Barry, Bengie and Herd's Theory of Fantasy Stat Geeks

Barry Bonds has decided to not play in the WBC. He states that he doesn't want to risk injury before the regular season begins. But how valid is that point if he was only scheduled to be a DH and not play the outfield at all? Interestingly enough, there's a tougher, Olympic-style steroids test that's administered in the WBC. Bonds, just returning from a golf tournament in the Dominican Republic avoided the subject with reporters there and therefore the questions he would have to dodge from the media. Then he conveniently posted his decision on his web site where he wouldn't have to field questions from hungry reporters. It's too bad that every news article, every record he may break in the future will always be in the shadow of his suspected steroid use. As much as I dislike the guy, I almost feel sorry for him.

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It is reported that the Dodgers, after a brief interest in catcher Bengie Molina, has decided to end their pursuit, according to the Daily News. It appears that Molina wanted more money (about $6 mil/year) than what the Dodgers were willing to spend and he may sit out the '06 season stating that, "I think I have done enough to deserve something. If I don't get that type of deal, I think I'm willing to sit out and see what happens next year. I hope it doesn't come to that". I'm still a firm believer that Molina is a good player with a lot to offer, but it looks like his only option would be with Tampa Bay.

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Today, on ESPN's morning show, the Herd, Host Collin Cowherd was ranting and raving about how stats/fantasy sports have ruined what sports is really all about. I don't always agree with the Herd, (although he does entertain me on my daily, morning commute) I have to agree with him on this one, that stat geeks are turning sports into a big calculation rather than what it is, a collection of moments of heroism and great competitive performance. There are just moments in history (whether it be social, political, natural or in the field of sports) that you can't measure with words, much less numbers. And there are players with less than phenomenal stats who make their own mark in sports history with their basket, homerun or tackle. Sports should me more than just collecting and regurgitating stats. It's believing in the Cinderella team in the NCAA final four or believing in the less than stellar baseball player who plays hard day in and day out (it's why I stand behind guys like David Eckstein, Darin Erstad and Bengie Molina). It's shallow to just measure a player by their numbers, because a player can bring integrity, great sportsmanship, humor, chemistry, wisdom, temperament and spark. I think once in a while, we all need to remember that athletes are human beings.

Eddie Murray & Bruin Basketball

Just when you thought the Dodgers were through, they announce yesterday that they've hired Eddie Murray as their new batting coach.

It's a great move. Who wouldn't want a Hall 0f Famer, ex-Dodger, switch-hitting, one of four players in history with 500 home runs (504) and 3,000 hits (3,255), an eight-time All-Star, a three-time Gold Glove winner as part of the coaching staff? This just may appease all the angry, disgruntled fans that have been complaining about McCourt hiring all the wrong people. Incidentally, McCourt will be interviewed on "Mason and Ireland" on ESPN 710 (Los Angeles) today at 3 PM.

There are still a lot of questions with Furcal's recovery from knee surgery, Gagne's recovery from elbow surgery, Drew's recovery from shoulder surgery, Lofton's durability, Garciaparra's consistency, and just how strong our pitching really is. But I must admit, the Dodgers look a lot better than they did 3 months ago. I still don't trust McCourt, but at least there's a light at the end of the tunnel.

Tonight the #11 (AP) UCLA Bruins play Washington State who is 4th in the PAC-10. The Bruins, even with the critical loss of Shipp, have been playing with passion this year and hopefully on their way to a winning season and and good show in March.