Baseball's second half pt 2

So this post took longer to get down than I anticipated.

While we were sleeping:

The Red Sox went from appearing to run away with the division to being down a game to the Empire.

Marc Anthony is a part owner of the Dolphins

Michael Vick is a free man.

This post is going to be relatively short.

The Phillies have won 10 straight, do they even NEED Halladay? Think of it this way, they have to be one of the top two contenders to win the NL - the other team is the Dodgers, but how well can their pitching hold up? The Phillies play very much like an AL team.

The Cubs can do this, I really believe they can play mediocre baseball and make it to the playoffs. If Soriano can manage to hit again, and Big Z can avoid a mental breakdown - they have a chance.

Here's to Tom Watson, he came in second in the British. I honestly keep forgetting who won and quite frankly I couldn't care less. It's great to see the old white guy do well, because what this does - in my opinion - is shows that golf can matter even without Tiger Woods or Mickelson. The sport will need a bit of that, proof that it can be exciting. Yes. Golf. Exciting. Deal with it.

Michael Vick is back...to society. Not yet football, but he will be soon. With it sounding like Goodell is going to bring Vick to playing status, he has yet to determine when this will happen. In my unprofessional opinion, the NFL is a talent based league, and if you don't have the skill to play - you aren't going to play. Athletes are a commodity. It is not a privilege to play in the NFL. It's earned, but not a privilege. If you were built like one of those guys, you should be able to play. If you are working on computers in a town in California, and you violate a law - you are not going to be barred from your job for it. Sure you'll go to jail for it, but you'll come back and be allowed to work again. (After reading that, I am actually not so sure I'm convinced with my own argument).

Regardless, Vick will find a home either in the NFL or in the UFL - which I hope he gets in the UFL. It is an upstart league and will do some things correctly that the NFL can follow. It's also a cheap alternative - especially considering the economy, availability and fun factor.

Two major rules the UFL has that the NFL does not? It will allow a college-style overtime and end zone celebrations.

I know Eric is still loving baseball season (he is a Philly guy)
I know Kyle couldn't care less because he's from Boston and is fine either way
I know John wants football back (and hockey for that matter)
And I'll be honest with ya, I'm NOT looking forward to Hockey season. But good lord I cannot wait for Football season to start.

Ashley will give her thoughts on the season soon.

- Dave

The Other Blogger

Hey all, welcome to We Are The Hecklers, Kyle here, one of the other contributors to this blog. Myself and other members of the blog hope you enjoy this joint venture we're putting forward, which I'm sure will veer to every sports topic short of curling. Why not, maybe we'll even throw curling in.

Here's an idea of some of the things I'll be blogging about over the next few weeks, with the qualifier that I am a Boston fan, so expect to read a good amount about the Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots:

Soccer- Wait, the US beat Spain? But then blew a 3 goal lead to Brazil? Can this team be any more of an enigma if it tries? Only time will tell, but this soccer fan is looking forward to the World Cup even more now.

Baseball- A great end to the first half of the season for the Red Sox, but can they be even better with Jed Lowrie and Mike Lowell coming back from the DL and a reborn John Smoltz?

- I'll also take a look at what is shaping up to be a great race in the AL East between the Yankees, Sox, and Tampa Bay, and honestly handicap who I think will take it all in the division.

Football- Seriously who else is excited for football season? I cannot wait for training camp to finally get under way. Once we get a little closer I'll blog about what I see for the coming year.

Basketball- Ah my bread and butter basketball. This is the area that I'll be blogging most in once the season starts, expect a look soon at the off season moves of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and what I think it will do for their chances of a title in 2009-2010.

- I'll also spend some time looking at what trades I think were over-hyped by the media this off season and what moves that didn't get much press will end up helping teams the most.

So that's what's on my mind right now, I'll be filling the moderate role on the blog. And as my co-blogger Dave said, leave your thoughts in the comments and I'll try to get back to you as soon as possible!

Kyle