Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Roy Oswalt would like to go back to Philadelphia

It's almost like deja vu for Roy Oswalt. If you recall, last season Oswalt was holding court for potential suitors as he took his time picking a team to play for. After missing about half of the season Oswalt settled on the Texas Rangers.

Things didn't go to well for Oswalt in Arlington as he had a run in with manager Ron Washington after being demoted to the bullpen.

Oswalt is once again a man without a team. But in a bit of a surprise Oswalt says he would love to come back to pitch for the Philadelphia Phillies. Oswalt also said that he hasn't felt this good since 2010.

Maybe the Phillies could use him if Roy Halladay's struggles continue. But if I'm Oswalt I would go ring chasing and sign with a contender. Even at 35 and how he's pitched in recent years he cant be that much worse than some of the back end starters that are pitching right now.

Russ Smith's father says he's going pro

The father of Louisville guard Russ Smith has said that his son will be entering the NBA draft. Even though Smith was the Cardinals leading scorer, he did not have an impressive showing in the national championship game. But Russ Sr. says that his son has "done it all".

By that he's saying that he's won a national title, back to back Big East tournament titles, and back to back Final Fours. So according to dad, he's accomplished all he can in the college and should ply his trade in the NBA.

I beg to differ with him. I'm no scout but neither is Senior so that makes none of us an authority as to whether he should go pro or stay in school. Smith is a good perimeter defender but smallish (6-0, 160 lbs.). He would have to play point guard, but he puts up too many shots. I don't think that style would do well in the NBA. According to DraftExpress.com Smith is considered a second round pick (34th overall). Not guaranteed to make a roster but would still have a chance.

On the flip side I understand what his father is saying. In my opinion Smith's game has plateaued and his stock probably won't be higher than what it is now. Why come back to have scouts find every flaw in your game for another year. Also, it's a pretty weak draft so there could be a chance that Smith has some impressive workouts and moves into the first round.

I just think Smith's game just isn't suited for the NBA since I see him as an undersized two guard. I could be wrong and maybe he carves out a nice career for himself which i would like to see. But there have been plenty of good college players that just couldn't cut it in the NBA.

"It Girl" of the week: Kellie Maines

The "It Girl" of the week is Kellie Maines









Jamie Moyer hasn't ruled out pitching again

Even after spending 25 years in the majors, former longtime Seattle Mariners pitcher Jamie Moyer still hasn't officially retired. Moyer was in Seattle to throw out the ceremonial first pitch against the Houston Astros Monday night and told reporters that he still hasn't ruled out trying to pitch again. Even at the age of 50.


“I haven’t closed that door yet,” Moyer said. “I don’t know when I would make a decision. I really haven’t put a lot of thought into it. I’m enjoying my time at home at this point. I’ve got  a college senior playing baseball. A college freshman starting at Pepperdine, playing baseball. By the way, they beat U-Dub two out of three this weekend and he had the game-winning hit on Saturday in extra innings. I’m a proud dad, I was there to see it.

“I’ve got a daughter graduating from high school, going to college. Another daughter that’s going to be a junior next year. And then I have two fourth graders and two first graders. So, I’m enjoying my time. And I’ve got a garden growing. I’ve got lettuce I’m eating now and micro-gardens. I’m excited about that. I’ve got some fruit trees going in. I’ve got a puppy. So, I’m doing some things I haven’t done in a long time.”

“But I haven’t discounted potentially maybe trying to come back but I don’t forsee it happening this year.”

Moyer must really love the game or he wouldn't bring up the possibility. I don't think it'll happen but he's a lefty and as long as he could be efficient in a short span of a game someone might sign him. Besides who am I to tell him that he shouldn't do it.

I just think it's a player that move on but if he feels he can still contribute to some team, why not give him a chance to prove it. Just because he's 50 doesn't mean he can't help anyone.