenburg may have landed in New England with the Patriots because his brother planted a seed in the organization's brain. Far-fetched? O.K., a little, I suppose. It could be just that everything aligned right for Oldenburg to end up in Foxboro but regardless, this will be the story announcers will be telling as long as Oldenburg is being discussed. Even if he didn't end up on the team because of the email, it's a legend that works for me.

George Washington High School and CU's Chauncy Billups had 14 points and 10 assists as Detroit lowered the boom on upstart Chicago...again, 108-87 Monday. The Pistons now lead that best-of-seven NBA playoff series, 2-o. Allen Iverson is fantastic. Billups remaining in Denver would have been better as he is more of what this team needs because of his long-range shooting, more controlled play and ability to get his within the framework of the offense.

Maybe it couldn't work, financially, and I'm not smart enough or interested in trying to figure it out but if Detroit doesn't win the NBA championship, Mr. WSN GM would work the phones and try to make a Iverson-for-Billups trade for the Nuggets.

Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo is upset at how Houston flamed out in its' series loss to Utah and isn't sure now about returning for one more season. How 'bout this Deke -- you give your farewell tour to the Association -- in a Denver jersey? The Nuggets need a force behind Marcus Camby, it provides the team with another shotblocker and rebounder, a little class and makes for a great story. No need to thank me. Just tell the Nuggets you heard it here first.

Former CU center Mark Fenton signs a free-agent deal with Denver and Fenton, if he can get right physically, could make some noise. His best bet would be to get stashed by the team for a season until he is healthy and can learn the system. As an undraftable, he is a long shot to make the team but he does have ability.

Dave Krieger writing about a favorite topic of mine -- horrible trades. A worthy read. The Drury deal has been written about at WSN, Billups has been discussed as have the numerous Rockies and Broncos blunders. Would be nice not to have anything to talk about.

If you read this space on Sunday's you know all about Rockies pitching prospect Brandon Hynick. Seems Baseball America has noticed his production, too, and they like. Look for no. 8 on their list of hot young talents.

The National Sweep

So Boomer Wells is toasting Roger Clemens for not traveling with the team. Greg Maddux chimes in. Hmm. Hey, I agree but you know something? Clemens doesn't have to play ball anymore. He ain't chasin' the game, the game is chasin' him, right? So if they want his services, he can draw up the conditions of the deal. Simple. And know something else? I'm guessing most of his teammates, especially the ones that matter most, like Derek Jeter, will put up with Clemens' absence on the road for the opportunity to win a lot more games when he pitches.

You think the Iverson-for-Billups trade above was lunacy? Well, it's no worse than a headline I saw where Dallas might think, at least for a moment, of sending Dirk Nowitzki to Minnesota for Kevin Garnett. Love KG's game but if the world thinks Nowitzki is soft come playoff time, what will it think of high-volume finesse-playing Garnett in a Mavs' uni.

For CU fans...don't be too hard on this Husker. Don't doormen know you don't pull on Superman's cape? Standing up to a Nebraska football player is not smart obviously. But I'm sure we'll eventually find out from coach Bill Callahan that the facts are different than what is being reported. After all, there is also the precedent of Larry Phillips going caveman on a woman while in Lincoln so punching a woman is accepted practice, just doing business. Don't expect any serious suspension coming out of this act.

How about this trip...the blond girl with the big boobs and then Kid Rock and his posse of, am I reading this right? Can't be. That's one group of people you just don't imagine getting together, sort of like me, Randy Moss, Ben Affleck, 50 Cent and Snoop Dog.

Mitch Albom gets it. Many athletes don't. And that's sad. That's why the beat goes on.

Looking at Steve Nash's nose makes me hurt. The man is, well, a warrior.

Not much into hockey. Ah, think I just came out of the closet on that one, didn't I? But caught Barry Melrose on ESPN and that cat is something. 40-50 years old, still the long hockey hair, the beard, the light-shaded purple pinstripe suit. Brother, is the man married? If so, I can't see her letting him out of the house that way. I mean, my ex, used to throw my favorite clothes in the trash, "hey Roxann, what's my shirt doing in the here" and make me get approval before I could walk outside, "you're not going to wear that, are you?"

