Throwing Knives: LJ, Eli, Eddie, Kirk and Garret

by BD, Sports Show On Mute

It’s officially Wednesday and last night we found out Eddie Griffin bid the world adieu on Friday, Garrett Anderson is still alive, the Phillies cannot avoid injuries, Eli Manning actually has a pair and Larry Johnson got his money. Also, I’ll never watch another ESPN fantasy special again. In an 8 round draft Carson Palmer went in the first round and somehow Rudi Johnson, Shaun Alexander and Willie Parker all fell to the middle of the 2nd round. Somebody explain fantasy to these guys please? As we get into the hump day headlines why don’t you give Bonnie-Jill Laflin a quick look before you get started.

Larry Johnson Signs 6-year $45 Million Deal with $19 Million in Guarantees
I’m fine with LJ getting his money given just how good he’s been over the last few years. Especially since he didn’t quite get the LT money he wanted. Money he wouldn’t deserve as not even he can hold LT’s jock. LJ certainly picked the right time to force KC’s hand as he carried the ball a record 416 times last season and is expected by many a fantasy owner to have a solid drop off in production. Brodie Croyle’s struggles make said drop off even more likely and have me penciling LJ into the 4-5 slot in fantasy.

Eli Manning Isn’t Going to Take Tiki’s Lip Anymore
I more or less ignored Tiki Barber’s comments Sunday Night. You know, when he questioned Eli’s leadership and all that. Well I won’t be ignoring Eli’s rebuttal yesterday. Eli referred to Tiki’s pregame speeches as “rehearsed,” and questioned Tiki’s leadership as well after Tiki announced his retirement midseason. And finally Manning had this to say; “”I’m not gonna lose any sleep over what Tiki says at halftime of a preseason game. Tiki is just making a smooth transition into his role as media and that’s just part of their deal.” That last shot is absolutely fantastic. While Eli’s never going to be confused with Peyton on the field it’s clear he and his brother could match wits off of it.

Kirk Radomski Has Given George Mitchell Names
I don’t necessarily consider this headline news just yet. Not until those names come out, if, they come out at all. I’m not sure what if anything Mitchell had before meeting with Radomski as it had been looking like we weren’t going to learn much from Mitchell’s investigation. Regardless, I maintain this investigation is a Barry Bonds witch-hunt and unless Mitchell’s gotten him Selig won’t be satisfied.

Will Any Phillies Avoid Injury This Season?
The above question comes to mind after learning that Cole Hamels will miss at least his next two starts with solder soreness. He just adds to the list of players who are currently, or at one time were, on the shelf for the Phillies. In the rotation alone they’ve lost Freddy Garcia, Adam Eaton and Jon Lieber before Hamels. Everyone seems to be saying the Phillies will survive this with Chase Utley returning soon. But, if they do survive I don’t think Utley will have too much to do with it. The Phillies have been killing the ball all season. Even since Utley went down, I’m beginning to think if they can get their pitching sorted out come playoff time they’ll be in good shape.

Garret Anderson Is Still Alive
I’d almost forgot Anderson still played… ok that’s a lie. But, he hadn’t really contributed at all in months. That changed last night as he dropped 2HR and 10 RBI on the Yankees in an 18-9 Angels win. Mike Mussina wasn’t very good again as he lasted just 1.2 innings allowing 7 earned on 7 hits to the usually soft swinging Halos.

Eddie Griffin Dies at 25
Many thought Eddie Griffin was going to be a solid, if not great, NBA player. But, like many before him never realized his talent because he jumped to the pro’s to early. If he’d stayed at Seton Hall for a year or two, and somehow manages to control his demons, maybe Eddie Griffin’s story would have been different.

Scoreboard – August 21st – 2007
MLB
National League
Philadelphia 5, Los Angeles 4
Cincinnati 8, Atlanta 7
New York 7, San Diego 6
Washington 11, Houston 6
St. Louis 5, Florida 2
Colorado 9, Pittsburgh 2
Milwaukee 7, Arizona 4
Chicago 5, San Francisco 1

American League
Detroit 2, Cleveland 1
Baltimore 6, Texas 2
Oakland 6, Toronto 4
Boston 8, Tampa Bay 6
Seattle 7, Minnesota 2
Chicago 5, Kansas City 2
Los Angeles 18, New York 9

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