Sunday Sunday Daily "Linkin' Logs" (12/14/08)

Well, what have we got here. Some hellacious headlines throughout the world of sports:

• The Phillies sign Raul Ibanez for 3 years, $30 million. I can't say I'm thrilled, but I can't say I'm disappointed. Ibanez will probably hit close to 40 points higher than displaced Pat Burrell and may equal his power numbers (Ibanez had roughly 10 homers less but 20 RBIs more). Problem is, Ibanez is only slightly better on defense and again, only slightly faster. Burrell is also almost 5 years younger and seems likely to to regress as much in the coming years.
  
• What the hell is going on in Dallas? Terrell Owens is finally tearing apart the team at the seams. And we all predicted this. With so much on the line, for both the team and Owens's career, I can't believe he would do this. But the feud between him and Tight End Jason Witten wreaks of jealousy and stupidity. Moreover, throwing another QB, Tony Romo, under the bus only proves that he was indeed the problem now and at each previous location, thus vindicating Jeff Garcia, Donovan McNabb and their accompanying fans. My only question(s) remaining are, what team does Owens retire on and if he would make the hall of game, what jersey would he wear?
  
• Avery's a fallen Star. Well that didn't take long. Word out of Dallas (what a tough place to be right now) is that Sean Avery is not only not being welcomed with open arms, he's not welcome at all. Details of what's next are sketchy. He could be sent down to the minors, traded or bought out after one season. But with all his transgressions, its hard seeing any team swallow his 4 year $15.5 million dollar contract in the new capped NHL. Avery finally talked himself into a hole he cannot get out of.
  
• Goodbye Mo Cheeks. After losing 8 of 10 and starting the season 9-14 with a new star (Elton Brand), Mo Cheeks was canned. I can't blame the Sixers for this one, though it was hardly all on Cheeks (who's playoff squad started slow last year and still finished below .500). The Sixers legend walked out of an Arena that once (well, next to the arena) chanted his name a disgraced coach.
  
• The Yankees strike again with Burnett. This time, it was a 5 year $82.5 million dollar contract for what will probably be their third starter (Sabathia-Wang-Burnett-Chamberlain-Hughes/Kennedy). I thought I remembered Chamberlain being returned to the pen for '09, but I could be wrong. Either way, I believe Kennedy and Hughes could be effective 4 and 5 guys in 2009. If Joba remains the starter, that's a hell of a 1-4, assuming they all stay healthy (and that is a big if for each as time goes by). And while people mock the cash-crazed Yankees who maybed $209 million for last year's non-playoff team, its important to remember that this years projected team is going to be less after $60+ million came off the books and it appears as though close to 40 million will be back on. Unless then sign Mark Teixeira...then all bets are off.
  
• K-Rod sends message to Phils -

  "Of course, we're going to try to win the division. Of course, we're going to be the front-runner. Of course, we're going to be the team to beat." -Francisco Rodriguez

  What a fraud. Admittedly, Jimmy Rollins made a declaration in 2007 after losing the division to the Mets the previous year, but declaring yourself, a newly minted teammate, the team to beat after your opponent just won the World Series is a bit of a joke. It's ashame the ring ceremony couldn't be held with the Mets in town. Check out thefightins.com look at the Mets threats throughout the years.
  
• Royals sign Farnsworthless. Who would actually pay this guy to pitch? Almost $5 million a year no less. No watch him make the All-Star squad.
  
• Something about the Heisman Trophy? I don't really give a shit...
• And finally, a look back at Phillies Rookie Hazing secrets...That's hot...