An over-the-counter supplement costs player $1.25 million

Posted on by metbaseball

In one of the stranger stories I’ve read in awhile, Philadelphia Phillies’ pitcher J. C. Romero has been suspended for the first 50 games of the 2009 season, a suspension that will cost him $1.25 million, for taking a supplement that he bought last July in a New Jersey GNC store.

Romero denies doing anything wrong. Before he took the supplement, he discussed it with Phillies strength and conditioning coach Dong Lien and with two nutritionists. Both nutritionists told him it was okay to take it, though Lien didn’t give it his approval.

When asked about the supplement, Romero said “Everyone takes something. Some guys drink coffee, others supplements. We try to make sure they’re all legal.”

Romero said that he tried to follow the rules; however, he did not call baseball’s drug hot line. By making that call he might have saved himself $1.25 million.

3-team trade not in Red Sox’s favor

Posted on by metbaseball

Boston’s trade of Manny Ramirez boggles the mind. Sure, they needed to get rid of Ramirez, but why did they so overpay to do that.

They sent Ramirez to the Dodgers, agreeing to pay the estimated $7 million due to Ramirez for the rest of this season.

In return, the Red Sox received Jason Bay from the Pirates.

Is a Martinez for Bay trade an even deal? No way. Bay can’t compare to Martinez. I’d have thought that the Red Sox could have gotten more for Martinez. But not only were they unable to get more, they gave up more.

As part of the 3-team deal, the Red Sox also sent reliever Craig Hansen and Triple-A outfielder Brandon Moss to the Pirates. Thus the trade boiled down to Manny Ramirez, Craig Hansen, and Brandon Moss for Jason Bay. That’s unbelievable.

The fact that the Red Sox were willing to give up so much to get rid of Martinez indicates DESPERATION.

Belief is not fact

Posted on by metbaseball

As another presidential election approaches, one candidate’s words seem to keep being bent by what he believes he needs to say to gain favorable public support. That candidate: John McCain.

One thing that McCain isn’t hesitant to speak about is his military background and how it gives him an advantage over Barack Obama. That alleged advantage has been addressed by Wesley Clark, whose military experience far surpasses McCain’s.

Here’s what Clark said about McCain’s military background: “The truth is that, in national security terms, he’s largely untested and untried. He’s never been responsible for policy formulation. He’s never had leadership in a crisis, or in anything larger than his own element on an aircraft carrier or [in managing] his own congressional staff. It’s not clear that this is going to be the strong suit that he thinks it is” (Source).

A tai chi picture

Posted on by metbaseball

That’s not an alien in the picture. It’s a person doing tai chi, an exercise that is alien to many. The picture was developed using DAZ Studio, a 3D modeling program whose cost (It’s free) can’t compare to the benefits it offers.

It’s not easy to learn to use, however, it’s not like trying to learn physics or philosophy. It requires patience and perseverance.

The reason he lacks hair is that the basic 3D model that I used to create the picture didn’t include hair. I could buy hair. But I’m in no hurry to. America makes too big a deal out of hair. It’s a billion dollar business. I have less hair than when I was younger; however, I’ve never worn a toupee, considered getting hair implants, or colored my hair. But many men have chosen to go those routes, including Donald Trump.

Does it really make a difference? Only to people who judge others by their hair, which, to me, is a hairy thing to do.