In his three years as the general manager of the dreadful Pittsburgh Pirates, Neal Huntington hasn’t shied away from shocking moves. First was in his inaugural season, shipping off Jason Bay. Then in his second year, sending Jack Wilson, Freddy Sanchez, Nate McClouth and Adam LaRoche packing for new cities, new teams and new dreams. Well Huntington has pulled the trigger once again, with what he calls his “Legend Package.”

During a one hour press conference on Fox Sports Pittsburgh, Huntington announced his new plan of action for the organization. Many had no idea what he was referring to and when the plan was revealed, it left the numerous members of the media in Pittsburgh stunned. In what Huntington called, “a deadline deal,” the last place Pirates acquired LW Wayne Gretzy, not sure where he is going to play but they have had similar problems with Lastings Milledge, P Roger Clemens, who will likely be sent to jail for a very long time in the next year and SG Michael Jordan, who in the mid 90s explored a baseball career in the Chicago White Sox organization.

“We feel Gretzky will give us needed depth and a bat to go to in the later innings. I heard he scored alot, runs I believe. He’s about as old as Andy LaRoche, and hey, they both suck so I figured might as well sign him.”

When asked about the Clemens acquisition, Huntington replied, “He can’t be much worse than Ross Olendorf, and he is a fighter, that’s what we need. Come on, the guy has denied steroid use for the past three years, he can handle adversity.” When BtBS attempted to contact Jordan on the situation, Michael had no valuable comment. “The Pirates. Me? No, can’t be possible. I gave up that sport awhile back.”

After a bombardment of criticism from the Pittsburgh media, Huntington stayed strong with his bold move.

“Look, playoff baseball hasn’t been played here since Pamela Anderson was a virgin.”

Huntington would add later, “It’s August 31st!!!!!! Trade Deadline, duh.”

When you’re 33 games out of first place and 44 games under .500 anything is possible. But for Pittsburgh, this is truly shocking. Usually they trade players, not sign them. With a month left in the season, it’ll be very interesting to see how the Bucos do down the stretch with the AARP squad out on the field at PNC Park. “When we win 35 straight games and steal the World Series, I’ll be the one laughing. Neal Huntington. Out” Can’t blame a guy for wanting to win, but Huntington’s plan for success is about as dismal as the Stimulus Package.

• In other National League news, the Cincinnati Reds extended their lead over the St. Louis Cardinals to seven games after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers 8-4 in a game where the Cuban Missile Aroldis Chapman came in relief.

• The Chicago Cubs have found their heir apparent to Lou Piniella. Sources tell BtBS that Isiah Thomas has been in contact with the organization about the managerial position. Thomas, who is under contract with the Florida International basketball program, told Behind the Box Score that, “If I can get this job, I will finally be able to complete my masterplan. Operation Knick Destruction.” Not sure how he will be able to accomplish that but this is coming from a man who believed Eddy Curry was the savior for New York basketball.

• Omaha Nighthawks RB Maurice Clarett practiced with his new team today in front of a crowd of seven. Clarett, who served three and a half years in prison in Toledo is excited for his new start. “It’s a blessing. Instead of facing Big Bubba on every down, I’ll face guys with less intention.” Clarett is slated as the no. 2 back behind Ahman Green who is returning from hip replacement surgery.

-how to play the game the right way

-how to play fair, with rules

-how to interact with others and be a helping hand towards a greater cause

-how to grow as a person

-how to deal with the situation your forced with

-how to make your teammates that much better

-and lastly, MOST importantly, when to be loyal to your team and your hometown, the team that watched you grow up from a young phenom to a freak of nature athletically on the court.

I’m not a Cavs fan. But I feel like he ripped the hearts out of all Cleveland sports fans.

I feel for the city because every time I talk to a Cleveland fan about sports, it’s almost painful no matter what. They don’t get hopeful anymore. And they have every right to feel that way. They are like the girl that gets her heart broken every time she “falls in love”. Well this city has fallen in love enough. LeBron was the perfect guy for the town. He’s been around here all his life, and they let his problems go. Yankees hat? “Eh, who cares, just bring us a title, King.” Cowboys gear? “No biggie, just win it when it matters in June, ‘Bron.” I’m not from Cleveland, but boy I sure feel the pain. I don’t even like Cleveland sports teams but I’m hurt. Because I watched him grow up from a strong freshman that came into the state tournament with a team that was ready. LeBron, you didn’t show weakness and try to sprint to the locker room when you got pummeled physically by Cincinnati Roger Bacon your junior year. Your teammate did though. But I don’t get you LeBron. How can you hurt your city like that? The town you grew up in, lived in. But hey, the Browns and Indians we’re never good enough for you anyways. Now, your saying the Cavs aren’t either. Go ahead and be the guy that breaks the girl’s heart for no reason. Just remember, they won’t call the day after looking to be just friends.