Scoreboard Grumblings

Jeff Francis finally looked like a major league pitcher again, a fine one, as she shackled St. Louis Monday, holding the Cardinals to two runs in seven innings in a 3-2 Rockies win. Now, that's what he's capable of, not the drinking slow-pitch softballer he's been up to now.

Other encouraging new is that Todd Helton (homered) continues to look healthy and ready for a big season. The power will come. Maybe not 40-homers, maybe not 30, but a .330 average, 20-plus homers and 100 RBI is possible. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki keeps raising his average and is a player to watch. Garrett Atkins and Brad Hawpe, and especially Atkins, remain mysteries. What's wrong with those two? They have too much talent to stink this bad.

Random Ramblings

I only share this because its' a health concern that we all should know about, especially certain types of readers who are like....me. Guilty. I hope you're not.

Just saw the David Hasselhoff video and man, that's just cold. Yes, the dude's a mess but to have such a personal tape played, when you are at your weakest, all across the country, being humiliated, just isn't right. And if his ex-wife leaked the tape (Kim Basinger set the stage), then she's disgraceful. Take him to court if you feel your children are endangered. Call the police but to rub your high heels into his crotch, well, should make you look like a witch but the media gives her a pass.

Final Salvo

Up late, as always, and caught Comics Unleashed and I'm dyin' if I'm lyin' when I tell you some great, clean comedy is out there from one Kenny Johnson. Also on that show was Bobby Miyamoto, a dry delivery but definitely a player and Erik Passoja, a freak that you'd stay away from work but high-intensity funny.

Miyamoto and Passoja showed strong but Johnson was the star of this episode. Look for his work, especially if you might be in the 20-40 year-old demographic.

Monday Heat

Let's start out in the backyard...

CU has scored a pair of talented receivers for its' 2008 recruiting class, according to BuffStampede.com, as Texas high schooler Chance Blackmon joins JC standout Corey Surrency as big-play talents verbally committed to the Buffs.

But in the world of recruiting, it ain't ever over and if those players bust out any more in 2007, the wolves will come into camp, looking to eat and CU, unless it strings some wins together this fall is going to be mighty insecure come signing day.

The Buffs have to find a way to become greater than the sum of their parts, become resourceful on game day with cheap parts on the machine and emerge victorious in any way possible, if it wants to truly keep the interest of top talents.

Checked Nbadraft.net to see where I was projected to go come June so I could start planning how to spend my riches and what to tell the honeys when they ask "how much you got?" For some reason, still didn't see my name listed but did see CSU's Jason Smith at no. 28, where he could go hang with Tony Parker Longoria and Tim Duncan down San Antonio way. Know what? That would be a great fit for Smith and a place the WSN could see him succeeding.

Did Mark Kiszla really propose the idea of shipping Marcus Camby out of town? Maybe I'm one of the rare birds who likes Kiszla but that is madness. Camby might be a breakdown waiting to happen but how many guys can you find out there who can rip down 10-12 boards and block 2.5-3.5 shots per game? And if Camby goes, who replaces him? Nene? He's brittle too and anyone who knows his game is aware he scores better at center but can't rebound a lick there. He found his home this season at power forward, finally. Yeah, trade Camby if you can score a decent big in return and a star-quality off-guard. Like that's gonna happen.

You know, Terry Frei, I really don't want to read about Chris Drury anymore. When the Avalanche traded him, anyone who knew anything knew that was one stupid deal. Colorado didn't make many of them under the previous management regime but that certainly was one of them. Why? Because Drury was young, skilled, driven and exciting. That's the kind of package you don't give up unless you get paid in return with a real impressive booty. That didn't happen.

The National Sweep

Hey, don't get me wrong -- I love Roger Clemens. Always have. The man is all about work, dedication and excellence. He is a joy to watch. But this hired mercenary show, jumping from one team to another every few years is a little much. Yes, teams are acting as groupies and hounding him but truth is, I think Clemens enjoys it too, being fawned all over. That poke aside, I may not see another like him or even a Randy Johnson in my lifetime, power arms still going strong into their 40s. As much as I appreciate Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, and I do, seeing the big arms is more of a rush.

