Manny should have hustled. What else is there to say? I readily accept criticism of Manny for not running out what he thought was a home run. But I didn't think there would be any controversy over Manny's non-slide . Fault the third base coach if you must, but a great throw caused Manny not to slide. Why should he slide and risk injury when he was thrown out by 6-8 feet? What I am really tired of is ESPN and their sarcastic humor that deepens once the Yankees are eliminated. It would take two at bats by their hero A-Rod to begin to equal the offensive production of one at bat by Manny in the playoffs. And A-Rod does not outshine Manny defensively.

Kudos to Joe Torre for walking away from Steinbrenner's ridiculous offer. I am sure that in the petty hollowness of George's mind, the offer made sense. He thought he could force Torre to leave and no one would know he had. Now, will the free agents bleed pinstripes, or will they leave what Sparky Lyle rightfully called the 'Bronx Zoo'? Once again George has managed to relegate the playoffs to a back seat. Yankee lovers ESPN report every move of King George with the upmost seriousness. Get real ESPN! Anyone with knowledge of the situation who is not a Yankee fan regard the Yankees as a soap opera. George begs to be treated as a joke. Quit belittling a team still in the playoffs. The rest of baseball and its fans deserve better.

A fan as defined by Wikipedia, is ' someone who has an intense appreciation for something(s) or someone(s)'. Sounds positive, doesn't it? Yesterday I had the joy of watching my nine year old son play in a soccer match. Not only have I come to know his teammates, but I knew several of the opponents. I am surely not a soccer fan by the above definition, but I am a fan of good athletic play. Thus I cheered for both teams. (That might have changed if the score had been closer). I have admittedly (though begrudgingly and belatedly) clapped (only one clap mind you) for the opposing team at a major league game. Shouldn't a true sports fan appreciate good play on both sides?

There are true fans of teams and there are 'band-wagon sitters'. True fans follow their teams through winning and losing seasons. 'Band-wagon sitters' display team colours and watch games only in the good times. If the latter are questioned about 'their' team's loss or poor season, one is met with silence, a lame excuse, or a defense of ignorance ('band-wagon sitters' can also jump off the wagon). When 'their' team is winning, 'band-wagon sitters' play their instruments loudly and often out of tune with the sport itself. Once again I ask if a true sports fan shouldn't appreciate good play on both sides.
To follow a team does mean one must defend everything that team does. One can disagree with the front office, the manager, or a player. If one wishes his/her team to win, one must disagree when the best option is not chosen. This is not disloyalty to the team. but loyalty to the sport. Could we change the 'or' to a 'and' in the opening definition? I expect a fan to be fairly knowledgeable and concerned about the sport itself.

ESPN is partially to blame for this blog. (My apologies to those at ESPN that attempt to rise above their managements' narrow viewpoint.) Their reporting and coverage is blatantly biased. Their knowledge conveyed is at a novice level. The sports news given is minimal. Their (perhaps as well as baseball's) emphasis on home-runs is a disservice to that sport. Their coverage of several athletes borders on worship. Pardon my complaining, but their networks could be so much better. This fan wants more depth and relevant information. I will attempt to provide some of this to other fans.