Last but certainly not least, here is Zach with his definition for “Sports are…”

Sports are about a city that has gone through all sorts of depression, whether it be economic or sports related, get a breath of fresh air from the home grown. Watching that potential grow to great proportions, it seemed that the city of Cleveland was on the way to reversing the “curse” that they so desperately hold. Behind the dominance of LeBron James, the Cavaliers had to many, the best team chemistry in the NBA. But in reality, this was the complete opposite. When one person on a successful team gets all the attention and credit, it seems that that ship will finally sink, and this is what happened in Cleveland. LeBron, who is revered as the ultimate team player by many, is the direct descendent of selfishness. For seven years, the “ooh” and “ahh” we’re what kept bringing fans to the Quicken Loans Arena. LeBron did some things on the court, that have never been done by any other player to wear a Cavaliers jersey. The Hollywood type antics, from the pregame dance routines, to the chalk throwing before tip-off, everything about LeBron was a show. But this is not what team players do. In sports, talent is crucial, but when it comes down to it, team chemistry is what breeds champions. To attain success in a team sport, every single member on a team must be on the same page, and each player must work together to achieve the ultimate goal. We have seen this accomplished the previous two seasons from the Los Angeles Lakers. Each game, a new teammate stepped up. Whether it was Ron Artest, Derek Fisher or Pau Gasol, the crucial moments were shared with the entire team. For Cleveland, this was not the case. When the Cavaliers would be the topic of discussion, it was always, “LeBron and the Cavaliers,” not just the team, but LeBron first. And LeBron First was the motto for seven disappointing seasons in Cleveland. When Larry Hughes wasn’t the right fit for the “King,” what was the end result? When Mike Brown couldn’t bow down to James, where did he go? When Danny Ferry couldn’t assemble a team where LeBron didn’t have to take responsibility for the early playoff exits, what happened to him? Each one of these men were run out of town due to the inability of the “Chosen One,” to win when it mattered most. For LeBron, he has always been known to make his teammates better. But where was this improved production in the playoffs? It remains to be seen, because on a team, equal distribution of success needs to be evident, and for Cleveland this wasn’t true. Every accomplishment from 2003-10 will fall on the shoulders of LeBron. Last time I checked, there are five players on the court at one time, but to LeBron, there’s one and one only. And in sports, divas don’t win championships, ask Terrell Owens how his selfishness has added to his trophy case. For Cleveland this only adds to the sad story of sports in the city. At one point in 2007, it seemed that the city was finally going to reverse the curse. The Cavs had reached the NBA Finals, the Indians were a 90 win ball club behind CC Sabathia and the Browns we’re winning again. But piece by piece, this illumination faded. From the departure of back to back Cy Young winners, and the complete disassembeling of a football team, Cleveland fans still in their minds, had LeBron and the Cavaliers. But when a phantom elbow injury was the reason for the Cavaliers departure, it was evident that LeBron didn’t want to belong in Cleveland. It was clear to see the way he walked off the court at the Boston Garden, that LeBron knew in his mind that he would not be returning, because the 60 win team he had wasn’t good enough for his egotistical mentality. And after being the most talked about figure in sports for the past two months, LeBron aggravated the nagging injury that comes with Cleveland sports, by severing the pain of the people althroughout Ohio. Needing a way to create the stage for himself, LeBron had the sports world in his hands. “The Decision,” which will live in infamy for Cleveland fans for as long as they live, is the epitome of LeBron James and what his legacy will become. Offering no remorse for his former teammates and his own hometown, LeBron made himself into the selfish man that we are becoming to annoit him as. To athletes, winning is what counts, and I respect LeBron’s decision to win, but after what he did to the place that he called home, I don’t think I can respect the man.

LeBron, you may be tired and down in this picture. But multiply that by about 500,000 , and you will find that many people that feel just the same now. Your a heck of an athlete, but don’t let the door hit you on the way out bud.

]]> http://www.behindtheboxscore.com/2010/07/09/sports-are/feed/ 0 http://www.behindtheboxscore.com/2009/12/14/in-three-team-deal-phillies-finally-acquire-halladay/ http://www.behindtheboxscore.com/2009/12/14/in-three-team-deal-phillies-finally-acquire-halladay/#comments Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:05:07 +0000 Zach Fleer http://www.behindtheboxscore.com/?p=1500

On the first day of free agency for Major League Baseball, the NL’s best team traded for one of the best pitchers in the league but also took a risk in the process. After failing to acquire Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay before the trade deadline, the Philadelphia Phillies finally completed a deal with the Seattle Mariners and the Toronto Blue Jays just minutes ago. According to SI.com, Philadelphia dealt the dominant Cliff Lee to Seattle and it is rumored that Halladay will sign an extension in the coming days after indicating his interest in Philadelphia.

The puzzler is why the Phillies would give up Lee, who after going 7-4 in the regular season with the Phils, was as dominant as any pitcher in postseason history, compiling a 4-0 record including Philadelphia’s only wins in the World Series.