Is Clemens worth $ 28 million for one year? Yes. Just as Michael Jordan was pulling down some heavy jack at the end of his career, Clemens is doing now, not only for their legendary feats but for what they do for ticket sales and because with heroic personalities we always believe they can be great one more time, even at an age when most of their peers have long been retired and playing some silly game with a little white ball.

Pete Rose broke the all-time hits mark and isn't in baseball's Hall of Fame so does Barry Bonds, who many think cheated with steroids to enhance his already great numbers, get in? Your opinion, your call, but it says here that regardless of what was permissible with supplements or drugs, Bonds stepped out of the white into the gray, at the very least, with his actions to gain a competitive advantage. It says here that he, along with Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Rafael Palmeiro and Jose Canseco should all join Rose on the outside looking in at Cooperstown. The sad thing is that Bonds and McGwire would have been Hall of Famers without help from a bottle or syringe.

Interesting, isn't it, how many experts said this was the Dallas Mavericks or Phoenix Suns year in the Western Conference and likely NBA Finals yet that old goat, San Antonio, is starting to loom large again. The turk is proving to be tough to get rid of because it understands team play, defense and oh yeah, has some stiff named Tim Duncan who plays his best in the biggest games. Just ask the Suns. They'll testify.

New England Patriots superstar quarterback Tom Brady and Playboy Playmates, together? Fox in the hen house. Yeah, that's a good idea I'm sure his publicist signed off on.

I know he's retired but to see the name Pete Sampras and seniors tour in the same sentence made me, well...feel old. Very old. Ancient. If you're going to put "seniors" on something, make the qualifying age 60-plus, will you? Not 35, as in Sampras' age.

So what do you think-- was this concocted as a drinking game at some college by some nerds? Had to be. Who knows, maybe I once participated but just don't remember it. Or was that Go Fish/Ultimate Fighting Championship?

Ex-wife...own agenda? Noooooooooo. Nice though, that your own child, has to be your intervention.

Scoreboard Grumblings

Cincinnati pounded visiting Colorado pitching for a 9-3 win Sunday. The Reds piled up eight extra-base hits setting up starter Bronson Arroyo for the victory. Left-for-dead Todd Helton had two more hits to raise his average to .394. He also drove in a pair of runs. The pitching is not as strong as it was last season and the offense has gone into hiding. Manager Clint Hurdle has no answers, general manager Dan O'Dowd is likely off taking a nap, trying to sleep games offs and the fans are bored.

OfficeMania

Path to advancement is often rocky and some executives who have advanced likely shouldn't be there...

A young executive was leaving the office late one evening when he found the CEO standing in front of a shredder with a piece of paper in his hand.

"Listen," said the CEO, "this is a very sensitive and important document here, and my secretary has gone for the night. Can you make this thing work for me?"

"Certainly," said the young executive. He turned the machine on, inserted the paper, and pressed the start button.

"Excellent, excellent!" said the CEO, as his paper disappeared inside the machine.

"I just need one copy."

Random Ramblings

Not joking when I write...at least it wasn't a gun, which seems to be the "in" thing these days. Yes, it was disrespectful and wrong but if I'm the target of this assault then I'm happy as can be, dropping and praying right now over the weapon of choice. Bring it on!

Still having great difficulty understanding how married sportscaster Rich Eisen caught this Philadelphia anchor's attention? Yes, I'm obsessive in thought, even a week later, but such things don't even happen in Hollywood. Getting bikini pics? The girl's explanation of it was all in friendship, well, a little faulty, don't you think but pretty people get big breaks -- I should know -- and Miss Lane will too. This woman is going to see her career get an unexpected boost now and Eisen will be forever be kidded about this in his profession.

By the way, told her she could dress me up, I was game but I lost out to these five mutts. No justice. Even promised I wouldn't lick myself but I couldn't guarantee I wouldn't roll over on my back.

Sunday Truth

An all-out press today with Nuggets, Air Force, Broncos, the Rockies and much more. If you're warmed up and ready to play, let's go.

The Nuggets are deceiving themselves.

