Five for Five

In this entry, ill look at five recent topics in the sports world and give my take on them.

1.  Manny Ramirez

Manny is a topic and an entity unto himself.  His oddball antics by now are well known throughout the baseball world.  Whether its getting thrown out of a game he didn't want to play in, or chewing some sunflower seeds in the outfield, Manny is always, well.........Manny.

Recently, Manny was traded to the Chicago White Sox after the Dodgers had grown tired of his act.  Upon arrival in Chicago, Manny was asked to answer some questions from the media.  Not wanting to participate, Manny did what only Manny would do; he requested an interpreter.  Even though anyone who has heard him knows he speaks perfect English (he's from New York)l, he asked for an interpreter, then asked the interpreter to interpret everything.  A press conference for Manny wouldn't be complete without wasting everyone's time.


2.  Team USA

For the first time since 1994, Team USA basketball came home with a World Championship.  The team was able to defeat host Turkey to cap off a nice run.  Many have said that the Championship is not valid because many other countries players chose not to participate, such as Spain's Pau Gasol and Argentina's Manu Ginobili.

Bologna.

This team played hard and brought respect back to American basketball.  And this was hardly the Americans "A-list" team.  Its good to see that America has taken pride in its international basketball dominance again.  With the gold at the Beijing olympics combined with this world title, America has re-established itself as the premier basketball power in the world.  With the core of young guys in the program, this could last for quite some time.

3.  Jim McMahon

It was nice to see Jim McMahon return to Edwards stadium a couple of weeks ago.  Jim has always been a very polarizing figure, but he could play football like very few before or since have been able to.  The "Catholic who helped the Mormons beat the Methodists" back in the early 80's had not returned to Provo after a questionable dismissal from BYU.

The guy is bizzare, but it was great to see him honored among the other legendary Quarterbacks at BYU.  Of all of them, I think he is the best.  Hopefully, he finishes those ten credits, get his degree, and take his rightful spot next to Young and Bosco in the BYU hall of fame.


4.  Real Salt Lake

 Does anyone realize that Real Salt Lake set an MLS record yesterday?  RSL has not been defeated at home in 23 matches after Saturday's win over Chicago.  I had the chance to attend an RSL game earlier this spring and was very impressed with the atmosphere.  After a surprising MLS cup title last season, RSL has been right there with the LA Galaxy all season and are looking to repeat.

Not many people in Salt Lake follow RSL, which is too bad, because they are a fun team and a fun group.

5.  College Football

This is probably going to be a weekly topic.  There are so many things to discuss.  The one that I want to discuss this week is Ohio State.  Is there anyone that believes this is the second best team in the country?  These guys always seem to get to the big game, and lose.  I know they won the Rose Bowl last year, but come on!  They play a boring brand of football that drives me nuts.  Pryor is overrated.  Just wait until they play someone good, you'll see what I'm talking about.