Random Musings

I can't blame Miguel Tejada one bit. If he truly did say he wanted to be traded away from the Baltimore Orioles, who among us can fault him? I'm a bit disheartened, however, that he has seemed to become one of those whiny, superstar athletes who sign the large contract then hold the organization hostage. The Orioles overpaid for Tejada -- and rightly so -- when they signed him before the 2004 season. While it may appear there are many suitors lining up to make a deal for Miggy, I doubt most of those clubs would take on the full brunt of Tejada's remaining contract (four years and $60 million). Tejada's proclamation for a change of scenery -- a quote that is in serious doubt now -- does one of two things for the Orioles. In the most optimistic terms, it forces the front office to make a few more moves to solidify a young, but talented, rotation. Or, it puts major league free agents on notice that even the ebulliant, bubbly, intense, die-hard Miggy can't seem to survive a pleasant stay in Baltimore. I'm hoping Tejada's comments force the former. That said, the Orioles really only are one ace and one solid starting pitcher away from battling for AL East supremacy. The Red Sox blew up their infield, the Yankees are only getting older and the Blue Jays overpaid for two pitchers -- A.J. Burnett and B.J. Ryan -- who have yet to establish themslves and traded for a first baseman -- Lyle Overbay -- that many around the league don't think is that solid of a player. I think the Orioles should pursue someone like Kevin Millwood and possibly innings-eater Jeff Weaver, in addition to a little outfield help. Maybe take a chance on Nomar. If they can come away with some good pitching, then they can feel confident that their young starters, in the hands of Leo Mazzone and new catcher Ramon Hernandez, will finally turn a corner.

The Oriole who really needs to clam up, though, is Javy Lopez. Last season he made it clear that he didn't want to be an every day catcher anymore. His knees were failing him. He wanted to try his hand at some first base and occassionally DH. So, naturally, the Orioles sign Hernandez to fill the void. (By the way, Hernandez is a far superior defensive catcher. Not to mention, he's much younger.) Now, Javy is miffed at Baltimore for signing a catcher. Apparently this guy is too hard to please. I think they should dangle Lopez on the open market for some starting pitching or some first base or outfield help. If there are no takers, or if the offers aren't good enough, tell Lopez he's playing first base.

I am disappointed beyond belief in the Wizards. I love Gilbert Arenas, but what does it mean when the Wiz win a game handly against the Nets while he sits on the bench with an injury? They actually looked like a team tonight, and he wasn't on the floor. With all that said, I doubt they could seriously contend without him out there. I think he just needs to learn that he doesn't need to take 20+ shots a night for the Wiz to win ball games. His assist numbers are up this year, but he's taking too many ill-advised shots. Jamison, Bulter, Hayes and Atkins can put up some points, too. It's time for him to share the basketball. Larry Hughes is gone. It's time to move on and get over it. ... The Redskins slim playoff hopes are still alive and well after an ugly, sloppy, undeserving victory against the Cardinals on Sunday. Washington must win out against Dallas, the Giants and Philly if it wants to have a shot at making the playoffs. If the Skins do win the last three contests, they'll have a 10-6 record coupled with a 10-2 conference record and a 5-1 division record, which helps them in case of any tiebreakers. Still, 10-6 may not be good enough to get into the playoffs. The Giants, however, are massively overrated and fated to lose in the first round to whomever they play. Same goes for the Cowboys if they get in. Of course, if the Giants and Cowboys play each other in the first round, then my prediction cannot possibly hold true. But, to prove I'm not a homer, if the Redskins make the playoffs, I doubt they escape the first round, either.

Arrested Development has been cancelled. There are two reasons why this show hasn't survived. First, it's too smart and referential for the normal television viewer. Second, it requires that you have followed the show from the very beginning. This is a brilliant program. As James L. Brooks has quipped on a Simpsons commentary, "There must be a special place in hell when you're comedy is too smart for the room." This is the best thing to happen to television in a long time. It far surpasses shows like Friends and the new Fox comedy The War at Home. Yet, television executives will continue to churn out absolute garbage -- see American Dad -- rather than keep a gem like AD on the air. ... The Simpsons has been hit or miss this season, which is nothing new for the show in its recent history. However, when it hits, it hits large. The potential for hilarity this season is the greatest its been since about season eight or nine. Al Jean is running the show again -- he returned in season 13 -- and he's restored the characters and some of the old writing staff, including bringing original writer Jon Vitti back to the program. It's slowly regaining steam, although it's anyone's guess as to how long it will continue on the air. Most people think it will go 20 seasons, then call it quits. Right now, The Simpsons is in its 17th season. ... Family Guy has grown tired and cliched. The cut aways are more of a nuisance and a crutch than a comedic aid. Peter has too many Homer moments. And many of the scripts and stories -- if you can find a story in there -- are steeped in too much fantasy and cartoon gimmickry. ... Seth MacFarlane's other show, American Dad, is a waste of a time slot. Cancel it immediately.

It's my birthday in two days. I'll be 23 years old. I don't really like the sound of that because it means I'm getting closer and closer to 30. ... I wish Common, the Roots, Mos Def and Talib Kweli would all get together and make an album with tracks featuring Nas, Eminem, Gang Starr, A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul and Immortal Technique. That would be an all-star line up right there. Someone needs to make it happen. ... Al Franken's new book "The Truth (with Jokes)" is a must-read for anyone who's fed up with the dishonest and corrupt conservative movement in this country. It's time to take back America from the hands of the putrid and overzealous. ... I finally bought the book "All the President's Men." I started it the other night, and I'm enjoying it a great deal so far. You'd think I would have read the book by now considering I own the movie and have probably watched it about five or six times. ... I need to originate a thesis topic so I can opt out of taking comps. If anyone has any grand ideas, please let me know. I'd like to make a decision by the start of next semester.

If you read this entire entry, kudos to you. If I had a cookie or something of more monetary value to give you, I would.