O.K., maybe Kiki Vandeweghe doesn't work in Denver anymore but that fact hardly makes him a fool now. For his failed moves (see Kenyon Martin) he did drag the Nuggets out of the gutter, cleaned them up and made them respectable and relevant again.

So when the man says Denver's opportunity for a championship has a window, he shouldn't be discounted so quickly.

Fact no. 1 is guard Allen Iverson is old because of the high mileage on his thin frame. Iverson, like all of us, is mortal and despite his level of play does not have the same body he did five years ago. He can still score and dish but he won't be ripping up opponents in three-to-four years from now.

Center Marcus Camby is the same. It's a joke that anyone could doubt his future when the man is always hurt. Sure, this season, in a huge surprise, he avoided being in the shop as much as normal but the words dependable and Camby don't go hand-in-hand.

If Iverson and Camby were luxury cars, their owners would have noticed that they don't quite drive the way they once did, that the maintenance costs are becoming too much and they both would be, sorry, sold.

Denver can't do that so those two talented but tread-wearing-thin athletes are question marks for the future.

The WSN says this team, should it remain intact, has about two seasons to get to the top.

DeBerry insists he made the call

Former Air Force football coach Fisher DeBerry says it was him, not the Academy, who decided the program needed a change of leadership, leading to his retirement.

Whatever it was, a fantastic coach and ambassador for the Falcons is gone.

In one man's humble opinion, the Falcons scored big in getting Troy Calhoun to the Springs to replace DeBerry but DeBerry didn't go out as he should have after the magnitude of his contribution to the Air Force and Colorado Springs.

It doesn't take a genius to determine something didn't sit right with the former coach when he left his post. Of course, him being who he is, he has decided to keep it quiet.

Not as juicy as I would prefer but guess I can respect his approach.

Broncos can have more of a good thing

Denver snagged a pass rusher in the NFL draft, grabbing Florida's Jarvis Moss. That, however, won't be enough to adequately amp up the team's bum rush on opposing quarterbacks. If coach Mike Shanahan and new defensive coordinator Jim Bates want more heat for Sundays, rumor has it the Chicago Bears are looking to sell off defensive end Alex Brown.

Brown could start, Moss could develop and the Broncos would be better off for it.

The question then becomes cost as in what would the price tag be to get Brown? He's not worth a first or second-rounder and Denver traded away its' third round selection for next season.

That's the story problem for Shanahan to solve, one he should try to figure out as the Broncos should go get Brown.

Sweeping the Nation

Boxing really doesn't matter anymore to most but for a night, the action between winner Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Oscar De La Hoya almost matched the hype. Almost. But more so in the effort, the skill, the endurance than the amazing hits and courage.

Now here's how baseball used to be. If only kids knew what was tolerated of major leaguers during the game. Wonder if I could get someone at work to be my clubhouse guy? See that cutie over there? Bring me back her phone number...and get me a beer while you're at it, would you.

Potential star hits the mound for San Francisco today. Not predicting his future but he's going to be something to watch because of his power arm. He was the no. 11 on Baseball America's preseason top 100 list of prospects. Two other names in the top 10, Evan Longoria of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays system and Andrew Miller of the Detroit Tigers organization were people the Rockies, surprise, passed on to take Stanford pitcher Greg Reynolds last June.

Regardless of the type of person he is, the type of morals the man has or doesn't have, Barry Bonds does possess rare-gem talent and has worked to become a player for the ages. Even at his age (42), he amazes with the type of dominant stretches he goes on crushing balls, where all pitchers seem to struggle keeping the ball in the yard.

Former CU back Chris Brown might be a fit in New England, as a backup, according to Len Pasquarelli of ESPN.com. Brown, I would imagine, still has visions of starting somewhere but he might have to settle for a reserve role where he might be able to overtake someone in time. While that would unlikely happen in Foxboro unless Laurence Maroney gets hurt, playing for a winner is usually a good thing because everything positive you do gets magnified.

What's the line go like again? Thank God for unanswered prayers? Maybe Houston and former Broncos player and coach Gary Kubiak will be giving thanks down the road for prayers not being answered. Seems that Pasquarelli heard the Texans really wanted Ohio State star return man Ted Ginn in the first round of the NFL draft, only to see him reeled in by Miami. The man Houston did get -- defensive tackle Amobi Okoye -- is a better pro prospect at a more premium position.