The remaining details of the trade has yet to be known but it has been noted that Seattle wanted an ace and got their Christmas wish today. With any big trade, prospects will be involved so look for the Blue Jays to receive younger players as a future movement has apparently been started on Canada’s lone representative. Rumors are that Philadelphia will also receive prospects from Seattle, after the Phillies sent several top prospects to Cleveland last August for Lee.

With Halladay, 31, consistency has been his mantra and with a 17-10 record last season with a 2.79 ERA including nine shutouts, the product on the mound won’t change for the NL’s champs. Lee, on the otherhand has been shaky throughout his career, but as of late has been arguably the best pitcher in baseball. Looking to take down the New York Yankees, two of the MLB’s best teams made a splash today. With the aforementioned Halladay heading to Philly, the Yanks’ arch rival Boston Red Sox signed RHP John Lackey to a five year deal. Whether on not Halladay will be more effective than Lee remains to be seen but for now this trade is a big time blockbuster in a rather quiet off-season.

Starting with the offensive attack, Mark Teixeira lead out the charge, going 2-4 with a HR and another RBI. Teixeira’s home run came at the right time, with the Yankees deadlocked 2-2, only two pitches removed from Johnny Damon’s HR to tie it. Daniel Bard hung a high curveball that Tex punished deep into the New York night. That would prove to be the game winner as the Yankees piled on two more runs in the inning to take a commanding 5-2 lead, a three run lead that Mariano Rivera would not give up, picking up his 32nd save on the season.

The starting pitching for each team was phenomenal as Andy Pettitte and Jon Lester duked it out. Pettitte threw seven scoreless innings, only allowing five hits but striking out four. Lester, who coming into the game was 2-0 in three decisions against the Yankees, also threw seven strong, allowing a run on five hits, striking out seven. For New York, just to get Lester out of the game with a lead was key, as the Bronx Bombers torched the bullpen for four runs in just one inning, a bullpen hurting from the loss of Justin Masterson, a lights out pitcher in the Cleveland pen who was dealt for Victor Martinez. Martinez on the other hand has been struggling as of late, only going 1-4 last night to drop his average to .286. Martinez did homer off of Phil Coke in the eighth which gave the Sox a temporary lead, but was quickly taken away with the superhero antics of Johnny Damon and Teixeira.

Now holding a 6.5 game lead of the Red Sox, the Yankees can relatively “cruise” into the playoffs if they can continue to play ball at their current level and use the advantages of Yankee Stadium. For Boston, they will need to step up as the Texas Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays are hot on their tail. Texas is a half game back and Tampa is only two and a half. Boston’s next series is with Texas, a team that took two out of three last time they played. With their best pitchers going down in New York, Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and Clay Buccholz, Texas could use their big bats to slid into the Wild Card slot. Tampa, a team that owns the Sox as of late could also make a big push. In baseball, anything is possible so it remains to be seen what the rest of the season holds for both teams.

For a city that never sleeps, the Yankee pitching put the Boston bats to rest early in the series and the results showed as the Bronx Bombers took all four games. So Sox fans, watch out the rest of the season. When you thought that you couldn’t beat Tampa but could always rely on New York, that is no longer the case as the Yankees just destroyed you. Hope for Victor to play like he did in Cleveland or the season may end early for the Ped Sox.

The story of Goldilocks and Three Bears sums this up best. The Phillies thought the deal with the Jays was too much. The counter offer was too little for the Jays. And now Philadelphia found something that was just right. This time, just right was with the Cleveland Indians, (42-59) who traded away Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco to the Phils today. The Tribe, in return, recieved four prospects: Jason Knapp, Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald and Lou Marson. “You hate to lose [Lee],” one Indians veteran said. “You can’t replace him. To go out and do what he does every fifth day is incredible.”

The prospects that Cleveland gained will be solid investments for the future of the ball club. Knapp is going to be around for a long time to come, only 18, but his record doesn’t show the upside scouts believe he has. He is 2-7 with a 4.01 ERA at A-Lakewood this year. Someone else with a positive outlook is AAA pitcher Carlos Carrasco, who is 6-9 with a 5.18 ERA. But scouts and people within the Phillies organization speak highly of him. “We like Carlos right now better than any time last year. I know that may seem funny because of his results last year, but some of that was self-induced by us. There were some things he needed to do to become a good Major League pitcher, [like] start to learn to throw more inside. We introduced a slider to him. He’s gone through some growing pains. We could have called him to the Majors several times this year, but we thought it would impede his development,” Phillies assistant general manager Chuck Lamar said of him.

Philedelphia really gained more than just Lee in this deal. Lee’s club option at the end of the year  is 6.75 million less than that of Roy Halladay’s. Also, they made a deal without giving up pitchers J.A. Happ and Kyle Drabek, both gems that are in the Phils’ system, Happ is up at the majors currently. Cliff Lee is 7-9 only because of the 8th worst run support in the AL, but now moving to an offensive power like the Phils (58-40)