in MLB Articles

F1 ran over their own toes

Wow, imagine finally breaking into your dream market in terms of customers and potential revenues, only to basically throw it down the tubes because you are a stickler for the rules? After Friday? crash in practice by Ralf Schumacher, Michelin was absolutely convinced that their own tires were too dangerous to run on. But, due to the new rule changes, F1 teams cannot change their tires prior to the race.

How can you fault the tire company for risking bad publicity for the sake of safety? It? definitely not their fault. I blame F1 officials for not allowing an exception to the tire change and not letting the seven teams regroup and enter the race. What did they do instead? They moronically told the teams to use the risky tires, but to race slower around the dangerous parts of the track. That? like telling a hunter to use rubber bullets in order to kill his prey because other hunters are worried about stray firing. Ridiculous. I understand how the other teams didn? want to give in and allow a tire change for the Michelin users. But, couldn? they have simply allowed it and asked for a point penalty as well? This would have solved everything.

As a result of this travesty, American racing fans have pretty much sworn off the elitist sport that is Formula One racing- and for good reason! I wouldn? want to support or follow a sport that puts the concerns of some of their teams ahead of those of the fans. While sponsorship money is what ultimately pays the bills, there wouldn? be any value for advertisers if no one was watching. Shame on everyone involved for ruining any chance the series had in proving they belong in North America. The irony is F1 cars are vastly superior to all other open wheel race cars currently operating in the United States...

MLB thoughts

I can? decide whether or not I think the Cleveland Indians have any hope of contending for either a division crown or the wild card this season. They dug themselves such a deep hole early on that it looked hopeless. However, the team managed to have a phenomenal month of May and a pretty good June so far. This was a team that was expected to take the next step in 2005, possibly taking a run at the AL Central? incumbent Twins. Despite the fact that they are several games over .500, Cleveland remains nearly 10 games out of first place currently occupied by the White Sox. Moreover, some players may still be upset about the firing of hitting coach our expert Murray. I for one think 2005 is a lost cause. However, don? tell the fans, their sponsors or the players that. It isn? even halfway through the season yet!...

Yes, the Washington Nationals are in first place as we approach the end of June. They have performed well above all expectations to date. However, let? also remember that the Braves are battling several tough injuries and that Florida has not played its best ball yet. Both of these tough east teams will give the Nationals all they can handle and more. I seriously don? think Washington will be in first place or even near it by August 1st. And let? knock all of this Frank Robinson for manager-of-the-year talk off please. He? barely awake in the dugout during games and manages like an American League bench boss. Give them a few more weeks and until Frank starts caring more about his golf game again, and the Nats will be dreaming about being in first place?/FONT>