The Dugout - August 21
Haha, Johnny Football’s at it again, flipping the bird at some outspoken Redskins’ crew in a preseason game. He’s also been confirmed as Brian Hoyer’s backup to start the season, though with his celebrity what it is, you just know that people are gonna be calling for Manziel as soon as Hoyer makes a couple of errors. I reckon he’ll be starting by the end of the season.
It’s fair to say that Manziel isn’t ready to be a starter yet, and he seems to acknowledge as much himself. Still, it didn’t really seem like Manziel got much of a shot to earn it either. He threw 27 passes in the first 2 preseason games and then the decision was announced. The Browns have a tough start to the season though and he hasn’t had a huge chance to learn the playbook. Cleveland are playing it safe for now.
Speaking of Cleveland Sports…
Just a quick note to add that Shawn Marion is also gonna be on LeBron’s Cavs. There’s another weapon in the armoury.
Steve Ballmer Likes His New Job
He’s a madman! Steve Ballmer had a bit of a pep rally to announce himself to the NBA fraternity as the official new owner of the LA Clippers. Look, the Clippers will take anything right now but I’m not convinced we’re all ready for this fireball of business nous/carefree spirit. I’m guessing he’s more in the Mark Cuban mould of owners.
Here are some highlights of the ceremonies:
Hail to the Commissioner
This man may not be a household name quite yet, though he will be soon. He is Rob Manfred, Bud Selig’s hand-picked successor as the big boss of Major League Baseball, set to take the reins when Selig retires in January 2015 (having held the position in title since 1998, and in effect since 1992). But, y’know, he’s still a figurehead of commercial interests and exploitation of the workers so don’t expect miracles.
Quote of the Week:
“DO WE HAVE ANY CLIPPER FANS HERE!?” – Steve Ballmer
Who the hell else is going to a Clippers rally, Steve-O?
Good Week:
Washington Nationals – More like a great week, actually. A 9-1 stretch (including 8 wins in a row) has seen them make the top spot their own in the NL East. Having the second best ERA in the Majors is helping plenty. Imagine if they can get Bryce Harper firing too!
Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder) – Being the MVP of the NBA and undisputedly one of the 2 best basketballers on the planet comes with some perks. Under Armour have offered Durant a 10 year endorsement contract worth up to… wait for it… $285m. He’s currently a Nike athlete and Nike have the right to match UA’s offer.
Bad Week:
Garrett Richards (LA Angels) – We don’t know the extent yet, but seeing a pitcher stretchered off with injury is never an encouraging sign. Specifically not when that pitcher had put up a 13-4 win-loss record and an ERA of 2.53 so far this season and your team is in a scrap for a playoff spot.
Rich Gagnon/Getty Images
Le'Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount (Pittsburgh Steelers) – A pair of Steelers running backs both facing charges for marijuana possession and Bell’s facing a further DUI charge after the pair were picked up by la policia yesterday. But at least they didn’t get shot while unarmed.
Player of the Week:
Giancarlo Stanton (Miami Marlins) – Let’s ignore the fact that he went hitless today, and focus on the 9/18 stretch that preceded it, storming Stanton right back into the NL MVP race. With the favourites Troy Tulowitzki and Andrew McCutchen both injured, it seems like Clayton Kershaw is the man to beat… and it’s been 50 years since a pitcher won the National League MVP. 32 homers and 89 RBI so far for Stanton and this on a crappy team.
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