Someone wasn't paying attention in class. The NFL is not putting up with this type of behavior anymore. The trip to the Principal's office is not going to be pretty. Dude deserves all he's about to receive for being so arrogant...and stupid.

For Bruce Feldman's (ESPN.com) new hot book on the recruiting process, from start to finish, here's the link. He covers Ole Miss' program for a year, learning all that goes into winning and losing out on recruits. He had a prior work relationship with coach Ed Orgeron when Orgeron was a USC assistant so partnering up, while unique for such access, was greased by their friendship.

Checked out Todd McShay's (ESPN.com, subscription) to look at the 2008 NFL draft and all you need to know is there isn't a CU Buff on the list. You don't expect players from CSU or Air Force to land on preseason charts but if Buffs aren't on there, you realize the hole they start from each season compared to that long-lost past.

Fruitless effort coming up right here. Playing wide receiver in the NFL is more than world-class speed. It's running crisp routes, understanding the defense and how to get open and then, oh yeah, catching the ball. You'd think teams would have learned that lesson by now.

WSN Rockies Prospect Report

AAA-Colorado Springs -- Third baseman Ian Stewart remains a disappointment (2 HR, 4 RBI) and first baseman Joe Koshansky's average is too low (.287) for the Pacific Coast League but he is producing (4 HR, 19 RBI). This team isn't offering up much hope for the parent club right now.

AA-Tulsa -- shortstop Jon Hererra has a potent bat (.333) but he's also a slap hitter with little pop.

Starter Greg Reynolds, the team's top draft pick last June, is rolling (2-1, 1.91 ERA in 33 innings) and Jarrett Grube continues his excellent work (2-0, 0.59 ERA in 15 frames).

Premium prospect, lefty starter Franklin Morales is still figuring things out (0-2, 3.67 ERA).

A-Modesto -- Outfielder Travis Bechtel is hitting (.304, 3 HR, 15 RBI) and Brandon Hynick is dominating (3-0, 0.00 ERA in 32 innings).

A-Asheville -- First baseman Michael Paulk looks like a prospect (.412, 17 BB, 15 SO) even if he has little home-run punch (1). Shortstop Dan Mayora is also raking (.327).

Lefty Keith Weiser, a third-round draft choice last season, is the standout pitcher (5-0, 2.65 ERA in 37 innings).

Here's the WSN Prospect Book on the field workers:

Hitters

1. Koshansky, 1b, C-Springs...major-league quality; needs to raise average
   
2. Stewart, 3B, C-Springs...immense talent who is not making adjustments
   
3. Hererra, SS, Tulsa...some power needs to emerge from his bat
   

Pitchers

1. Reynolds, Tulsa...future no. 3 or no. 4 starter
   
2. Hynick, Modesto...the most dominant pitcher in the organization
   
3. Weiser, Asheville...picked over Morales for his superior control
   

Scoreboard Grumblings

It wasn't the Rockies bullpen which gave away a game for a change. Cincinnati served up a late-inning buffet for Colorado hitters and the Rockies ate in a 9-7 road win Saturday. Chris Iannetta and Matt Holliday homered and Brad Hawpe showed up with some timely hitting. Face it, the Rockies pitching is always going to be, well, the Rockies pitching so those with bats in their hands, mostly very capable men, have to start making that wood work.

Random Ramblings

Amazing isn't it -- that a person's life is reduced to what he's worth in his wallet. For what I imagine was most likely less than $ 20 and a cell phone, maybe not even a credit card, someone was viewed as disposable. The perpetrator doesn't have an ounce of remorse, doesn't feel anything about stealing life or devastating a family for years. Of course, society views this as just another day at the office -- a killing here, a few there, lots over there, whatcha' gonna do about it?

Ah, the smack talk continues. The man should look in the mirror and ask what kind of human being he is, talking such ugly, evil junk. Disgraceful that he attaches himself in any way to a god of any sort. Call it like it is -- liar. Maybe he can come slay me now, too. Out of principle and, yeah, love too.

