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Money doesn't always buy wins

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MLB notes

 

It seems like the post steroid era has begun, as pitchers have started to once again assert themselves. We?e seen some pretty special throwing performances this year thus far and there? no reason to believe it won? continue. Dontrelle Willis got his 11th win on Monday night, the White Sox have three pitchers with at least seven wins, Pedro Martinez and Mark Mulder have come to the NL and are thriving and Matt Clement is dominating for the Red Sox (7-1 on the year). Indeed, the art of pitching is finally catching up after over-expansion and juice-up balls had diminished it starting in the early 90?. Heck, even fossils like Greg Maddux and Roger Clemens are getting it done as well?/FONT>

 

I really, truly believe that the Minnesota Twins have an excellent shot at winning it all in 2005. They have depth, good coaching, a solid and experienced lineup, and are having another steady campaign. As our expert and I have been saying for weeks; Boston, Baltimore and New York are essentially battling for one spot. It really looks like the White Sox and Twins will make the postseason. Wow, the AL Central sending two playoff teams? I guess anything? possible? 

 

I? not ready to declare the end of the line for the Atlanta Braves. They have struggled this season through key injuries and a shaky pitching staff. But, you just have to feel that the NL East is up for grabs and the Braves have yet to play their best ball. They should get Chipper Jones back after the all-star break and their young players will only be better by then. Going with a youth movement and trying to contend at the same time is difficult. But if anyone can pull it off it? Bobby Cox?BR style="mso-special-character: line-break">

NHL talks

 

We?e apparently seen the league and players begin to hammer out some form of an agreement. The only problem is they waited until no one cared anymore. Revenue streams and financial opportunities are nowhere near where they were a few months ago. Moreover, there are apparently over 400 free agents come July 1st, meaning we?l see quite a different NHL this fall.

 

But the question is: are there any owners still willing to spend the money after a year off with no incoming revenue? Probably. Some rogue owners will see this as an opportunity to buy themselves a championship. With so many high priced (now a relative term) talent available; it? a virtual playground for teams like the Avalanche, Rangers, Red Wings and Flyers. As for the Toronto Maple Leafs? They?l probably shell out a pretty penny as well, but you just know it?l be ill spent as usual?/FONT>

 

Champs challenged

 

Okay, now we?l see what they?e made of. The Detroit Pistons have a chance now to prove what kind of champions they really are. Down 2-0 in the series with a couple of home games coming up at the Palace in Auburn Hills, Detroit can show the world that they weren? one-year wonders, that they have the fortitude to get the job done. Inch by inch, minute by minute, they must fight and claw their way back into this series. It? a tall order and some would say a futile one. But, the San Antonio Spurs are not unbeatable. They did not go undefeated during the regular season, nor in the playoffs.

 

Currently, the Spurs are getting results from all of their starters and a couple of the bench players as well. However, everyone seems to be underestimating the defending champs. They didn? get here by accident and have plenty of their own weapons. It appears as though Detroit was worn down by a tough seven-game series with the Heat. But, you have to think their coaching staff is too good not to get the players to regroup and re-focus. The Pistons still have an opportunity to make this a competitive series?