in Golf Articles

Is he back for keeps?

The first time he struggled, he was called a flash in the pan. Then, it was because he fired his coach. After that, people said his woman was to blame for his failures. All that said, Tiger Woods is still the best golfer in the world and one of the top five of all-time. Man, talk about some tough critics. Woods held on to the win the British Open the same weekend the man he is chasing retired- Jack Nicklaus. A truly remarkable way to officially pass the torch.

Sitting on 10 career Grand Slams before the age of 30, Tiger is now more than halfway to his goal of winning more majors than anyone in the sport’s history. He is in a class by himself, at a level of play that is currently unmatched. It’s time we stop asking what is wrong with the world’s number one player and start celebrating all that is right.

Yes, he has his detractions. Tiger is not adept at media interviews and doesn’t give a great sound byte. He doesn’t electrify a crowd with his body language or personality. But, what he does do is win. Time and time again, he comes up with incredible shots to position himself on top. He’ll pump the fist after a terrific putt for birdie. Heck, he’ll even occasionally smile to his caddie. It’s the child in Tiger Woods that we all root for. But it’s his skill that attracts us to him in the first place…

Hockey is dragging its skates

Enough already. Are we going to have the puck drop on a season or not? While the NHL and NHLPA trudge on with their crossing of the “T’s” and dotting of the “I’s”, precious promotion and marketing time is evaporating by the day. With only a month-and-a-half or so left until the preseason is slated to begin, hockey has little time to get back on the radar prior to their season commencing.

Pro hockey is so far off the radar screen in the United States right now. The NFL season is lurking as training camps open, baseball is enjoying a bit of a renaissance and NASCAR is dominating all throughout the south. Indeed, the NHL will be hard pressed to elbow out some space in the subconscious of the American sports fan’s head. Heck, even Arena Football is more of a national sport right now than hockey. I don’t care if the Anaheim Mighty Ducks did make it to the finals a few years ago, or if the Tampa Bay Lightning did win the Stanley Cup; hockey is not viable right now in certain areas of the country.

The sad thing is this is a sport that can excite fans and capture their hearts if it is both marketed and run properly. The NHL can also ill afford any more incidents such as the McSorley or Bertuzzi debacles. They must remain fan-friendly, have a squeaky-clean image and put a thrilling product on the ice. With expensive tickets the norm for this sport, the pressure is certainly on to entertain. Will shootouts be the key? I think so. This spectacle is both exhilarating and final Doing away with ties and declaring a winner for every game would probably keep the interest of the casual fan.

However the first few months of the NHL season go, one thing’s for certain: It’ll take more than one successful pro hockey season to restore this sport to where it was a decade ago…

What they need

With the trading deadline in Major League Baseball rapidly approaching, here’s a look at what some of the contenders could use:

Boston: Another starting pitcher and some bullpen help. Getting a good second baseman would also be wise.

New York (AL): A good bench bat would be paramount for the Yanks. Perhaps another starter in the rotation wouldn’t hurt either.

Baltimore: Definitely a top starting pitcher is the priority. Everything else could be enough.

Toronto: Starting pitching and big outfield bat.

Chicago (AL): nothing

Texas: They need starting pitching help and fast!

Minnesota: Another bat in the order, possibly at third base.

Cleveland: Maturity and another bat in lineup.

Florida: A psychiatrist to whip this talented team into shape.

Atlanta: Possibly a veteran bench player and a veteran starting pitcher.

New York (NL): Another starting pitcher and a veteran defensive infielder.

Philadelphia: Possibly one more bat in the order.

Washington: Another starting pitcher.

Chicago (NL): Another bat or two in the order and bullpen help. Also, lots of prayer.

San Diego: Another starting pitcher and another infield bat.

Arizona: Definitely an outfielder and a starting pitcher.