So the rich and powerful do go to jail, occasionally? While her accommodations may not be as posh as she's used to I seriously doubt she will be flop-housing it either. Doesn't help her future prospects that mama is an enabler, either.

Look into the eyes, read this story and see and know evil. Former law enforcement guy who probably is backed by his former co-workers, too, only because of the uniform they once shared. First, try to grasp the crime against someone so vulnerable, then add that it is your own family, add the whip cream by feeling so arrogant and turned on by it all that you film it. Now, for the cherry on top, distribute it world wide, for other chumps to get off on, to humiliate a child. Is any punishment enough? Of course the courts always flex their muscle more for the perpetrators than for the victims, which in this case, will be likely scarred forever. Imagine every guy who desires to date her. The girl was robbed of more than can be expressed.

Sweet honey. Who says I can't share some good news. Read all the way through and see the powerful comments near the end. And the best angle -- no drug company involvement necessary.

Friday Jam

Let's start out in the backyard today...

The Nuggets' future prospects just don't look good and that's not just the WSN writing it. The budgetary and on-court limitations are obvious. It should be remembered though just how short a time ago how disgraceful Denver's franchise was and for how long that was the reality. This is an organization that is now a consistent playoff team. Winning once it gets there remains the daunting challenge. Next season, this group, if no changes are made is capable of winning a first and yes, second-round series, but that is at best.

If Kenyon Martin can indeed be productive again and everyone else remains healthy, then a key to improvement might be trading someone's ridiculous contract for some financial flexibility and and a chance to find someone who can cover up defensive and perimeter shot-making deficiencies. And here's a new philosophy, however revolutionary it might be, for the Nuggets -- quit trading bushels of first-round draft picks!

The Broncos are saying all the right things but mingling with players with previous character, um, issues, has not played out well before. They can try to make everyone feel good now but the odds are a Marcus Thomas is going to fail again, no matter how "great" a guy they they think he is. Jarvis Moss, despite his past transgressions, may not be the risk that Thomas is but he brings the injury questions to the table.

All in all, a risky and high-cost draft.

We all know the problems but where are the solutions for the Rockies. Right now this team has it on cruise control.

It needs more than to just let the players working themselves out of their poor play. Some sort of early-season move, either in the dugout, even though Clint Hurdle just got extended or on the field might be the answer. Trading for a strong veteran presence, even if a bench player, could help. Ignoring the issues, which are evident in the standings, is not the solution.

Great fit for former CU center Mark Fenton. It likely won't work out this season but maybe he gets stashed in the weeds some how and gets another shot next year. If he's healthy, he's an NFL player, even if as a reserve.

National Notes

The Warriors beat the Mavericks in the NBA playoffs, knocking out the 67-game winners, sending them home? Hey, there are times when teams just match up well with other teams, no matter the discrepancy between their records. Golden State simply knew how to bust Dallas and because of that, they had extreme confidence. And when the results kept proving themselves on the court, it only made the Warriors play harder. Stephen Jackson and Baron Davis were unguardable and coach Don Nelson had to feel real good about beating Mavs' owner Mark Cuban.

By the way, San Antonio and Phoenix are real happy today.

Rip Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki if you must but he doesn't all of a sudden stink because his team got ambushed by a lesser foe. Basketball is either a team sport or it isn't and if it is, then one player doesn't decide a series. Bam!

It's common knowledge that those crazy Tennessee Volunteers' football players have a personal relationship with police. Here's proof that doesn't end once Phillip Fulmer's boys use up their eligibility. Like the Bible says, winning covers a multitude of sins. It does say that, right? At least in Knoxville?

Do you believe this -- administration bowing to the student's desires and doing the right thing? Very smart move, indeed, not only for student relations but for the good of the Saturday atmosphere.

It's a start, a good one. Anything that discourages the long-range jacking up of shots and encourages truer basketball, as in passing, screener, cutting, posting is what the game needs. It is also good role modeling for lesser levels.

The breakdown -- prep recruiting analysis to NFL draft. Like we know, the star system does matter, does have validity but it isn't the end-all.

