That's What I Call a Double Whamy
I ran across two interesting articles in two different sports publications that
pertain to arguments I've had with the two non-baseball people who read this
blog. The first was published in USA Today on Monday and had a list of the 10
hardest things to do in sports. Among the ten were things like returning a
130-plus mph serve in tennis (# 5) and running a marathon (# 7). The list was
quite interesting and obviously well-thought-out. So it should not come as a
surprise to any of you, especially James, that "Hitting a baseball at speeds of
90-plus mph" was # 1. The even gave a lengthy scientific explanation of why it
is so. But don't be too hurt, James. Blocking a penalty kick in soccer did show
up at # 9.
The other article, from this weeks edition of The Sporting News, pertains to an
ongoing argument I've had with Troy-Bart, and oddly enough, does not pertain to
baseball, but basketball. The article is based on a list developed by 15 NBA
general managers who ranked the 25 best players (the players they would most
like to acquire for their teams). Bart, my jaw practically hit the ground when
Shaquille O'Neal was rated first. In fact out of the 15 ballots cast, Shaq did
not appear any lower than second on even one. You can say what you want, but the
consensus of the guys who make millions building and managing NBA teams is that
Shaq is the best and most desirable player in the game. Writer Sean Deveney
says, "As long as Shaq is in the league, the evolution of the pro game will be
on hold. No matter how much speed, skill and athleticism a team has collected,
O'Neal still is the 350-pound road block to a championship."