How's this for a season-end celebration -- the coach and the star player aren't there. What a lot of fun that had to be for both the team and the fans in attendance.

Crazy Canadians. Interesting visual.

Last words

Another assault on the Nuggets, primarily the man court side.

Nuggets punches; Holliday talk

She done sang.

You heard it too, didn't you?

Them Nuggets -- done.

After competing hard for four games they just showed up flat and got kicked out of the playoffs by San Antonio, 93-78, in Game 5 of the team's series.

Once again, Denver's backcourt was atrocious defensively (offseason reclamation project numero uno) as Michael Finley and Tony Parker combined for 42 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists. And, of course, Tim Duncan got his with 23 points and 12 boards.

The Nuggets shot a pitiful 38 percent from the floor, with Allen Iverson (6-for-22) and Carmelo Anthony (8-for-20) clanking the worst. Marcus Camby did rope 19 boards and blocked five shots but it wasn't enough.

Bottom line from WSN, this team won't be markedly better next year, even if Kenyon Martin comes back as Superman. Honestly, a difficult personal season for coach George Karl, both with his team and his son's cancer, his own health issues, suspensions, injuries, well, wow, it never ended. That said, Karl didn't really have his team's ear. And Denver needs defensive help in the backcourt and more accountability in that area everywhere.

How to accomplish that is the great riddle that needs to be solved.

Colorado brew about to go bad

We all can see how the Rockies, despite some talent, haven't put it together and look to be another summer slug but what can't be said enough is this -- Matt Holliday, once a struggling minor leaguer who couldn't hit for either average or power, is one of the game's better hitters and likely soon-to-be an ex-Colorado player.

One thing that is money in the bank is that Rockies' management, with that huge thorn in its' foot over the Todd Helton mega-contract blowing up in its' face is the reality the organization will not be too interested in stacking up piles of money for Holliday over an extended period of time, possibly repeating a mistake.

Colorado is still dealing with that pain and the guess here is that unless Holliday is on course to win a batting title, hit 40 homers and drive in 130 runs that it will entertain trade offers for him during the season.

General manager Dan O'Dowd, however, cannot take less quality than he will give up in return. Otherwise, he will be vilified in the media, rightly so, and will, despite his contract extension, be on borrowed time.

A player of Holliday's caliber must bring a no. 1 starter back this way or two solid, established hitters or at very least, a pair of elite prospects.

No selling him off as pre-foreclosure property.

Backyard

Been said, I hear, that I'm negative. Check out this outside voice, on the Broncos' draft. Warning -- not pretty. Must be 18 to view (bottom of page).

Coloradoan in another 2008 draft list, the highest I've seen him projected to go yet. Presenting Miami Hurricane defensive end Calais Campbell.

Maybe you've seen this CU fans, maybe not...road trippin' your way.

National Notes

Barry Bonds hit career home run no. 743. Is it wrong to feel so sick that he's going to pass Hank Aaron, a real man, someone who had to go through so much and did so, with dignity on the verge of losing a hallowed record to a chump on par with Ty Cobb? Bonds will hold the record one day, no doubt, at least until Alex Rodriguez erases it but that doesn't mean many have to like it or celebrate the feat. Prediction -- watch Bonds' personality warm with age, trying to say it was just business, working us all in Bonds, Act II.

Who's more overexposed as an owner -- George Steinbrenner of the Yankees or Mark Cuban of the Mavericks? Who's more obnoxious? Of course, anytime those men want to buy a Colorado professional franchise, any of them, I'll repent.

A scathing column on the cover-up in St. Louis regarding deceased Cardinals' pitcher Josh Hancock. If true, what's new? People of influence and power always get passes. Now, we hear the police in incident no. 1 didn't know who he was so Hancock didn't get guided around the system but really, what else are the police going to say -- that they let a drunk driver go and then he kills himself when he also could have done the same to someone else?

How juicy is this story -- a sports anchor getting groupies in the form of others in the media. Just one thing -- this sort of thing usually causes problems for your wife. Here's the bold chick's pic.

The man is 69 years old. 69. What is he doing? Been running with Denver Broncos' draft choices?

What a creative idea...love it. The aesthetics are great and I imagine, as a spectator, it had to be interesting. The players having different adjustments, I'm sure, was challenging.

Random Ramblings

A forecast to remember.

Karl fuming; Williams needs love

A look in the backyard to start things off this morning....

To what degree is Nuggets' coach George Karl aggravated? He just went Vesuvius on J.R. Smith, a player noted as much for playing without a conscience as he is his remarkable athleticism and skills. Smith doesn't seem like a bad guy but when you show up for work every day going your own way and not listening to the boss, well, you're going to have days like this. So what do you think -- is the front office working on relocation plans for Smith now or what? Gotta think this is a relationship who's divorce is coming soon.

Call me a little surprised at the mention of a CU lineman being named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List. Not that junior guard/center Daniel Sanders is a stiff but the Buffs' offense hardly wowed anyone last season, did it, when it thought scoring was like golf -- low score wins.

This would have been a smart, power move for either of the new basketball coaches at CU or CSU. Why? Because he is defensive minded and can do a little something called recruiting, very well.

About time. Maybe he struggled as a practice player or just didn't have a place to play in the eyes of the coaches but it says here D.J. Williams is too good of an athlete, to much of a potential playmaker not to be playing a lot, which he didn't last season, at linebacker for the Broncos. You take a guy in the first round, you find a way to maximize his skills. That's on the team. If he doesn't make it all come about now with a new defensive coordinator (Jim Bates) and Al Wilson gone, something is really wrong and it's time for an investigation.

I'm sure KOA radio loves one of its' employees (Stefan Tubbs) basically expressing his price for doing the right thing and coughing up a baseball to Rockies' shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. Yeah, the team will do it but not a cool thing for anyone with the station to be doing. Actually, it's wrong and Tubbs should know better.

The revolving door that is Denver running back U. continued with the release of Cedric Cobbs, who shined last postseason only to disappear come the regular season, and the signing of free agent Selvin Young out of some big school in Texas. Young was a star prep, had his moments in college with the Longhorns but is too soft, you heard it here first, to make the Broncos' final roster.

Sign of a team grasping for answers, trying everything. Like this move is going to work out either. It says here Colorado should have ridden it out longer with Barmes, who clearly has more talent than Quintanilla.

National Notes

Sorry, no Buffs, Rams or Falcons but an ex-Colorado prep could be one season away from becoming a millionaire. Look for a huge year in 2007 from him and new Miami coach Randy Shannon.

I guess this kind of rowdiness is frowned upon. Just wonder if these half-wits knew the rules beforehand. Maybe in NASCAR, they should print the code of conduct on the tickets. Can you imagine these monkeys driving home afterwards? And these people wonder why stereotypes exist.

This is sticky and about ready to get worse. Pilot error or airplane defect? At stake? What's always at stake -- $$$, lots of it. Raw emotions, money, not going to be pretty.

Post Office

Richard talks hair and weed.

"I like your assessment of the Broncos' draft. But it should be pointed out that Mel Kiper - yes, the hair apparent - gave the Broncos the highest grade (B) in the AFC West for their draft. The other teams all got C's. And while we are discussing the topic of marajuana use among Denver draft picks, Neill Woelk had the best line today: "In Boulder, that qualifies you for the City Council."

WSN: Richard, maybe Kiper has it right, based on potential, as Jarvis Moss, Ryan Harris and Marcus Thomas all have ability to be solid contributors and Tim Crowder should provide depth but with injury concerns, drug issues and size problems, there is a lot that can go wrong, too. Just hope "the hair apparent" knows those facts.

As for Woelk's comment, well, typically good stuff from him. And truth is if we punished everyone who loved the sticky, pungent herb, we would likely be surprised at how many leaders and successful people we would be lacking in our world. Not condoning it, just sharing what I read, see in the news and amongst people I've known.

Random Ramblings

Sorry, anyone convicted of hurting children, well, you gotta go to far worse places than the big house. And are all attorneys whores or does it just seem that way? For money, they'll say and do anything?

What to say, what to say -- how 'bout she's no gold digger? Wow, is it unacceptable to say this woman had, um, cajones? Girl was fearless. Such a proposal would have caused me to soil myself.